Asthma can cause life-altering changes to your life because of the severity of the condition. When you understand what increases the likelihood of an asthma attack, you put yourself in the best position for dealing with it. This article contains much-needed advice on different strategies to help you manage your asthma.
There are some medications out there that you could be taking which will actually trigger your asthma symptoms. A couple of common culprits that do this are aspirin and NSAIDs. There are some beta blockers that are given to those trying to control their heart disease or who have high blood pressure that may be harmful to an asthmatic, as well. Tell your doctor if you are an asthmatic and you are using these medications.
You need to make sure that you do not smoke and that you stay away from a lot of fumes and vapors if you suffer from asthma. You should avoid jobs where you might be exposed to fumes and chemicals, such as factories.
Asthma is a chronic disease that requires ongoing, consistent management and care. Be sure to take the correct medicines to keep your daily asthma symptoms under control, and always have emergency medication available in case an attack occurs. Find out from your allergist and your doctor what is best for you.
If you have any children who suffer from asthma, avoid smoking around them at all costs. One leading cause of issues in children who have asthma is that people smoke around them. Also, do not let your child around others who smoke.
When you suffer a medium-intensity attack, try and forcefully exhale all air from your lungs. When you breathe out, exhale the air quickly and as hard as you can. Try hard to push the air out from your lungs! Then, follow three short intakes of breath with one longer inhalation until your lungs are filled with air, although not uncomfortably so. Finally, expel the air from your lungs with force again. This will make your breathing rhythmic and help you pay more attention to it. This is a good way to empty your lungs and let more air come in. You may generate sputum or cough but that is alright, since your main objective is getting you to breathe normally again.
Cleaning Products
If you’re a sufferer of asthma, stay away from cigarette smoke. Smoking is especially dangerous for asthmatics. It is also a good idea to stay away from the fumes or vapors from harsh chemicals, such as those used in cleaning. Inhaling these substances may trigger an unstoppable asthma attack. Do everything you can to avoid cigarette smoke, air pollution, allergens and harsh chemical fumes to keep your asthma symptoms under control.
Asthma can cause increased sensitivity to the ingredients contained in many cleaning products. The chemicals in many cleaning products will trigger asthma attacks or symptoms. If you clean the home, there are many natural products that are safe to use.
Resist the urge to turn on a fan if you find yourself in a room filled with dust. While it may seem smart to get the air circulating, in reality this will only stir up the dust, making it easier to inhale and trigger an attack. If you feel you need airflow, open a window instead.
There are some medications that may contribute to asthma symptoms. Examples of medications that may contribute to asthma are aspirin and other NSAIDs. Additionally, beta blockers, a type of medication used for heart disease and hypertension, may cause asthma symptoms. If you have asthma and these other conditions, let your physician know.
If allergies lead to constant attacks from your asthma, there has been a recent solution that is administered via injection that provides long term care! An antibody medicine known as omalizumab is very effective at countering asthma attacks related to allergies. Ask your allergist about it.
Though it should go without saying, do not turn on any fans or circulation systems when in a room containing visible dust that has yet to be cleaned. This can move the dust around and can trigger an attack easily. If possible, open a window to increase the flow of air into the room.
Utilize the inhaler correctly. Go to a quiet place, and be sure to follow all instructions from the manufacturer. The inhaler will only work if the medicine reaches your lungs. While inhaling air, spray required dosage in your mouth. Allow the mist to fill up your lungs by holding your breath at least ten seconds.
Leukotriene inhibitors can help control the symptoms of asthma. A leukotriene inhibitor prevents the formation of leukotrienes. Leukotriene, a chemical substance, can provoke an inflammation that causes an asthma attack. The inhibitor will block leukotrienes from getting into your lungs and lessen the chances of you suffering an asthma attack.
It’s been proven that you should use no more than four cleaning products in the home. If you do it can increase the risk of asthma attacks. Try to use organic based cleaning products that are not harmful to asthma sufferers.
Respiratory Infection
Be sure not to smoke as well as stay away from any smokers in general, this can be very harmful for you if you have asthma. You can suffer an asthma attack if you are around cigarette smoke because it makes your lungs function poorly. You are even more exposed to an attack when the smoke is in a closed-in room or area.
Asthmatics should have a flu shot every year to prevent contracting a serious respiratory infection. If you have asthma, you can protect your health by taking all steps possible to avoid any type of cold, flu or other upper respiratory infection. Common method of avoiding illnesses can be very effective. Keep your vaccinations up to date and wash your hands frequently.
When suffering from asthma, make sure to choose products that are unscented. Products with a fragrance raise the air pollution indoors, and increase the risk of an attack being triggered. Some of these products include incense, scented body sprays and air fresheners. Other asthma irritants include fresh paint fumes and new carpeting. Keep your indoor air as clean as you can.
If you have asthma, a dehumidifier is something you should consider purchasing for you home. Decreasing the humidity in the house decreases dust mites, which decreases asthma flare ups. A dehumidifier works to dry the air by removing moisture.
Regardless of whether your asthma has been flaring up, don’t neglect routine checkups. You can never tell when an attack will strike, or when your physician may have some better or safer advice for you to follow.
Go to your regular medical check-ups, even if your condition seems under control. You cannot be certain when you will next have an issue with your asthma, or when there may be a better medication available to utilize for your condition.
Think about becoming a member of a support group, whether it is online or somewhere local. Asthma, especially the more severe forms, cause many problems that interfere with the quality of life and present many challenges. Others who suffer from asthma can give you immeasurable amounts of support and advice, and help you keep up with new medical developments.
Find a good support group in the Internet or in your area. Asthma, especially if it is severe, can be quite debilitating and can keep you from being an active participant in life. Furthermore, these groups will keep you informed about any changes in medicines or any other scientific discoveries that are relevant.
A lot of the main causes, and triggers, of asthma may exist right in your home. These triggers include dust, spores and mold. To stay healthy and reduce the chance of asthma attacks, you should have an inspector visit your house yearly to remove these harmful agents. If you clean your house regularly, you can minimize the risk of these substances accumulating in your dwelling.
For many people, their homes can be triggering their asthma, or even causing their asthma in the first place. Such irritants include mold spores, dust, smoke and chemical fumes. Have an inspector who focuses on allergens and irritants come into your home once a year to help you detect what you have and learn how to remove it. You can help keep your house safe from these harmful substances by regularly cleaning and dusting your home.
During cold months, you could avoid asthma attacks by constantly wearing a shawl, muffler or a scarf that covers both your mouth and nose. Proper winter wear can keep cold air from agitating your lungs. Inhaling cold air can elicit an asthma attack or create other serious respiratory problems.
A humid home will cause mold or mildew to appear. Asthma attacks are easily triggered by these substances. Keeping a home dry and mold-free is important. When you are heating your home during the winter months, a dehumidifier can be used to control the humidity. In the summer, use an air conditioner to maintain dry air.
If you have asthma and allergies, don’t use a vaporizer or humidifier if it has not been completely cleaned. Bacteria can breed in moist parts of the machine, and if it is unclean when you turn it on, it will just pump out allergens.
Rescue Inhaler
When dealing with an asthma attack, it is important to stay calm. Use the inhaler, pause for 30 seconds then use it again. If your attack worsens, get help. Go to the hospital. If the attack is particularly bad, have a friend take you or call 911. Slow your breathing by inhaling and exhaling into a paper bag while you are waiting for help.
Know the right way to use any asthma medication you are taking, in particular your rescue medication. Most people treat their asthma with regular daily medication, and carry supplemental emergency medication in the form of a rescue inhaler. Asthma is an illness that is chronic in nature, so it is imperative to take the management medicine as directed and only using the rescue inhaler when necessary.
Be sure you know exactly how to properly use your inhaler if you do have asthma. It is not as simple as spraying a little into your mouth and inhaling. You must simultaneously inhale and spray the inhaler, then hold your breath for several seconds. Follow the instructions on your inhaler exactly to get the most benefit.
If traveling by plane with your asthma equipment or medications, always carry your written prescription with you to avoid problems. Carrying your prescriptions along with written proof that they are medically necessary, will cut down on potential problems at the airport checkpoints.
You should visit your doctor regularly throughout the year, so they can keep you apprised on the status of your asthma. Only your doctor can fully evaluate your condition and recommend appropriate changes in treatment. You are responsible to schedule these appointments so you can stay healthy.
Asthma Attacks
Consider purchasing a breathing mask that filters out paint fumes if a painting project is in your future. Wearing the mask will keep the irritants away from your lungs and esophagus, keeping your asthma under control. Avoid specific substances and chemicals that will worsen your asthma.
Avoid smoke to prevent asthma and asthma attacks. Smoke and chemicals have been known to trigger asthma attacks. Do what you can to avoid chemical fumes, cigarette smoke and other vapors. They can easily increase your asthma symptoms. If there is someone who always smokes around you, you should politely ask this person to smoke when you aren’t present.
Keep your home clean and well swept. Keeping your bedding clean and washed regularly can really make a difference when trying to control your asthma. By doing this, you are preventing dust and the tiny dust mites that can cause asthma attacks from building up in your home. The more dust there is in an environment, the more likely it becomes that the air will aggravate an asthmatic’s symptoms, prompting an attack.
Make sure you are going to different doctors. Although your primary doctor can treat your asthma, a specialist may be able to provide further help. A pulmonologist, allergist, nutritionist and the staff at asthma centers can discuss a variety of treatments with you, to help you be sure you are following up on every possible good treatment available.
Pay close attention to any reactions your children have to food. If they develop hives or have difficulty breathing after consuming a specific food, have their pediatrician test them for that allergy. You may develop asthma down the line if you have these allergies.
People who suffer from asthma should stay inside as much as they can when the pollen count is up. While asthma is different than allergies, often the same types of things that bother those with allergies trigger irritation in asthmatics as well. You can get the information about air quality in the area you are in; people who suffer from asthma should stay indoors if their air quality is low.
If you have an asthmatic child under 5 years old, you must carefully monitor for attacks that may require immediate medical intervention. Signs include: gasping, sucking in of the abdomen while attempting to breathe and speaking difficulty resulting from the inability to breathe in enough air. If your child is showing any of these signs, they need urgent medical attention.
Do not use a vaporizer or humidifier unless you are sure it’s been thoroughly cleaned. Bacteria breeds in moist environments and can build up in dirty machines, pumping allergens into the air.
If you have asthma, you should make sure you always do warm-ups before you do any type of strenuous exercise. Immediately after you finish this exercise, you should do cool-downs. Doing proper warm-ups and cool-downs can help with the prevention of asthma attacks during or after exercise.
Talk to your physician if you feel your symptoms aren’t improving. Apply the advice you have read in this article to help you get around the symptoms.
If you or someone you know has asthma, it is important not to do any physical activities that may initiate an asthma attack unless otherwise noted by your doctor. If you choose to do one of these activities, you will regret it if you end up in the emergency room.