Asthma can be a frightening thing to go through, whether you are suffering from it or it is someone you love. You need to know all that is involved with this condition, including symptoms and preventative care, in order to be able to effectively manage it. You should know what to expect and when to expect it, and these tips will certainly be useful.
A good tip that can help your child cope with asthma is to make sure you never smoke around them. Secondhand smoke is almost as dangerous to asthmatics as actually smoking a cigarette. Also, do not let your child around others who smoke.
If you suffer from asthma, don’t smoke or expose yourself to smoke, fumes or vapors. This does mean avoiding all tobacco products as well as being mindful of sources of employment, with special attention to factories that might provide exposure to smoke and vapors.
Avoid anything that is known to trigger your asthma. For some people, this can be pollen or other allergy triggers. For others, it may be linked to physical exertion. Determine what sets your asthma off so you can stay away from these things.
Do you know what type of asthma you have? Being fully informed about the specific type of asthma you have is very important. For example, if you have exercise-induced asthma, you will want to always make sure you have an inhaler in your gym bag. Treating asthma is less difficult if you and your physician are aware of the triggers that bring on an attack.
Never turn on a fan when the room you are in is very dusty. All this does is circulate the dust, which is an invitation to triggering an otherwise avoidable asthma attack. Instead, you should consider opening a window to get some fresh clean air going through your lungs.
Stay away from anything that you are aware of that may trigger your asthma. Allergens such as dust and pollen can bring on an asthma attack at any time. For other people it may physical activities that will set them off. Figure out what sets off your asthma so you can avoid it.
Consider a leokotriene inhibitor if your asthma is not controlled by other methods. These medications prevent the production of leukotrienes. The inflammation caused by this substance can trigger the symptoms of asthma. When used properly, an inhibitor can help reduce symptoms and prevent attacks.
If you have asthma, avoid cigarette smoke of all kinds. Asthmatics should also never smoke. It is also a good idea to stay away from the fumes or vapors from harsh chemicals, such as those used in cleaning. This can set off an Asthma attack that you might not be able to stop. If you are around people who smoke, leave the area very fast.
Think about getting a home dehumidifier if you have asthma. A dehumidifier will reduce attacks by taking extra humidity and, by extension, dust mites and other debris out of your air. Use a dehumidifier, and the air you breath will be much less likely to cause your asthma to flare up.
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! Ask your allergist about omalizumab, an antibody drug that can reduce the severity of asthma symptoms and the frequency of attacks.
If you suffer from asthma, it is best to buy unscented products. Products with fragrance, such as perfumes, colognes, and air fresheners, introduce irritants into the air around you and can cause asthma attacks. Many things in the home release chemicals that irritate the lungs, such as newly installed carpet or fresh paint. Try to keep the indoor air as clean and fresh as possible.
Be certain to properly use your inhaler. Find a spot that is out of the way, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter. The only way the inhaler will work is if your lungs get the proper amount of medication. Inhale air while spraying the necessary amount of medication into your mouth. After inhaling, it’s important that you hold the medication in by holding your breath for 10 seconds at the least.
Receiving a flu shot annually is very important if you or a loved one are asthmatic. A yearly vaccination will help minimize the number of infections your children have to deal with.
Social Worker
Know what causes your asthma attacks, as this will enable you to work around them or prepare to treat the asthma attacks that result. The majority of individuals afflicted with asthma know there are common irritants like pollen, pet dander and smoke. It is best to do all that is possible to avoid triggers that can cause attacks.
If you are an asthma sufferer and are denied health insurance, talk to a social worker. You will need asthma medications, and if you are unable to afford them, a social worker can find a hospital or clinic that can offer you medication for free or for a little cost.
If you are an asthma patient, you may want to sleep with a pillow that does not contain feathers. Feathers can decrease lung function and cause asthma symptoms. It is also advisable to use hypoallergenic sheets and comforters for the same reason.
An annual flu shot is crucial if you have asthma or have an asthmatic child. Getting vaccinated yearly can help keep many of these illnesses at bay.
When you travel, your rescue medication should be with you all the time. Traveling tends to put extra stain on the body, and you’re more susceptible to your asthma triggers under these conditions. It is also difficult to control your environment while traveling, making it more likely that you may experience an attack or worsening symptoms.
Avoid using a feather or down pillow if you have asthma. Feathers can decrease lung function and cause asthma symptoms. Your other bedding, such as sheets, blankets and comforters, should be hypoallergenic, too.
Protect yourself against breathing in cold air that aggravates your asthma by wearing a scarf that covers your nose and mouth. Filtering and warming air before you inhale it can help prevent asthma attacks. Breathing cold air can trigger severe asthma attacks. This is especially true for young children with asthma.
Most of the triggers for attacks, and causes of asthma, are found inside the home. Three triggers comprise the asthma triad of doom: spores, dust and mold. To reduce asthma attacks and stay healthy, have an inspector remove any harmful agents yearly. Conscientious house-cleaning can help prevent buildup of substances in your home that might trigger an asthma attack.
If you are taking an airplane and you need to travel with your asthma apparatus or medications, bring your written prescription with you. When you have written proof that these items are necessary it can help speed along the security procedures.
As stated earlier, there is a lot that you should know about asthma. This article contains just a sampling of hints that are helpful for managing asthma, or to help a friend or family member with the disease. Follow all directions given by your doctor and use prescription medications exactly according to the manufacturers instructions. This can reduce asthma’s impact on your life.
Monitor how many times, on a weekly basis, you are using your rescue inhaler. It is possible that your asthma may be out of control or that there are extenuating circumstances that are exacerbating your condition. The amount you utilize your inhaler can remind you to always monitor your environment as a means of effectively managing your asthma.