Asthma is a lung disorder that can make breathing difficult and create problems when oxygen is not delivered to cells efficiently. There are still ways to manage a normal life and remain safe, so do not think asthma means the end to fun and good health. You can control your asthma with medication, treatments and by listening to the advice of your doctor.
If you suffer from asthma, don’t smoke or expose yourself to smoke, fumes or vapors. You must abstain from using any tobacco products. Also, when job hunting, you need to take into consideration whether or not you will be exposed to anything detrimental to your condition while on the job.
Do you know what type of asthma you have? When you’re informed about your asthma, you’ll be able to do more to cope with the illness and prevent it from having a negative effect on your life. One example of this is exercise-induced asthma. This type of asthmatic will need to carry his inhaler with him when he goes for a run. You can actually start preventing asthma attacks if you are aware and mindful of any patterns that your symptoms present.
Do not smoke around a child with asthma. Secondhand smoke is almost as dangerous to asthmatics as actually smoking a cigarette. It’s best to also keep your child away from places in which others will be smoking.
Keep away from any and everything that you know triggers your asthma attacks. For some, allergens such as dust and pollen can trigger an attack. Others find themselves suffering from attacks when they overexert themselves. Determine what sets your asthma off so you can stay away from these things.
Unfortunately, asthma sufferers must realize that their condition is chronic which requires ongoing treatment. Ensure you’re taking the proper medications to manage common symptoms of asthma. In case of an attack, you need to have in your possession a medication that will provide almost instant relief. See your doctor or allergist to find out which treatment plan is best for your situation.
Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can actually trigger an asthma attack. Some NSAIDs and aspirin might do this. Some medications can cause your asthma to be worse such as beta blockers for high blood pressure or heart disease. If you suffer from asthma, be sure that your medical professional is aware of this.
Never use a fan in a dirty, dust-filled room. The fan will circulate the dust along with the air, which can cause it to get into your lungs and make your asthma worse. If you need airflow, simply opening a window would be better.
Asthma is not a curable disease and will require life-long health management. You need to always take your medications for your everyday symptoms, and keep your quick relief medication with you in case you do have an attack. Your physician and allergist are the ones to approach with any questions you have about this disease and its treatment.
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! Omalizumab, an antibody medicine, might be suggested by an allergist and controls allergic reactions.
Asthma Attacks
Make sure you use the inhaler in the proper, prescribed method. A lot of people use inhalers improperly, so be sure that you’re adhering to the manufacturer’s suggested instructions. You can inhale all you want, but it’s useless if the medication doesn’t make it to your lungs. While inhaling air, spray required dosage in your mouth. Hold in your breath for 10 seconds so the medicine works properly.
If you are having trouble preventing asthma attacks, you may find success with a leukotriene inhibitor. There are modern medicines that are highly effective at blocking leukotrienes. Leukotriene is a substance that may cause inflammation. This can make a person have an asthma attack. The inhibitor prevents leukotrienes, and that can decrease the number of asthma attacks you deal with.
Make sure that everyone in your family, including you, gets annual flu shots. People who have been diagnosed with asthma should exercise extreme diligence in avoiding other respiratory conditions. You can start by taking simple precautions, such as washing your hands and getting proper vaccinations when due.
While everyone appreciates the look and feel of a clean house, asthma sufferers in particular benefit from a healthy environment as it can decrease the risk of asthma attacks, especially in a sleeping area. Keep food in a kitchen or on the dining room table, and avoid cigarette smoking inside. After cleaning around the house, open windows and allow fresh air into the house. This can reduce the smell and pervasiveness of household cleaners like bleach.
If you are dealing with asthma, you would benefit from buying a dehumidifier. By decreasing the humidity you have in your home, it will decrease the dust mites, which will then decrease your asthma from flaring up. Use a dehumidifier, and the air you breath will be much less likely to cause your asthma to flare up.
If you have asthma, or if your children have asthma, it is vital that you receive the flu shot yearly. Prevent these infections from occurring by going to get vaccinated each year.
If you suffer from asthma, it is best to buy unscented products. Scented products should be avoided, such as air fresheners, perfume, and incense. These can increase the amount of air pollution in the home and even trigger an attack. Be aware that fresh paint and new carpet also can emit harmful odors that irritate sensitive airways. Because the dangers these things represent, it is important to always keep indoor air fresh to the best of your ability.
If you are dealing with asthma, a good idea is to use a pillow without feathers. The pillow feathers can cause asthma to flare up and minimize your lung function. The same reasoning applies to all bedding – only purchase bed sheets and comforters that are manufactured from hypoallergenic materials.
Make sure you know what triggers asthma attacks so you can either avoid those triggers or be prepared to manage your asthma symptoms. Most with asthma share common triggers, like pet dander, pollen or smoke. If able, avoid anything that results in symptoms of asthma or an asthma attack.
If you are willing to adhere to the treatment plan established by your physician and follow sound medical advice, you will find that living with asthma is by no means impossible. New medications and treatments are always under development, and hopefully a cure for asthma is not far off.
Most homes are full of common asthma triggers. Some triggers include spores, dust and mold. To keep yourself healthy and avoid asthma attacks, you may need to hire an inspector to come out once a year to test your home and remove any irritants. You can help keep your house safe from these harmful substances by regularly cleaning and dusting your home.