The inability to breathe normally that comes with asthma can frighten asthma sufferers and their families. It is important to be knowledgeable about asthma and the symptoms associated with it so you can better manage the effects. Know what you need to do and how to go about it by arming yourself with the knowledge in these tips.
If you have an asthmatic child, do not allow anyone to smoke around him. Secondhand smoke is almost as dangerous to asthmatics as actually smoking a cigarette. You should also make sure your child is never in an environment where other people are smoking.
In order to prevent asthma attacks, keep away from triggers. For some people, this can be pollen or other allergy triggers. For others, certain physical activities may be the trigger. Determine what sets your asthma off so you can stay away from these things.
If you are having an asthma attack (mild or moderate), you need to try to force air out of the lungs. When you breathe out, exhale the air quickly and as hard as you can. This will force the air from your lungs. Inhale for three quick breaths, and then take one deep breath so that you can allow your lungs to fill with air, and then force the air out again. This gives your breathing a rhythm and makes you focus on your breathing. Expelling the air from your lungs in this fashion also allows you to breathe in deeper. This breathing technique may cause some coughing or sputum, but it can help regulate your breathing and reduce the attack.
Smoke Yourself
Resist the urge to turn on a fan if you find yourself in a room filled with dust. An asthma attack can be easily triggered by the moving dust. On smog-free, low pollen days, open your windows to improve airflow in the house.
Anyone suffering from asthma or asthma-like symptoms needs to stay clear of cigarette smoke, whether you smoke yourself, or even if you’re breathing secondhand smoke. You should not smoke yourself! Never breathe in chemical fumes or vapors. These irritants can be a trigger for a severe asthma attack. If you are around people who smoke, leave the area very fast.
If you suffer from asthma and allergies that result in attacks, you can get injections of long-lasting medication for relief. For example, Omalizumab can be used to keep your allergic reactions to a minimum and your asthma under control.
Consider getting allergy shots if you have asthma that is caused by allergies that aren’t under control. An antibody medicine known as omalizumab is very effective at countering asthma attacks related to allergies. Ask your allergist about it.
Know how to use your inhaler properly! Find a spot that is peaceful, and then follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. The inhaler only helps if the medication reaches your lungs. Inhale deeply as you dispense the correct amount into your mouth. Holding your breath for a minimum of 10 seconds gives the medicinal mist from the inhaler time to spread itself throughout your lungs.
Properly use the inhaler every time you must use it. Get to a place out of the way, and read the directions before starting. The inhaler will only work if the medicine reaches your lungs. Inhale air while spraying the necessary amount of medication into your mouth. Hold your breath at least ten seconds, so that the medicated mist can fill your lungs.
People who have asthma should stick to using unscented products. Products that contain strong scents, like incense, perfume, or air freshener can trigger an asthma attack just by lingering in the air. Be aware that fresh paint and new carpet also can emit harmful odors that irritate sensitive airways. Aim to make the air inside your home allergen free, and as fresh and clean as possible.
Respiratory Infection
Keep your home meticulously clean to reduce attack potential if there is an asthma sufferer living there, especially the bedroom. Refrain from smoking inside the home, and keep edibles inside your kitchen. Let in plenty of fresh air if the weather permits, and avoid using harsh chemicals to bleach.
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. The preventative measures you can take against such sickness range from simple habits of hand washing to getting your annual flu shot.
You should understand what triggers your asthma attacks in order for you to avoid these causes or prepare yourself for managing your symptoms. A lot of asthma sufferers have some triggers in common, like pollen, smoke and pet dander. When possible, stay away from triggers of asthma symptoms in an effort to prevent a severe attack.
A dehumidifier can significantly reduce the asthma attacks experienced by you or other afflicted members of your household. Though you may not be aware of it, high levels of humidity in indoor spaces can increase dust mites, which then can affect asthma. Dehumidifiers remove the humidity by drying out the air that flows through your house.
If you suffer from asthma, consider using a feather-free pillow to sleep. People are often allergic to these natural products that can affect breathing and bring on asthma symptoms. This extends to the rest of your bedding, as well. There are hypoallergenic comforters and sheets you can use to limit asthma symptoms.
Unscented products are best for asthma sufferers. Products that contain fragrance, such as perfumes, colognes, or air fresheners, can pollute the air triggering your asthma. New carpeting and even a fresh coat of paint can aggravate the airway and lungs as well. Clean your indoor air and keep it as fresh as you can.
A lot of the main causes, and triggers, of asthma may exist right in your home. These causes are sources, such as, but not limited to dust, mold and spores. To reduce asthma attacks and stay healthy, have an inspector remove any harmful agents yearly. Cleaning your house on a regular basis is one way to keep these substances from accumulating.
Clearly, there are many things to be learned about asthma. The tips in this article are just a few that will help you to manage your asthma, or someone else who is suffering from it. You can limit the impact of asthma in your life.
During colder months, wear a shawl, scarf or muffler to avoid asthma. That way the air is warmed before it enters your lungs. Breathing in air that’s cold can trigger an attack, particularly in younger children that have moderate or severe asthma.