A life with asthma can be very challenging, but if you find ways to manage the asthma, you can find ways to lead a healthy, active life. You can find many ways to manage your asthma so that it does not interfere with your daily life. This article provides ways to make the most of life with asthma.
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. Decrease the effects of asthma by wearing a protective mask when pollution levels are especially high.
Figure out what type of asthma you are suffering with. Being fully informed about the specific type of asthma you have is very important. Asthma caused by exercise can be treated easily if you carry an inhaler when you go to the gym. Treating asthma is less difficult if you and your physician are aware of the triggers that bring on an attack.
If you are asthmatic, you absolutely must not subject yourself to any form of cigarette smoke. While smoking is bad for everyone, it’s particularly hard on an asthma sufferer as it restricts oxygen getting to the lungs.
Smoking should never be done around children, especially a child who suffers from asthma. Secondhand smoke is one of the leading culprits that causes asthma. If your child is in an area where people are smoking, remove him quickly to avoid an asthma attack.
You should stay away from anything you might believe which can trigger an asthma attack. Some people have allergies that cause asthma, and allergens such as dust and pollen can cause an attack. For others, certain physical activities may be the trigger. Try to see what cause your asthma so that you can avoid it.
If you have been diagnosed with asthma and you are a smoker, it is time to quit. Although smoking is terrible for everyone, it is even worse for an asthma sufferer due to less oxygen supply in the lungs and that can trigger an attack.
You may want to use a leukotriene inhibitor if your asthma is being particularly problematic. Leukotriene inhibitors work to prevent leukotrienes. The chemical leukotriene is a common cause of inflammation in the lungs which in turn, can trigger asthma attacks. If you get a leukotriene inhibitor, it can get rid of them in the air and help you with asthma symptoms.
Keep clear of anything that you know to be a trigger for your asthma. For some, allergens such as dust and pollen can trigger an attack. Others experience an attack from physical activities. You should know what causes asthma, so you can stay away from these things.
Make sure if you have an inhaler that you are using it the right way. Find a quiet secluded area so that you can calmly take the inhaler as directed by the instructions from the manufacturer. Remember that using an inhaler is only going to help you if the medication contained within makes its way to the lungs. Inhale deeply and spray the correct dose into your mouth. Then hold it and try not to breathe for a minimum of 10 seconds. This will give enough time for the medication to properly fill out your lungs.
Heart Disease
If you are an asthma patient, be sure to stay away from people who smoke, even if you are not a smoker yourself. Tobacco smoke causes your lung function to decrease, increasing the risk of a very severe attack, especially in enclosed rooms without much air flow or ventilation.
There are medicines out there that may increase your chance of triggering asthma symptoms. 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 have asthma paired with heart disease or high blood pressure, tell your doctor.
People suffering from asthma should stick to unscented products. Simple everyday things such as air fresheners, incense and perfume can cause indoor air pollution levels to increase and trigger an attack. Certain things in the home, such as newly installed carpet or fresh paint, can also release chemical irritants. Keep your indoor air clean and free of pollutants to stay healthy.
Know how to use your inhaler properly! Find a quiet spot and follow the instructions the manufacturer has given. The inhaler is only useful if the medication within it actually gets to your lungs. Spray the dosage into the mouth while you inhale air. Then, don’t breathe for around 10 seconds so that the medication permeates your lungs.
When you are suffering from asthma and you have hay fever or a cold, you will most likely need an increase in your treatment. These illnesses have side effects that can cause asthma to flare up and make an increase in medication necessary. Your family doctor may recommend adding another treatment or medication to your current regimen until you recover from your illness.
Both Vitamin C and Vitamin E are important if you suffer from asthma. Both vitamins improve lung function, helping you to better resist asthma attacks and other negative symptoms. Either find a good vitamin supplement to take, or change your diet to include more foods rich in Vitamins E and C. The vitamins will help improve the immune system, which will help you fight off illnesses that cause asthma.
If you suffer with asthma, get a flu shot each year. Get yearly vaccinations to keep these potential infections at bay.
Asthma Treatment
Understanding how to properly administer your asthma medications is important, particularly in regard to rescue medications. A typical asthma treatment plan is daily medication backed up with an emergency inhaler. It’s crucial that medication for management of asthma is taken regularly, and that rescue medication is also used when appropriate.
It is crucial that you know how to properly use your asthma treatments, particularly rescue inhalers. Asthma treatment is generally two-pronged: Daily asthma treatment and additional emergency medicine to relieve attacks as they happen. Because asthma has no cure, you must treat it carefully by taking your maintenance medication every day and using your emergency medication responsibly.
Instead of sweeping your floors, clean them with a damp mop. When you are sweeping with a broom, you stir up triggers like dirt and dust mites that can cause you to go into an asthma attack. When you need to dust, do so with a damp rag instead of a feather duster so that you reduce spreading around anything that will trigger your asthma.
You should track how often, in a week’s time, you require the use of a rescue inhaler. When you find you are depending on it more than thrice during a week’s period on an ongoing basis it is a sign your asthma is not under proper control and could lead to serious attacks if not addressed. If you have to use your inhaler a lot, you will know that you should more closely monitor your surroundings.
Asthma sufferers should avoid close contact with all animals. Many people with asthma also suffer from allergies to animal dander. Even without a specific allergy, asthma attacks can be triggered by the dust and dander in the air caused by the presence of an animal.
Have more than one medical professional look at your asthma problems. 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.
If you are using a vaporizer or humidifier, you should thoroughly clean it prior to use. Not cleaning a humidifier allows bacteria to grow in the machine’s moist water tank area, and the machine will pump dangerous allergens into yoru environment every time you use it.
In conclusion, there are a number of methods you can try to prevent asthma from controlling your life. A diagnosis of asthma doesn’t mean you’re sentenced to a life of inactivity. An effective treatment plan for your asthma will help you lead an active and rewarding life.
Make sure your doctor shows you how to take your inhaled medication properly, and don’t leave his office until you are entirely comfortable using your inhaler. When you spray the inhaler into your mouth, you cannot just lightly inhale. Every time you take a puff, hold in your breath for at least three seconds and then exhale. When your doctor prescribes your inhaler, ask him for detailed instructions in using it correctly.