Asthma is a condition that can make life harder to live. That said, the good news is that most asthma symptoms can be brought under control so long as you take the right medication and make the proper lifestyle changes. This article lists such methods that will help you.
If you suffer from asthma, it is critical that you not smoke. Smoking is detrimental to anyone’s health, but those with asthma suffer especially because cigarettes lessen the oxygen supply that is crucial for the lungs to function properly and prevent an asthma attack.
If you suffer from asthma, avoid smoke, fumes and vapors. This includes all tobacco products, and you also need to be careful if you are going to apply for a job in a factory or where you have the potential to be exposed to vapors and harmful smoke.
Keep rooms free of dust, and do not turn on a fan if you do have dusty rooms. This will cause the dust to move around, which could cause an asthma attack. It could be better to open the window if you need to get airflow.
If you have any children who suffer from asthma, avoid smoking around them at all costs. One of the primary causes of asthma is secondhand smoke. If your child is in an area where people are smoking, remove him quickly to avoid an asthma attack.
Use your inhaler as directed. Locate a quiet place, and follow the label to a tee. Remember that using an inhaler is only going to help you if the medication contained within makes its way to the lungs. Inhale air while spraying the necessary amount of medication into your mouth. Then, don’t breathe for around 10 seconds so that the medication permeates your lungs.
Some medications that you may take unknowingly can cause you to have asthma symptoms. Aspirin along with other NSAIDs can have this effect. Some medications for blood pressure and heart disease – those referred to as beta blockers – can also exacerbate asthma problems. If you suffer from these conditions and also have asthma, be sure to let your doctor know.
Contact a social worker if you have asthma but do not meet the eligibility requirements for health insurance. Social workers are trained to help people find resources for affording health care, particularly on debilitating conditions such as asthma.
If you are having an asthma attack (mild or moderate), you need to try to force air out of the lungs. Exhale as fast and hard as you can. It can’t be said too strongly: you must force the air out! Inhale a series of three quick breaths, followed by a deeper one, before exhaling with force again. The breathing rhythm that you create by doing this will cause you to be aware of every breath you take. When air is forcefully exhaled, it allows a fresh intake of air to fill your lungs. It may cause you to cough or even generate sputum, but that’s fine, you goal is for your breathing to get back to normal.
You should ensure that every family member in your household gets a flu vaccine yearly. 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. This includes taking standard precautions against illness, like hand washing, as well as getting vaccinations that can keep you from getting sick.
It is best to use products that are unscented in the home with someone who is asthmatic. Scented products such as air fresheners and perfumes can trigger an asthma attack. You should also avoid fresh paints or new carpets, as they give off fumes that can irritate the airway. Try to make it your goal to keep the indoor air as fresh and allergen free as possible.
Think about getting a home dehumidifier if you have asthma. By bringing down the humidity level, it will reduce dust mites and reduce asthma flare-ups. Dehumidifiers remove the humidity by drying out the air that flows through your house.
As mentioned in the beginning of this article, asthma is a harmful condition that can endanger your life if not treated properly. You should protect yourself by always carrying an emergency inhaler, and watching out for excessive air pollution or allergens. These tips can free you from the fear of asthma and help you live a normal life.
Asthma attacks have been found to be more likely in homes where four or more different cleaning products are in use. Try to use organic based cleaning products that are not harmful to asthma sufferers.