At its worst, asthma is life threatening, but mainly it will limit your lifestyle and harm your ability to take on the simplest things; such as going for a walk outside. It is important to do everything you can to keep this disease under control. Using the simple advice contained here can help reduce your asthma symptoms and keep this condition from controlling your life.
Suffer from asthma? It is vital that you not smoke tobacco; if you do, quit. Smoking isn’t good for anyone, but it’s worse for those with asthma. It cuts off the oxygen supply that your lungs need to function properly to keep away the asthma attacks.
If asthma is something you suffer from, do not smoke or spend time around smokers, much less any source of vapors and fumes. Decrease the effects of asthma by wearing a protective mask when pollution levels are especially high.
As a chronic disease, asthma must be managed continuously. Be certain that you are prescribed or using the appropriate medicine to manage your daily symptoms, and that you have an emergency medicine readily available in the event of an attack. Work with your allergist and doctor to find the right treatment program that makes you feel good and allows you to still do the things you want to do.
It is vital that neither you, nor anyone else, smoke around a child with asthma. As far as triggers that cause asthma attacks or causes of the condition in general, secondhand cigarette smoke ranks right up there. Always ensure your child is in a smoke-free area.
When you are suffering from an asthma attack, exhale all of the oxygen from your lungs. Force air out of your lungs with quick, powerful exhalations. You want to force all of the air from your lungs. Inhale in three short breaths and one fourth deeper breath so that your lungs are comfortably full of air, then exhale forcefully again. The breathing rhythm that you create by doing this will cause you to be aware of every breath you take. It also helps to push air out from your lungs so new air can come back in. This breathing technique may cause some coughing or sputum, but it can help regulate your breathing and reduce the attack.
Asthmatics should not smoke. If you smoke – quit immediately. Smoking is not recommended for anyone, but it creates worse complications for asthma patients by cutting off part of the oxygen supply needed to breathe properly.
Know how to use your inhaler correctly. Discover a location that is peaceful, and ensure you follow all the instructions that are given by the manufacturer. The inhaler is only beneficial if the medicine gets to your lungs. Breathe in through your mouth while you’re pressing the spray button. Holding your breath for a minimum of 10 seconds gives the medicinal mist from the inhaler time to spread itself throughout your lungs.
Asthma Symptoms
An annual flu vaccination is recommended for you as well as other members of your family. People who have been diagnosed with asthma should exercise extreme diligence in avoiding other respiratory conditions. This includes preventive measures against sickness, such as practicing good hygiene and getting all recommended vaccinations.
Some medications can exacerbate asthma symptoms as a side effect. Some anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, can flare up asthma symptoms. Many medications for heart disease and hypertension can also cause asthma symptoms. Make sure your physician is aware of all of your chronic conditions and any medications you are on so they can treat your asthma appropriately.
Keep your home free of dust and other triggers, especially where the person who suffers from asthma sleeps. Don’t smoke indoors, or allow any junk food in your home. Make sure that the home is properly ventilated and aired out, especially after cleaning with harsh products, like bleach or ammonia.
If the room that you’re in is dusty, do not turn on a fan. The wind will move dust around and get into your airways causing an attack. If you wish to have a breeze, open a window instead of running a fan.
If you have hay fever or a cold, you will probably need increased treatment of your asthma. Treatment may be increased in these cases as many illnesses have side effects that can cause flare ups in your asthma. Your doctor may also add another treatment to your regimen until your illness gets better.
If you are a person with asthma and have persistent attacks related to allergy symptoms, a medication that can be used for a long term effect is one that can be injected. Omalizumab, an antibody medicine, might be suggested by an allergist and controls allergic reactions.
If you’ve been diagnosed with asthma, be sure to get flu shots every year. This is doubly important for asthmatic children. A yearly vaccination will help minimize the number of infections your children have to deal with.
If you have asthma and lack the health insurance coverage to deal with asthma treatment, talk to a social worker. Social workers are often able to locate a hospital or clinic that can offer free or low cost options to make sure you can fill your medication prescriptions.
Keep your medication with you, especially when you are traveling. You may find that the stress of traveling makes an asthma attack more likely. While on the road, it is also hard to control the environment you are in, which also makes an attack more likely.
Cleaning Products
During the colder months, avoid asthma attacks by wearing a scarf, shawl or muffler that covers the mouth and nose. This will keep you from breathing cold air. In multiple studies, breathing cold air is linked to increased asthma attacks. This link is especially pronounced in younger children.
If you use more than four cleaning products, you are increasing the risks of an asthma attack. Organic cleaning products should be selected due to their lack of irritating chemicals.
Asthma generally develops over a period of time, and the symptoms are not always obvious. There are many cases where people have died from their first asthma attack, without even being aware that they were at risk. Discuss with your doctor if you are having problems trying to catch your breath or have had a persistent cough for a while. There is the possibility that you have developed asthma, and if so, your doctor can tell you what the best method to treat it would be.
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. Many things in the home release chemicals that irritate the lungs, such as newly installed carpet or fresh paint. Keep the air inside as fresh as you can.
Monitor how often, per week, you find it necessary to use your inhaler. Using it two times or may may mean that your asthma is not as controlled as you may think it is. It could also mean that something else is bringing on these frequent attacks. Counting how many times you reach for your inhaler can be a good aid to remind you of what environments you need to control and what else you may need to manage.
Be certain you are aware of all your asthma attack triggers so you know both how to steer clear of them and also be ready to take care of your symptoms. Smoke, pollen, or pet dander are common triggers. Whenever you can, just steer clear of these triggers when you know what they would result in.
You should get a second opinion. Even though your primary care doctor can assist you in the basic care for your asthma, consider visiting a specialist also. Pulmonologists, allergists, asthma centers and nutritionists can help you take advantage of the many treatments available to those with asthma.
Try joining an in-person or virtual asthma support group. Since severe asthma can be quite debilitating, it can have a huge impact on your everyday life. By joining a support group, you will be able to discuss new scientific breakthroughs or treatment alternatives with those who are interested.
If asthma does strike, don’t lose your cool. You should immediately use your inhaler and use the inhaler again 30 seconds later. If the inhaler does not provide immediate help, get medical help right away. Get somebody to phone for EMS or even transport you themselves to the nearest emergency medical facility. Breathing in and out of a paper bag on the way will help slow down your breathing.
Know how to properly use asthma medicine, especially your rescue medication. Typical asthma treatment includes regular medicine supplemented by a rescue inhaler. It’s important to use both forms of medication properly to treat your chronic condition.
Speaking with people in an asthmatic support group, or chatting with friends who also have asthma, can be helpful. Other sufferers can help you learn how to manage and live with your asthma, by offering tips and advice. It is essential that you have a strong support network.
Stay away from smoking. Most people know that smoking is dangerous, but if you have asthma there are more serious consequences. Asthmatics have sensitive lungs and tobacco smoke is very, very irritating. Smoke is so bad, that asthmatics should never allow themselves to be in the same vicinity as someone who is smoking.
Keep your home clean and well swept. Additionally, wash sheets, pillows and blankets frequently. When you do, you prevent dust mite and dust buildup, which can both trigger your asthma attacks. The buildup of dust in the air is an irritant and increases the possibility of an asthmatic attack.
Try to gain as much information about affliction as possible. The more you understand about the condition, the more effective you’ll be in taking steps to manage your asthma. Keep current with treatments and ensure you have the greatest possible care that you can have. You can do this by educating yourself on your condition and the treatment options that are available to you.
The idea should be to gradually condition your body in order to increase lung capacity. If you think the physical exertion will be too much for your asthma, it likely is.
Eat more foods that are rich in B6 vitamins. Known as pyridoxine, vitamin B6 has been proven to reduce the intensity and frequency of asthma attacks. Through this research, it has been proven that pyridoxine helps produce molecules that aid in relaxing the bronchial tissue. Bananas are one of many good sources of vitamin B6.
If you’re having an asthma attack and you’ve left the controller medicines at home, try getting a little, quick shot of some caffeine if you can. It’s best to use a fast acting inhaler to end your asthma attack but caffeine can relieve asthma symptoms until you are able to get to your inhaler. The caffeine in these foods can constrict blood vessels, allowing your airways to open.
Identifying your personal triggers is one of the best ways you can learn to stop an asthma attack before it occurs. You need to think about maintaining a journal that can assist you in determining potential triggers of asthma. Talk to your doctor about these results. Take active steps to minimize coming into contact with elements that trigger your asthma, to help reduce your attacks.
One important way for you to limit asthma agitation is by banning smoking in areas where affected persons will be, namely your living space and car. If you know someone who smokes, ask that they do so outdoors away from the asthmatic. Cigarette smoke can quickly trigger someone who suffers from asthma to have an attack, from just the smell being on the smokers clothes.
Many people underestimate asthma, or at least think that they can’t do anything about it since it is an incurable disease. However, you’ll be amazed at how much difference you can make simply by following these simple steps to try and relieve symptoms and reduce the sources of asthma attacks.
Sometimes food allergies can trigger an asthma attack in children. Pay attention to any allergy symptoms your child develops after eating. Food allergies often manifest as red, raised hives and difficulty breathing. You may also discuss allergy testing with your child’s pediatrician. These allergies may indicate the possibility of asthma in the future.