Asthma is a serious affliction, that can limit your abilities, restrict your lifestyle and, at its worst, become life threatening. That is why it is important that you do whatever you can to control this condition. Using the simple advice contained here can help reduce your asthma symptoms and keep this condition from controlling your life.
Don’t smoke around your child if they have asthma; this could worsen their situation. Secondhand smoke is one of the leading culprits that causes asthma. While making sure to never light up around your children, it is also vital that you make sure your kids are not around others who do not show the same courtesy.
Do you know what sub-type of asthma you’re plagued with? Understanding the specifics of your asthma will help you to avoid attack triggers in your day-to-day life. For example, if your asthma is brought on by bronchitis, you should keep your rescue inhaler with you during times when you are sick. If you are familiar with your symptoms and their patterns, you will be better able to avoid emergencies.
Certain prescription medications have the potential to cause asthma symptoms. Some NSAIDs and aspirins will do this for you. Other medications that may have an effect on the respiratory system include beta blockers used to treat high blood pressure. 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.
Don’t smoke around your child if they have asthma; this could worsen their situation. There’s a long list of environmental asthma triggers, and secondhand smoke is at the top of it. You also need to be sure that your child isn’t around those that choose to smoke.
When struggling with asthma, consider using a leukotriene inhibitor. Leukotriene inhibitors block the effects of leukotrienes. Leukotriene, a chemical substance, can provoke an inflammation that causes an asthma attack. The inhibitor prevents leukotrienes, and that can decrease the number of asthma attacks you deal with.
Avoid anything that can trigger your asthma. Perhaps you have allergies or are sensitive to dust and pollen. Some things, such as physical exertion, can cause an asthma attack. Knowing exactly what sets off your asthma is thus, very important.
Learn how to use an inhaler in the correct manner if you do not already know. Find a comfy spot, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. 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. Be sure to hold the mist in your lungs for about ten seconds.
Injections are available to people who suffer from asthma related to allergies, to help give them some long term relief. For example, Omalizumab can be used to keep your allergic reactions to a minimum and your asthma under control.
If your health insurance situation cannot help you with your asthma, talk to a social worker. It is crucial that you be able to pay for your asthma medications, and a social worker might be able to locate a hospital or clinic for you that offers medications at a much cheaper price.
Always use your inhaler in the proper manner. 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 deeply and spray the correct dose into your mouth. Continue holding your breath for approximately 10 seconds. This way, the medication will soak into the cells of your lungs.
Both Vitamin C and Vitamin E are important if you suffer from asthma. These vitamins help reduce asthma flare-ups by improving lung function. It doesn’t matter if you get the vitamins for food or a supplement; just get them. Getting enough vitamins is also a good way to prevent asthma attacks by boosting your immune system.
If you are an asthma sufferer, be sure to get the recommended daily dose of Vitamins C and E. They help to increase the function of the lungs and control the overall symptoms of asthma. You can get both of these vitamins from eating certain foods, or by taking the vitamins in supplement form. These vitamins also help boost your immune system, which helps to prevent illnesses that trigger asthma.
The use of multiple (more than four) household cleansers can cause an increase in asthma attacks. Try using organic cleaning products which don’t contain irritating chemicals.
Asthma attacks have been found to be more likely in homes where four or more different cleaning products are in use. Use organic products as often as possible, as these contain fewer harsh chemicals.
To lower the chances of an asthma attack, keep your house as clean as can be, especially the bedroom. Only allow food in the kitchen, and never smoke indoors. If you clean with any harsh chemicals or bleach, make sure to ventilate thoroughly afterwards.
An annual flu shot is crucial if you have asthma or have an asthmatic child. Stave off these infections immediately by getting your vaccinations yearly.
Be prepared for your asthma treatment to be increased if you have a cold or hay fever. Many illnesses have side effects which can cause your asthma to get much worse, leading your doctor to increase treatment. Your physician might also work an additional treatment into your therapy until such time as you are healthier.
Travel with your rescue medication on your person at all times. Traveling can be somewhat stressful and put added strain your body, which might make you more likely to respond to asthma triggers by having an attack. Influencing the environment around you is nearly impossible while on the road, which is another opportunity for deteriorating symptoms or attack triggers.
If you are dealing with asthma, a good idea is to use a pillow without feathers. The feathers contained in the pillow could trigger the symptoms related to asthma and it could prevent your lungs from functioning efficiently. It is also advisable to use hypoallergenic sheets and comforters for the same reason.
Mildew and mold grow best in a home with high humidity. These fungi are both common triggers for asthma attacks. Therefore, it is important to make sure your home is dry. One way to control the humidity in the house is to employ a dehumidifier to pull out the excess moisture.
During cold months, you could avoid asthma attacks by constantly wearing a shawl, muffler or a scarf that covers both your mouth and nose. This lets the air warm slightly before you breathe it in. Cold air can be a nuisance and breathing it has actually proven to trigger asthma attacks. This is especially true for younger children who have severe or moderate asthma.
During the months that are colder, wear a shawl, muffler or scarf that will cover your nose and mouth to help you avoid asthma attacks. You can inhale warmer air into your body with these. Breathing in air that’s cold can trigger an attack, particularly in younger children that have moderate or severe asthma.
Asthma is a disease that can develop slowly over time, making it sometimes difficult to spot the symptoms. Sometimes, a person can die from their first asthma attack without actually knowing they had the disease to begin with! 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.
Asthma isn’t often something that pops up over night, but instead takes time to develop and the symptoms are slowly noticeable. In fact, some people who didn’t even realize they had asthma died as a result of their initial attack. If you find yourself with a constant cough or have trouble breathing, consult your doctor, so he can tell you if you have asthma and if you need medication. He might even have suggestions on how to prevent it from worsening.
Monitor how often, each week, you need your rescue inhaler. If you use it very often, you may not have it under control. The frequency of your inhaler use is a good way to remember to check out your environmental surroundings and be mindful of all factors relating to your asthma regimen.
If you are going to be flying and are bringing your asthma medicine with you, take written prescriptions from your physician with you, especially if you will be taking large equipment like a nebulizer. Having evidence from a doctor that the medication is necessary for your health will greatly help with security at the airport.
Keep in mind that mopping your floors with a wet mop will cause less asthma problems than sweeping will. If you are sweeping, you can trigger an asthma attack by stirring up a lot of allergens into the air. Dusting with a damp cloth rather than a feather duster can be a considerable help in reducing the amount of dust and other things that might start an attack.
Allergens, pollen and other irritants can collect in your linens and aggravate your asthma. Clean your linen and pillow case every week to prevent asthma attacks. Fresh, laundered bedding will help you sleep that much easier at night.
Being around animals should be avoided. 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.
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.
If you tend to suffer from any allergies or asthmatic conditions, always clean vaporizers very thoroughly, as well humidifiers and any associated apparatus. Bacteria can grow inside the machine because of the moist environment, and you will be releasing that right into the air if you are using it.