Millions of people suffer from asthma, and if you’re one of them, the information contained in this article will help you combat the harmful symptoms of this condition. We have compiled some of the best advice available to help you find ways to live a fuller healthier life, as well as ways to make your life easier.
Some medications are known to cause asthma symptoms. Some NSAIDs and aspirin might do this. Also, beta blockers, such as medicines used to control heart disease and high blood pressure. If you suffer from any of these conditions along with your asthma, make sure you tell your doctor.
If asthma is something that you are afflicted with, then don’t smoke or immediately quit. Smoking is a bad habit for everyone, but patients that suffer from asthma are negatively affected by smoke as it cuts the oxygen supply off and induces an asthma attack.
Exhale as hard as you can during an asthma attack. If you can’t breathe at all, go to the hospital; however, controlling your exhalation rate can sometimes help stop a less severe attack. Breathe out quick and forcefully. Get the air all out of the lungs. Do your inhalations in triple bursts of short breaths, and then follow with final deep inhalation so that you fill your lungs comfortably, before exhaling with vehemence once more. This method forces you to pay close attention to your breathing and create a steady rhythm. It also allows you to take in more air by completely emptying your lungs. It is okay to cough, even to generate sputum. Your ultimate goal is getting your breathing regulated.
There are medications that can unknowingly cause asthma-like symptoms. Some NSAIDs and aspirin might do this. Beta blockers, such as those used to control high blood pressure or heart disease may also have this effect. If you have any of these conditions along with your asthma, make sure you tell your doctor.
If you have asthma, you need to avoid any kind of tobacco smoke. Never smoke yourself! Avoid exposure to chemical fumes or vapors. This can cause your asthma to flare up, causing an attack that may be uncontrollable. If you find that you have people smoking around you, get yourself out of that area rather quickly.
Exhale as hard as you can during an asthma attack. If you can’t breathe at all, go to the hospital; however, controlling your exhalation rate can sometimes help stop a less severe attack. Blow your breath out as hard and fast as you can. Really expel the air from your lungs! Take in three breaths, and then a deeper breath until your lungs are full of air. Then exhale with force again. Breathing in this rhythmic manner helps you to concentrate on the breaths you’re taking. It also allows you to take in more air by completely emptying your lungs. This may cause you to cough or it may cause phlegm, but your breathing will be back to normal again.
Though it should go without saying, do not turn on any fans or circulation systems when in a room containing visible dust that has yet to be cleaned. All this does is circulate the dust, which is an invitation to triggering an otherwise avoidable asthma attack. It’s better to open the window if you’re in need of fresh air.
If you have asthma and suffer persistent attacks caused by allergy symptoms, an injectable medicine can be administered for extended relief. Known as Omalizumab, this antibody medicine can control the body’s allergic senses and lower the symptoms or reactions that asthma patients suffer.
If you are having trouble preventing asthma attacks, you may find success with a leukotriene inhibitor. These inhibitors can prevent leukotrienes. Leukotriene are chemicals that may cause your lungs to get inflamed which can lead to an asthma attack. The inhibitor will keep the leukotrienes from forming, which can reduce the frequency of asthma attacks that you experience.
Social Worker
Proper knowledge of how to use your inhaler is necessary if you have asthma. Find a spot that is peaceful, and then follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. The medicine in the inhaler only works if it actually makes it to your lungs. While taking a deep breath, spray in the recommended dosage. Hold your breath for at least 10 seconds to allow the medicated mist to fill your lungs.
If you suffer from asthma and you are not eligible for health insurance, speak with a social worker. A social worker can possibly help you with finding treatment and low-cost medications.
Make sure that everyone in your family gets their flu shot. Respiratory infections can seriously hurt those who suffer from asthma, so take measures to avoid contracting them. Take the right steps to stop yourself from getting sick, wash your hands and get the right vaccines.
Consider supplementing your diet with Vitamins E and C when you suffer from asthma. These vitamins help reduce asthma flare-ups by improving lung function. You can take these vitamins in pill form, or you can eat fresh fruits and vegetables and get the vitamins that way. These vitamins are great for your immune system, and a strong immune system wards off illnesses that can trigger asthma attacks.
If you have asthma, you may wish to consider installing a dehumidifier in your home. Though you may not be aware of it, high levels of humidity in indoor spaces can increase dust mites, which then can affect asthma. Use a dehumidifier, and the air you breath will be much less likely to cause your asthma to flare up.
For asthma sufferers, the unscented option is always the best choice among different products. If you are using scented products like perfume, incense, or air fresheners you should up the level of air pollution in your home. Fresh paint and new carpeting also give off odors that may aggravate the airways. Try to maintain fresh air inside your home.
If you have asthma, it is imperative that you stay away from smokers. When you breathe in smoke, especially in small spaces, it diminishes breathing ability, which greatly increases the probability of an asthma attack.
Annual Flu Shot
If you have asthma, or if your children have asthma, it is vital that you receive the flu shot yearly. Get yearly vaccinations to keep these potential infections at bay.
An annual flu shot is crucial if you have asthma or have an asthmatic child. This annual flu shot will prevent infectious damage to your lungs.
Make sure to examine what it is that causes your asthma attacks in order to best avoid having to deal with them. Some common asthma triggers include pet dander, pollen, and cigarette smoke. If at all possible, strive to avoid substances and locations that trigger your asthma symptoms or attacks.
This guideline of strategies to coping with asthma can help you regain all of the benefits that are associated with living a life that is healthier. The information you just read will help you enjoy life and stay active while controlling your asthma attacks and reducing their frequency.
Most homes are full of common asthma triggers. These include dust, mold and spores. Have an inspector come visit your house to remove any harmful agents that you have so that you can stay healthy and lower your risk for an asthma attack. In addition, regularly cleaning the home can stop these things from building up.