Asthma attacks are scary and having to live a life with asthma is a hassle. With the proper information, you can learn how to control your asthma and live an improved life. Read on into this article for sound strategies to accomplish just that.
People afflicted by asthma should make it a priority to always avoid exposure to smoke, vapors and fumes. Thus, you need to avoid cigarettes and cigars and be vigilant about steering clear of environmental or workplace exposure to smoke.
You should avoid smoking at all costs and being exposed to vapors and perfumes if you suffer from asthma. This means you need to keep away from tobacco products and only seek out jobs where you aren’t exposed to any harmful chemicals, smoke or vapors.
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. Also, do not let your child around others who smoke.
Smoking is a horrible habit, even deadly, for an asthma sufferer. While smoking is bad for everyone, it’s particularly hard on an asthma sufferer as it restricts oxygen getting to the lungs.
Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can actually trigger an asthma attack. Some NSAIDs and aspirins will do this for you. The medication you take for high blood pressure can also cause asthma symptoms. If you suffer from these conditions and also have asthma, be sure to let your doctor know.
Be careful of chemical cleaners if you are asthmatic. Asthma sufferers are often sensitive to chemical cleaners; using these products can sometimes trigger asthma attacks. If you enjoy cleaning, or are the sole cleaner in the household, you are sure to be able to find one of the many natural cleaners that will be safe for your use.
If you have moderate asthma attacks, exhale forcefully, so that you force air from your lungs. Exhale quickly and with power. Try hard to push the air out from your lungs! Inhale in a series of three, or three shallow breaths and one deep breath. After your lungs are filled with air, forcefully exhale again. This will make your breathing rhythmic and help you pay more attention to it. By repeatedly forcing air out, you make room for new air so that your breathing can get back on track. This may cause you to cough or it may cause phlegm, but your breathing will be back to normal again.
Asthma Symptoms
Don’t turn on any fans if you see that your room is dusty. Turning on a fan is going to cause the dust to leave its surface and begin filling the air of your environment. It could be better to open the window if you need to get airflow.
There are some medications out there that you could be taking which will actually trigger your asthma symptoms. A couple of common culprits that do this are aspirin and NSAIDs. Additionally, beta blockers, a type of medication used for heart disease and hypertension, may cause asthma symptoms. If you suffer from these conditions and also have asthma, be sure to let your doctor know.
A leukotriene inhibitor may be an excellent way for you to deal with asthma. As its name suggests, this inhibitor works by preventing the release and build-up of leukotriene. Leukotrienes are molecules that cause the tracheal muscles to contract; having too many leukotrienes makes asthma attacks more likely. This inhibitor can prevent leukotrienes, which makes you less likely to have an asthma attack.
Talk to a social worker if you do not have health insurance and need medication for your asthma. 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.
Be certain to properly use your inhaler. Find a quiet secluded area so that you can calmly take the inhaler as directed by the instructions from the manufacturer. The only way the inhaler can help is if the medication can reach your lungs. While inhaling air, spray required dosage in your mouth. Holding your breath for a minimum of 10 seconds gives the medicinal mist from the inhaler time to spread itself throughout your lungs.
Be sure to take plenty of Vitamins C and E if you have asthma. These vitamins make lungs function better and keep symptoms of asthma under control. You can find the vitamins you need in food or supplements. Vitamins C and E are necessary for a healthy immune system. If your immune system isn’t healthy, it won’t be able to fight off illnesses that cause asthma attacks.
If you have asthma and do not have health insurance, you should consider seeing a social worker. Having the financial ability to purchase your asthma medications is essential, and a social worker can help you locate a hospital or clinic that can provide you with these medications for free or at a significantly reduced rate.
Cleaning Products
People who have asthma should stick to using unscented products. Use of scented products, such as perfume, air fresheners and incense, increase the levels of indoor air pollution and can trigger an attack. Certain things around the home, such as newly installed carpet or fresh paint, can also release chemical irritants. Aim to keep the air as fresh as possible indoors.
Using over four kinds of cleaning products in the home can trigger asthma attacks. Try to use organic based cleaning products that are not harmful to asthma sufferers.
Your asthma medication may need to be adjusted if you become ill. An increase in treatment is necessary sometimes because side effects of other sicknesses can cause your asthma symptoms to flare up. It is possible your doctor will want to add additional therapies to your treatment program until you are back on your feet.
You should be ready to increase asthma treatments if you suffer from hay fever or a cold. Many illnesses have side effects that could cause your asthma to flare up so badly that you need to have an increase in treatment. Your regular medication may also need to be combined with other treatments your doctor may recommend.
Regardless of whether your asthma has been flaring up, don’t neglect routine checkups. It is important to make sure your condition isn’t worsening, and your doctor may want to prescribe a different medication.
If you have asthma, or if your children have asthma, it is vital that you receive the flu shot yearly. Therefore, it is very important to avoid as many infections to the lungs as possible by getting a vaccine each year.
There are support groups available to you, both in person or on the Internet. Suffering from asthma can mean many days are spent at home with your condition stopping you from participating in a full and fulfilling lifestyle. Your peers will be able to provide you with advice and tips that work for them, information about new treatment techniques, and even some home remedies you might not know about.
If you suffer from asthma, you might want to use a pillow that doesn’t contain feathers. Feathers can have a negative effect on the lungs and can worsen asthma symptoms. This applies to bedding, as well. Purchase sheets and comforters that are made of hypoallergenic materials.
Asthma usually takes an extended interval of time to fully develop, and the warning signs are rarely obvious. There are actually many people that have passed away from an asthma attack without ever knowing they were even at risk. It is advised that you seek out a medical professional if you ever have shortness of breath or experience constant coughing; this may be a sign that you suffer from asthma and need proper medication to prevent an asthma attack and keep your condition under control.
Even if your asthma is not acting up, attend all of your doctor’s appointments. You can never tell when an attack will strike, or when your physician may have some better or safer advice for you to follow.
If you suffer from asthma, avoid being around smoke. Sometimes smoke can cause an asthma attack. Avoid exposure to chemical fumes and vapors, and any type of wood or cigarette smoke. All of these air-borne pollutants can greatly increase your asthma symptoms. If someone is smoking near you, either ask them to stop or remove yourself from the situation.
Wear a covering over your mouth and nose when you go outdoors in the colder weather. A shawl, scarf or muffler would work well. This will warm the air before it enters your lungs. Young children are especially at risk for an asthma attack if the air they breathe is too cold, but this problem can affect anybody with asthma.
Asthma sufferers should avoid close contact with all animals. An allergy to an animal will worsen asthma symptoms, and an animal can carry enough dust or pollen to trigger an attack.
Rescue Medication
Talk with your physician if you find that you need your inhaler more often than a couple of times weekly. Frequent use may be a signal that the medication is not effective. If you must refill your inhaler over two times a year, then it’s time to inquire with your doctor about a medication switch as well.
Know the right way to take your asthma medication, and above all any rescue medication. Asthma is generally managed through regular medicine which is supplemented with rescue medications like inhalers. Asthma is not curable, so it is very important that you take your medication properly and only use your rescue medication if you need it.
Do all you can to educate yourself about asthma. If you know a lot about asthma, you can work towards fixing it. Keep current with recent developments in asthma treatment and research so that you can maintain cutting edge care in your personal case. To know these things, you must keep learning about your disease and the options available for treatment.
Monitor how often, each week, you need your rescue inhaler. It is possible that your asthma may be out of control or that there are extenuating circumstances that are exacerbating your condition. How often an inhaler is used can help to monitor the environment.
If you have asthma, visit your doctor every three or four months so that they can help you monitor your health. Your doctor will evaluate your condition and make any changes as they see fit. It is up to you to work with your doctor at regular appointments to keep your treatment plan working.
If you suffer from asthma, it is crucial to learn how to manage it. Once you know how to handle it, asthma can be easier to manage. Thankfully, we have learned much about asthma, and the advice given in this article is sure to help improve your quality of life.
Joining a support group for asthma sufferers, or having a conversation with others who have asthma, is very helpful. They can give you pointers and tips on what to do in certain situations, and can help you in your fight against asthma. You need a strong support system!