Asthma can make your life difficult, frustrating and sad. It inhibits the capacity to live easily, and do thinks like take a walk. To make matters worse, there is no cure for asthma, and it can be hard to control. The following article offers some great advice on how you can prevent your asthma symptoms from becoming out of control.
Can you identify the exact type of asthma you’re dealing with? Learning about your type of asthma will help you to deal with it. For example, if you have exercise-induced asthma, you will want to always make sure you have an inhaler in your gym bag. Learn what activities trigger your symptoms, and prepare accordingly so that you’re never caught without your inhaler during an asthma attack.
Avoid being around any known asthma triggers. Perhaps you have allergies or are sensitive to dust and pollen. For others, attacks can be caused by physical activities. Try to figure out when your asthma began so it can be avoided.
If you have an asthmatic child, do not allow anyone to smoke around him. Secondhand smoke is one of the leading culprits that causes asthma. You should never put your children in a situation where they are exposed to people who are smoking.
If you are experiencing a moderately severe attack, try to first exhale completely. Breathe out hard and fast. Force your lungs to expel as much air as possible. 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 will create a rhythm and will help you be aware of the way you are breathing. When air is forcefully exhaled, it allows a fresh intake of air to fill your lungs. You may cough or generate sputum, this is okay, your main goal is to get your breathing back on track again.
Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can actually trigger an asthma attack. Some NSAIDs and aspirin might do this. Other medications that may have an effect on the respiratory system include beta blockers used to treat high blood pressure. Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking such medicine and also have asthma.
Social workers are there for your assistance if you live with asthma, yet can’t get approved for health insurance. It is critical that every asthma sufferer have access to the proper medicines to keep the condition under control, and a social worker could help you locate a hospital or clinic that will provide you the necessary medication on a low or no-fee basis.
Don’t turn on any fans if you see that your room is dusty. All this does is circulate the dust, which is an invitation to triggering an otherwise avoidable asthma attack. A fan will just blow around dust without providing fresh air, so opening a window is a better option as it brings in fresh air and ventilation.
Be sure you and your family members get a yearly flu vaccination. Try to avoid getting any respiratory infections if you have asthma. The preventative measures you can take against such sickness range from simple habits of hand washing to getting your annual flu shot.
Consider getting allergy shots if you have asthma that is caused by allergies that aren’t under control. An antibody medicine under the name Omalizumab can be used to reduce these symptoms caused by allergies and might be prescribed by your allergist.
When suffering from asthma, there are vitamins that can help, including E and C. It is thought that these vitamins will help increase lung function and will help control asthma symptoms. Vitamin C is available in multiple forms. You can find it in citrus fruits, supplements, and in many other places. These vitamins also help boost your immune system, which helps to prevent illnesses that trigger asthma.
Use the inhaler the right way. An inhaler is most effective if used in a relaxed location and according to the maker’s instructions. The inhaler only helps if the medication reaches your lungs. As you are inhaling air, spray the correct dosage in your mouth. Then, don’t breathe for around 10 seconds so that the medication permeates your lungs.
IF you have asthma, you should consider buying a dehumidifier. Dust mites are a major source of asthma attacks, and dehumidifiers are great at getting rid of the little buggers. A dehumidifier makes the air in your home dry by keeping humidity to a minimum.
Asthmatics should have a flu shot every year to prevent contracting a serious respiratory infection. If you suffer from asthma, it is best to avoid respiratory infections of any type as much as possible. The easiest way to start is by performing routine hand-washing, limiting your touching of surfaces while in public places, and getting vaccinations recommended by your doctor.
If you deal with asthma in your life, always choose products that are free of scents. Simple everyday things such as air fresheners, incense and perfume can cause indoor air pollution levels to increase and trigger an attack. Fresh paint and new carpeting can also irritate the airway. Because the dangers these things represent, it is important to always keep indoor air fresh to the best of your ability.
It is best to use products that are unscented in the home with someone who is asthmatic. Using scented products, like air fresheners and perfume, will increase the level of air pollution and is likely to trigger an attack. Fresh paint and new carpeting give off odors that can irritate sensitive airways. Aim to make the air inside your home allergen free, and as fresh and clean as possible.
If someone in your home has asthma, make sure to keep a clean house, especially their bedroom so that the risk of an attack is reduced. Only allow food in the kitchen, and never smoke indoors. Don’t use bleach or harsh chemicals inside, and air out the house as much as possible after cleaning.
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. If you have asthma, it’s most likely triggered by things such as being around animals or pollen. Most asthmatics also can’t tolerate smoke. If at all possible, strive to avoid substances and locations that trigger your asthma symptoms or attacks.
If you have asthma, or if your children have asthma, it is vital that you receive the flu shot yearly. Prevent these infections from occurring by going to get vaccinated each year.
Those who have asthma should avoid down pillows. Feathers can aggravate symptoms of asthma and lower lung function. Also, make sure your other bedding is made with hypoallergenic materials.
Even if your asthma seems like it is under control, always keep your asthma appointments with the doctor. You cannot be certain when you will next have an issue with your asthma, or when there may be a better medication available to utilize for your condition.
For many people, their homes can be triggering their asthma, or even causing their asthma in the first place. Dander, dust and mold are all commonly found in many homes. Have your home inspected for and cleaned of these things to reduce the occurrence of asthma attacks. If you clean your house regularly, you can minimize the risk of these substances accumulating in your dwelling.
Humidity is a problem in the home, because it creates conditions that are perfect for mildew and mold growth. Both of these substances are known to trigger asthma attacks. You should therefore try to keep your home dry. In the winter months, use a dehumidifier in order to get rid of moisture. Your air conditioner will keep it dry in the summer.
Know how to properly use asthma medicine, especially your rescue medication. Typical asthma treatment includes regular medicine supplemented by a rescue inhaler. It’s crucial that medication for management of asthma is taken regularly, and that rescue medication is also used when appropriate.
Rescue Inhaler
Asthma isn’t often something that pops up over night, but instead takes time to develop and the symptoms are slowly noticeable. Sometimes, a person can die from their first asthma attack without actually knowing they had the disease to begin with! If you have any trouble breathing or are coughing a lot, you need to see a doctor to determine what it is and if you need any medication or treatment for asthma prevention.
Be sure to thoroughly understand how to utilize asthma medication correctly, particularly any rescue medication. Most people treat their asthma with regular daily medication, and carry supplemental emergency medication in the form of a rescue inhaler. Asthma doesn’t go away, so it’s important to be vigilant about taking your daily medication and using your rescue inhaler when an attack occurs.
If you are cleaning, you should use a mop that is damp instead of a dry broom. Sweeping your floor can kick allergens into the air, triggering an asthma attack. When you dust, use a damp cloth instead of a feather duster which can spread these triggers.
See how many times a week you typically use the rescue inhaler. If you have to use your inhaler more than twice, then our asthma is not being controlled effectively, and you may need to see your doctor for a way to get it under control again. The frequency of use of your inhaler can give you an idea about your surroundings and the need to watch them.
Avoid smoke, if you don’t want to have an asthma attack. Smoke can trigger 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 you are being exposed to things that may irritate your asthma, remove yourself from the situation as quickly as possible.
As you read in the beginning, asthma is an extremely severe medical problem that needs to be taken seriously. When you feel your symptoms are spiraling out of control, look to a doctor for advice. Until then, take appropriate measures to prevent symptoms from worsening. Don’t let asthma control your life, rather use these suggestions to get away from your symptoms.
Do not smoke cigarettes. Most people know that smoking is dangerous, but if you have asthma there are more serious consequences. Smoking is very bad for people who suffer from asthma, be sure not to smoke, but not to be around people that smoke.