Asthma is a serious medical condition that can have a huge impact on your life. It may not be something you can simply get rid of, but with a little work it becomes manageable. Learning ways to manage your asthma will keep your condition from becoming a potentially life-threatening issue. This article gives you insightful tips on ways to control your symptoms of asthma.
People afflicted by asthma should make it a priority to always avoid exposure to smoke, vapors and fumes. This includes all tobacco products, and you also need to be careful if you are going to apply for a job in a factory or where you have the potential to be exposed to vapors and harmful smoke.
Never take medications without getting your doctor’s approval so you don’t wind up taking one that has a side effect of exacerbating asthma.. Various NSAIDs and aspirin have been reported to do this. 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.
If you have asthma, avoid cigarette smoke of all kinds. Smoking is especially dangerous for asthmatics. Stay away from vapors and all chemical fumes so you are not able to breathe them in. These can trigger a severe asthma attack that can be difficult to get under control. You should give up on the smokes if you have asthma and also make sure to avoid other people who are smoking.
If you find yourself having a mild asthma attack, force the air from your lungs until they are empty. Exhale in a hard and fast manner. Get the air all out of the lungs. Inhale in three short breaths and one fourth deeper breath so that your lungs are comfortably full of air, then exhale forcefully again. This method forces you to pay close attention to your breathing and create a steady rhythm. It also expels air from your lungs so more can enter. You may generate sputum or cough but that is alright, since your main objective is getting you to breathe normally again.
Avoid using a fan in any room that has excessive dust. This can move the dust around and can trigger an attack easily. It would be better to just open a window if you are needing to get some airflow.
Don’t turn on any fans if you see that your room is dusty. The wind will move dust around and get into your airways causing an attack. If you feel you need airflow, open a window instead.
Make proper use of your inhaler. Find a quiet spot and follow the instructions the manufacturer has given. The inhaler is only beneficial if the medicine gets to your lungs. Spray the stated dose of medicine into your mouth as you inhale. You should keep your breath held for 10 seconds at a minimum to let the medicated mist fill up your lungs.
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. There are antibody medications used to control allergic reactions that come recommended by allergists.
Talk to a social worker if you’re not eligible for any health insurance and you’re an asthma sufferer. Affording asthma medication is important for handling the illness, and social workers can find places the offer the medicine at low costs.
Make sure you are using your inhaler properly. Find a quiet spot and follow the instructions the manufacturer has given. Remember that using an inhaler is only going to help you if the medication contained within makes its way to the lungs. As you are inhaling air, spray the correct dosage in your mouth. Be sure to hold the mist in your lungs for about ten seconds.
If you suffer from asthma, make sure that you consume enough Vitamin C and Vitamin E. There is some evidence that these two vitamins can improve breathing and lower the frequency of asthma attacks. It doesn’t matter if you get the vitamins for food or a supplement; just get them. The vitamins can help to boost the immune system, which will help you to stay healthy and less ill, which means you will have less asthma attacks.
If you have asthma, it is imperative that you stay away from smokers. Inhaled smoke from tobacco can drastically reduce lung function, increasing your chances of an asthma attack. This is especially true in closed-in areas.
If you use any more than four kinds of cleaning product around your home, then the risk of an asthma attack is increased. To limit the chemicals in the air, look for organic cleaning alternatives.
Hay Fever
People who have asthma should avoid using scented household products. Products that contain fragrance, such as perfumes, colognes, or air fresheners, introduce irritants into the air around you that can trigger your asthma. Certain things in the home, such as newly installed carpet or fresh paint, can also release chemical irritants. Keep your indoor air as clean as you can.
Hay fever and colds can worsen asthma symptoms so prepare to need increased treatments. An increase in treatment is necessary sometimes because side effects of other sicknesses can cause your asthma symptoms to flare up. Your doctor may prescribe a new medicine or change the dose of your existing medication until the hay fever or cold passes.
Avoid pillows stuffed with goosedown or other feathers if you have an asthma problem. Feathers in a pillow can bring on the symptoms of asthma and decrease lung function. The same it true for bedding, try purchasing sheets and comforters that are created from hypoallergenic materials.
A yearly flu shot is necessary if you suffer from asthma. Make sure your child’s vaccinations are up-to-date to avoid as many infections as possible.
Even if you are feeling great, don’t skip your asthma check-ups. Asthma can flare-up at any time, and you never know, perhaps your doctor has safer or better medications which can help your symptoms.
Pay a visit to your physician if you feel that your symptoms are taking a turn for the worse. The best thing you can do is put the advice you just read to use and make asthma a mere annoyance rather than something that controls your life.
It is crucial that you know how to properly use your asthma treatments, particularly rescue inhalers. A typical asthma treatment plan is daily medication backed up with an emergency inhaler. Because asthma does not get cured, those afflicted with it must continue to take their regular medication and use their rescue inhaler when needed.