Are you someone who has to deal with asthma? This article provides many easy tips that will help you be better able to control asthma symptoms.
Smoking is extremely harmful if you suffer from asthma. If you are not already a smoker, don’t start, and if you are, quit as soon as possible. Smoking is bad in general for everyone, but it is particularly worse for asthma suffers because it decreases the amount of oxygen in the lungs, putting you at higher risk for asthma attacks.
You need to make sure that you do not smoke and that you stay away from a lot of fumes and vapors if you suffer from asthma. You should avoid jobs where you might be exposed to fumes and chemicals, such as factories.
Learn what triggers your asthma so that you can avoid it. For some, allergens such as dust and pollen can trigger an attack. For others, physical activity can irritate them. Try to figure out when your asthma began so it can be avoided.
If you are suffering from asthma, it is essential that you quit smoking cigarettes. Smoking isn’t healthy for anyone, but if you are afflicted with asthma, preventing oxygen from getting to your lungs is just begging for an attack.
Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can actually trigger an asthma attack. Some over the counter medications can irritate your asthma. Common medications used for controlling high blood pressure often times contain beta blockers, which asthmatics may be more sensitive to. Make sure you consult with your doctor concerning your asthma and possible drug reactions.
If you have asthma, avoid cigarette smoke of all kinds. Do not smoke yourself, either! Avoid fumes and vapors of any kind. These irritants can be a trigger for a severe asthma attack. If you find yourself in a situation where you are around smokers, remove yourself as quickly as possible.
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. An asthma attack can be easily triggered by the moving dust. Open a window instead to get the air flowing.
If allergy symptoms cause you to have moderate to severe asthma attacks, there is a medication available that can help for extended periods of time. Known as Omalizumab, this antibody medicine can control the body’s allergic senses and lower the symptoms or reactions that asthma patients suffer.
Consider getting injections of medications to treat your asthma if you are prone to attacks induced by allergy symptoms. Ask your allergist about omalizumab, an antibody drug that can reduce the severity of asthma symptoms and the frequency of attacks.
Make sure you are using your inhaler properly. Find a good place and follow all of the directions that have been provided by the maker of the product. The medicine in the inhaler only works if it actually makes it to your lungs. Inhale the air and spray the right amount down your throat. After inhaling, it’s important that you hold the medication in by holding your breath for 10 seconds at the least.
Leukotriene inhibitors can help control the symptoms of asthma. These work by preventing the formation of leukotrienes. The chemical leukotriene is a common cause of inflammation in the lungs which in turn, can trigger asthma attacks. This inhibitor can prevent leukotrienes, which makes you less likely to have an asthma attack.
Regular flu shots are important if you or one of your children suffer from asthma. Stave off these infections immediately by getting your vaccinations yearly.
If you suffer from asthma, avoid smokers, even if you do not smoke yourself. You can suffer an asthma attack if you are around cigarette smoke because it makes your lungs function poorly. You are even more exposed to an attack when the smoke is in a closed-in room or area.
If you suffer from asthma, you should refrain from sleeping on a pillow that contains feathers. Feathers can decrease lung function and cause asthma symptoms. Also, make sure your other bedding is made with hypoallergenic materials.
While everyone appreciates the look and feel of a clean house, asthma sufferers in particular benefit from a healthy environment as it can decrease the risk of asthma attacks, especially in a sleeping area. Keep food in a kitchen or on the dining room table, and avoid cigarette smoking inside. Once you have cleaned your house, air it out; you should also eliminate utilizing any toxic chemicals inside.
Don’t miss your appointment for an asthma checkup simply because you aren’t currently having any problems with your condition. You don’t know when you could have another flare-up, or if there are better or safer medications available.
Regardless of whether your asthma has been flaring up, don’t neglect routine checkups. You can never tell when an attack will strike, or when your physician may have some better or safer advice for you to follow.
Daily Medication
Some of the main triggers of asthma attacks happen right inside the home. These include mold, dust and spores. Have your home inspected for and cleaned of these things to reduce the occurrence of asthma attacks. It also helps to clean your home frequently to prevent a buildup of these allergens.
It is crucial that you know how to properly use your asthma treatments, particularly rescue inhalers. 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.
Wear scarves, shawls and mufflers to cover your noise and mouth during colder weather. This way, the air will be warm before entering your lungs. Studies have indicated that asthma attacks are sometimes triggered when cold air is inhaled. This is especially true for young children who have asthma that is moderate to severe.
When flying and bringing along asthma medications and equipment, be sure to pack your prescriptions. This is especially true for large items like a nebulizer. When you have written proof that these items are necessary it can help speed along the security procedures.
If traveling by plane with your asthma equipment or medications, always carry your written prescription with you to avoid problems. If you have the proof that this is a medical necessity, it can cause less hassles during the security check.
Th above article provided you with advice to keep your asthma at bay. However, the most important factor is your persistence in applying them. Asthma symptoms can return if you neglect triggers and signs for even a small period of time. Make sure that you’re always using accurate information, like the ones above to help keep your asthma under control.
Make sure you count how many times, within a week, you have to use your inhaler. If your records start to show you need the inhaler more than two times weekly, your environment might be causing you problems or your asthma is not being controlled as well as it could be. Counting how many times you reach for your inhaler can be a good aid to remind you of what environments you need to control and what else you may need to manage.