If you do not treat your asthma, it can quickly become dangerous. A severe asthma attack can put you in the hospital or kill you. It’s best to see a doctor first, but in many cases, you’ll need to take additional action on your own. Here are a few easy tips to help you get a handle on your asthma symptoms.
A good tip that can help your child cope with asthma is to make sure you never smoke around them. Secondhand smoke is a huge health risk and directly plays a role in why people develop asthma. Ensure that your child is not around other people that smoke, either.
Always be very mindful of the type of medications you’re taking. Some meds out there might just trigger an asthma attack. Some of these include aspirin and NSAIDs. Some medications for blood pressure and heart disease – those referred to as beta blockers – can also exacerbate asthma problems. If you have asthma and these other conditions, let your physician know.
When you have asthma, you need to be careful around chemical cleaning products. Cleaning products may contain chemicals which can trigger an asthmatic episode, such as ammonia. It is advisable to consider using products that have an organic base when cleaning.
Cigarette smoke and asthma do not mix. Smoking is especially dangerous for asthmatics. Avoid breathing in any of the vapors or other chemical fumes. More often than not, smoke is going to trigger an unavoidable asthma attack. If people smoke around you, you should get away form that area.
Never turn on a fan when the room you are in is very dusty. All this does is circulate the dust, which is an invitation to triggering an otherwise avoidable asthma attack. It is much better to open a window when you are in need of some air flow.
Leukotriene Inhibitor
Make certain that all members of your family get their annual flu shot. It is a good idea to avoid all respiratory infections when you have asthma. It’s important to take the standard precautions against these illnesses, such as hand washing and vaccinations.
Try a leukotriene inhibitor if you have asthma. It works to prevent leukotrienes. Leukotriene is a type of chemical substance which may cause inflammation and could cause an attack. If you get a leukotriene inhibitor, it can get rid of them in the air and help you with asthma symptoms.
It has been shown that if you use multiple varieties of cleaning products around your house, it will increase the chance of an asthma attack. Use organic products as often as possible, as these contain fewer harsh chemicals.
Learn how to use an inhaler in the correct manner if you do not already know. An inhaler is most effective if used in a relaxed location and according to the maker’s instructions. The inhaler will only reduce symptoms if the medication can get to your lungs. Inhale deeply as you dispense the correct amount into your mouth. Then, don’t breathe for around 10 seconds so that the medication permeates your lungs.
If you suffer from asthma, avoid smokers, even if you do not smoke yourself. Tobacco smoke causes your lung function to decrease, increasing the risk of a very severe attack, especially in enclosed rooms without much air flow or ventilation.
Keep your home meticulously clean to reduce attack potential if there is an asthma sufferer living there, especially the bedroom. Keep food consumption to the kitchen and the dining room, and never allow anyone to smoke in the house. After you clean, let the house air out completely, and stay away from using any harsh chemicals (especially bleach) inside.
If you suffer from asthma, it’s best to avoid pillows full of feathers. Pillow feathers force the lungs to work harder and can exacerbate asthma problems. The same can be said for bedding, try to get hypoallergenic comforters and sheets.
When you are suffering from asthma and you have hay fever or a cold, you will most likely need an increase in your treatment. Some illnesses create issues that make it necessary to increase medication temporarily. Your doctor may also add another treatment to your regimen until your illness gets better.
Whenever you travel, always keep your rescue inhaler or other fast-acting medication by your side at all times. Travel adds stress on your physical body, and it might increase your chances of falling prey to asthma triggers. It’s hard to have much control over your environment when you travel, which makes it more likely you will have some sort of symptoms or an asthma attack.
Make sure you get a flu shot each year if you have asthma or if your child does. Therefore, it is very important to avoid as many infections to the lungs as possible by getting a vaccine each year.
Attend your regular asthma checkups, even if things seem to be going well. It is important to make sure your condition isn’t worsening, and your doctor may want to prescribe a different medication.
There are support groups available to you, both in person or on the Internet. Asthma can be an extremely debilitating health issue and can stop you from participating in life the way you want to. Also, communicating with other people with asthma will keep you in the know about changes in how the condition is understood and treated.
Consider joining a support group, either on or offline. Left untreated, asthma can be very debilitating and prevent you from enjoying your normal activities. Also, other asthma sufferers can help keep you aware of new medications or other medical treatments.
When housecleaning, it is better to clean your floors with a damp mop than sweeping them with a broom. An asthma attack is one possible outcome of a sweeping session that fills the air around you with allergens and dust. Also, use damp rags instead of feather dusters to dust your furniture.
Many of the most common asthma triggers are found in the home. Some triggers include spores, dust and mold. Having your house inspected yearly is a good way to reduce the presence of these asthma triggers. Also, cleaning your house can help with this buildup.
Asthma sufferers should avoid coming into contact with both domestic and farm animals. While allergies to dander or animal hair can possibly complicate your asthma, even those with no such allergies can have asthma attacks by inhaling the pollen and dust animals usually carry about with them.
Monitor your weekly inhaler use and tally how many times you need to use it to control an attack. It is possible that your asthma may be out of control or that there are extenuating circumstances that are exacerbating your condition. The amount you utilize your inhaler can remind you to always monitor your environment as a means of effectively managing your asthma.
Asthma is an uncurable disease, but that doesn’t mean that the symptoms are permanent and can’t go away. However, just like most things in life, overcoming your asthma symptoms takes time and effort. If you follow these easy tips, you’ll find that your symptoms will get better over time and you’ll be able to enjoy a healthier, more active lifestyle.
If you are cleaning, you should use a mop that is damp instead of a dry broom. When you sweep, you are stirring up asthma triggers that can cause you to have an asthma attack. When you dust, try dampening a rag, instead of a feather duster, to avoid spreading things that can trigger your asthma.