The lungs are absolutely essential to living a healthy life, everyone knows that, but what everyone doesn’t know is how to live and maintain their stamina whilst suffering from asthma. Don’t let asthma control your life. You can still participate in daily activities and live fully despite this disease. Read the good advice in this article, and learn how to make life with asthma doable.
Can you identify the exact type of asthma you’re dealing with? Before you can develop a self-care plan for your asthma symptoms, you need to know the specific cause of your symptoms. People who suffer from exercise-induced asthma will need to make sure that they have an inhaler with them inside of their gym bag. Knowing the patterns of your symptoms will help you avoid crises.
Know situations and conditions that cause asthma attacks for you, and stay away from them in the future as much as possible. Allergens such as dust and pollen can bring on an asthma attack at any time. For others, it may be linked to physical exertion. Determine what sets your asthma off so you can stay away from these things.
If the room you are in appears to be dusty, refrain from turning on any fans. This could trigger an asthma attack because this will move the dust around. It would be better to just open a window if you are needing to get some airflow.
Be aware of certain medications that can lead to asthma problems. Believe it or not, something as seemingly innocuous as aspirin can actually trigger symptoms. Beta blockers, such as those used to control high blood pressure or heart disease may also have this effect. Make sure your physician is aware of all of your chronic conditions and any medications you are on so they can treat your asthma appropriately.
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. Omalizumab is an antibody medication that is used to control these allergic reaction symptoms and may be recommended by your allergist.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that requires constant management. Be certain that you are prescribed or using the appropriate medicine to manage your daily symptoms, and that you have an emergency medicine readily available in the event of an attack. Find out from your allergist and your doctor what is best for you.
If you are having trouble dealing with asthma, a leukotriene inhibitor might be of good use. These work by preventing the formation of leukotrienes. Leukotriene, a chemical substance, can cause asthma attacks by causing inflammation. If you get a leukotriene inhibitor, it can get rid of them in the air and help you with asthma symptoms.
If allergies lead to constant attacks from your asthma, there has been a recent solution that is administered via injection that provides long term care! An antibody medicine under the name Omalizumab can be used to reduce these symptoms caused by allergies and might be prescribed by your allergist.
Use the inhaler properly. Get to a place out of the way, and read the directions before starting. The inhaler is only useful if the medication within it actually gets to your lungs. Inhale air while spraying the necessary amount of medication into your mouth. Allow the mist to fill up your lungs by holding your breath at least ten seconds.
Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke because it is as dangerous to asthmatics as smoking a cigarette. When you inhale tobacco smoke, particularly in closeted areas, the functioning of your lungs can decrease, and you may suffer an attack.
If you are an asthma sufferer, be sure to get the recommended daily dose of Vitamins C and E. They help to increase the function of the lungs and control the overall symptoms of asthma. It doesn’t matter if you get the vitamins for food or a supplement; just get them. These vitamins can also boost the immune system and help prevent asthma attacks.
Scented products could cause averse reactions to asthma sufferers. It is safest to use unscented products when possible. Products with a strong smell such as air fresheners, incense or perfume can trigger asthma attacks. Fresh paint and new carpeting also produce smells that can cause irritation to the airways. Keep your indoor air as clean as you can.
If you’re having asthma problems, a dehumidifier is a beneficial purchase. A reduction in humidity will also lessen the amount of dust mites in your home. This lessens the chance of an asthma flare up. Dehumidifiers cause the air in your home to become dry, which means less humidity.
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 certain types of household cleaning products that can trigger asthma attacks, and using multiple products is particularly dangerous. Choose instead organic products that are not filled with harmful chemicals.
Look into becoming a part of a support group. There are many to choose from both online and offline. Asthma, particularly if it is severe, can incapacitate you and keep you from going about your daily activities. Furthermore, these groups will keep you informed about any changes in medicines or any other scientific discoveries that are relevant.
While traveling, always keep emergency asthma medication on hand and close by. The stress of travel may temporarily weaken your body and make you more vulnerable to attack triggers. Influencing the environment around you is nearly impossible while on the road, which is another opportunity for deteriorating symptoms or attack triggers.
Asthma Attacks
The more humid your home is, the easier it is for mildew and mold to grow. This stuff can easily set off an asthma attack. So, it makes sense to keep dry air in your home. During winter, use a device to dehumidify in the winter, and air condition in the summer.
Some of the major causes of asthma, and triggers for asthma attacks, can exist right in the home. These include mold, dust and spores. To keep yourself healthy and avoid asthma attacks, you may need to hire an inspector to come out once a year to test your home and remove any irritants. Clean up your house regularly so these substances do not accumulate.
Know the right way to take your asthma medication, and above all any rescue medication. Typical asthma treatment includes regular medicine supplemented by a rescue inhaler. Asthma is a serious, chronic health condition, and it’s vital that you take medicine to manage the disease properly and use the rescue medications as directed.
Making mouth and nose coverings such as mufflers, shawls or scarves a routine part of your winter wardrobe can help you ward off asthma attacks. This will warm the air up before you breathe it into your lungs. Inhaling cold air can elicit an asthma attack or create other serious respiratory problems.
During the week, you should take note each time your rescue inhaler is used. Using it more often than twice weekly means that you should have your asthma assessed by a doctor. How frequently you need to use the inhaler can help you recognize any environmental changes you need to make.
When taking asthma medications on a plane trip, bring written medical prescriptions provided by your doctor. Having written documentation supporting this medically necessary item will eliminate any hassles when going through the security check point.
Bed linens often trap allergens, dust, pollen and other things that can aggravate asthma. You can avoid this by making sure to wash your bed linens in hot water at least once a week. The freshly laundered linens will make it easier for you to breath when you are sleeping.
Although asthma is a chronic, lifelong condition, managing it gets easier over time. It’s especially helpful to follow tips like the ones you just read and your doctor’s advice. There are new developments in treatment and medications every year that make asthma easier to manage.
Consider using more than just one doctor. Even though your primary care doctor can assist you in the basic care for your asthma, consider visiting a specialist also. Allergists, asthma centers, pulmonologists, and even nutritionists can work with you to make sure you are taking advantage of all avenues of treatment.