Living with asthma is challenging. Some tasks, including going for a stroll, may be be experienced with a limited capacity to go through with. To make matters worse, there is no cure for asthma, and it can be hard to control. Read on to learn how to get the worst symptoms under better control.
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. Because of this, you should avoid any kind of tobacco smoke and take any job that you want to apply for into consideration; factories could expose you to a variety of smoke, vapors and dust.
Do you know what type of asthma you have? Being aware of your specific condition will help you combat the effects it has over your body day in and day out. If your asthma is triggered by exercise, throw an inhaler into your gym bag. If you know and understand your asthma triggers, you can better avoid and handle attacks.
There are many different types of asthma. Gaining as much knowledge as you can about the type of asthma you have can make your day-to-day activities a little easier. For example, if your asthma is induced by exercise, it might be wise to always have an inhaler in your gym bag. Knowing symptom patterns will help you prevent emergencies.
Ensure your child is never around smoke to handle their asthma. 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.
Smoking is a horrible habit, even deadly, for an asthma sufferer. Although smoking causes health problems for everyone, it is even more dangerous to asthma sufferers because the smoke causes airway swelling that cuts off oxygen to your lungs, and can trigger an attack.
Suffer from asthma? It is vital that you not smoke tobacco; if you do, quit. Smoking is unhealthy for anyone, regardless of their health; however, when you have asthma, smoking restricts the oxygen your lungs needs to breathe and function properly. If your lung function is affected, you run the risk of having more frequent attacks.
Proper knowledge of how to use your inhaler is necessary if you have asthma. A lot of people use inhalers improperly, so be sure that you’re adhering to the manufacturer’s suggested instructions. The inhaler will only work if the medicine reaches your lungs. Spray the stated dose of medicine into your mouth as you inhale. Hold your breath at least ten seconds, so that the medicated mist can fill your lungs.
When suffering a mild or even moderate asthma attack, attempt to push all air from your lungs. Exhale quickly and forcefully. Expel the air in your lungs with great force! Then take three small breaths in, followed by a deeper breath to fill your lungs comfortably. Next, exhale forcefully again. This creates a rhythm to your breathing, making you pay attention to the breaths you take. It also voids your lungs of old air so that new air can enter. Do not be alarmed if you cough or generate excess mucous; this is perfectly normal. Your only concern is to return your breathing to normal.
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. To do this you must take extra precautions against getting sick, like washing your hands often and getting vaccinated every year.
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. The wind will move dust around and get into your airways causing an 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.
When suffering from asthma, there are vitamins that can help, including E and C. They help to increase the function of the lungs and control the overall symptoms of asthma. You can get these vitamins from food or take a supplement. Getting enough vitamins is also a good way to prevent asthma attacks by boosting your immune system.
Everyone in your family, including you, should get the flu vaccination every year. Respiratory infections can seriously hurt those who suffer from asthma, so take measures to avoid contracting them. It’s important to take the standard precautions against these illnesses, such as hand washing and vaccinations.
Stay away from cigarette smoke, even if it’s secondhand. If you inhale the smoke, it will harm your lungs and increase the possibility of an asthma attack. Always be mindful of this, especially in small spaces that do not have very much air flowing.
Immune System
Unscented products are the safest option for those who suffer from asthma. Products with a fragrance raise the air pollution indoors, and increase the risk of an attack being triggered. Some of these products include incense, scented body sprays and air fresheners. 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 you suffer from asthma, be sure your diet includes lots of Vitamins C and E. These vitamins are thought to help improve lung function and control asthma symptoms. Many foods have these vitamins in abundance, but you can also use a supplemental pill. Vitamins C and E are necessary for a healthy immune system. If your immune system isn’t healthy, it won’t be able to fight off illnesses that cause asthma attacks.
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. Food should only be eaten in the kitchen area, and whatever you do, please don’t smoke. Try not to use bleach or other irritants inside, and always thoroughly change the air in your house after cleaning.
A dehumidifier can significantly reduce the asthma attacks experienced by you or other afflicted members of your household. Lowering the level of humidity present in your home can reduce the numbers of dust mites, a prime trigger of asthma. Air is kept dry by dehumidifiers by sucking the humidity out of it.
Asthma treatment dosages will need to be increased if you are sick with a cold or are dealing with hay fever. Treatment may be increased in these cases as many illnesses have side effects that can cause flare ups in your asthma. It is possible that your doctor will decide to modify your treatment, or even add additional treatments, until you are back on your feet.
Keep your home clean. By keeping a clean environment, especially in a bedroom, you can lower your risk of asthma attacks. Also, you should keep food confined to the kitchen, and opt to smoke outdoors only. Thoroughly air out your house after every cleaning, and stay away from bleach and similar harsh chemicals while cleaning indoors.
Realize what triggers your attacks, and you can avoid or manage these situations. Common triggers among asthma sufferers are smoke, pollen, or pet dander. Whenever you can, avoid the things that trigger your asthma.
As stated earlier, asthma must be taken seriously. It is a medical condition with symptoms that can potentially be catastrophic. Take all appropriate measures to prevent and reduce symptoms, while also seeking professional help if the condition becomes out of control. Understand that it will require some pretty large changes in your life if you wish to live healthily, but they can be accommodated in a minimal and even enjoyable manner.
Find a good support group in the Internet or in your area. Asthma is a terrible condition that can prevent you from engaging in simple daily activities. As science marches on, new medications and treatments for asthma become available, and you can keep abreast of this progress through a good support group.