If you have recently been handed a diagnosis of asthma, you may find yourself in a panic. Asthma is a chronic condition, meaning there is no cure. An asthma diagnosis is definitely not the end of the world, though. This article will explain some helpful tips that can aid you to manage your asthma diagnosis.
If you suffer from asthma, you should not smoke or expose yourself to any type of vapors or fumes. That means you have to avoid all tobacco, and seriously consider think about what jobs you take; for example, factories are probably not a healthy place for you because of all the vapors and smoke.
If asthma is something that you are afflicted with, then don’t smoke or immediately quit. Smoking is bad for everyone, but it’s particularly dangerous for an asthma sufferer, as it cuts off vital oxygen to the lungs.
Some asthmas are specific to certain triggers, so identify what kind you have. You can learn to combat the life changing effects of asthma by understanding your specific type. One example of this is exercise-induced asthma. This type of asthmatic will need to carry his inhaler with him when he goes for a run. Learn what activities trigger your symptoms, and prepare accordingly so that you’re never caught without your inhaler during an asthma attack.
If the room that you’re in is dusty, do not turn on a fan. This will move all the dust around, and can easily trigger an asthma attack. Open some windows if you want fresh air.
When you are having a difficult time with asthma, you might want to use a leukotriene inhibitor. A leukotriene inhibitor prevents the formation of leukotrienes. Leukotriene is a substance that can bring about inflammation, resulting in an asthma attack. Taking an inhibitor will reduce the amount of this substance your body produces, which should decrease the number of attacks you experience.
You should ensure that every family member in your household gets a flu vaccine yearly. Asthma sufferers need to be careful and guard against any upper-resperatory illnesses. It is important to do things like hand washing and receiving proper vaccinations.
When suffering from asthma, there are vitamins that can help, including E and C. There is some evidence that these two vitamins can improve breathing and lower the frequency of asthma attacks. Get these nutrients through supplements or food. These vitamins also help boost your immune system, which helps to prevent illnesses that trigger asthma.
Make sure you are taking plenty of Vitamins E and C if you suffer from asthma. They help to increase the function of the lungs and control the overall symptoms of asthma. Either find a good vitamin supplement to take, or change your diet to include more foods rich in Vitamins E and C. Another great benefit of vitamin C is that it will help to strengthen your immune system overall.
You need to know what the asthma triggers are so that they can be avoided or treated promptly. Smoke, pollen, or pet dander are common triggers. Whenever you can, stay away from these agents that can trigger symptoms or cause full-blown asthma attacks.
If you are dealing with asthma, you would benefit from buying a dehumidifier. Though you may not be aware of it, high levels of humidity in indoor spaces can increase dust mites, which then can affect asthma. Dehumidifiers cause the air in your home to become dry, which means less humidity.
Don’t miss your appointment for an asthma checkup simply because you aren’t currently having any problems with your condition. Flare-ups can occur at any time; plus, your doctor may have a new medication that he or she can offer you that will make your treatment safer and more effective.
Always choose unscented products for your home if you have asthma. Using products in your home such as incense, perfume or air fresheners can increase the amount of microscopic pollutants indoors and trigger asthma attacks. Many things in the home release chemicals that irritate the lungs, such as newly installed carpet or fresh paint. As much as possible, try to keep your home filled with fresh, pure air.
Think about becoming a member of a support group, whether it is online or somewhere local. Suffering from asthma can mean many days are spent at home with your condition stopping you from participating in a full and fulfilling lifestyle. Also, other asthma sufferers can help keep you aware of new medications or other medical treatments.
Be aware that your asthma medication may need to be adjusted if you are suffering from a cold, flu or hay fever. Make sure your doctor prescribes a fast acting inhaler for emergency situations. Your doctor might add additional medication until your sickness gets better.
Your home might harbor several of the major triggers of asthma attacks. Some of these irritants include dust, mold and spores. To keep healthy, lower your risk of an asthma attack by getting rid of these triggers from your home. Clean up your house regularly so these substances do not accumulate.
Pay attention to your symptom triggers. The more aware of your triggers you become, the easier it will be to avoid them and reduce the number of attacks you suffer. If you have asthma, it’s most likely triggered by things such as being around animals or pollen. Most asthmatics also can’t tolerate smoke. It is best to do all that is possible to avoid triggers that can cause attacks.
During the colder months, avoid asthma attacks by wearing a scarf, shawl or muffler that covers the mouth and nose. This warms the air before you bring it into your lungs. Breathing in cold air tends to start asthma attacks, especially with younger children that have severe or moderate asthma.
Avoid feather pillows if you suffer from asthma. 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.
Be sure you understand how to use the medication you’re given for asthma properly, especially your rescue medication. Typical asthma treatment includes regular medicine supplemented by a rescue inhaler. It’s crucial that medication for management of asthma is taken regularly, and that rescue medication is also used when appropriate.
Asthma Attacks
Make note of how often, on a weekly basis, you use your inhaler. You should not have to rely on a rescue inhaler more than twice per week. If you find yourself needing it more often, it could be a sign that your asthma is not being controlled well or that there is a new environmental factor causing attacks more frequently. The frequency of your inhaler use is a good way to remember to check out your environmental surroundings and be mindful of all factors relating to your asthma regimen.
Some common catalysts of asthma attacks regularly occur in the home. These triggers inside the home are usually spores, mold and dust. To reduce asthma attacks and stay healthy, have an inspector remove any harmful agents yearly. On top of that, doing housecleaning regularly can prevent build up of these particles.
Allergens, dust, pollen and other things that can aggravate your asthma tend to collect inside bed linens. The easiest way to get rid of these triggering agents is by washing all of your bedding using your washer’s hot setting every Sunday. You’re less likely to have an asthma attack while asleep or upon first waking up if your bedding is fresh and clean.
Asthma isn’t often something that pops up over night, but instead takes time to develop and the symptoms are slowly noticeable. Sometimes, a person can die from their first asthma attack without actually knowing they had the disease to begin with! Discuss with your doctor if you are having problems trying to catch your breath or have had a persistent cough for a while. There is the possibility that you have developed asthma, and if so, your doctor can tell you what the best method to treat it would be.
Visit at least two different doctors. Although your primary doctor can treat your asthma, a specialist may be able to provide further help. The allergists, pulmonologists and nutritionists in asthma centers can help you take full advantage of all treatments available.
If you have asthma, don’t stop using your inhaler unless your doctor tells you to. However, watch for infections in your gums or other mouth discomfort after using your inhaler. Prevent these unnecessary side effects by gargling and brushing your teeth right after you use the inhaler.
Do not smoke! People know that smoking is dangerous, but it is even more dangerous to those with asthma. Smoke irritates the lungs of an asthma sufferer, so avoid the presence of people who smoke if you have asthma.
Bed linens are a magnet for nasty allergens and asthma triggers, including dust and pollen. Use fresh linens to make up your bed on a regular basis. Fresh bed linens, washed regularly, will ensure that you can breathe a little easier while you sleep.
People who suffer from asthma should stay inside as much as they can when the pollen count is up. Even though asthma is not technically an allergy, those who suffer from allergies often find their condition is exacerbated by the same irritants and triggers that those afflicted with asthma are affected by as well. Check the local air quality report online to determine whether to stay indoors and keep irritant exposure to a minimum.
People who suffer from asthma should stay inside as much as they can when the pollen count is up. Although asthma is not an allergy, many of the same irritants that trouble allergy sufferers affect asthma sufferers too. Technology has brought with it real-time air quality reports that can be consulted before exposure to outdoor air that may cause irritation to asthmatics.
If you are suffering from an asthma attack, try to remain calm and do not panic. You should use your inhaler immediately upon the first signs of an attack. Once you have used it, use it again 30 seconds later. Don’t suffer in silence or wait it out if your breathing gets worse instead of better after using your inhaler. You need immediate medical attention if this happens. Have someone phone an ambulance or drive you to a hospital. To calm yourself on the drive, bring a paper bag and breathe into it, as this will slow your breathing.
Dealing with asthma is rather like being a Boy Scout; the important part is to be prepared. Knowing the flavor of asthma from which you suffer, as well as practicing a good treatment regimen, is the easiest way to stop attacks from happening before they start. Hopefully, this article will leave you better informed and well prepared to effectively combat this very serious and potentially life changing disease.
If repainting a room is in your future, purchase a quality mask first to protect your lungs from paint fumes. Paint can irritate your asthma a lot, so this mask acts like a protective barrier to prevent this. Use proper safety equipment to protect yourself from chemicals that can agitate your asthma condition.