You are starting to panic because you have been told you have asthma. There is no getting rid of asthma if you have the condition. However, this does not mean that life stops after a diagnosis of asthma. This article can give you some tips about how to deal with asthma.
An important part of symptom management is knowing what type of asthma you have. Before you can develop a self-care plan for your asthma symptoms, you need to know the specific cause of your symptoms. For example, if you have exercise-induced asthma, you will want to always make sure you have an inhaler in your gym bag. By knowing the pattern to your symptoms it will be a big help to you avoiding crises.
There are some common medications that you could be using that will cause asthma symptoms. Aspirin is an example of a widely used medicine that can cause asthma problems. Also, beta blockers, such as medicines used to control heart disease and high blood pressure. It is important for your doctor to know your complete medical history, including any medications you are currently taking, so they can best treat your asthma.
If you have asthma, avoid people who are smoking. When you inhale tobacco smoke, particularly in closeted areas, the functioning of your lungs can decrease, and you may suffer an attack.
Smoke Yourself
When you are traveling, be sure to carry your rescue inhaler with you at all times. Traveling adds strain on the body and increases your susceptibility to asthma triggers. You also have little control over your surroundings as you travel, and this may result in an increase in symptoms or frequency of attacks.
Anyone suffering from asthma or asthma-like symptoms needs to stay clear of cigarette smoke, whether you smoke yourself, or even if you’re breathing secondhand smoke. Never smoke yourself! Avoid exposure to chemical fumes or vapors. This can aggravate your asthma and it might not stop. You should give up on the smokes if you have asthma and also make sure to avoid other people who are smoking.
Your home can be full of the major triggers leading to an asthma attack. Dander, dust and mold are all commonly found in many homes. Have an inspector come visit your house to remove any harmful agents that you have so that you can stay healthy and lower your risk for an asthma attack. In addition, cleaning the house regularly can greatly contribute to keeping these substances from building up.
Injections are available to people who suffer from asthma related to allergies, to help give them some long term relief. An antibody medicine under the name Omalizumab can be used to reduce these symptoms caused by allergies and might be prescribed by your allergist.
If your home is damp, it can encourage the growth of mildew and mold. These fungi are both common triggers for asthma attacks. It is best if you keep the air in your home as dry as possible. When it’s cold, a dehumidifier can keep moisture to a minimum; in hot months, your A/C unit will do the same thing.
Make sure you are using your inhaler properly. Move to a quiet area, and then simply follow manufacturer’s instructions. The inhaler only can help if it’s medicine reaches the lungs. Inhale deeply as you dispense the correct amount into your mouth. Holding your breath for a minimum of 10 seconds gives the medicinal mist from the inhaler time to spread itself throughout your lungs.
During cold months, you could avoid asthma attacks by constantly wearing a shawl, muffler or a scarf that covers both your mouth and nose. This will warm the air that you breathe before it enters 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.
Contact a social worker if you have asthma but do not meet the eligibility requirements for health insurance. It is essential that you can buy your asthma medicine, and a social worker might help you find a hospital or clinic that can provide your medicine at reduced cost, or free.
It’s a very good habit to use your asthma inhaler as a daily preventative, although the drug residue can cause issues for your gums and teeth. Immediately brush your teeth followed by a quick gargle after using your inhaler. This is a great way to prevent any kind of complications in your mouth.
Be prepared to live with arthritis! Once you know how to effectively care for yourself and your asthma problems, you will be able to avoid big problems. Hopefully, this article will leave you better informed and well prepared to effectively combat this very serious and potentially life changing disease.
If you find you need your inhaler too often, more than two times a week, talk to your doctor about changing your prescription. Frequent use of the rescue inhaler means that your management medicine is not working as it should. This is also true if you are refilling your rescue inhaler prescription more than twice a year.