Asthma is a very serious issue in people of all ages, from teenagers to seniors. Along with seeing your doctor, you need to also be aware of the warning signs that can make your symptoms worse. This article contains several simple suggestions to help you better handle your asthma and lower the chances of an asthma attack.
Avoid the things that trigger your asthma. For many, allergens like dust and pollen, can trigger their attacks. Or, you may need to avoid certain activities that overexert your body. Knowing exactly what sets off your asthma is thus, very important.
If you are afficted with asthma, it is critical to quit smoking and avoid the use of any other tobacco products. Smoking is bad in general for everyone, but it is particularly worse for asthma suffers because it decreases the amount of oxygen in the lungs, putting you at higher risk for asthma attacks.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that requires constant management. Be certain that you are using the right maintenance medicines to control your asthma and that you also have a rescue or emergency medication when you have an acute asthma attack. Speak to your allergist and doctor to see what they recommend for you.
Cleaning Products
Properly use the inhaler every time you must use it. Find a spot that is out of the way, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter. You can inhale all you want, but it’s useless if the medication doesn’t make it to your lungs. Spray the stated dose of medicine into your mouth as you inhale. You should keep your breath held for 10 seconds at a minimum to let the medicated mist fill up your lungs.
If you’re suffering from asthma, it helps if you can avoid any harsh cleaning products out there. Cleaning products may contain chemicals which can trigger an asthmatic episode, such as ammonia. If you’re the one who regularly cleans the house, look for natural cleaning products which are much safer to use.
Consider consulting a social worker if your asthma medication is not covered by an insurance policy. Asthma medications are never cheap, but it’s vital that you receive them and that is the social worker’s goal. He or she will deal with the clinics directly in efforts to remedy the situation.
Make sure that you and your loved ones get a flu vaccination yearly. If you have asthma, it’s important to prevent all respiratory infections, if at all possible. You can start by taking simple precautions, such as washing your hands and getting proper vaccinations when due.
A dehumidifier is a beneficial investment for anyone with asthma. Not only will a dehumidifier decrease humidity, but it will also be helpful in controlling the dust mite population. Both are causative factors in asthma attacks. Dehumidifiers keep the air in your home dry by eliminating humidity.
If you are an asthma patient, be sure to stay away from people who smoke, even if you are not a smoker yourself. When you breathe in smoke, particularly in an enclosed area, your lungs cannot function as well, and it increases your risk of having an asthma attack.
The use of multiple (more than four) household cleansers can cause an increase in asthma attacks. Consider purchasing and using organic cleaning products since they are void of irritating chemicals.
If you suffer from asthma, you should refrain from sleeping on a pillow that contains feathers. Feathers in a pillow can bring on the symptoms of asthma and decrease lung function. This also goes for bedding; use sheets, comforters and blankets that are crafted from hypoallergenic materials.
Always choose unscented products for your home if you have asthma. Products that contain strong scents, like incense, perfume, or air freshener can trigger an asthma attack just by lingering in the air. In addition, paint that is fresh or carpet that is new release odors that can cause breathing irritations that lead to an asthma attack. Try to keep the indoor air as clean and fresh as possible.
Many of the biggest triggers for asthma can, and do, exist in your home. Some triggers include spores, dust and mold. To keep your body healthy and to cut down the frequency of asthma attacks, it is important to have your house professionally inspected and cleaned to remove these harmful substances. As an additional measure, a home that is regularly cleaned will help keep these irritants from building up.
Asthma treatment dosages will need to be increased if you are sick with a cold or are dealing with hay fever. An increase in treatment is necessary sometimes because side effects of other sicknesses can cause your asthma symptoms to flare up. Your family doctor may recommend adding another treatment or medication to your current regimen until you recover from your illness.
If your home is damp, it can encourage the growth of mildew and mold. These things can trigger asthma attacks very easily. It is best if you keep the air in your home as dry as possible. During the cold, winter months, a dehumidifier can help. In the summer, an air conditioner naturally takes out a lot of the humidity in the air.
You should know what triggers your asthma attacks; this will allow you to either avoid them or be ready to manage the symptoms. The majority of people suffering from asthma have several common triggers, like pet dander, smoke or pollen. When possible, stay away from triggers of asthma symptoms in an effort to prevent a severe attack.
If you are going on a trip on a plane and need to take your asthma medicine, take your prescription with you! Having proof in writing from a doctor that states the item is a medical necessity can eliminate security hassles.
Don’t miss your appointment for an asthma checkup simply because you aren’t currently having any problems with your condition. A flare up can come at any time and your doctor can always look into safer medications for your particular symptoms.
It’s important to keep up with your daily preventative inhaler routine, but watch out for mouth infections, especially in both teeth and gums. Always brush and gargle as soon as you’ve finished using your inhaler to prevent mouth infections.
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 up before you breathe it into your lungs. Breathing in the cold air has been shown to trigger asthma attacks, especially in younger children with moderate to severe asthma.
During the week, you should take note each time your rescue inhaler is used. If you use it more than two times, your asthma might not be well-controlled or you may have unusual occurrences causing those frequent attacks. You are able to judge how the environment around you effects your body by how many times you need to use your inhaler.
When you need to take your asthma supplies on an airplane, it is a good idea to bring your doctor’s prescription with you. Having written proof that the item in question is in fact medically necessary can cut down on hassles at the security check.
Asthma is not a subject to fool around with. Asthma attacks can sometimes be lethal, so make sure you are taking measures to decrease the possibility of your asthma getting out of control. You should always have a spare inhaler on your person, even if you rarely use the first one. This little device is only slightly more significant than working to keep cleared airways and dust-free nostrils. By implementing this advice, your symptoms may improve and you can keep your asthma under control.
Use your inhaler when you need to, but be aware that this product can cause infections near your gums and teeth. To prevent these issues, brush and use mouthwash immediately after inhaler usage.