At its worst, asthma can threaten your life, and it can restrict your ability and lifestyle, even for simple things like walking outside. It is critical that you follow all available measures to keep your asthma well managed. Using the simple advice contained here can help reduce your asthma symptoms and keep this condition from controlling your life.
If you suffer from asthma, stay away from the fumes of household cleaning products. A lot of the cleaning products have certain chemicals in them which can trigger asthma attacks. If you enjoy cleaning, or are the sole cleaner in the household, you are sure to be able to find one of the many natural cleaners that will be safe for your use.
What type of asthma do you suffer from? Being fully informed about the specific type of asthma you have is very important. For example, if you have exercise-induced asthma, you will want to always make sure you have an inhaler in your gym bag. When you know what triggers your asthma, you will be more prepared to stop attacks before they begin.
You may be unaware that certain medications you might be on could cause asthma symptoms. Some over the counter medications can irritate your asthma. Other medications that may have an effect on the respiratory system include beta blockers used to treat high blood pressure. If you have asthma paired with heart disease or high blood pressure, tell your doctor.
If you suffer with asthma, avoid cleaning products. The chemicals in these products make you more prone to an asthma attack. If you enjoy cleaning, or are the sole cleaner in the household, you are sure to be able to find one of the many natural cleaners that will be safe for your use.
Asthma is a chronic condition that is ongoing over time, and as such, will require a continual treatment and management regimen. It is crucial that you have the proper medications for controlling asthma, as well as medication, such as a rescue inhaler to treat sudden attacks. Speak with an allergist or your doctor to determine the best care for you.
Never take medications without getting your doctor’s approval so you don’t wind up taking one that has a side effect of exacerbating asthma.. Some NSAIDs and aspirins will do this for you. Additionally, beta blockers, a type of medication used for heart disease and hypertension, may cause asthma symptoms. If you’ve been diagnosed as asthmatic and are taking medications unrelated to your asthma, be sure your doctor is aware of them.
If you suffer from asthma and allergies that result in attacks, you can get injections of long-lasting medication for relief. There are antibody medications used to control allergic reactions that come recommended by allergists.
Asthma is a continuous disease that needs ongoing management. Make sure that your daily routine includes taking appropriate medication to keep you free of asthma symptoms, along with additional medication to treat you for any sudden asthma attacks. See your doctor or allergist to find out which treatment plan is best for your situation.
If you are having trouble preventing asthma attacks, you may find success with a leukotriene inhibitor. A leukotriene inhibitor prevents the formation of leukotrienes. Leukotriene are chemicals that may cause your lungs to get inflamed which can lead to an asthma attack. The inhibitor will keep the leukotrienes from forming, which can reduce the frequency of asthma attacks that you experience.
Lower the chances of asthma attacks by keeping a spotless home, particularly in the areas where you sleep. Food should not be eaten outside of the kitchen, and there should be no indoor smoking. Thoroughly air out your house after every cleaning, and stay away from bleach and similar harsh chemicals while cleaning indoors.
Make sure if you have an inhaler that you are using it the right way. Locate a quiet place, and follow the label to a tee. The inhaler is only useful if the medication within it actually gets to your lungs. Inhale deeply and spray the correct dose into your mouth. It is then necessary to hold the breath for about ten seconds to give the medication time to work in your lungs.
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. It is possible that your doctor will decide to modify your treatment, or even add additional treatments, until you are back on your feet.
If you suffer from asthma, be sure your diet includes lots of Vitamins C and E. There is some evidence that these two vitamins can improve breathing and lower the frequency of asthma attacks. You can gain vitamins from supplements or the old fashioned way, from food! These vitamins also help boost your immune system, which helps to prevent illnesses that trigger asthma.
Make sure to examine what it is that causes your asthma attacks in order to best avoid having to deal with them. Asthma sufferers generally have different triggers in common like pollen, pet dander and smoke. Avoid your asthma triggers as much as you can to prevent attacks.
People who have asthma should avoid using scented household products. Fragrances are present in hundreds of common consumer products, including cleaning supplies, perfumes, detergents and room sprays. Any of these items could easily increase the of triggering an attack. Newly installed carpet or fresh paint in the home are both known to release chemical irritants. Keep the air inside your home clean and fresh, and free of any asthma triggers.
When you travel, your rescue medication should be with you all the time. Traveling can put additional strain on your body, making you more susceptible to asthma triggers. It’s hard to have much control over your environment when you travel, which makes it more likely you will have some sort of symptoms or an asthma attack.
Regular flu shots are important if you or one of your children suffer from asthma. Get yearly vaccinations to keep these potential infections at bay.
Support Group
Make sure that your rescue medication is at hand at all times during your travels. Traveling to places can strain your body, and it is more vulnerable to asthma triggers when it is under strain. It is also difficult to control your environment while traveling, making it more likely that you may experience an attack or worsening symptoms.
Join a support group, online or in “real life”, to find help from your peers. Asthma can be severe enough to keep you away from social activiites. By getting involved in a support group you will also be speaking with other sufferers who may know of new scientific discoveries and treatment plans you may not be aware of.
You may want to think about joining support groups you can find both online and offline. Many people who suffer from asthma are unable to live a full life. Being a part of a support group can help provide you with honest information about products and helpful hints, as well as medical news.
Many people underestimate asthma, or at least think that they can’t do anything about it since it is an incurable disease. However, you’ll be amazed at how much difference you can make simply by following these simple steps to try and relieve symptoms and reduce the sources of asthma attacks.
Know how to properly use asthma medicine, especially your rescue medication. For most asthma cases, an emergency treatment option, such as an inhaler, is used to supplement day-to-day management medication. Because asthma has no cure, you must treat it carefully by taking your maintenance medication every day and using your emergency medication responsibly.