Asthma is a very serious illness than can restrain you from enjoying life. There are ways that you are able to keep the symptoms at bay by using coping strategies and effective medications. Read on to learn some coping strategies for asthmatics.
If you suffer from asthma, don’t smoke, and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. This includes all tobacco products, and you also need to be careful if you are going to apply for a job in a factory or where you have the potential to be exposed to vapors and harmful smoke.
If you are an asthma sufferer, you should refrain from smoking or being around any vapors or fumes. Thus, you need to avoid cigarettes and cigars and be vigilant about steering clear of environmental or workplace exposure to smoke.
What kind of asthma do you have? Being aware of your particular asthma condition can help you to effectively treat it on a daily basis. People suffering from asthma that is exercise-induced, for example, had best be prepared for asthma attacks at the gym! Learn what activities trigger your symptoms, and prepare accordingly so that you’re never caught without your inhaler during an asthma attack.
What kind of asthma do you have? One of the best ways to combat asthma and its limiting effects on your life is to know and understand as much as you can about your specific condition. Asthma caused by exercise can be treated easily if you carry an inhaler when you go to the gym. If you are familiar with your symptoms and their patterns, you will be better able to avoid emergencies.
Second hand smoke can cause asthma to develop in children, and can trigger an asthma attack if they already suffer from asthma. It has been medically proven that smoking can cause asthma or make existing symptoms worse. Always ensure your child is in a smoke-free area.
Cleaning Products
Cigarette smoke and asthma do not mix. Refrain from smoking! Stay away from vapors and all chemical fumes so you are not able to breathe them in. This may cause an asthma attack you can’t stop. If people smoke around you, you should get away form that area.
It is imperative that you do your best to avoid cleaning chemicals if you are asthmatic. Cleaning products contain a plethora of chemicals that are triggers to exacerbating symptoms related to asthma, as well as the attacks themselves. While anyone responsible for cleaning their home can’t avoid cleaning products altogether, it’s best to only use natural products.
Know how to use your inhaler correctly. An inhaler is most effective if used in a relaxed location and according to the maker’s instructions. The only way the inhaler will work is if your lungs get the proper amount of medication. You need to inhale air while spraying the requisite dosage in your mouth. Then hold it and try not to breathe for a minimum of 10 seconds. This will give enough time for the medication to properly fill out your lungs.
There are medications that can unknowingly cause asthma-like symptoms. Aspirin is a common medication that can affect asthma sufferers. Also, beta blockers, such as medicines used to control heart disease and high blood pressure. Make sure you consult with your doctor concerning your asthma and possible drug reactions.
Unscented products are the safest option for those who suffer from asthma. Using scented products, like air fresheners and perfume, will increase the level of air pollution and is likely to trigger an attack. Other asthma irritants include fresh paint fumes and new carpeting. As much as possible, try to keep your home filled with fresh, pure air.
During a mild to moderate attack, force all of the air out of your lungs. Breath out as hard and fast as you can. Forcefully push the air out from your lungs. Take three short breaths, and then take a fourth, deeper breath to fill your lungs comfortably; then, breathe out with force again. The breathing rhythm that you create by doing this will cause you to be aware of every breath you take. It will also help to get the air to come out of the lungs so more can come in. You may generate sputum, but the primary goal is to start breathing regularly again.
If you have asthma, use a pillow that doesn’t have feathers in it. People are often allergic to these natural products that can affect breathing and bring on asthma symptoms. This applies to bedding, as well, so it’s best to make sure that everything on your bed is hypoallergenic.
Social Worker
Even if your asthma is not acting up, attend all of your doctor’s appointments. A new flare-up may be just around the corner, or your doctor may have news of a more effective new medication you can try.
If you have asthma and cannot afford health insurance or have no eligibility, bring up your situation with a social worker. It is critical that every asthma sufferer have access to the proper medicines to keep the condition under control, and a social worker could help you locate a hospital or clinic that will provide you the necessary medication on a low or no-fee basis.
Consider joining a support group, either on or offline. Asthma can be an extremely debilitating health issue and can stop you from participating in life the way you want to. Also, other asthma sufferers can help keep you aware of new medications or other medical treatments.
If you have asthma, get a dehumidifier for your home. Reducing the amount of humidity in your home reduces the number of dust mites, which in turn reduces the chances of your asthma flaring up. Dehumidifiers keep the air in your home dry by eliminating humidity.
Most of the triggers for attacks, and causes of asthma, are found inside the home. Three triggers comprise the asthma triad of doom: spores, dust and mold. In order to remain healthy and lessen any chances of having an asthma attack, it is recommended you have your home inspected yearly to have these harmful triggers removed. Additionally, cleaning your home on a regular schedule prevents these unwanted visitors from taking residence en masse.
If you have hay fever or a cold, you will probably need increased treatment of your asthma. The effects of an illness can cause the severity of your asthma to temporarily increase, which necessitates a change in treatment. Your physician might also add more treatments to your regimen until your asthma is under control again.
Mildew and mold grow best in a home with high humidity. Asthma attacks are easily triggered by these substances. Therefore, it is important to make sure your home is dry. When you are using a heater in winter time, you can run a dehumidifier for help controlling humidity. In the summer, running your air conditioner will allow you to keep your humidity down.
You need to know what the asthma triggers are so that they can be avoided or treated promptly. Most asthma sufferers have a few common triggers such as smoke, pet dander or pollen. If at all possible, strive to avoid substances and locations that trigger your asthma symptoms or attacks.
When it’s colder, wear a shawl, scarf or muffler that will cover your mouth and nose to avoid asthma attacks. Proper winter wear can keep cold air from agitating your lungs. By breathing in cold air, it has been proven that it could trigger an asthma attack more so in children that are younger and suffer from severe to moderate asthma.
If asthma is not treated and controlled, it can be a life-threatening condition. Aim to protect yourself from sudden asthma attacks by avoiding areas of high pollution or allergens and keeping a rescue inhaler with you at all times. These tips can free you from the fear of asthma and help you live a normal life.
Smoke should always be avoided when you suffer from asthma. Smoke can cause asthma attacks. Stay away from all types of fumes as well as cigarette smoke. These things can cause your asthma symptoms to greatly increase. If you live with or near a smoker, find a way to politely ask that they not smoke around you or your living spaces.