Untreated asthma symptoms can lead to serious difficulties if not controlled properly. Asthma attacks are unpleasant, and in some cases, can be fatal. Although you should try to obtain guidance from health professionals, in some cases, it is simply not enough. In such instances, it is up to you to do something about it. The following tips will help you manage your asthma symptoms and live an active lifestyle.
Are you informed about what type of asthma you suffer from? If you identify your specific causes, you can be prepared to treat the symptoms when they appear during your daily routines. People who suffer from exercise-induced asthma should consider carrying an emergency inhaler in their bag. Learn what activities trigger your symptoms, and prepare accordingly so that you’re never caught without your inhaler during an asthma attack.
People afflicted by asthma should make it a priority to always avoid exposure to smoke, vapors and fumes. This means you need to keep away from tobacco products and only seek out jobs where you aren’t exposed to any harmful chemicals, smoke or vapors.
If your child has asthma, do not smoke cigarettes near them. Secondhand smoke is something that can lead to serious asthma. Make sure you keep your child away from other people who are smoking, too.
There are many different types of asthma. If you identify your specific causes, you can be prepared to treat the symptoms when they appear during your daily routines. A perfect example is that if you have asthma caused by exercise you should put a inhaler in your locker or gym bag. Knowing when an asthma attack is likely to strike can help you avert disaster.
If you’re having an asthma attack, a great way to handle this is to immediately evacuate the air from your lungs. Breathe out fast and hard. Really expel the air from your lungs! Inhale in a series of three, or three shallow breaths and one deep breath. After your lungs are filled with air, forcefully exhale again. Paying attention this way will help you stabilize your breathing and make it rhythmic. Expelling the air from your lungs in this fashion also allows you to breathe in deeper. Do not be alarmed if you cough or generate excess mucous; this is perfectly normal. Your only concern is to return your breathing to normal.
You may be unaware that certain medications you might be on could cause asthma symptoms. Aspirin is a common medication that can affect asthma sufferers. Some medications for blood pressure and heart disease – those referred to as beta blockers – can also exacerbate asthma problems. Make sure you consult with your doctor concerning your asthma and possible drug reactions.
When you are having a difficult time with asthma, you might want to use a leukotriene inhibitor. Leukotriene inhibitors block the effects of leukotrienes. Leukotriene, a chemical released by the body in response to an allergen, is responsible for inducing many of the symptoms of 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.
If you are someone who suffers from asthma, stay away from all types of cigarette smoke. Smoking is especially dangerous for asthmatics. Avoid fumes and vapors of any kind. These can trigger a severe asthma attack that can be difficult to get under control. If you are around others who are smoking, remove yourself.
Use the inhaler properly. Find a spot that is out of the way, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter. The only way the inhaler will work is if your lungs get the proper amount of medication. Inhale the air and spray the right amount down your throat. Don’t exhale for ten seconds so that the medicine can go through your lungs.
A yearly flu shot is necessary if you suffer from asthma. Make sure your child’s vaccinations are up-to-date to avoid as many infections as possible.
If your health insurance situation cannot help you with your asthma, talk to a social worker. Having the financial ability to purchase your asthma medications is essential, and a social worker can help you locate a hospital or clinic that can provide you with these medications for free or at a significantly reduced rate.
Asthma is an uncurable disease, but that doesn’t mean that the symptoms are permanent and can’t go away. However, just like most things in life, overcoming your asthma symptoms takes time and effort. If you follow these easy tips, you’ll find that your symptoms will get better over time and you’ll be able to enjoy a healthier, more active lifestyle.
If you are someone who suffers from asthma, you should consider buying a dehumidifier for your home. Cutting down the humidity in the house will lower the amount dust mites in the air, and that will mean fewer asthma flare-ups. A dehumidifier works to dry the air by removing moisture.