For the many people who have breathing problems related to asthma, everyday tasks can be daunting. You can live your life to the fullest by understanding the different treatment options available to you. These suggestions are sure to give you a better idea of how to deal with asthma.
Smoking should never be done around children, especially a child who suffers from asthma. Second-hand cigarette smoke is a leading cause of asthma. Never allow anyone to smoke around your child, and teach them not to smoke as an adult themselves.
It is very important that an asthma sufferer refrain from smoking, if you do then it is advisable you quit now. Smoking is a terrible habit but it’s even worse for someone who suffers from asthma as it decreases the amount of oxygen that gets to your lungs.
Consider getting allergy shots if you have asthma that is caused by allergies that aren’t under control. Omalizumab, an antibody medicine, might be suggested by an allergist and controls allergic reactions.
A lot of medications can trigger an asthma attack without you knowing. Aspirin is a common medication that can affect asthma sufferers. Beta blockers can also have this affect, as well as other medications for controlling high blood pressure and heart disease. If you have asthma paired with heart disease or high blood pressure, tell your doctor.
Having a fast acting inhaler is vital to save asthmatics from experiencing severe symptoms. Talk to your physician and find out if a leukotriene inhibitor would be right for you. A leukotriene inhibitor stops the release of a chemical that causes the inflammation that is responsible for some asthma attacks. Leukotrienes are molecules that cause the tracheal muscles to contract; having too many leukotrienes makes asthma attacks more likely. The inhibitor will keep the leukotrienes from forming, which can reduce the frequency of asthma attacks that you experience.
If you have moderate asthma attacks, exhale forcefully, so that you force air from your lungs. Breathe out hard and fast. Force your lungs to expel as much air as possible. Take three short breaths, then one last deep breath to ensure your lungs have enough air, then forcefully breath out. Not only will you breathe in rhythm, but you’ll focus more intently on how you are breathing and become aware of breathing problems. It also expels air from your lungs so more can enter. 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.
If you have asthma and cannot afford health insurance or have no eligibility, bring up your situation with a social worker. A social worker can possibly help you with finding treatment and low-cost medications.
Though it should go without saying, do not turn on any fans or circulation systems when in a room containing visible dust that has yet to be cleaned. A fan will spread dust and debris all over. This can very easily aggravate your asthma, and cause serious symptoms. On smog-free, low pollen days, open your windows to improve airflow in the house.
You may have to take more asthma medicine if you suffer from seasonal hay fever or catch a cold. Treatment may be increased in these cases as many illnesses have side effects that can cause flare ups in your asthma. You might even get a new treatment added onto our existing program until the illness subsides.
You should ensure that every family member in your household gets a flu vaccine yearly. Asthma sufferers need to be careful and guard against any upper-resperatory illnesses. It’s important to take the standard precautions against these illnesses, such as hand washing and vaccinations.
Your home can be full of the major triggers leading to an asthma attack. These causes are sources, such as, but not limited to dust, mold and spores. Have an inspector who focuses on allergens and irritants come into your home once a year to help you detect what you have and learn how to remove it. As an additional measure, a home that is regularly cleaned will help keep these irritants from building up.
Unscented products are the safest option for those who suffer from asthma. Using products in your home such as incense, perfume or air fresheners can increase the amount of microscopic pollutants indoors and trigger asthma attacks. New carpeting and even a fresh coat of paint can aggravate the airway and lungs as well. Keep the air inside your home clean and fresh, and free of any asthma triggers.
You need to know how to properly use asthma medications that are prescribed to you, especially your rescue medication, so that you are prepared if you need to use it during an emergency. Asthma treatment is generally two-pronged: Daily asthma treatment and additional emergency medicine to relieve attacks as they happen. Managing your medicine properly is important because asthma is a chronic health problem.
Keep your home clean. By keeping a clean environment, especially in a bedroom, you can lower your risk of asthma attacks. Never allow anyone to smoke in the home of an asthmatic, and consider using plastic to cover your mattress and pillows. Let in plenty of fresh air if the weather permits, and avoid using harsh chemicals to bleach.
Use your maintenance or preventative inhaler every day. However, you should know that the drug may cause mouth infections near your gums and teeth. Prevent these unnecessary side effects by gargling and brushing your teeth right after you use the inhaler.
Know that your asthma treatment or medication may have to be increased a bit if you are suffering from allergies, hay fever or a cold. Many illnesses have side effects which can cause your asthma to get much worse, leading your doctor to increase treatment. It is possible your doctor will want to add additional therapies to your treatment program until you are back on your feet.
Clean your home with a wet mop instead of a broom. Sweeping can cause the rise of dust and dander, which may trigger an asthma attack. Using a damp rag instead of a feather duster when you dust will lessen the spread of these triggers.
Take notes of what can trigger your asthma attacks so that you can be prepared for a future attack or learn how to avoid them all together. If you have asthma, it’s most likely triggered by things such as being around animals or pollen. Most asthmatics also can’t tolerate smoke. Whenever you can, just steer clear of these triggers when you know what they would result in.
Asthma sufferers should avoid close contact with all animals. While an allergy to animal hair or dander is a possible asthma complication, even those sufferers free of such allergies can experience an asthma attack caused by the dust and pollen all animals tend to carry along with them.
Keep all your regularly scheduled asthma appointments, regardless of how you are feeling. Flare-ups can occur at any time; plus, your doctor may have a new medication that he or she can offer you that will make your treatment safer and more effective.
Bed linens can collect dust, pollen and other allergens, all of which can further aggravate asthma. The easiest way to get rid of these triggering agents is by washing all of your bedding using your washer’s hot setting every Sunday. Fresh, laundered bedding will help you sleep that much easier at night.
Many of the most common asthma triggers are found in the home. Some triggers include spores, dust and mold. To keep healthy, lower your risk of an asthma attack by getting rid of these triggers from your home. As an additional measure, a home that is regularly cleaned will help keep these irritants from building up.
Avoid smoking. While smoking is a dangerous habit in general, it is far more damaging to those who have asthma. Smoke is extremely irritating to the already sensitive asthmatic lungs, so care should be taken to not only smoke, but also avoid being in the presence of other people who are smoking.
Mold and mildew can grow in your home where there is humidity. Both of these allergens can be contributing factors in asthma attacks. Therefore, it can benefit you to ensure your home stays as dry as possible. When you use the heater in the winter, be sure to have a dehumidifier control the humidity in your home. During the summer time, be sure to use the air conditioner to maintain a dry home.
If you suffer from asthma or allergies, avoid using a vaporizer or humidifier unless it is consistently and thoroughly cleaned. If the vaporizer or humidifier has not been thoroughly cleaned there could be bacteria growing inside of it. When you turn it on it will pump allergens that you will inevitably breath in.
Asthma Attacks
Don’t panic when you have an asthma attack. Grab your inhaler and use it, then wait to see if it helps. If not, then use it again in thirty seconds. If your attack continues to worsen, seek help. Have someone call an ambulance for you, or have them bring you to a hospital. To calm yourself on the drive, bring a paper bag and breathe into it, as this will slow your breathing.
Bundle up during winter weather if you have asthma. Covering your nose and mouth with a scarf or muffler helps prevent asthma attacks. This lets the air warm slightly before you breathe it in. Breathing in cold air tends to start asthma attacks, especially with younger children that have severe or moderate asthma.
Finding out as much as you can about asthma is a good way to help you manage your asthma. When you’re knowledgeable about your condition, you’ll be able to advocate for yourself and seek out the best possible treatment. Remain current on the latest treatment techniques and be certain to receive the very best professional assistance you can. You can easily know this information by further developing your knowledge about your condition, as well as, discovering treatment options.
Stay away from smoke if you have asthma. Inhaling smoke makes it harder for you to breathe and might result in an asthma attack. Vapors, cigarette smoke, and chemical fumes should be avoided. Exposing yourself to these pollutants can have a significant effect on your asthma symptoms. Ask people around you not to smoke in your presence. Don’t be rude about it, but don’t be afraid to ask for what you need.
Make certain you have checkups scheduled with your physician every few months so you keep on top of your asthma. Your doctor will evaluate your condition and make any changes as they see fit. It is up to you to be proactive about your health and set up regular appointments with your asthma doctor to allow him or her to work with you to keep you healthy and feeling well.
You should now understand how you can prevent and manage asthma attacks by adapting your lifestyle to your condition. Whether you use this advice for yourself or for a loved one with the condition, you should take comfort in knowing that a diagnosis of asthma is not the end of the world.
A support group for those with asthma can really help, and so can simply talking to people about your condition. They can provide you with advice and tips on how to better deal with fighting asthma. Support from people around you is key.