Asthma is a very serious, potentially life-threatening disease. You should do whatever you can in trying to control this condition. Use these tips to get rid of symptoms and not let it take over!
You want to make sure you can avoid situations that could trigger your asthma. This can vary from person to person, as small particles like dust can cause asthma attacks. Some people get attacks after being physically active. Do your best to understand and figure what exactly triggers your asthma so that you know what you need to avoid.
Avoid those things that you know can trigger your asthma. For some people, it may be related to allergies, such as a reaction to dust or pollen. For others, certain physical activities may be the trigger. Know your asthma causes so you can avoid putting yourself in a situation where you may suffer from an attack.
If you have asthma, you need to avoid any kind of tobacco smoke. Refrain from smoking! It is also a good idea to stay away from the fumes or vapors from harsh chemicals, such as those used in cleaning. This can aggravate your asthma and it might not stop. Never visit a home or establishment where people will be smoking, and if people start to smoke, walk out.
Always be very mindful of the type of medications you’re taking. Some meds out there might just trigger an asthma attack. Aspirin is an example of a widely used medicine that can cause asthma problems. You should also pay attention to heart medications you may take, or ones that treat abnormal blood pressure. If you have asthma and these other conditions, let your physician know.
Should you wind up inside a really dusty room, don’t activate any fans. All this does is circulate the dust, which is an invitation to triggering an otherwise avoidable asthma attack. Open a window to bring clean, cool air inside instead.
Chemical Fumes
Make sure if you have an inhaler that you are using it the right way. An inhaler is most effective if used in a relaxed location and according to the maker’s instructions. The inhaler will only work if the medicine reaches your lungs. Spray the dosage into the mouth while you inhale air. After inhaling, it’s important that you hold the medication in by holding your breath for 10 seconds at the least.
Any type of smoke can bring on a serious asthma attack. Smoking is especially dangerous for asthmatics. Avoid exposure to chemical fumes or vapors. Chemical fumes will trigger asthma attacks that you won’t be able to put an end to. Do everything you can to avoid cigarette smoke, air pollution, allergens and harsh chemical fumes to keep your asthma symptoms under control.
A dehumidifier is an excellent investment for asthma sufferers. Lowering humidity will reduce the amount of dust mites in your home, and help your asthma improve. A dehumidifier works to dry the air by removing moisture.
Use your inhaler as directed. Locate a quiet place, and follow the label to a tee. Your inhaler will only help if you breathe very deeply. Spray the required dosage into your mouth while inhaling air. Hold your breath for at least 10 seconds to allow the medicated mist to fill your lungs.
Keep dust and dirt to a minimum in any bedroom where an asthma sufferer sleeps. Food should not be eaten outside of the kitchen, and there should be no indoor smoking. Air the house out thoroughly after cleaning and avoid the use of bleach and other harsh chemicals indoors.
If you have asthma and cannot get health insurance, see 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.
If you are dealing with asthma, a good idea is to use a pillow without feathers. Pillow feathers are known to worsen asthma and affect the lungs. This applies to bedding, as well, so it’s best to make sure that everything on your bed is hypoallergenic.
Ask everyone in your family to get a flu shot every year. If you suffer from asthma, it is best to avoid respiratory infections of any type as much as possible. This means taking every precaution possible, do things like getting vaccinated to prevent sickness to hand washing on a regular basis.
If you or a loved one suffers from asthma, a support group may help. You can find support groups online or in your community. Left untreated, asthma can be very debilitating and prevent you from enjoying your normal activities. A support group will help you have a good time and forget about your condition once in a while, as well as as keep you informed about the latest innovations.
If you suffer from asthma, avoid smokers, even if you do not smoke yourself. When you inhale tobacco smoke, particularly in closeted areas, the functioning of your lungs can decrease, and you may suffer an attack.
During the months that are colder, wear a shawl, muffler or scarf that will cover your nose and mouth to help you avoid asthma attacks. This warms the air before you bring it into your lungs. Cold air can trigger severe attacks, especially for young children.
Asthma treatment dosages will need to be increased if you are sick with a cold or are dealing with hay fever. 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.
If you are traveling by plane and taking along your asthma medications, make sure to have with you any written doctors prescriptions, especially when carrying some large asthma equipment like a nebulizer. Carrying written prescription information will help you to avoid security hassles, and you won’t have to worry about your medication being confiscated.
Pay attention to your symptom triggers. The more aware of your triggers you become, the easier it will be to avoid them and reduce the number of attacks you suffer. 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.
Anyone with asthma should limit their exposure to household pets and other types of animals. Animals carry pollen and dust with them and can trigger serious asthma attacks.
To stay out in front of your asthma, make sure that you see the doctor to receive regular checkups. Your health care provider may have new prescriptions that could benefit you in case the need arises.
Smoking is particularly bad for people with asthma. The dangers surrounding smoking are well documented, but for asthma sufferers the issues can be much more serious. Smoke is very irritating to sensitive lungs, so take care not to smoke or be around others who are.
Mildew and mold grow best in a home with high humidity. Mold and mildew can have a hand in making you suffer a asthma attack! You should do your best to maintain a dry home. In the winter, use a dehumidifier along with your heater, and in the summer months, you can use your air conditioner to help control the amount of water in the air within your home.
Speaking with people in an asthmatic support group, or chatting with friends who also have asthma, can be helpful. They can provide you with valuable tips and lessons on how to fight against asthma in many different situations. Gaining the support of those around you is crucial.
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.
Increase the amount of vitamin B6 in your diet. B6, another name for pyridoxine, has been proven to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks related to asthma. How does this work? Pyridoxine is a chemical that reduces constriction in the bronchial tubes. This constriction is what brings on asthma attacks. Bananas are a great-tasting source of vitamin B6.