It is common to be scared when a doctor gives you a diagnosis of asthma. Asthma has no cure, and as such the condition is chronic. Believe it or not, however, life does go on even after you are diagnosed with this condition. This article is like a virtual library full of information on asthma symptoms and treatments.
Suffer from asthma? It is vital that you not smoke tobacco; if you do, quit. Smoking is, of course, unhealthy for anyone. The habit is even more dangerous for asthma patients, however, because anything that reduces the amount of oxygen reaching the lungs can trigger an attack.
If you are an asthma sufferer, you should refrain from smoking or being around any vapors or fumes. Decrease the effects of asthma by wearing a protective mask when pollution levels are especially high.
If you suffer from asthma, you should avoid cleaning products that have strong odors. Many chemicals contained in common cleaning products can aggravate your asthma, triggering an attack. If you do the cleaning in your house, use natural solutions that are safer for you to breath in.
There are many different types of asthma. Being aware of your particular asthma condition can help you to effectively treat it on a daily basis. Asthma caused by exercise can be treated easily if you carry an inhaler when you go to the gym. Learn what activities trigger your symptoms, and prepare accordingly so that you’re never caught without your inhaler during an asthma attack.
Some medications can exacerbate asthma symptoms as a side effect. Aspirin and some other NSAIDs may do this. You can also use medications that can control high blood pressure and heart disease, things like beta blockers. If you suffer from any of these conditions along with your asthma, make sure you tell your doctor.
When you are suffering from an asthma attack, exhale all of the oxygen from your lungs. Exhale as quickly as possible, expelling air forcefully out of your lungs. Try hard to push the air out 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. This gives your breathing a rhythm and makes you focus on your breathing. It will also empty your lungs of air, so that they’re ready to take in new, fresh air. It is okay that you cough up some sputum, you really want to breathe right again.
If your health insurance situation cannot help you with your asthma, talk to 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.
If you’re a sufferer of asthma, stay away from cigarette smoke. If you smoke, try quitting. Avoid fumes and vapors of any kind. These can trigger a severe asthma attack that can be difficult to get under control. The minute you spot people smoking, immediately remove yourself from the area.
If you suffer from asthma, don’t expose yourself to secondhand smoke. When you inhale tobacco smoke, particularly in closeted areas, the functioning of your lungs can decrease, and you may suffer an attack.
If you’re in a room that has a lot of dust in it, don’t turn on a fan. This will cause the dust to move around, which could cause an asthma attack. If you feel you need airflow, open a window instead.
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. Generally, it is found that items such as smoke and pollen can trigger attacks in those that suffer with asthma. If able, avoid anything that results in symptoms of asthma or an asthma attack.
If you are an asthmatic who also has allergies, injected allergy medication may be just the thing you need to get relief. Omalizumab can effectively control allergy symptoms you may be experiencing and can be suggested by your local allergist if it fits your needs.
There is good reason to make sure you have your rescue medicine for asthma in a convenient, easy to reach place. When you travel, you sometimes strain your body a little more than you think, which can make you a bit more susceptible to having asthma attacks. Influencing the environment around you is nearly impossible while on the road, which is another opportunity for deteriorating symptoms or attack triggers.
Social Worker
Join a support group, online or in “real life”, to find help from your peers. Asthma can be an extremely debilitating health issue and can stop you from participating in life the way you want to. In addition, a community of other asthma sufferers will let you know about changes in medications or other relevant scientific discoveries.
If your health insurance situation cannot help you with your asthma, talk to a social worker. You must have the ability to afford your medication, so a social worker might be able to locate a hospital or clinic that can offer them at little cost or free.
Although it is wise to use your inhaler as needed, be aware that the medication itself may cause problems with gums and teeth. Immediately brush your teeth followed by a quick gargle after using your inhaler. This is a great way to prevent any kind of complications in your mouth.
Make certain that you and your loved ones receive annual flu shots. If you have asthma, try to avoid getting respiratory infections if you can. This includes preventive measures against sickness, such as practicing good hygiene and getting all recommended vaccinations.
Monitor your weekly inhaler use and tally how many times you need to use it to control an attack. If you use it very often, you may not have it under control. If you notice an increased use in your inhaler, reexamine your management plan and check for any changes in your surroundings that may be triggering the asthma.
You might want to purchase a dehumidifier to use at home if you have asthma. A dehumidifier will reduce attacks by taking extra humidity and, by extension, dust mites and other debris out of your air. Dehumidifiers cause the air in your home to become dry, which means less humidity.
During spring or other high-pollen times, don’t go outside unless you have to so that you can avoid a pollen-triggered asthma attack. Asthma symptoms are not the same as allergic reactions, but allergies and asthma attacks have many common triggers. Since data on air quality is now widely published, those with asthma have the ability to avoid being outside when concentrations of irritants are high.
Unscented products are the safest option for those who suffer from asthma. Products that contain fragrance, such as perfumes, colognes, or air fresheners, introduce irritants into the air around you that can trigger your asthma. New carpeting and even a fresh coat of paint can aggravate the airway and lungs as well. Aim to keep the air as fresh as possible indoors.
Do not use a vaporizer or humidifier unless you are sure it’s been thoroughly cleaned. Permitting bacteria to grow inside the appliance will result in irritants being dispersed into the air you breathe.
Preparation and forethought are at the foundation of any asthma plan. Educating yourself on your particular asthma challenges and requirements will keep you healthy and minimize the risks you have to live with. By reading this article, you have taken an important step in gaining the understanding you need to keep your asthma in check.
Remain calm if you do happen to come under an asthma attack. Use your inhaler, wait 30 seconds and use it again. Should your asthma get even worse, seek medical attention immediately. Have someone drive you directly to the hospital or call an ambulance for you. Breathe into a paper bag for assistance in slowing your breathing during the trip to the hospital.