Living with asthma has definite challenges, but it’s possible to manage it and find solutions to help you live an active and healthy life. You can find many ways to manage your asthma so that it does not interfere with your daily life. Tips on maximizing your life while having asthma are contained here.
If you are suffering from a moderate or mild attack, do your best to force as much air out of the lungs as possible. Exhale quickly and with power. Forcefully push the air out from your lungs. Take three breaths in succession. These breaths don’t have to be deep, just breathe a little. Then take a deep breath, pulling as much air as possible into your lungs. When your lungs are as full as you can stand, force the air out. This establishes a regular pattern to your breathing routine, which means you have to pay attention to how you are breathing. In addition, it repeatedly empties your lungs of air, so that you can draw in more oxygen-rich air. You may cough or generate sputum, this is okay, your main goal is to get your breathing back on track again.
If you suffer from asthma, you should avoid cleaning products that have strong odors. A lot of these products contain harsh chemicals such as ammonia. These chemicals wreak havoc on you and can trigger an attack. If you clean the home, there are many natural products that are safe to use.
If you have asthma that is not covered by health insurance, contact someone in a government agency, like a social worker. It’s vital that you stay on medication, so there may be programs available to help you get them at a discount.
As a chronic disease, asthma must be managed continuously. Take the proper medications for controlling your asthma daily, and keep quick relief medication somewhere on you just in case you have a sudden attack. Have a discussion with your doctor or allergist to determine what the best plan for you might be.
Make certain that you and your loved ones receive annual flu shots. You do not want to have a respiratory infection if you have asthma. This means you should also be sure to wash your hands frequently and get vaccinated.
Exhale as hard as you can during an asthma attack. If you can’t breathe at all, go to the hospital; however, controlling your exhalation rate can sometimes help stop a less severe attack. Breathe out fast and hard. Force all the air out of the lungs! Take three short breaths, then one last deep breath to ensure your lungs have enough air, then forcefully breath out. This technique develops a breathing rhythm, allowing you to notice the breaths that you take in. It also keeps air flowing out of the lung,s so that you can refill them. You may generate sputum, but the primary goal is to start breathing regularly again.
Using over four kinds of cleaning products in the home can trigger asthma attacks. Organic products are preferable to more chemically loaded, commercially produced cleaning products.
Secondhand Smoke
If you have hay fever or a cold, chances are your asthma treatment will be increased. An increase in treatment is necessary sometimes because side effects of other sicknesses can cause your asthma symptoms to flare up. The doctor may choose to pursue additional treatment options during your illness as well.
Anyone suffering from asthma or asthma-like symptoms needs to stay clear of cigarette smoke, whether you smoke yourself, or even if you’re breathing secondhand smoke. Never smoke yourself! Avoid breathing in the vapors and any other types of chemical fumes. These irritants can be a trigger for a severe asthma attack. Avoid secondhand smoke by leaving physical distance between yourself and the smoker.
Avoid feather pillows if you suffer from asthma. The feathers can make asthma worse and take away from your ability to breathe. The same it true for bedding, try purchasing sheets and comforters that are created from hypoallergenic materials.
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.
Take your rescue inhaler and keep it handy when you travel. Being in odd environments can cause undue stress on your body, which makes you more prone to an asthma attack. You also have less control of your surroundings while you are away from home, so it is difficult to avoid potential triggers and to maintain control over your attack.
Keep your home free of dust and other triggers, especially where the person who suffers from asthma sleeps. Food must only be allowed in the kitchen area, and there should be no smoking in the house at all. Thoroughly air out your house after every cleaning, and stay away from bleach and similar harsh chemicals while cleaning indoors.
Keep all your doctors appointments even if your asthma symptoms aren’t bothering you. 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.
Be certain you are aware of what triggers an asthma attack so you can avoid it, or at least be prepared to handle the symptoms. Asthma sufferers generally have different triggers in common like pollen, pet dander and smoke. If at all possible, strive to avoid substances and locations that trigger your asthma symptoms or attacks.
Your home can be full of the major triggers leading to an asthma attack. These causes can include dust, spores and mold. To keep these triggers out of your home, have a professional inspector come to your home each year to remove these nasties from your home. You can help keep your house safe from these harmful substances by regularly cleaning and dusting your home.
Even if you are feeling great, don’t skip your asthma check-ups. Asthma can flare-up at any time, and you never know, perhaps your doctor has safer or better medications which can help your symptoms.
Humidity in your home causes an environment where mildew and mold are more likely to grow. Mold and mildew can easily cause severe asthma attacks. A dry home will help you out a lot more. Use a dehumidifier during the winter time so that you can keep humidity in control when you use a heater. You can use the air conditioning in your household during summer time to get the same affect.
Support Group
Track how often you use your inhaler during each week. Your medication may need to be adjusted or an alternative treatment considered if you find that you need to use it 3 or more times per week. This number can help you monitor your environment for asthma triggers and let you determine if your treatment plan is working properly.
Find a good support group in the Internet or in your area. Many people who suffer from asthma are unable to live a full life. On top of that, an asthma support group will keep you apprised of the latest developments in asthma medication and other significant medical breakthroughs.
If you are working to prevent asthma, it is best not to smoke. Smoke can cause you to have an asthma attack. Keep away from chemical fumes, chemical vapor, and tobacco smoke as much as you can. The more you are exposed to fumes, vapors and smoke, the more likely you are to have an asthma attack. Politely request that smokers abstain from smoking in your presence.
Humidity in the home can create an environment that is ideal for mold and mildew to grow. These substances are prime triggers for asthma attacks. Therefore, it is important to maintain a dry home. 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.
See more than one doctor. Although your primary doctor can treat your asthma, a specialist may be able to provide further help. Asthma doctors, allergists, and pulmiologists are the people who you want to consult with to help with asthma.
If you are traveling by plane and must bring inhalers or nebulizers on board, you should bring a written prescription for the equipment. If you’ve got written proof, it’ll save you a lot of hassle when you’re at a security check.
If asthma does strike, don’t lose your cool. You should immediately use your inhaler and use the inhaler again 30 seconds later. If you feel your ashtma attack worsening, get immediate help. Gesture to someone to call 911 if you can’t speak, or have them drive you to the nearest hospital. Breathe into a paper bag for assistance in slowing your breathing during the trip to the hospital.
As you have read, there are many options available to you that can help control your asthma. Having asthma does not automatically prevent you from enjoying your life. When you monitor and treat your condition properly, you can live a great life.
If you suffer from asthma and have to use your inhaler in excess of two or three times per week, you should see a doctor and ask about changing your medication. Increased reliance on your inhaler may be an indication that the medication is no longer working well enough. This same advice also goes for those who must refill their inhalers more frequently than every six months.