Any medical condition that makes it difficult to breathe–especially asthma–has the potential to be absolutely terrifying. Asthma attacks can occur out of the blue, and affect even people who had no reason to believe they were at risk. The information here can help make it clear what triggers asthma attacks, and it can provide you with ways to manage it and keep its effects limited.
It is very important that an asthma sufferer refrain from smoking, if you do then it is advisable you quit now. Smoking is bad in general for everyone, but it is particularly worse for asthma suffers because it decreases the amount of oxygen in the lungs, putting you at higher risk for asthma attacks.
Do you know what type of asthma you have? Knowing as much as possible about your specific type of asthma will go an incredibly long way in helping you combat the day-to-day effects it has on you. Asthma caused by exercise can be treated easily if you carry an inhaler when you go to the gym. Knowing symptom patterns will help you prevent emergencies.
If you have been diagnosed with asthma, you should avoid cleaning products. The chemicals in these products make you more prone to an asthma attack. If you have the job of cleaning your house, you should safer, natural products.
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. If you do, the dust will move around, and you can trigger your asthma. It would be better to just open a window if you are needing to get some airflow.
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. Exhale quickly and hard. This will force the air from your lungs. Take in three breaths, and then a deeper breath until your lungs are full of air. Then exhale with force again. This method forces you to pay close attention to your breathing and create a steady rhythm. By repeatedly forcing air out, you make room for new air so that your breathing can get back on track. This breathing technique may cause some coughing or sputum, but it can help regulate your breathing and reduce the attack.
Leukotriene Inhibitor
If the room you are in appears to be dusty, refrain from turning on any fans. When you turn on the fans they will move the dust in the room around and this can trigger your asthma very easily. Instead, you should consider opening a window to get some fresh clean air going through your lungs.
Talk to your doctor about getting a leukotriene inhibitor if you have asthma. A leukotriene inhibitor stops the release of a chemical that causes the inflammation that is responsible for some asthma attacks. Leukotriene are chemicals that may cause your lungs to get inflamed which can lead to an asthma attack. The inhibitor will prevent leukotrienes, which can decrease the amount of asthma attacks that you have.
If you suffer from asthma and allergies that result in attacks, you can get injections of long-lasting medication for relief. Known as Omalizumab, this antibody medicine can control the body’s allergic senses and lower the symptoms or reactions that asthma patients suffer.
Make certain that all members of your family get their annual flu shot. Make sure you do your best in avoiding respiratory infections at all costs if you have asthma. The easiest way to start is by performing routine hand-washing, limiting your touching of surfaces while in public places, and getting vaccinations recommended by your doctor.
Know how to use your inhaler properly! Find a comfy spot, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The inhaler will only reduce symptoms if the medication can get to your lungs. Breathe in through your mouth while you’re pressing the spray button. Don’t exhale for ten seconds so that the medicine can go through your lungs.
Immune System
If you have asthma and cannot afford health insurance or have no eligibility, bring up your situation with a social worker. Asthma medications are never cheap, but it’s vital that you receive them and that is the social worker’s goal. He or she will deal with the clinics directly in efforts to remedy the situation.
If you suffer from asthma, be sure your diet includes lots of Vitamins C and E. These particular vitamins are believed to better your lung function and help manage your symptoms of asthma. It is possible to acquire the necessary amounts by eating foods or by taking dietary supplements. Vitamins C and E are necessary for a healthy immune system. If your immune system isn’t healthy, it won’t be able to fight off illnesses that cause asthma attacks.
If you are an asthma sufferer, be sure to get the recommended daily dose of Vitamins C and E. These vitamins are thought to help improve lung function and control asthma symptoms. You can take a supplement or consume these vitamins in food. You can help out your immune system that can help stave off asthma triggers!
If you have been diagnosed with asthma, you should avoid smoking or even being in the presence of smokers. When you inhale smoke, especially in close quarters, lung functioning is decreased, and it can trigger an attack.
Using more than 4 different kinds of cleaning products for your house has been known to increase risks associated to asthma attacks. Use organic products as often as possible, as these contain fewer harsh chemicals.
While traveling, always keep emergency asthma medication on hand and close by. Traveling adds strain on the body and increases your susceptibility to asthma triggers. You won’t be able to control factors in your environment, such as air quality, while are away from home. This also adds to the likelihood of an attack or more symptoms than you are used to at home.
For asthma sufferers, the unscented option is always the best choice among different products. Products with a fragrance raise the air pollution indoors, and increase the risk of an attack being triggered. Some of these products include incense, scented body sprays and air fresheners. Fresh paint and new carpeting also give off odors that may aggravate the airways. Aim to keep the air as fresh as possible indoors.
Go to your regular medical check-ups, even if your condition seems under control. Your health care provider may have new prescriptions that could benefit you in case the need arises.
Be knowledgeable about the factors that cause asthma attacks in order to avoid the triggers or develop a plan for managing the symptoms of asthma. Generally, it is found that items such as smoke and pollen can trigger attacks in those that suffer with asthma. Whenever you can, avoid the things that trigger your asthma.
Join a support group, online or in “real life”, to find help from your peers. Since severe asthma can be quite debilitating, it can have a huge impact on your everyday life. Others who suffer from asthma can give you immeasurable amounts of support and advice, and help you keep up with new medical developments.
Asthmatic patients should avoid using feather pillows. The pillow feathers can cause asthma to flare up and minimize your lung function. Your other bedding, such as sheets, blankets and comforters, should be hypoallergenic, too.
If you do not control your asthma, it can possibly kill you. Utilize the content provided here, you can learn to control your asthma and enjoy a healthier, more active lifestyle.
Track how often you use your inhaler during each week. If you are utilizing your inhaler more than two times per day, you might not be controlling asthma as well as you think you are! Remembering the times you use the inhaler provides a good way to keep checking your environment, as well as other things in your plan to manage your asthma.