Asthma is a serious health condition present in all age groups and all different backgrounds. In addition to going to the appropriate medical experts, you should always watch out for several warning signs that could worsen your symptoms. The information provided in this article should help you learn to live a more fulfilled life with less asthma attacks.
Do you know the type of asthma that you suffer with? Being aware of your specific condition will help you combat the effects it has over your body day in and day out. If your asthma is triggered by exercise, throw an inhaler into your gym bag. Knowing symptom patterns will help you prevent emergencies.
If you suffer from asthma, don’t smoke or expose yourself to smoke, fumes or vapors. This means you need to keep away from tobacco products and only seek out jobs where you aren’t exposed to any harmful chemicals, smoke or vapors.
If you are experiencing a moderately severe attack, try to first exhale completely. When you breathe out, exhale the air quickly and as hard as you can. Exhale with maximum force! Take three short breaths, and then take a fourth, deeper breath to fill your lungs comfortably; then, breathe out with force again. Pay attention to what you are doing and follow a regular rhythm. It also pushes the air out of your lungs, so that more air can come in. It is okay that you cough up some sputum, you really want to breathe right again.
Some medications that you may take unknowingly can cause you to have asthma symptoms. A couple of common culprits that do this are aspirin and NSAIDs. You can also use medications that can control high blood pressure and heart disease, things like beta blockers. If you have any of these conditions along with your asthma, make sure you tell your doctor.
Leukotriene inhibitors can help control the symptoms of asthma. A leukotriene inhibitor is for the prevention of leukotrienes. The chemical leukotriene is a common cause of inflammation in the lungs which in turn, can trigger asthma attacks. The inhibitor will keep the leukotrienes from forming, which can reduce the frequency of asthma attacks that you experience.
If you are having an asthma attack (mild or moderate), you need to try to force air out of the lungs. Breathe out aggressively, as hard as you can. Expel the air in your lungs with great force! Inhale for three quick breaths, and then take one deep breath so that you can allow your lungs to fill with air, and then force the air out again. Paying attention this way will help you stabilize your breathing and make it rhythmic. It also allows you to take in more air by completely emptying your lungs. If you cough up mucus, don’t worry – just get the breathing back to normal.
Make proper use of your inhaler. An inhaler is most effective if used in a relaxed location and according to the maker’s instructions. The inhaler only helps if the medication reaches your lungs. Inhale the air and spray the right amount down your throat. Holding your breath for a minimum of 10 seconds gives the medicinal mist from the inhaler time to spread itself throughout your lungs.
Chemical Fumes
Talk to a social worker if you do not have health insurance and need medication for your asthma. It is crucial that you be able to pay for your asthma medications, and a social worker might be able to locate a hospital or clinic for you that offers medications at a much cheaper price.
Cigarette smoke and asthma do not mix. Avoid smoking altogether. Avoid breathing chemical fumes and vapors. Chemical fumes will trigger asthma attacks that you won’t be able to put an end to. If others are smoking nearby, leave that area as quickly as you can.
If you suffer from asthma, be sure your diet includes lots of Vitamins C and E. These vitamins help reduce asthma flare-ups by improving lung function. You can take these vitamins in pill form, or you can eat fresh fruits and vegetables and get the vitamins that way. The vitamins work to strengthen your immunities, thereby warding off sicknesses that tend to exacerbate asthma.
Consider getting allergy shots if you have asthma that is caused by allergies that aren’t under control. For example, Omalizumab can be used to keep your allergic reactions to a minimum and your asthma under control.
A dehumidifier is a beneficial investment for anyone with asthma. If you lessen your humidity in the house, you will stave off dust mites that may make your asthma flare. Dehumidifiers keep your home dry by keeping the humidity out.
Try a leukotriene inhibitor if you have asthma. These inhibitors can prevent leukotrienes. The inflammation caused by this substance can trigger the symptoms of asthma. Taking an inhibitor blocks the receptors that leukotrienes normally interact with and leaves your throat less inflamed and attack-prone.
There are certain types of household cleaning products that can trigger asthma attacks, and using multiple products is particularly dangerous. Use organic products as often as possible, as these contain fewer harsh chemicals.
Social Worker
You should understand what triggers your asthma attacks in order for you to avoid these causes or prepare yourself for managing your symptoms. Common triggers among asthma sufferers are smoke, pollen, or pet dander. When possible, stay away from these triggers that cause symptoms or ultimately, full-blown attacks.
Asthma patients without health insurance can get help by asking a social worker and getting access to programs with the resources asthma patients need. 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.
Even if you are feeling great, don’t skip your asthma check-ups. Your health care provider may have new prescriptions that could benefit you in case the need arises.
Make sure that everyone in your family, including you, gets annual flu shots. Asthma sufferers need to be careful and guard against any upper-resperatory illnesses. The preventative measures you can take against such sickness range from simple habits of hand washing to getting your annual flu shot.
Look into becoming a part of a support group. There are many to choose from both online and offline. Asthma, especially if it is severe, can be quite debilitating and can keep you from being an active participant in life. By getting involved in a support group you will also be speaking with other sufferers who may know of new scientific discoveries and treatment plans you may not be aware of.
If you have asthma, it might be helpful for you to buy a dehumidifier. Decreasing the humidity in the house decreases dust mites, which decreases asthma flare ups. Try running a dehumidifier to dry up the air in your home.
If the air in your home is humid, it provides an ideal incubator for mold or mildew. Both of these allergens can be contributing factors in asthma attacks. You should therefore try to keep your home dry. A dehumidifier can be used in the winter, and in the summer, many air conditioner models also help strip moisture from the air.
An annual flu shot is crucial if you have asthma or have an asthmatic child. Keep yourself safe from these outbreaks by getting a yearly shot.
Bundle up during winter weather if you have asthma. Covering your nose and mouth with a scarf or muffler helps prevent asthma attacks. That way the air is warmed before it enters your lungs. Breathing in cold air tends to start asthma attacks, especially with younger children that have severe or moderate asthma.
There are support groups available to you, both in person or on the Internet. Suffering from asthma can mean many days are spent at home with your condition stopping you from participating in a full and fulfilling lifestyle. If you know other asthma sufferers, you can stay up to date on the latest medicines and treatment options.
If you’re flying with asthma medications, be sure you get a prescription from your physician. Having proof in writing from a doctor that states the item is a medical necessity can eliminate security hassles.
Your asthma should not ever be downplayed or taken lightly. Asthma attacks can be lethal, so you should take measures to reduce the chances of your asthma going out of control. This can include keeping a rescue inhaler with you at all times and reducing the allergens and dust present in your home. It is possible to keep asthma under control with proper medication and the avoidance of certain substances.
Avoid smoke, if you don’t want to have an asthma attack. Smoke can cause asthma attacks. You should stay far away from smoke of any kind, chemicals and vapors. All of those things can trigger and aggravate asthma symptoms. If you know someone who smokes, politely ask that they do not smoke in your presence.