Asthma is a medical condition that can take over your life if you do not treat it. A failure to treat your asthma could lead to attacks, and these attacks can be deadly. It’s best to see a doctor first, but in many cases, you’ll need to take additional action on your own. Here are a few easy tips to help you get a handle on your asthma symptoms.
If you have received a diagnosis of asthma, you are not to smoke or be near vapors or other types of fumes. You must abstain from using any tobacco products. Also, when job hunting, you need to take into consideration whether or not you will be exposed to anything detrimental to your condition while on the job.
Do you know the type of asthma that you suffer with? If you identify your specific causes, you can be prepared to treat the symptoms when they appear during your daily routines. If your asthma is triggered by exercise, throw an inhaler into your gym bag. If you know and understand your asthma triggers, you can better avoid and handle attacks.
If you are suffering from a moderate or mild attack, do your best to force as much air out of the lungs as possible. Breathe out quick and forcefully. Try to force the air out of your lungs! Inhale a series of three quick breaths, followed by a deeper one, before exhaling with force again. This technique develops a breathing rhythm, allowing you to notice the breaths that you take in. It also allows you to take in more air by completely emptying your lungs. You might cough hard or create mucus, but its just a sign your breathing is getting back to normal.
Learn what triggers your asthma so that you can avoid it. Certain outdoor areas may be off-limits because they cause allergies to flare up. For other people it may physical activities that will set them off. Keep a journal of your attacks so that you can start to learn what your triggers are so that you can prevent flareups before they begin.
If you are suffering from asthma, stay away from any type of cigarette smoke. Refrain from smoking! Do not breathe in the vapors or any other chemical fumes. This can trigger an asthma attack, which may be difficult to stop. If others are smoking and you are nearby, get away from them immediately.
Asthma is ongoing. Therefore, it also requires continual management of your health. Ensure you’re taking the proper medications in order to manage everyday asthma symptoms. In addition, you should have a quick-fix medication handy in the event you suffer from an attack. Have a discussion with your doctor or allergist to determine what the best plan for you might be.
Make sure if you have an inhaler that you are using it the right way. Find a quiet spot and follow the instructions the manufacturer has given. The inhaler is only beneficial if the medicine gets to your lungs. As you are inhaling air, spray the correct dosage in your mouth. Then hold it and try not to breathe for a minimum of 10 seconds. This will give enough time for the medication to properly fill out your lungs.
Immune System
If you have asthma and do not have health insurance, you should consider seeing a social worker. Social workers are often able to locate a hospital or clinic that can offer free or low cost options to make sure you can fill your medication prescriptions.
If you suffer from asthma, make sure that you consume enough Vitamin C and Vitamin E. These vitamins help reduce asthma flare-ups by improving lung function. It is possible to acquire the necessary amounts by eating foods or by taking dietary supplements. These vitamins are great for your immune system, and a strong immune system wards off illnesses that can trigger asthma attacks.
If you are using a lot of different cleaners around your house you can trigger a asthma attack. Organic cleaning products should be selected due to their lack of irritating chemicals.
Be prepared for your asthma treatment to be increased if you have a cold or hay fever. Treatment may be increased in these cases as many illnesses have side effects that can cause flare ups in your asthma. Your doctor could add another treatment into your regimen until the illness is better.
Buy products that are unscented if you suffer from asthma. Products that contain fragrance, such as perfumes, colognes, or air fresheners, fill the air with irritants that can trigger an asthma attack. Fresh paint and new carpeting give off odors that can irritate sensitive airways. Try to maintain fresh air inside your home.
Make sure you get a flu shot each year if you have asthma or if your child does. Stave off as many of these infections as possible by getting vaccinated every year.
When dealing with hay fever or a cold, you will notice an increase in your asthma symptoms. The effects of some illnesses can exacerbate the effects of your asthma, causing the need for more treatments. Your doctor may choose to also add an additional treatment until the illness gets better.
Asthma is an uncurable disease, but that doesn’t mean that the symptoms are permanent and can’t go away. However, just like most things in life, overcoming your asthma symptoms takes time and effort. If you follow these easy tips, you’ll find that your symptoms will get better over time and you’ll be able to enjoy a healthier, more active lifestyle.
Regular flu shots are important if you or one of your children suffer from asthma. Prevent these infections from occurring by going to get vaccinated each year.