If you have recently been handed a diagnosis of asthma, you may find yourself in a panic. Asthma, being a chronic condition, has no cure. It doesn’t mean your life has to stop because of being diagnosed with asthma. This article is like a virtual library full of information on asthma symptoms and treatments.
Do you know which type of asthma you suffer from? Particular cases of asthma can respond differently to the same treatment, so you need to know all that you can about your case to treat it most effectively. For example, if your asthma is often triggered by workouts, your inhaler should always be on hand when you exercise. You will be able to prevent asthma attacks if you can recognize symptoms.
Suffer from asthma? It is vital that you not smoke tobacco; if you do, quit. Smoking isn’t good for anyone, but it’s worse for those with asthma. It cuts off the oxygen supply that your lungs need to function properly to keep away the asthma attacks.
It is important that you try to stay clear of cleaning products if you have asthma. Many of the harsh chemicals inside cleaning products might trigger symptoms or even a full blown asthma attack. While anyone responsible for cleaning their home can’t avoid cleaning products altogether, it’s best to only use natural products.
Avoid those things that you know can trigger your asthma. For many, allergens like dust and pollen, can trigger their attacks. It could also be some type of strenuous exercise. 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.
Some medications are known to cause asthma symptoms. A couple of common culprits that do this are aspirin and NSAIDs. You can also use beta blockers, which will help you manage blood pressure. Let your doctor know about your asthma and what prescriptions you’re taking.
Cigarette Smoke
If you’re in a room that has a lot of dust in it, don’t turn on a fan. An asthma attack can be easily triggered by the moving dust. Open a window to bring clean, cool air inside instead.
If you are prone to asthma attacks, avoid any cigarette or other tobacco smoke. This cannot be emphasized enough: Stay away from cigarette smoke! It is also a good idea to stay away from the fumes or vapors from harsh chemicals, such as those used in cleaning. This can cause an asthma attack, and you may be unable to bring it under control. Do everything you can to avoid cigarette smoke, air pollution, allergens and harsh chemical fumes to keep your asthma symptoms under control.
You may want to use a leukotriene inhibitor if your asthma is being particularly problematic. It works to prevent leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are inflammation-causing chemicals that can bring on asthma attacks. The inhibitor will prevent leukotrienes, which can decrease the amount of asthma attacks that you have.
Leukotriene inhibitors may be helpful to you if you suffer from asthma. Leukotriene inhibitors block the effects of leukotrienes. Leukotriene is a chemical substance that can lead to inflammation that can cause an asthma attack. The inhibitor can prevent them and decrease your asthma attacks.
Learn how to properly use your inhaler. A lot of people use inhalers improperly, so be sure that you’re adhering to the manufacturer’s suggested instructions. The inhaler can only help you if the medication actually reaches the lungs. Breathe in through your mouth while you’re pressing the spray button. Hold your breath still for ten seconds at least in order to let the mist with medicine fill your lungs.
Sleep with a feather-less pillow if you have asthma. Feathers can trigger asthma symptoms and reduce lung function. The same reasoning applies to all bedding – only purchase bed sheets and comforters that are manufactured from hypoallergenic materials.
If you are dealing with asthma, you would benefit from buying a dehumidifier. Not only will a dehumidifier decrease humidity, but it will also be helpful in controlling the dust mite population. Both are causative factors in asthma attacks. Dehumidifiers reduce humidity and keep the air in your home dry.
Asthma often takes time to develop, the symptoms appearing slowly. Some people have even died from having an asthma attack, and they didn’t even know they had asthma. If you have any trouble catching your breath or a cough that won’t go away, consider talking to your doctor to make sure that you aren’t afflicted with asthma. If you are, you’ll need to keep an inhaler with you at all times and possible take other medications.
When you are traveling, make sure you have a rescue inhaler with you. Traveling is hard on your body, opening you up to an asthma attack. It’s hard to have much control over your environment when you travel, which makes it more likely you will have some sort of symptoms or an asthma attack.
You can use the preventative inhaler daily, but know that it can cause mouth infections near your gums and teeth. You can prevent these side effects with proper tooth brushing and gargling after you use your inhaler.
You can join an online or offline support group. Asthma, especially severe asthma, can be a debilitating condition and prevent you from participating fully in daily life. Also, other asthma sufferers can alert you to scientific breakthroughs and changes, such as new medications.
Monitor how many times, on a weekly basis, you are using your rescue inhaler. Using it two times or may may mean that your asthma is not as controlled as you may think it is. It could also mean that something else is bringing on these frequent attacks. Counting how many times you reach for your inhaler can be a good aid to remind you of what environments you need to control and what else you may need to manage.
Most homes are full of common asthma triggers. These culprits include dust, spores and mold. To reduce asthma attacks and stay healthy, have an inspector remove any harmful agents yearly. In addition, regularly cleaning the home can stop these things from building up.
If you have asthma consider staying away from pets or animals. Even sufferers not allergic to a certain animal need to remember that dust and pollen on the animals can still trigger an attack.
Humidity is a problem in the home, because it creates conditions that are perfect for mildew and mold growth. Mold and mildew can easily cause severe asthma attacks. Try, then, to ensure your home is dry. 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.
Fresh Linens
You need to know how to properly use asthma medications that are prescribed to you, especially your rescue medication, so that you are prepared if you need to use it during an emergency. Asthma is usually treated with an everyday medication that is sometimes supplemented with an emergency treatment, like an inhaler. It’s crucial that medication for management of asthma is taken regularly, and that rescue medication is also used when appropriate.
Dust and other allergens often accumulate in bed sheets. Use fresh linens to make up your bed on a regular basis. If there are always fresh linens on your bed, you are much more likely to sleep restfully without unexpected asthma attacks.
You should get a second opinion. While your asthma treatment should start with your primary care doctor, visiting one or two asthma specialists can make a real difference in how well you understand and manage your condition. Certain specialists, such as pulmonologists and allergists, can provide extra treatment options for your asthma.
Try to avoid the seasonal pollen that may trigger an asthma attack. Asthma is not considered an allergy, but elements that cause allergies usually trigger asthma attacks too. Now that you have information on local air quality in most areas, people who suffer from asthma will be able to decrease outdoor activities if there is potential irritants in the air.
Watch the pollen counts and adjust your activity accordingly to protect yourself from seasonal asthma issues. Even though asthma is not considered to be an allergy, asthma is triggered by the same things that cause allergies. You can get the information about air quality in the area you are in; people who suffer from asthma should stay indoors if their air quality is low.
Educate yourself to the maximum regarding asthma. The more educated you are about your asthma, the more proactive you can be about your treatment. Stay up to date with current treatments and make sure you have the best care possible. The best thing to do is learn and research as much as you can about this condition and the treatment options that would be best for you.
If you are using a vaporizer or humidifier, you should thoroughly clean it prior to use. Bacteria can breed inside of the machine due to the moisture, which can exaggerate your allergies or asthma.
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. This article is your first step to building a knowledge base to combat this disease effectively!
If you have asthma, you must know how to use your inhaler properly. Don’t just breathe normally or shallowly after spraying inhaled medication into your mouth. When you spray the inhaler, be sure to breathe in as deeply as you can for two to three seconds. Without proper breathing techniques with your inhaler, your symptoms will worsen.