One of the most unnerving aspects of asthma is the fact that the disorder affects the sufferer’s ability to breathe. Asthma attacks come with no warning, and the condition can shorten your life or even bring it to an abrupt halt. This article not only explains some of the triggers of asthma attacks, but also details solutions for reducing the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
Avoid the things that trigger your asthma. This is different for everyone, but some people, things like dust or pollen can trigger an attack. It could also be some type of strenuous exercise. Knowing exactly what sets off your asthma is thus, very important.
An important part of symptom management is knowing what type of asthma you have. 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. If your asthma is triggered by exercise, throw an inhaler into your gym bag. You can avoid a crisis by knowing your symptoms’ patterns.
Asthma is a chronic condition that is ongoing over time, and as such, will require a continual treatment and management regimen. You need to keep taking your medications to control the asthma symptoms every day, and if an attack should occur, you should have quick relief medication at your disposal. Speak to your physician and allergist to find out what medications are right for you.
If asthma is something that you are afflicted with, then don’t smoke or immediately quit. Although smoking causes health problems for everyone, it is even more dangerous to asthma sufferers because the smoke causes airway swelling that cuts off oxygen to your lungs, and can trigger an attack.
If you are having trouble dealing with asthma, a leukotriene inhibitor might be of good use. A leukotriene inhibitor prevents the formation of leukotrienes. Inhibiting this chemical can lead to a decrease in asthma symptoms. By blocking the effects of leukotrienes, a leukotriene inhibitor can reduce the frequency and severity of your asthma attacks.
Avoid Cleaning
Properly use the inhaler every time you must use it. Find a comfy spot, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Remember that using an inhaler is only going to help you if the medication contained within makes its way to the lungs. Spray the dosage into the mouth while you inhale air. Hold your breath still for ten seconds at least in order to let the mist with medicine fill your lungs.
It is imperative that you do your best to avoid cleaning chemicals if you are asthmatic. Asthma sufferers are often sensitive to chemical cleaners; using these products can sometimes trigger asthma attacks. While anyone responsible for cleaning their home can’t avoid cleaning products altogether, it’s best to only use natural products.
If you are dealing with asthma, you would benefit from buying a dehumidifier. By bringing down the humidity level, it will reduce dust mites and reduce asthma flare-ups. Dehumidifiers eliminate your home’s humidity, leaving dry air.
If you suffer from asthma, try seeing if a leukotriene inhibitor helps. A leukotriene inhibitor prevents the formation of leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are inflammation-causing chemicals that can bring on asthma attacks. The inhibitor prevents leukotrienes, and that can decrease the number of asthma attacks you deal with.
Stay away from any tobacco smoke, even people that are smoking tobacco. As soon as you inhale any smoke from tobacco, your lungs become sensitive, which increases your risk of an attack. Just avoid any type of smoke, especially in small areas, and keep your lungs healthy to be safe.
Make certain that you and your loved ones receive annual flu shots. Respiratory infections can seriously hurt those who suffer from asthma, so take measures to avoid contracting them. It is important to do things like hand washing and receiving proper vaccinations.
To minimize the chances of triggering a bout of asthma, keep your house extra clean, particularly rooms where asthma patients sleep. Food should only be eaten in the kitchen area, and whatever you do, please don’t smoke. Make sure that the home is properly ventilated and aired out, especially after cleaning with harsh products, like bleach or ammonia.
If you suffer from asthma and do not smoke, make sure to avoid people who do smoke. When you breathe in smoke, particularly in an enclosed area, your lungs cannot function as well, and it increases your risk of having an asthma attack.
If you’re suffering from a cold or allergies, you should talk to your doctor about taking additional asthma medication. Side effects that are associated with most illnesses can serve as triggers for asthma and may cause an increase in your asthma treatment. Your family doctor may recommend adding another treatment or medication to your current regimen until you recover from your illness.
Keep your home free of dust and other triggers, especially where the person who suffers from asthma sleeps. Only permit food in designated eating areas, such as the kitchen or dining room, and don’t allow smoking inside the house at all. Air the house out thoroughly after cleaning and avoid the use of bleach and other harsh chemicals indoors.
If you are an asthma patient, you may want to sleep with a pillow that does not contain feathers. The feathers contained in the pillow could trigger the symptoms related to asthma and it could prevent your lungs from functioning efficiently. Also, make sure your other bedding is made with hypoallergenic materials.
Regular flu shots are important if you or one of your children suffer from asthma. A yearly vaccination will help minimize the number of infections your children have to deal with.
When traveling, make sure to have your rescue medication handy at all times. The stress of travel may temporarily weaken your body and make you more vulnerable to attack triggers. You can’t exert as much control over your environment when you travel, so you may have an asthma attack or exacerbation of symptoms under unfamiliar conditions.
If you suffer from asthma, it’s best to avoid pillows full of feathers. Feathers can trigger asthma symptoms and reduce lung function. Patients should also buy hypoallergenic bedding.
Think about signing up for a support group locally or online. Since severe asthma can be quite debilitating, it can have a huge impact on your everyday life. A support group will help you have a good time and forget about your condition once in a while, as well as as keep you informed about the latest innovations.
When you fly, make sure to take along prescriptions or doctors’ notes for all of your asthma equipment and medications, especially if they are unusual. When you have written proof that these items are necessary it can help speed along the security procedures.
During the colder months, avoid asthma attacks by wearing a scarf, shawl or muffler that covers the mouth and nose. This way, the air will be warm before entering your lungs. Breathing in air that’s cold can trigger an attack, particularly in younger children that have moderate or severe asthma.
If not controlled it can become fatal. If you heed the advice that this article shared with you, not only will your asthma be better managed, you will also have a greater breath capacity and a more active lifestyle.
Asthma generally takes a long time to develop, and the symptoms may be vague at first, making it difficult to diagnose the problem. There have been a few cases where a person dies from their first attack, because they didn’t know they suffered from the condition. So, if you are having trouble coughing and breathing, talk to a doctor to see if you need treatment. You might receive a prescription to treat or prevent asthma.