You’ve just gotten the asthma diagnosis and are panicking. Asthma, being a chronic condition, has no cure. However, you shouldn’t consider your life to be over just because you have received this diagnosis. This article can give you some tips about how to deal with asthma.
Certain prescription medications have the potential to cause asthma symptoms. Some over the counter medications can irritate your asthma. The medication you take for high blood pressure can also cause asthma symptoms. Make sure you consult with your doctor concerning your asthma and possible drug reactions.
Quit smoking or avoid smoke if you suffer from asthma. Smoking is, of course, unhealthy for anyone. The habit is even more dangerous for asthma patients, however, because anything that reduces the amount of oxygen reaching the lungs can trigger an attack.
Asthma is a chronic condition that is ongoing over time, and as such, will require a continual treatment and management regimen. Make sure to take the right medication for controlling everyday asthma symptoms, but also have quick relief medication with you in case of an attack. To determine the best options for you personally, consult your physician and an allergist.
Cleaning Products
Learn how to use an inhaler in the correct manner if you do not already know. Find a comfy spot, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The inhaler will only work if the medicine reaches your lungs. You need to inhale air while spraying the requisite dosage in your mouth. Hold your breath at least ten seconds, so that the medicated mist can fill your lungs.
If you’re suffering from asthma, it helps if you can avoid any harsh cleaning products out there. Cleaning products contain a plethora of chemicals that are triggers to exacerbating symptoms related to asthma, as well as the attacks themselves. It is advisable to consider using products that have an organic base when cleaning.
An annual flu vaccination is recommended for you as well as other members of your family. Keep yourself healthy, and without respiratory infections as best you can. This means that you should take all standard precautions to avoid illness, such as washing your hands, getting vaccinated and avoiding those who are sick.
You may be unaware that certain medications you might be on could cause asthma symptoms. Aspirin and other NSAIDs are known to be asthma triggers. Also, beta blockers, such as medicines used to control heart disease and high blood pressure. If you have asthma and these other conditions, let your physician know.
If you are an asthma patient, you may want to sleep with a pillow that does not contain feathers. People are often allergic to these natural products that can affect breathing and bring on asthma symptoms. This applies to bedding, as well, so it’s best to make sure that everything on your bed is hypoallergenic.
Asthma is a chronic condition that is ongoing over time, and as such, will require a continual treatment and management regimen. Your doctor may prescribe medications that must be taken daily. In addition, you will likely have medication to take in the event of an attack. To find which treatment options are the best for you and your condition, make sure you speak with a doctor and allergist.
While traveling, always keep emergency asthma medication on hand and close by. When you travel, you sometimes strain your body a little more than you think, which can make you a bit more susceptible to having asthma attacks. It is also difficult to control your environment while traveling, making it more likely that you may experience an attack or worsening symptoms.
If you are experiencing a moderately severe attack, try to first exhale completely. Exhale quickly and forcefully. It can’t be said too strongly: you must force the air out! Then, follow three short intakes of breath with one longer inhalation until your lungs are filled with air, although not uncomfortably so. Finally, expel the air from your lungs with force again. This will force you to pay careful attention to all of your breaths. It also keeps air flowing out of the lung,s so that you can refill them. You may cough or generate sputum, this is okay, your main goal is to get your breathing back on track again.
You must have regular asthma reviews, even if you are not having any problems. You never know when you might suffer another flare-up, or when your doctor might have a better or safer medication to prescribe for your symptoms.
If the room you are in appears to be dusty, refrain from turning on any fans. A fan will spread dust and debris all over. This can very easily aggravate your asthma, and cause serious symptoms. If possible, open a window to increase the flow of air into the room.
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. Also, communicating with other people with asthma will keep you in the know about changes in how the condition is understood and treated.
You may want to consider purchasing a dehumidifier for your home if you suffer from asthma. If you lessen your humidity in the house, you will stave off dust mites that may make your asthma flare. Air is kept dry by dehumidifiers by sucking the humidity out of it.
The development of asthma symptoms can occur over time and they can be difficult to pinpoint and diagnose. A few people have even died from an asthma attack without knowing they even had this dangerous condition. Discuss with your doctor if you are having problems trying to catch your breath or have had a persistent cough for a while. There is the possibility that you have developed asthma, and if so, your doctor can tell you what the best method to treat it would be.
You can help to prevent asthma attacks by maintaining a clean home, particularly the asthmatic’s bedroom. Also, you should keep food confined to the kitchen, and opt to smoke outdoors only. Try to avoid using any harsh chemicals or bleach in the home while cleaning; and, once the home is cleaned, air it out.
If you are going on a plane trip with asthma medications, make sure to bring your written prescription along with you. Written proof of needing your equipment can help you with any issues you might have in the security line.
Be certain you are aware of all your asthma attack triggers so you know both how to steer clear of them and also be ready to take care of your symptoms. There are some quite common triggers that can invoke an attack in asthma sufferers, for example cigarette smoke, pollen, or pet hair and dander. Avoid these things when you can to breathe easier.
Smoking cigarettes is not a choice that should be made. While smoking is a dangerous habit in general, it is far more damaging to those who have asthma. Asthmatics have sensitive lungs and tobacco smoke is very, very irritating. Smoke is so bad, that asthmatics should never allow themselves to be in the same vicinity as someone who is smoking.
If you suffer from asthma, you should refrain from sleeping on a pillow that contains feathers. The feathers can make it harder to breathe right and trigger an attack. The same rule holds true for bedding. Choose sheets and a comforter that are constructed from materials known for being hypoallergenic.
You should not use a vaporizer or humidifier if you have asthma or allergies unless you are sure that it is clean. If it is not clean you end up getting bacteria growth in the damp interior of the machine, and that ends up flooding the air you want to humidify with allergens.
Your home can be the cause of your asthma and its triggers. These are dust, mold and spores. Have an inspector come visit your house to remove any harmful agents that you have so that you can stay healthy and lower your risk for an asthma attack. You can help keep your house safe from these harmful substances by regularly cleaning and dusting your home.
If you have asthma, visit your doctor every three or four months so that they can help you monitor your health. Your physician can assess if there’s been any changes in your condition, and adjust your treatment plan accordingly. It is up to you to work with your doctor at regular appointments to keep your treatment plan working.
During cold, winter months, asthma sufferers should wear a shawl, muffler, or scarf that will cover both their nose and mouth. This way, the air will be warm before entering your lungs. Breathing in cold air tends to start asthma attacks, especially with younger children that have severe or moderate asthma.
Support groups or talking with others who have asthma, can help you learn to live with your asthma. By talking to fellow sufferers, you will learn more about asthma and what you should do in case of an attack. Having support from other people in the same situation as you are is an amazing help to your treatment and state of mind.
Emergency Medication
Try to consume foods that are rich in B6 vitamins. B6, another name for pyridoxine, has been proven to lessen the frequency and severity of attacks related to asthma. This substance helps your body produce the molecules needed to relax the tissues of the bronchial tubes. Bananas are a great-tasting source of vitamin B6.
Be sure you understand how to use your asthma medication, especially emergency medication. Most people treat their asthma with regular daily medication, and carry supplemental emergency medication in the form of a rescue inhaler. Because you will have asthma for the rest of your life, it is important that you take your maintenance medication properly, and that you use your emergency medication correctly.
Asthma can be triggered by environmental factors such as allergens, or it could be genetic. If a loved one in your household suffers from asthma, be mindful of any signs in others. There are a lot of things in your home that can cause asthma, some of these are smoke, mold, dust and pollution.
If you are traveling by plane and taking along your asthma medications, make sure to have with you any written doctors prescriptions, especially when carrying some large asthma equipment like a nebulizer. You’ll speed up the process of going through security if you have written proof that shows that the items are necessary.
Try to maintain a clean home and well-swept floors. Make sure you wash your bedding often. Keeping your home clean allows you to keep dust and dust mite levels low; both of these can trigger an asthma attack. As dust builds in the air, it becomes more irritating to those that suffer from asthma, and increases the chances of an attack.
If you tend to suffer from any allergies or asthmatic conditions, always clean vaporizers very thoroughly, as well humidifiers and any associated apparatus. Bacteria can breed inside of the machine due to the moisture, which can exaggerate your allergies or asthma.
Remain watchful toward allergy attacks and change your medication if you experience more than two attacks per week. Medical professionals generally agree that when asthma is under control, there should be no more that two attacks in one week.
As you can see, the trick to living with asthma is simply being prepared. Educating yourself on your particular asthma challenges and requirements will keep you healthy and minimize the risks you have to live with. The tips in this article will help you to build the knowledge base that you need to make positive changes in your life!
If a child younger than five is in your home and suffers from asthma, keep a watchful eye out for pending attacks that could mean a sudden trek to the emergency room. Difficulty breathing, breathing with a gasping sound and difficulty talking can all be serious signals. If your child is showing any of these signs, they need urgent medical attention.