This information guide was created to help the millions of people who live with asthma every day – like you! The next few paragraphs are chock full of tips that will help you get the most out of your life with asthma.
You should avoid smoking and any type of fumes if you suffer from asthma. This means avoidance of all tobacco products, as well as taking into consideration any smoke or vapors you might be exposed to in a prospective workplace.
If you have any children who suffer from asthma, avoid smoking around them at all costs. Secondhand smoke can actually cause asthma to appear. Never allow anyone to smoke around your child, and teach them not to smoke as an adult themselves.
What type of asthma do you suffer from? You can learn to combat the life changing effects of asthma by understanding your specific type. People who suffer from exercise-induced asthma should consider carrying an emergency inhaler in their bag. Knowing symptom patterns will help you prevent emergencies.
A leukotriene inhibitor should be taken into consideration when asthma is a struggle. Leukotriene inhibitors are used to prevent things called leukotrienes. A leukotriene will cause inflammation in the respiratory system, causing an asthma attack. Get the inhibitor to prevent the leukotrienes, and your asthma attacks may drop in number.
Never smoke around a child with asthma, or you could kill them! Second-hand cigarette smoke is a leading cause of asthma. You also need to be sure that your child isn’t around those that choose to smoke.
Stay away from any tobacco smoke, even people that are smoking tobacco. Inhaled smoke from tobacco can drastically reduce lung function, increasing your chances of an asthma attack. This is especially true in closed-in areas.
There are some common medications that you could be using that will cause asthma symptoms. Aspirin is an example of a widely used medicine that can cause asthma problems. You can also use beta blockers, which will help you manage blood pressure. It is important to talk openly with your doctor about your asthma so that you do not take any medications that could be harmful to you.
Those with asthma should always opt for unscented items because they are safest. Products that contain strong scents, like incense, perfume, or air freshener can trigger an asthma attack just by lingering in the air. Fresh paint and new carpeting can also irritate the airway. Keep your indoor air as clean as you can.
Unfortunately, asthma sufferers must realize that their condition is chronic which requires ongoing treatment. Make certain you are doing the most you can each day to keep your symptoms under control. Take the proper medications needed for everyday symptoms, and always have quick relief medication by you at all times in the event an attack occurs. Find out from your allergist and your doctor what is best for you.
Your asthma treatments will likely increase when you suffer from hay fever or a cold. The effects of an illness can cause the severity of your asthma to temporarily increase, which necessitates a change in treatment. Your physician may even recommend that you take additional medication until you recover.
Any type of smoke can bring on a serious asthma attack. Smoking is off limits. Avoid breathing in any of the vapors or other chemical fumes. This can set off an Asthma attack that you might not be able to stop. If you are around people who smoke, leave the area very fast.
If you suffer with asthma, get a flu shot each year. Prevent these infections from occurring by going to get vaccinated each year.
When struggling with asthma, consider using a leukotriene inhibitor. It works to prevent leukotrienes. Leukotrienes has a hand in causing swelling and inflammation in your lungs, and may trigger a asthma attack. Taking an inhibitor blocks the receptors that leukotrienes normally interact with and leaves your throat less inflamed and attack-prone.
Keep all your doctors appointments even if your asthma symptoms aren’t bothering you. You don’t know when you could have another flare-up, or if there are better or safer medications available.
Make sure you are using your inhaler properly. A lot of people use inhalers improperly, so be sure that you’re adhering to the manufacturer’s suggested instructions. The medicine in the inhaler only works if it actually makes it to your lungs. While taking a deep breath, spray in the recommended dosage. Hold your breath at least ten seconds, so that the medicated mist can fill your lungs.
Asthma Attacks
Ask everyone in your family to get a flu shot every year. When you are afflicted with asthma, steer as clear as you can of all types of respiratory infections. It’s important to take the standard precautions against these illnesses, such as hand washing and vaccinations.
During the months that are colder, wear a shawl, muffler or scarf that will cover your nose and mouth to help you avoid asthma attacks. That way the air is warmed before it enters your lungs. Breathing cold air can trigger severe asthma attacks. This is especially true for young children with asthma.
You should be ready to increase asthma treatments if you suffer from hay fever or a cold. Some illnesses create issues that make it necessary to increase medication temporarily. Your physician might also add more treatments to your regimen until your asthma is under control again.
Avoiding smoke is one of the best asthma-prevention tips out there. Sometimes smoke can cause an asthma attack. Stay away from all types of fumes as well as cigarette smoke. Your asthma symptoms will be exacerbated by these things. If a person is smoking around you, politely ask him to smoke at times when you are somewhere else.
If you have asthma, you should get a flu shot once per year. Stave off these infections immediately by getting your vaccinations yearly.
Get a second opinion. Specialists can supplement the asthma treatments your regular doctor provides for you. Asthma centers, pulmonologists, nutritionists and allergists can all work with you, making sure you are getting all the treatment you need.
Asthma sufferers should avoid close contact with all animals. Many people with asthma also suffer from allergies to animal dander. Even without a specific allergy, asthma attacks can be triggered by the dust and dander in the air caused by the presence of an animal.
Asthma sufferers need to stay inside as much as they can when the air’s pollen content is high. While asthma and allergies are separate illnesses, you’ll find that the triggers for one tend to be mirrored in the other. Check the local air quality report online to determine whether to stay indoors and keep irritant exposure to a minimum.
Bed linens are a magnet for nasty allergens and asthma triggers, including dust and pollen. You can cut down on these irritants or eliminate them altogether by washing your bedding and pillow cases in very hot water once a week. These fresh bed linens will let you breathe easier when sleeping.
Remain calm in the event of an asthma attack. You should immediately use your inhaler and use the inhaler again 30 seconds later. If this does not help and your attack gets worse, you need to get immediate medical assistance. Get someone to call an ambulance or get you to a hospital. Breathing in and out of a paper bag on the way will help slow down your breathing.
You should get a second opinion. Your primary physician should always be your first stop when dealing with asthma, but you may find it helpful to add a specialist’s knowledge. Asthma centers, pulmonologists, allergists or even nutritionists will be able to work with you, make certain that you check out all outlets offering treatment.
Learn all you can learn about your condition. The more you educate yourself about your asthma condition, the more you are able to be proactive about your treatment. Do your research, and keep current on available treatment information so you can be sure you’re doing all you can to feel well. There is no other way to get the best care possible than educating yourself on asthma, and staying informed about your treatment options.
Make certain you have checkups scheduled with your physician every few months so you keep on top of your asthma. At your doctor’s visit, the doctor will evaluate your asthma and make any changes to your treatment plan if they are required. It is up to you to be proactive about your health and set up regular appointments with your asthma doctor to allow him or her to work with you to keep you healthy and feeling well.
If you decide to paint a room in your house, purchase a mask in order to keep yourself from inhaling fumes. Wearing the mask will keep the irritants away from your lungs and esophagus, keeping your asthma under control. Use proper safety equipment to protect yourself from chemicals that can agitate your asthma condition.
Eat more foods that contain vitamin B6. This vitamin, which is sometimes called pyridoxine, offers many benefits, including reducing the overall frequency of severe asthma attacks. It seems to work by producing molecular elements that aid it relaxing the tissues of your bronchial system. One common source of vitamin B6 are bananas.
The information here will surely help to guide you through your asthma, as well as gain more control over it. Using this knowledge, you can return to being active and returning to the things you’ve missed.
Make sure to regularly clean and sweep your living area. You should wash sheets, pillows, and blankets very frequently. When you do, you prevent dust mite and dust buildup, which can both trigger your asthma attacks. Built up dust makes the air irritating and increases the chances of an asthma attack.