If you do not treat your asthma, it can quickly become dangerous. A severe asthma attack can put you in the hospital or kill you. It is important to get the assistance of a medical professional; however, this should stop you from taking steps yourself. The article below will provide some common sense advice to reduce and manage your asthma symptoms.
It is very important that an asthma sufferer refrain from smoking, if you do then it is advisable you quit now. Although smoking is terrible for everyone, it is even worse for an asthma sufferer due to less oxygen supply in the lungs and that can trigger an attack.
If you have asthma, avoid cigarette smoke of all kinds. If you smoke, try quitting. It is also a good idea to stay away from the fumes or vapors from harsh chemicals, such as those used in cleaning. These can trigger a severe asthma attack that can be difficult to get under control. You should give up on the smokes if you have asthma and also make sure to avoid other people who are smoking.
When you have asthma, you need to be careful around chemical cleaning products. Cleaning products contain a plethora of chemicals that are triggers to exacerbating symptoms related to asthma, as well as the attacks themselves. If you must do the cleaning in your home, opt for natural products with lower chemical content.
You should ensure that every family member in your household gets a flu vaccine yearly. When you are afflicted with asthma, steer as clear as you can of all types of respiratory infections. Making sure to consistently wash your hands, and getting the proper vaccinations are two standard precautions.
Keep clear of anything that you know to be a trigger for your asthma. For some people, this can be pollen or other allergy triggers. Others may have attacks that are triggered by physical activity. Look for the trigger points in your life, so you can work around them.
Stay away from any tobacco smoke, even people that are smoking tobacco. You can suffer an asthma attack if you are around cigarette smoke because it makes your lungs function poorly. You are even more exposed to an attack when the smoke is in a closed-in room or area.
Asthma is not a curable disease and will require life-long health management. Be sure to take the correct medicines to keep your daily asthma symptoms under control, and always have emergency medication available in case an attack occurs. To find which treatment options are the best for you and your condition, make sure you speak with a doctor and allergist.
While everyone appreciates the look and feel of a clean house, asthma sufferers in particular benefit from a healthy environment as it can decrease the risk of asthma attacks, especially in a sleeping area. Food should only be eaten in the kitchen area, and whatever you do, please don’t smoke. Thoroughly air out your house after every cleaning, and stay away from bleach and similar harsh chemicals while cleaning indoors.
Talk to your doctor about getting a leukotriene inhibitor if you have asthma. This type of inhibitor is designed to prevent leukotrienes. Leukotriene is a type of chemical substance which may cause inflammation and could cause an attack. Taking an inhibitor blocks the receptors that leukotrienes normally interact with and leaves your throat less inflamed and attack-prone.
Avoid pillows with feathers if you have asthma. The pillow feathers can cause asthma to flare up and minimize your lung function. This applies to bedding, as well. Purchase sheets and comforters that are made of hypoallergenic materials.
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 is only useful if the medication within it actually gets to your lungs. While inhaling air, spray the proper amount of inhalant into your mouth. Hold in your breath for 10 seconds so the medicine works properly.
A handful of primary initiators of asthma, and its attack triggers, lie right in your residence. These generally include 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. Conscientious house-cleaning can help prevent buildup of substances in your home that might trigger an asthma attack.
An annual flu vaccination is highly recommended for yourself and your family. People who have been diagnosed with asthma should exercise extreme diligence in avoiding other respiratory conditions. This includes preventive measures against sickness, such as practicing good hygiene and getting all recommended vaccinations.
Humidity is a problem in the home, because it creates conditions that are perfect for mildew and mold growth. These can very easily cause an attack. You should do your best to maintain a dry home. One way to control the humidity in the house is to employ a dehumidifier to pull out the excess moisture.
If you’ve got asthma, don’t smoke or be near smokers. Inhaled smoke from tobacco can drastically reduce lung function, increasing your chances of an asthma attack. This is especially true in closed-in areas.
Wear a covering over your mouth and nose when you go outdoors in the colder weather. A shawl, scarf or muffler would work well. This will warm the air up before you breathe it into your lungs. Inhaling cold air can elicit an asthma attack or create other serious respiratory problems.
Make sure you get a flu shot each year if you have asthma or if your child does. Get yearly vaccinations to keep these potential infections at bay.
It is essential that you learn the proper ways to use all of your asthma medications, especially those used in rescue situations. Asthma typically is treated so that the sufferer has a regular maintenance medication, but is also prescribed a rescue medication, like an inhaler. Asthma lasts a lifetime, so you must manage your treatment and lifestyle to ensure you’re taking the best care of yourself.
Be keenly aware of the triggers for your asthma attacks. If you know the cause, you can stay away to prevent asthma attacks. Those who experience asthma are susceptible to some common things like pet dander, smoke, or pollen. If at all possible, strive to avoid substances and locations that trigger your asthma symptoms or attacks.
You should use your inhaler everyday regularly; however, be forewarned that the medicine can potentially lead to mouth infections, especially around your gums and teeth. Always clean your teeth and rinse your mouth after you use your inhaler.
Find out how you are supposed to use your asthma medication and rescue treatments. When you have asthma, you should be on a maintenance medication and have an emergency medicine for asthma attacks. Usually this is in the form of an inhaler. Since asthma is chronic in nature, appropriate application and use of both management and rescue medicines is vital.
Asthma sufferers should avoid close contact with all animals. Having an allergy to dander or animal hair could be possible asthma complications, even sufferers free of these kinds of allergies could still have an asthma attack that is caused by pollen and dust animals seem to carry around with them.
While using an inhaler can potentially cause mouth or gum sores, it is still important to use it daily if you suffer from severe asthma. To prevent these issues, brush and use mouthwash immediately after inhaler usage.
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.
Monitor how often, per week, you find it necessary to use your inhaler. If you use it three or more times each week, your treatment plan may not be working effectively or else an atypical situation may be triggering an increased number of attacks. This number can help you monitor your environment for asthma triggers and let you determine if your treatment plan is working properly.