Asthma can be a terrifying condition because it severely restricts your ability to breathe freely. Asthma attacks come with no warning, and the condition can shorten your life or even bring it to an abrupt halt. This article can aid you in understanding the reasons why some people suffer from asthma attacks and pinpoint ways you can handle the stress that comes with them.
If you are an asthma patient, do not expose yourself to vapors, fumes and cigarette smoke. This means you need to keep away from tobacco products and only seek out jobs where you aren't exposed to any harmful chemicals, smoke or vapors.
Avoid harsh cleaning chemicals if you are an asthma sufferer. Cleaning products are often full of chemicals, and breathing those chemicals in can irritate your lungs. Instead of relying on harsh cleaners, check out some organic solutions. They might cost a few dollars more, but the difference is well worth it.
There are certain medications that cause or exacerbate asthma symptoms. Not everyone knows this. Believe it or not, something as seemingly innocuous as aspirin can actually trigger symptoms. You should also pay attention to heart medications you may take, or ones that treat abnormal blood pressure. If you have asthma and these other conditions, let your physician know.
Ask everyone in your family to get a flu shot every year. If you suffer from asthma, it is best to avoid respiratory infections of any type as much as possible. To do this you must take extra precautions against getting sick, like washing your hands often and getting vaccinated every year.
If you are using a lot of different cleaners around your house you can trigger a asthma attack. Consider purchasing and using organic cleaning products since they are void of irritating chemicals.
Look into becoming a part of a support group. There are many to choose from both online and offline. Asthma can be devastating and lead to lethargy and withdrawal from normal life - especially if it is quite severe. Also, other asthma sufferers can help keep you aware of new medications or other medical treatments.
If your home is damp, it can encourage the growth of mildew and mold. These substances can easily trigger asthma attacks. You should therefore try to keep your home dry. Using a dehumidifier during cold weather and turning on your air conditioner when the weather gets hot again can help keep humidity out of your home to ensure your asthma is under control.
Asthma Attack
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. Bundling up puts heat between the air and your lungs, which can help lessen your risk of an asthma attack. By breathing in cold air, it has been proven that it could trigger an asthma attack more so in children that are younger and suffer from severe to moderate asthma.
Asthma develops over an extended time period, and its symptoms aren't always obvious. Many individuals died from their very first asthma attack because they weren't aware they had the risk factors for an attack. If you find yourself with a constant cough or have trouble breathing, consult your doctor, so he can tell you if you have asthma and if you need medication. He might even have suggestions on how to prevent it from worsening.
Although it is wise to use your inhaler as needed, be aware that the medication itself may cause problems with gums and teeth. One effective way in preventing these side effects and problems is to brush and gargle right away after you use your inhaler.
Pay attention to how often you reach for your asthma inhaler each week. If you are using it more than twice, your asthma may not be as well-controlled as you think or you may be experiencing unusual circumstances bringing on more frequent attacks. The number of times you use your inhaler can serve as a good reminder to monitor your environment and other aspects of your asthma management plan.
Instead of sweeping your floors with a broom, it is preferable to clean using a wet mop. If you choose to sweep, you're swirling up a tornado of dust and allergens, both of which are common triggers for asthma symptoms. Dusting can actually just move the dust around, sending particles into the air, and into your lungs triggering an asthma attack, so try wiping things down with a damp cloth to minimize the amount of allergens you are exposed to.
If not properly treated and managed, asthma may be a death sentence. By following the advice in this article, you can help to manage your asthma and bring better breathing and more activity to your life.