Asthma can be a challenging condition. Taking an outside walk, for example, might become impossible if you suffer with asthma. Unfortunately, there is no cure for asthma, and even the symptoms are difficult to control. This article will discuss several ways to help prevent your asthma symptoms from getting to severe.
If asthma is something you suffer from, do not smoke or spend time around smokers, much less any source of vapors and fumes. This means avoiding tobacco products, and making sure that you do not choose any kind of job that could expose you to harmful vapors or smoke, such as factory work.
If you have any children who suffer from asthma, avoid smoking around them at all costs. Secondhand smoke is something that can lead to serious asthma. Never allow anyone to smoke around your child, and teach them not to smoke as an adult themselves.
If you are having an asthma attack (mild or moderate), you need to try to force air out of the lungs. Breathe out quick and forcefully. Truly pump all air from your lungs! After that, take in three shallow breaths and one deep breath. Once your lungs are full again, do another forceful exhale. This gives your breathing a rhythm, which makes you aware of how many breaths you take. When air is forcefully exhaled, it allows a fresh intake of air to fill your lungs. There may be periods of harsh coughing and a substantial generation of sputum, but this is actually what you want in order to get the airways opened and the breathing back on a regular pattern.
If you're someone who gets an asthma attack related to allergy like symptoms, there's medication you can use to help. Your allergist might recommend Omalizumab, which is an antibody type medicine that can regulate your symptoms of allergic reactions.
Asthma Attack
Leukotriene inhibitors can help control the symptoms of asthma. A leukotriene inhibitor works by preventing leukotrienes. Leukotriene is a substance that may cause inflammation. This can make a person have an asthma attack. This inhibitor can prevent leukotrienes, which makes you less likely to have an asthma attack.
Know how to use your inhaler correctly. Find a relaxing spot, and be sure that you follow the directions that the manufacturer provided. 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. It is then necessary to hold the breath for about ten seconds to give the medication time to work in your lungs.
Make sure that everyone in your family gets their flu shot. You do not want to have a respiratory infection if you have asthma. This includes taking standard precautions against illness, like hand washing, as well as getting vaccinations that can keep you from getting sick.
Always choose unscented products for your home if you have asthma. Scented products such as air fresheners and perfumes can trigger an asthma attack. Newly installed carpet or fresh paint in the home are both known to release chemical irritants. Aim to make the air inside your home allergen free, and as fresh and clean as possible.
Be certain you are aware of what triggers an asthma attack so you can avoid it, or at least be prepared to handle the symptoms. Asthma sufferers generally have different triggers in common like pollen, pet dander and smoke. Whenever you can, just steer clear of these triggers when you know what they would result in.
Sleep with a feather-less pillow if you have asthma. The feathers contained in the pillow could trigger the symptoms related to asthma and it could prevent your lungs from functioning efficiently. The same rule holds true for bedding. Choose sheets and a comforter that are constructed from materials known for being hypoallergenic.
If you are on the road, be certain to travel with your inhaler at all hours. Traveling can be somewhat stressful and put added strain your body, which might make you more likely to respond to asthma triggers by having an attack. It's hard to have much control over your environment when you travel, which makes it more likely you will have some sort of symptoms or an asthma attack.
Even if your asthma is not acting up, attend all of your doctor's appointments. It is important to make sure your condition isn't worsening, and your doctor may want to prescribe a different medication.
Rescue Medication
Know how to properly use asthma medicine, especially your rescue medication. Asthma treatment is generally two-pronged: Daily asthma treatment and additional emergency medicine to relieve attacks as they happen. Asthma is a lifelong condition; you should correctly take your regular medication and use your rescue medication only as needed.
Asthma should not be taken lightly. Do everything you can to keep your asthma symptoms under control. If you're having frequent asthma attacks or are otherwise bothered by your asthma, see your doctor as soon as possible for additional help. The more you use the tips you just read about, the better control you'll have over your asthma. Don't let asthma stop you from living a full life.