Asthma can be very frightening to deal with no matter who has it! Know all that you can about your asthma so that you know what to expect in all situations. Read on for some advice designed to help you understand the way asthma works and what symptoms to expect.
Certain prescription medications have the potential to cause asthma symptoms. Some anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, can flare up asthma symptoms. Beta blockers can also have this affect, as well as other medications for controlling high blood pressure and heart disease. Make sure you consult with your doctor concerning your asthma and possible drug reactions.
Because asthma is a continuing condition, you have to continually manage your health. Ensure you're taking the proper medications to manage common symptoms of asthma. In case of an attack, you need to have in your possession a medication that will provide almost instant relief. Speak with an allergist or your doctor to determine the best care for you.
If you have been diagnosed with asthma, you must avoid cigarette smoke at all costs. Never smoke a cigarette! Avoid all fumes of chemical products or breathing harmful vapors. A severe asthma attack can be life threatening. Avoid secondhand smoke by leaving physical distance between yourself and the smoker.
If you suffer from asthma and allergies that result in attacks, you can get injections of long-lasting medication for relief. Your allergist might recommend Omalizumab, which is an antibody type medicine that can regulate your symptoms of allergic reactions.
If your health insurance situation cannot help you with your asthma, talk to a social worker. Social workers are trained to help people find resources for affording health care, particularly on debilitating conditions such as asthma.
Immune System
If you suffer from asthma, ensure you consume lots of Vitamins E and C. It is thought that these vitamins will help increase lung function and will help control asthma symptoms. You can take a supplement in order to get these vitamins if there is not enough of them in your food. These vitamins are great for your immune system, and a strong immune system wards off illnesses that can trigger asthma attacks.
Keep your home dust-free and get rid of any carpet in your house to help prevent asthma attacks, especially in a bedroom. Food should be eaten only in the kitchen or dining room, and cigarettes are best relegated to outdoor smoking areas. Make sure that the home is properly ventilated and aired out, especially after cleaning with harsh products, like bleach or ammonia.
Stand ready for a boost to your asthma treatment should you suffer from illnesses like colds or hay fever. Adjusting your medication may be necessary to manage the symptoms of these and other illnesses. Your physician might also work an additional treatment into your therapy until such time as you are healthier.
Make sure you get a flu shot each year if you have asthma or if your child does. Avoid a lot of these infections by getting vaccinated each year.
Make sure to examine what it is that causes your asthma attacks in order to best avoid having to deal with them. If you have asthma, it's most likely triggered by things such as being around animals or pollen. Most asthmatics also can't tolerate smoke. It is best to do all that is possible to avoid triggers that can cause attacks.
If you suffer from asthma, it's best to avoid pillows full of feathers. The feathers from a pillow can cause asthma symptoms and decrease your lung function. You should also look into hypoallergenic materials when buying sheets and a comforter.
If you or a loved one suffers from asthma, a support group may help. You can find support groups online or in your community. Asthma can be severe enough to keep you away from social activiites. As science marches on, new medications and treatments for asthma become available, and you can keep abreast of this progress through a good support group.
Rescue Medication
Know the right way to use any asthma medication you are taking, in particular your rescue medication. Asthma is typically treated with a regular medication supplemented by rescue medicine, such as an inhaler. It's crucial that medication for management of asthma is taken regularly, and that rescue medication is also used when appropriate.
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. You can prevent this by brushing your teeth and gargling immediately following the use of your inhaler.
For a deeper and more thorough cleaning, mop your floors instead of simply sweeping them. Sweeping your floor can kick allergens into the air, triggering an asthma attack. When dusting, use a damp cloth, as feather dusters just move dust around.
There is much to learn about asthma. This article only covers some of the techniques you can use to help manage your asthma or someone else's asthma. By working together, you can figure out a plan that will help reduce the affect that asthma has on your life.