At its worst, asthma can threaten your life, and it can restrict your ability and lifestyle, even for simple things like walking outside. It is critical that you follow all available measures to keep your asthma well managed. By using the tips in this article, you will be able to control your asthma better.
If you suffer with asthma, avoid 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.
If you are experiencing a moderately severe attack, try to first exhale completely. Breathe out hard and fast. This will force the air from your lungs. Follow this by breathing in three times quickly, and a fourth time deeply to ensure your lungs are filled to capacity, then exhale again as forcefully as possible. This establishes a regular pattern to your breathing routine, which means you have to pay attention to how you are breathing. It also allows you to take in more air by completely emptying your lungs. Do not be alarmed if you cough or generate excess mucous; this is perfectly normal. Your only concern is to return your breathing to normal.
Resist the urge to turn on a fan if you find yourself in a room filled with dust. The wind will move dust around and get into your airways causing an attack. It would be better to just open a window if you are needing to get some airflow.
If you suffer from asthma, and have many attacks that are related to your allergy symptoms, there is a medication that is injected and provides long term effects. Omalizumab is a mediation that is able to control allergic reaction symptoms.
Always use your inhaler in the proper manner. Go to a quiet place, and be sure to follow all instructions from the manufacturer. The medicine in the inhaler only works if it actually makes it to your lungs. The dosage that is required should be sprayed into the mouth while you inhale air. Then, don't breathe for around 10 seconds so that the medication permeates your lungs.
Talk to a social worker if you do not have health insurance and need medication for your asthma. Affording asthma medication is important for handling the illness, and social workers can find places the offer the medicine at low costs.
To minimize the chances of triggering a bout of asthma, keep your house extra clean, particularly rooms where asthma patients sleep. Never allow anyone to smoke in the home of an asthmatic, and consider using plastic to cover your mattress and pillows. Once you have cleaned your house, air it out; you should also eliminate utilizing any toxic chemicals inside.
Make sure you get a flu shot each year if you have asthma or if your child does. Make sure your child's vaccinations are up-to-date to avoid as many infections as possible.
Avoid using a feather or down 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. This also goes for bedding; use sheets, comforters and blankets that are crafted from hypoallergenic materials.
Even if you are feeling great, never skip your regular asthma checkup. Your doctor may be able to prescribe more effective treatments and you may be suffering symptoms you're not aware are related to your asthma.
Support Group
Look for a support group, such as an online community or a local group. Suffering from asthma can mean many days are spent at home with your condition stopping you from participating in a full and fulfilling lifestyle. 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.
When taking asthma medications on a plane trip, bring written medical prescriptions provided by your doctor. If you have written proof about the item you have,and that it is medically necessary, there will be less hassles going through security.
Stay away from smoke if you have asthma. Breathing in smoke can trigger an asthma attack. Do what you can to avoid chemical fumes, cigarette smoke and other vapors. These things will aggravate your asthma and worsen the symptoms. If someone is smoking around you, you have every right to nicely ask them to not to.
Many people underestimate asthma, or at least think that they can't do anything about it since it is an incurable disease. However, you'll be amazed at how much difference you can make simply by following these simple steps to try and relieve symptoms and reduce the sources of asthma attacks.