Having asthma can completely change your life. At its worst, this condition can be life-threatening. And, even having mild asthma can greatly restrict the things you love to do in life. Do your best to manage your condition. Apply these simple tips to reduce your symptoms and prevent it from taking over your life.
If you suffer from asthma, don't smoke or expose yourself to smoke, fumes or vapors. Stay far away from any tobacco products. You should also consider where you work, as factories may expose you to harmful vapors or smoke.
Can you identify the exact type of asthma you're dealing with? Before you can develop a self-care plan for your asthma symptoms, you need to know the specific cause of your symptoms. One example of this is exercise-induced asthma. This type of asthmatic will need to carry his inhaler with him when he goes for a run. Knowing your asthma symptom patterns will help keep you safe.
Blood Pressure
Be aware of certain medications that can lead to asthma problems. Aspirin and some other NSAIDs may do this. Beta blockers can also have this affect, as well as other medications for controlling high blood pressure and heart disease. If you have asthma paired with heart disease or high blood pressure, tell your doctor.
Exhale as hard as you can during an asthma attack. If you can't breathe at all, go to the hospital; however, controlling your exhalation rate can sometimes help stop a less severe attack. Blow your breath out as hard and fast as you can. You have to force the air out. Then, follow three short intakes of breath with one longer inhalation until your lungs are filled with air, although not uncomfortably so. Finally, expel the air from your lungs with force again. This will force you to pay careful attention to all of your breaths. It also pushes the air out of your lungs, so that more air can come in. You may generate sputum, but the primary goal is to start breathing regularly again.
Utilize the inhaler correctly. Find a relaxing spot, and be sure that you follow the directions that the manufacturer provided. The only way the inhaler will work is if your lungs get the proper amount of medication. Inhale air while spraying the necessary amount of medication into your mouth. Hold your breath at least ten seconds, so that the medicated mist can fill your lungs.
It is always a problem if you have asthma and don't have health insurance, but talking to a social worker may help you resolve this issue. Asthma patients need their medications, and a social worker might be able to hook you up with programs to help you such as clinics and programs through pharmaceutical companies.
Be sure you and your family members get a yearly flu vaccination. Do everything you can to avoid a respiratory infection if you have asthma. It's important to take the standard precautions against these illnesses, such as hand washing and vaccinations.
Using more than 4 different kinds of cleaning products for your house has been known to increase risks associated to asthma attacks. Choose organic products, and stick to as few products as possible.
Stay away from cigarette smoke, even if it's secondhand. When you inhale smoke, especially in close quarters, lung functioning is decreased, and it can trigger an attack.
People who have asthma should avoid using scented household products. Products with a fragrance raise the air pollution indoors, and increase the risk of an attack being triggered. Some of these products include incense, scented body sprays and air fresheners. Newly installed carpet or fresh paint in the home are both known to release chemical irritants. Keep your indoor air clean and free of pollutants to stay healthy.
Lower the chances of asthma attacks by keeping a spotless home, particularly in the areas where you sleep. Refrain from smoking inside the home, and keep edibles inside your kitchen. Don't use bleach or harsh chemicals inside, and air out the house as much as possible after cleaning.
Asthma Treatment
Be prepared for your asthma treatment to be increased if you have a cold or hay fever. Side effects that are associated with most illnesses can serve as triggers for asthma and may cause an increase in your asthma treatment. The doctor may choose to pursue additional treatment options during your illness as well.
Make sure you are aware of what triggers your asthma so you can avoid it or prepare properly. Most asthma sufferers have a few common triggers such as smoke, pet dander or pollen. When possible, stay away from these triggers that cause symptoms or ultimately, full-blown attacks.
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.