Asthma is a chronic disease that requires changes in many areas of your life. Understand your condition and its triggers. Keeping your asthma controlled is the most effective way to deal with it. This article will provide you with the advice you need to manage asthma symptoms.
There are some medications out there that you could be taking which will actually trigger your asthma symptoms. Aspirin and some other NSAIDs may do this. This can also be caused by beta blockers, like medications that are used in managing high blood pressure or heart problems. It is important to let your doctor know if you suffer from asthma together with any of these conditions.
Contact a social worker if you have asthma but do not meet the eligibility requirements for health insurance. You will need asthma medications, and if you are unable to afford them, a social worker can find a hospital or clinic that can offer you medication for free or for a little cost.
Make certain that all members of your family get their annual flu shot. Try to avoid getting any respiratory infections if you have asthma. Common method of avoiding illnesses can be very effective. Keep your vaccinations up to date and wash your hands frequently.
Asthma attacks have been found to be more likely in homes where four or more different cleaning products are in use. Choose natural and organic products which don't have chemicals that will irritate your disease.
While everyone appreciates the look and feel of a clean house, asthma sufferers in particular benefit from a healthy environment as it can decrease the risk of asthma attacks, especially in a sleeping area. Food should be restricted to the kitchen, and smoking inside the home should never be permitted. Try not to use bleach or other irritants inside, and always thoroughly change the air in your house after cleaning.
If you suffer from asthma, it's best to avoid pillows full of feathers. The feathers can make it harder to breathe right and trigger an attack. This applies to bedding, as well. Purchase sheets and comforters that are made of hypoallergenic materials.
Have your rescue inhaler with you at all times, especially when on vacation. Traveling can make you more likely to suffer from attacks due to the extra strain and stress on your body. It is also difficult to control your environment while traveling, making it more likely that you may experience an attack or worsening symptoms.
Think about signing up for a support group locally or online. Asthma is a terrible condition that can prevent you from engaging in simple daily activities. In addition, a community of other asthma sufferers will let you know about changes in medications or other relevant scientific discoveries.
Many of the biggest triggers for asthma can, and do, exist in your home. These include mold, dust and spores. To keep these triggers out of your home, have a professional inspector come to your home each year to remove these nasties from your home. Clean up your house regularly so these substances do not accumulate.
If the air in your home is humid, it provides an ideal incubator for mold or mildew. They are a nuisance for people with asthma; the asthma attacks they trigger require you to eliminate them. To halt the growth of mold and mildew keep your home's humidity low. You can maintain a dry home by using a dehumidifier and heater in the colder months, and air conditioning when it is warm.
Asthma Attacks
When it's colder, wear a shawl, scarf or muffler that will cover your mouth and nose to avoid asthma attacks. That way the air is warmed before it enters your lungs. Cold air can be a nuisance and breathing it has actually proven to trigger asthma attacks. This is especially true for younger children who have severe or moderate asthma.
Understand how to properly use your own asthma medication, particularly the rescue medication. A typical asthma treatment plan is daily medication backed up with an emergency inhaler. Managing your medicine properly is important because asthma is a chronic health problem.
If you have symptoms that are getting more severe, see your doctor. More importantly, you should apply these tips whenever possible, to keep the symptoms down and hopefully, improve your quality of life.