Asthma can be a terrifying condition because it severely restricts your ability to breathe freely. Its onset may be rapid and unforeseeable; it may restrict your activity and even threaten your life. This article can help you to understand why asthma attacks happen and point you toward ways to handle it and reduce the limits that it puts on you.
If you suffer from asthma, it is vital that you avoid smoking; if you do, you should quit. Smoking is unhealthy for anyone, but it is especially dangerous for someone with asthma. This is because your lungs and airway are already compromised by your condition.
Avoid those things that you know can trigger your asthma. For many, allergens like dust and pollen, can trigger their attacks. For others, physical activity can irritate them. Try and figure out what gets your asthma started so you know what to avoid.
There are some medications that may contribute to asthma symptoms. Aspirin and other NSAIDs are known to be asthma triggers. Some medications for blood pressure and heart disease - those referred to as beta blockers - can also exacerbate asthma problems. Make sure your physician is aware of all of your chronic conditions and any medications you are on so they can treat your asthma appropriately.
Asthma is a disease that is ongoing and must be attended to every day. Be certain that you are using the right maintenance medicines to control your asthma and that you also have a rescue or emergency medication when you have an acute asthma attack. Your physician and allergist are the ones to approach with any questions you have about this disease and its treatment.
If you are suffering from a moderate or mild attack, do your best to force as much air out of the lungs as possible. Breath out as hard and fast as you can. Exhale with maximum force! Take three short breaths, then one last deep breath to ensure your lungs have enough air, then forcefully breath out. Paying attention this way will help you stabilize your breathing and make it rhythmic. It also helps to push air out from your lungs so new air can come back in. You might cough hard or create mucus, but its just a sign your breathing is getting back to normal.
Social Worker
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. Having the financial ability to purchase your asthma medications is essential, and a social worker can help you locate a hospital or clinic that can provide you with these medications for free or at a significantly reduced rate.
An annual flu vaccination is highly recommended for yourself and your family. It is a good idea to avoid all respiratory infections when you have asthma. The preventative measures you can take against such sickness range from simple habits of hand washing to getting your annual flu shot.
If you suffer from asthma, make sure that you consume enough Vitamin C and Vitamin E. These vitamins help to control asthma symptoms and improve the function of your lungs. You can get both of these vitamins from eating certain foods, or by taking the vitamins in supplement form. These vitamins can improve your immune system to prevent asthma triggers.
You should be ready to increase asthma treatments if you suffer from hay fever or a cold. Adjusting your medication may be necessary to manage the symptoms of these and other illnesses. Your doctor may need to add new treatments to your typical asthma regimen until you are well.
Flu Shot
Make sure you get a flu shot once a year if you suffer from asthma. Prevent those flu infections before they happen by getting a flu shot each year.
If not properly treated and managed, asthma may be a death sentence. Using the following article, you can better manage your asthma, so that you can be more active and breathe better.