Asthma can be very scary, whether you have it or someone you care about does. It is important to be well informed when it comes to asthma so that you can treat it properly. A better understanding of asthma combined with the following asthma management advice can dramatically reduce the instance of asthma attacks.
If you suffer from asthma, don't smoke, and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. This does mean avoiding all tobacco products as well as being mindful of sources of employment, with special attention to factories that might provide exposure to smoke and vapors.
Cleaning Products
Asthma can cause increased sensitivity to the ingredients contained in many cleaning products. Many of the harsh chemicals inside cleaning products might trigger symptoms or even a full blown asthma attack. If you clean the home, there are many natural products that are safe to use.
Avoid those things that you know can trigger your asthma. Many asthma suffers find that dust or pollen can trigger an attack. Others find themselves suffering from attacks when they overexert themselves. Determine what your trigger is so you can easily avoid an attack.
Unfortunately, asthma sufferers must realize that their condition is chronic which requires ongoing treatment. 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.
Never use a fan in a dirty, dust-filled room. A fan will spread dust and debris all over. This can very easily aggravate your asthma, and cause serious symptoms. It could be better to open the window if you need to get airflow.
Leukotriene Inhibitors
Leukotriene inhibitors can help control the symptoms of asthma. Leukotriene inhibitors are used to prevent things called leukotrienes. Inhibiting this chemical can lead to a decrease in asthma symptoms. Taking an inhibitor will reduce the amount of this substance your body produces, which should decrease the number of attacks you experience.
Talk to a social worker if you're not eligible for any health insurance and you're an asthma sufferer. It is crucial that you be able to pay for your asthma medications, and a social worker might be able to locate a hospital or clinic for you that offers medications at a much cheaper price.
Get a flu shot every season and make sure your family does as well. Asthma patients should try their best to avoid getting respiratory infections. It is important to do things like hand washing and receiving proper vaccinations.
If you are dealing with asthma, make sure you take lots of Vitamins E and C. These vitamins help reduce asthma flare-ups by improving lung function. You can choose to ingest this vitamins by eating foods that are rich in the vitamins or through a supplement. These vitamins also help boost your immune system, which helps to prevent illnesses that trigger asthma.
There are certain types of household cleaning products that can trigger asthma attacks, and using multiple products is particularly dangerous. Try to use organic based cleaning products that are not harmful to asthma sufferers.
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. Your regular medication may also need to be combined with other treatments your doctor may recommend.
Be knowledgeable about the factors that cause asthma attacks in order to avoid the triggers or develop a plan for managing the symptoms of asthma. Most with asthma share common triggers, like pet dander, pollen or smoke. Avoid your asthma triggers as much as you can to prevent attacks.
Make regular asthma checkups with your doctor, even if you are not having any issues come up. You don't know when another flare-up will happen, or when your physician can offer you safer or superior medicine for your symptoms.
For many people, their homes can be triggering their asthma, or even causing their asthma in the first place. Three triggers comprise the asthma triad of doom: spores, dust and mold. To lessen the risk of an asthma attack and to stay healthy, have your house inspected every year by an inspector, and remove those agents when they have been identified. Conscientious house-cleaning can help prevent buildup of substances in your home that might trigger an asthma attack.
Mold and mildew can grow in your home where there is humidity. Both mold and mildew are associated with asthma attacks. So try your best to make your home as dry as possible. A dehumidifier can be used in the winter, and in the summer, many air conditioner models also help strip moisture from the air.
Asthma Attacks
Avoid cold-induced asthma attacks by protecting your mouth and nose with a scarf. You can help warm the air with these things before they bring any harm to your lungs. Studies have indicated that asthma attacks are sometimes triggered when cold air is inhaled. This is especially true for young children who have asthma that is moderate to severe.
There are many things that you need to know about asthma. This article contains just a sampling of hints that are helpful for managing asthma, or to help a friend or family member with the disease. You and your doctor can work together to manage your asthma, and improve your quality of life.