Asthma can be life threatening at its worst, while it still can completely restrict your lifestyle and your ability to do even the simplest things, like taking a walk outside. It is critical that you follow all available measures to keep your asthma well managed. Use these easy suggestions to decrease your symptoms and to keep it from overtaking your life.
If you're suffering from asthma, it helps if you can avoid any harsh cleaning products out there. Many chemicals contained in common cleaning products can aggravate your asthma, triggering an attack. Use natural cleaners instead of chemical cleaners to reduce your chances of asthma attacks after cleaning.
You want to make sure you can avoid situations that could trigger your asthma. This could be something you're allergic to like pollen or dust. Some things, such as physical exertion, can cause an asthma attack. Try and figure out what gets your asthma started so you know what to avoid.
As a chronic disease, asthma must be managed continuously. Be sure you are practicing proper self-care, and make sure you have your inhaler ready to go in case you suffer a full-blown attack. Your physician and allergist are the ones to approach with any questions you have about this disease and its treatment.
If you're suffering from an asthma attack that's moderate or mild, then work to force all the air you can from your lungs. Make your exhalations quick and forceful. Forcefully push the air out from your lungs. Inhale in a series of three, or three shallow breaths and one deep breath. After your lungs are filled with air, forcefully exhale again. This will make your breathing rhythmic and help you pay more attention to it. It also pushes the air out of your lungs, so that more air can come in. You might start coughing, and some sputum may come up, but this is no problem and your focus is to get back into a relaxed, rythmic breathing pattern again.
Asthma sufferers should avoid smoking cigarettes and any place that has cigarette smoke. Refrain from smoking! Stay away from vapors and all chemical fumes so you are not able to breathe them in. These can trigger a severe asthma attack that can be difficult to get under control. When you see people smoking in your area avoid them and move away.
Properly use the inhaler every time you must use it. Find a peaceful spot, and make sure to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Remember that using an inhaler is only going to help you if the medication contained within makes its way to the lungs. You need to inhale air while spraying the requisite dosage in your mouth. Then, don't breathe for around 10 seconds so that the medication permeates your lungs.
Social Worker
Talk to a social worker if you have asthma and no health insurance. It is critical that every asthma sufferer have access to the proper medicines to keep the condition under control, and a social worker could help you locate a hospital or clinic that will provide you the necessary medication on a low or no-fee basis.
Get annual flu vaccinations for your entire family. Do everything you can to avoid a respiratory infection if you have asthma. It is important to do things like hand washing and receiving proper vaccinations.
Consider supplementing your diet with Vitamins E and C when you suffer from asthma. It is widely believed that these vitamins can help control asthma symptoms by improving lung function. Either find a good vitamin supplement to take, or change your diet to include more foods rich in Vitamins E and C. Loading up on these vitamins will energize your immune system, aiding your body in preventing the illnesses that worsen or trigger asthma.
Using more than 4 different kinds of cleaning products for your house has been known to increase risks associated to asthma attacks. Use organic cleaning products since they don't have irritating chemicals.
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.