If you have recently been handed a diagnosis of asthma, you may find yourself in a panic. Asthma, being a chronic condition, has no cure. However, you shouldn't consider your life to be over just because you have received this diagnosis. Research your asthma symptoms and the treatments for each of them.
Do all you can to learn not just about asthma, but your particular asthma. Being aware of your particular asthma condition can help you to effectively treat it on a daily basis. For example, if your asthma is brought on by bronchitis, you should keep your rescue inhaler with you during times when you are sick. Knowing the patterns related to your symptoms could aid you in avoiding crises.
If you have asthma, it is crucial that you do not smoke, or quit if you do. Smoking is horrible for people, it is really bad if asthma becomes worse and blocks oxygen to your body, you need oxygen to work and stave off asthma.
If you are suffering from a mild or moderate asthma attack, expel all the air from your lungs. Exhale quickly and with power. You want to force all of the air from your lungs. Take in three breaths, and then a deeper breath until your lungs are full of air. Then exhale with force again. This method forces you to pay close attention to your breathing and create a steady rhythm. In addition, it repeatedly empties your lungs of air, so that you can draw in more oxygen-rich air. There may be periods of harsh coughing and a substantial generation of sputum, but this is actually what you want in order to get the airways opened and the breathing back on a regular pattern.
Always use your inhaler in the proper manner. Try to locate a calming location, and be certain to adhere to any directions given by the inhaler's maker. The medicine in the inhaler only works if it actually makes it to your lungs. Make sure that you spray the required dosage directly into your mouth, inhaling the medication into your lungs. It is then necessary to hold the breath for about ten seconds to give the medication time to work in your lungs.
Make sure that everyone in your family gets their flu shot. If you have asthma, it's important to prevent all respiratory infections, if at all possible. Precautions include washing your hands and staying current with vaccinations.
A dehumidifier is a beneficial investment for anyone with asthma. Though you may not be aware of it, high levels of humidity in indoor spaces can increase dust mites, which then can affect asthma. Dehumidifiers keep the air in your home dry by eliminating humidity.
You may have to take more asthma medicine if you suffer from seasonal hay fever or catch a cold. An increase in treatment is necessary sometimes because side effects of other sicknesses can cause your asthma symptoms to flare up. It is possible your doctor will want to add additional therapies to your treatment program until you are back on your feet.
Make sure that your rescue medication is at hand at all times during your travels. Traveling tends to put extra stain on the body, and you're more susceptible to your asthma triggers under these conditions. It is also difficult to control your environment while traveling, making it more likely that you may experience an attack or worsening symptoms.
A humid home will cause mold or mildew to appear. Mold and mildew can have a hand in making you suffer a asthma attack! Thus, keep the air in your home as moisture-free as possible to avoid asthma-related problems. In the winter months, use a dehumidifier in order to get rid of moisture. Your air conditioner will keep it dry in the summer.
Know exactly how any asthma medication you take or may take works. Asthma is generally managed through regular medicine which is supplemented with rescue medications like inhalers. Asthma is a lifelong condition; you should correctly take your regular medication and use your rescue medication only as needed.
If you are going on a trip on a plane and need to take your asthma medicine, take your prescription with you! Having proof that it belongs to you and is medically necessary will make the security check easier.
Inhalers are important to use every day, but be aware that inhalers have been known to cause infections near the teeth and gums. One effective way in preventing these side effects and problems is to brush and gargle right away after you use your inhaler.
Monitor your weekly inhaler use and tally how many times you need to use it to control an attack. Using it two times or may may mean that your asthma is not as controlled as you may think it is. It could also mean that something else is bringing on these frequent attacks. The amount you utilize your inhaler can remind you to always monitor your environment as a means of effectively managing your asthma.
When you clean house, it is recommended that you clean your floor with a wet mop instead of sweeping it. Vacuuming or wet-mopping are better than sweeping because they don't stir up dust and debris that might induce an asthma attack. When dusting, use a damp cloth, as feather dusters just move dust around.
Asthma Attack
If you'd like to avoid asthma attacks, avoid cigarette smoke as much as possible. Smoke can trigger an asthma attack. Make sure to stay away from chemical fumes and cigarette smoke whenever possible. Any inhalant, which is irritating, can trigger an asthma attack! Ask people around you not to smoke in your presence. Don't be rude about it, but don't be afraid to ask for what you need.
90% of dealing with asthma is about preparing for attacks. Crises can be avoided by knowing your particular form of asthma and how to effectively manage it. This article is your first step to building a knowledge base to combat this disease effectively!