If you have asthma, you should learn everything you can about your condition. You are not the only one. Sometimes it seems almost impossible to find a concise, accurate guide to this condition. This article has some information that you may find surprising.
If you are an asthma sufferer and are denied health insurance, talk to a social worker. Asthma patients need their medications, and a social worker might be able to hook you up with programs to help you such as clinics and programs through pharmaceutical companies.
People who have asthma should stick to using unscented products. Indoor air pollution rises with the constant use of anything scented, ranging from air fresheners to incense, and all this can trigger asthma attacks. New carpet and fresh paint can also emit odors that can irritate the airways. As much as possible, try to keep your home filled with fresh, pure air.
Keep dust and dirt to a minimum in any bedroom where an asthma sufferer sleeps. Only allow food in the kitchen, and never smoke indoors. Make sure that the home is properly ventilated and aired out, especially after cleaning with harsh products, like bleach or ammonia.
A yearly flu shot is necessary if you suffer from asthma. Keep yourself safe from these outbreaks by getting a yearly shot.
Asthma Attack
Protect yourself against breathing in cold air that aggravates your asthma by wearing a scarf that covers your nose and mouth. Bundling up puts heat between the air and your lungs, which can help lessen your risk of an asthma attack. Young children are especially at risk for an asthma attack if the air they breathe is too cold, but this problem can affect anybody with asthma.
If you are taking your prescriptions with you on a flight, make sure to take your prescription. Carrying written prescription information will help you to avoid security hassles, and you won't have to worry about your medication being confiscated.
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.
See how many times a week you typically use the rescue inhaler. 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.
Dust and other allergens often accumulate in bed sheets. Use fresh linens to make up your bed on a regular basis. These fresh bed linens will let you breathe easier when sleeping.
To make sure all of your medical needs are being met, you will need to consult at least two doctors. Although your primary doctor can treat your asthma, a specialist may be able to provide further help. Allergists, asthma centers, pulmonologists, and even nutritionists can work with you to make sure you are taking advantage of all avenues of treatment.
The only way that you should use a vaporizer or humidifier when you have asthma or allergies is if it has been cleaned thoroughly. Bacteria can breed inside of the machine due to the moisture, which can exaggerate your allergies or asthma.
Make sure you keep calm if you are having an asthma attack. Immediately use your inhaler, then wait a half a minute and do so again. If your attack continues to worsen, seek help. Have someone call an ambulance for you, or have them bring you to a hospital. Inhaling and exhaling into a paper bag can slow your breathing while en route.
If you are an asthma sufferer, it is crucial that you are using your inhaler the proper way. It is not as simple as spraying it into your mouth and breathing in. Breath deeply each time you push your inhaler button. When your doctor prescribes your inhaler, ask him for detailed instructions in using it correctly.
Stay Updated
Schedule regular visits with your doctor to check up on your asthma. Ideally these should occur every few months. This will allow your doctor to stay updated on your condition as it improves or weakens, and make the necessary changes to your treatments. The responsibility of scheduling these appointments falls on you. Make sure you attend each and every one so that your doctor can stay updated on how your treatment plan is working in order to help you remain healthy.
Going to an asthma support group or just talking to people who also have asthma can really help out. People who have experience with the same disease as you can often provide a number of suggestions or tricks that work in specific situations - all of which can make your battle with asthma a little earlier. Support from those you are around is crucial.
In conclusion, asthma patients are usually curious about their disease since it affects their daily life. This article's purpose was to provide you with the necessary information you can use in order to ease any stress that is associated with asthma. By implementing the advice you've read here, you'll find that your life is a lot more enjoyable!