Asthma can turn a normal life into a nightmare after that fateful first attack. However, most symptoms related to asthma can be manageable if you know effective coping strategies and take your medications The article below can offer you some powerful strategies to use.
If you are an asthma sufferer, it is crucial that you don't smoke. Smoking is terrible for everyone, but it lowers the oxygen supply in asthma patients who need as much oxygen as possible.
If you have been diagnosed with asthma, you should avoid cleaning products. Cleaning products are often full of chemicals, and breathing those chemicals in can irritate your lungs. When you are tidying your home consider using natural products that are effective for cleaning rather than traditional cleansers.
Asthma Attacks
In order to prevent asthma attacks, keep away from triggers. This can vary from person to person, as small particles like dust can cause asthma attacks. For others, attacks can be caused by physical activities. Determine what your trigger is so you can easily avoid an attack.
Asthma is a continuous disease that needs ongoing management. You need to always take your medications for your everyday symptoms, and keep your quick relief medication with you in case you do have an attack. See your doctor or allergist to find out which treatment plan is best for your situation.
If the room that you're in is dusty, do not turn on a fan. While it may seem smart to get the air circulating, in reality this will only stir up the dust, making it easier to inhale and trigger an attack. The better way would be to open a window to increase the airflow in the room.
Leukotriene Inhibitor
When struggling with asthma, consider using a leukotriene inhibitor. Leukotriene inhibitors are used to prevent things called leukotrienes. Leukotriene, a chemical substance, can cause asthma attacks by causing inflammation. If you get a leukotriene inhibitor, it can get rid of them in the air and help you with asthma symptoms.
Know how to use your inhaler correctly. Find a peaceful spot, and make sure to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. The inhaler will only reduce symptoms if the medication can get to your lungs. Spray the stated dose of medicine into your mouth as you inhale. You should hold your breath 10 seconds so the medicated mist is able to fill up your lungs.
If you have asthma and cannot get health insurance, see a social worker. 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.
Make certain that you and your loved ones receive annual flu shots. You do not want to have a respiratory infection if you have asthma. Making sure to consistently wash your hands, and getting the proper vaccinations are two standard precautions.
Those with asthma should always opt for unscented items because they are safest. If you are using scented products like perfume, incense, or air fresheners you should up the level of air pollution in your home. An asthma sufferer's airways can feel irritated by odors such as fresh paint or new carpeting. As much as possible, try to keep your home filled with fresh, pure air.
Keep your home dust-free and get rid of any carpet in your house to help prevent asthma attacks, especially in a bedroom. Never allow anyone to smoke in the home of an asthmatic, and consider using plastic to cover your mattress and pillows. Don't use bleach or harsh chemicals inside, and air out the house as much as possible after cleaning.
If you have asthma, use a pillow that doesn't have feathers in it. The feathers contained in these pillows can aggravate asthma symptoms and reduce lung function. Patients should also buy hypoallergenic bedding.
During colder months, wear a shawl, scarf or muffler to avoid asthma. This warms the air before you bring it into your lungs. Breathing cold air triggers your asthma attacks, particularly in young kids with bad asthma.
Written Prescription
If you are taking an airplane and you need to travel with your asthma apparatus or medications, bring your written prescription with you. Without a written prescription stating that the item is medically necessary, you may experience frustration and delays at security checkpoints.
A preventative inhaler should be used every day, but you should know that this can cause infections near the teeth and gums in your mouth. You may be able to avoid this problem by brushing your teeth or rinsing your mouth thoroughly after each use of the inhaler.
Pay attention to how often you reach for your asthma inhaler each week. When you find you are depending on it more than thrice during a week's period on an ongoing basis it is a sign your asthma is not under proper control and could lead to serious attacks if not addressed. If you notice an increased use in your inhaler, reexamine your management plan and check for any changes in your surroundings that may be triggering the asthma.
Anytime you clean your house or apartment, wet mopping is superior to sweeping. Those particles that can trigger asthma attacks are stirred up when you sweep. Use damp rags instead of a dry feather duster so triggers won't be filling the air.
Consider using more than just one doctor. Your PCP can be the person you go to for help with asthma, but it's also a good idea to talk to a specialist. Asthma centers, pulmonologists, nutritionists and allergists can all work with you, making sure you are getting all the treatment you need.
Like this article has said, if you don't keep up with your symptoms, asthma can become life threatening. Make sure to stay prepared by keeping your medication with you and avoiding harmful triggers. Use this information to help you understand and control the symptoms of your asthma.