Asthma is scary, regardless of who is affected by it. You should know that asthma can be horrible to deal with, make sure you can deal with it. You need to know what and when you are to expect it. The guidelines here will really be useful.
If you suffer from asthma, don't smoke, and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. Stay away from jobs that would expose you to toxic or heavy vapors, and refrain from any tobacco use.
If you suffer from asthma, it is vital that you avoid smoking; if you do, you should quit. Although smoking is terrible for everyone, it is even worse for an asthma sufferer due to less oxygen supply in the lungs and that can trigger an attack.
Asthma can cause increased sensitivity to the ingredients contained in many cleaning products. A lot chemicals that are in these items can set off an asthma attack or aggravate other symptoms. If you do the cleaning in your house, use natural solutions that are safer for you to breath in.
Avoid exposing yourself to any of your known asthma triggers. Certain outdoor areas may be off-limits because they cause allergies to flare up. For others, physical activities can cause them. Figure out what sets off your asthma so you can avoid it.
If you are experiencing a moderately severe attack, try to first exhale completely. Breathe out hard and fast. Force your lungs to expel as much air as possible. Inhale for three quick breaths, and then take one deep breath so that you can allow your lungs to fill with air, and then force the air out again. This technique develops a breathing rhythm, allowing you to notice the breaths that you take in. It also pushes the air out of your lungs, so that more air can come in. You may cough or generate sputum, this is okay, your main goal is to get your breathing back on track again.
If you are suffering from asthma, stay away from any type of cigarette smoke. Do not smoke yourself, either! Do not breathe in the vapors or any other chemical fumes. This can cause an asthma attack, and you may be unable to bring it under control. If you are around others who are smoking, remove yourself.
Social Worker
Talk to a social worker if you're not eligible for any health insurance and you're an asthma sufferer. Asthma medications are a necessity, and a social worker can help you find an affordable way to keep your prescriptions current.
Ask everyone in your family to get a flu shot every year. Make sure you do your best in avoiding respiratory infections at all costs if you have asthma. To do this you must take extra precautions against getting sick, like washing your hands often and getting vaccinated every year.
When you are traveling, make sure you have a rescue inhaler with you. Traveling can be somewhat stressful and put added strain your body, which might make you more likely to respond to asthma triggers by having an attack. You can't control the weather or the environment when you travel, so keep in mind you are more vulnerable to symptoms and attacks when you go to a new area.
Even if your asthma seems like it is under control, always keep your asthma appointments with the doctor. It is important to make sure your condition isn't worsening, and your doctor may want to prescribe a different medication.
Support Group
You may want to join an online or offline support group. Asthma is a disease that can affect your everyday life and prove debilitating in so many ways. Being a part of a support group can help provide you with honest information about products and helpful hints, as well as medical news.
Clearly, there are many things to be learned about asthma. These tips are just a few of the many that you can use to take care of asthma, or helping someone you love deal with it. With a combination of this information, and your doctor's advice, you can lessen the effects of asthma.