Asthma is a very serious medical condition, and your life could have serious affects from it. Controlling asthma is much easier when it's done before it becomes an attack. You can develop a plan that is right for you by following some of the great ideas in this article.
If you have asthma, you should definitely avoid smoking or being exposed to any kind of fumes or vapors. This means avoidance of all tobacco products, as well as taking into consideration any smoke or vapors you might be exposed to in a prospective workplace.
If you have an asthmatic child, do not allow anyone to smoke around him. As far as triggers that cause asthma attacks or causes of the condition in general, secondhand cigarette smoke ranks right up there. Any place where smoking is allowed should be avoided if you have a child with asthma.
Always be very mindful of the type of medications you're taking. Some meds out there might just trigger an asthma attack. Aspirin is a common medication that can affect asthma sufferers. You can also use beta blockers, which will help you manage blood pressure. It is important to talk openly with your doctor about your asthma so that you do not take any medications that could be harmful to you.
Cigarette Smoke
Be sure to avoid cigarette smoke if you have asthma. This cannot be emphasized enough: Stay away from cigarette smoke! Air pollution and fumes from harsh chemicals also increase asthma symptoms. This could trigger a serious asthma attack, and you may have trouble preventing it from happening. Avoid secondhand smoke by leaving physical distance between yourself and the smoker.
If you have asthma and suffer persistent attacks caused by allergy symptoms, an injectable medicine can be administered for extended relief. Ask your allergist about omalizumab, an antibody drug that can reduce the severity of asthma symptoms and the frequency of attacks.
If you have asthma, it might be helpful for you to buy a dehumidifier. Lowering the level of humidity present in your home can reduce the numbers of dust mites, a prime trigger of asthma. Dehumidifiers work by taking the humidity out of the air.
Scented products could cause averse reactions to asthma sufferers. It is safest to use unscented products when possible. Products with a strong smell such as air fresheners, incense or perfume can trigger asthma attacks. Newly installed carpet or fresh paint in the home are both known to release chemical irritants. Try to maintain fresh air inside your home.
If you have asthma, or if your children have asthma, it is vital that you receive the flu shot yearly. Regular vaccinations will help you and your children to avoid lung infections.
Realize what triggers your attacks, and you can avoid or manage these situations. Most with asthma share common triggers, like pet dander, pollen or smoke. Avoid your asthma triggers as much as you can to prevent attacks.
It is important to know the proper way to use asthma medication, especially the medication that is used in an emergency. Asthma is usually treated by using a regular medicine supplemented with a rescue medicine, like an inhaler. Because asthma can be a lifelong issue, it is vital to take both regular and rescue medications according to the instructions.
Monitor how many times, on a weekly basis, you are using your rescue inhaler. If you have to use your inhaler more than twice, then our asthma is not being controlled effectively, and you may need to see your doctor for a way to get it under control again. Focusing on how often you need your inhaler makes you aware of when you need to make changes to your plan for keeping asthma under control.
If you have symptoms that are getting more severe, see your doctor. The best thing you can do is put the advice you just read to use and make asthma a mere annoyance rather than something that controls your life.