Asthma is a hard condition to have to live with. It can stop you from engaging in the simplest of tasks, even going for a walk. Asthma is incurable and symptoms can be difficult to control. This article will discuss several ways to help prevent your asthma symptoms from getting to severe.
If you are an asthma sufferer, you need to avoid smoking and exposure to fumes or vapors of any kind. Stay far away from any tobacco products. You should also consider where you work, as factories may expose you to harmful vapors or smoke.
You may be unaware that certain medications you might be on could cause asthma symptoms. Some of these include aspirin and NSAIDs. Also, beta blockers, such as medicines used to control heart disease and high blood pressure. Let your doctor know about your asthma and what prescriptions you're taking.
If you have asthma and suffer persistent attacks caused by allergy symptoms, an injectable medicine can be administered for extended relief. Omalizumab is an antibody medication that is used to control these allergic reaction symptoms and may be recommended by your allergist.
You and your loved ones need to get a flu vaccination every year. If you are afflicted with asthma, avoid getting any infections if possible. It's important to take the standard precautions against these illnesses, such as hand washing and vaccinations.
Stay away from cigarette smoke, even if it's secondhand. When you inhale tobacco smoke, the lung's function can be decreased, and you will increase the chance you have an asthma attack. Smaller areas without proper ventilation make you even more susceptible to an attack.
If you have asthma, or if your children have asthma, it is vital that you receive the flu shot yearly. Prevent these infections from occurring by going to get vaccinated each year.
You should understand what triggers your asthma attacks in order for you to avoid these causes or prepare yourself for managing your symptoms. Those who experience asthma are susceptible to some common things like pet dander, smoke, or pollen. Whenever you can, stay away from these agents that can trigger symptoms or cause full-blown asthma attacks.
If you suffer from asthma, consider using a feather-free pillow to sleep. Pillow feathers force the lungs to work harder and can exacerbate asthma problems. This extends to the rest of your bedding, as well. There are hypoallergenic comforters and sheets you can use to limit asthma symptoms.
Your home's humidity can cause mold and mildew growth within it. Mold and mildew can have a hand in making you suffer a asthma attack! To halt the growth of mold and mildew keep your home's humidity low. During the winter, you can use a dehumidifier to control humidity when using a heater, and an air conditioner during the summer will help keep your home dry.
Asthma Attacks
When the weather starts to turn colder, wear a scarf or shawl that covers your mouth and nose to help prevent asthma attacks. This helps warm the air prior to it entering your lungs. Studies have indicated that asthma attacks are sometimes triggered when cold air is inhaled. This is especially true for young children who have asthma that is moderate to severe.
When housecleaning, it is better to clean your floors with a damp mop than sweeping them with a broom. If you choose to sweep, you're swirling up a tornado of dust and allergens, both of which are common triggers for asthma symptoms. Dust will adhere to a wet towel instead of being loose in the air like feather dusters do where it can aggravate your asthma.
Bed Linens
Bed linens often trap allergens, dust, pollen and other things that can aggravate asthma. To reduce the chance that your bed linens will induce an asthma attack, wash your sheets every week in hot water. These fresh, regularly washed linens can help 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. Your usual doctor will be able to help you, but you should also consider seeing a specialist. Allergists, asthma centers, pulmonologists, and even nutritionists can work with you to make sure you are taking advantage of all avenues of treatment.
Those with asthma should remain inside as much as they can when the pollen count rises. While asthma is different than allergies, often the same types of things that bother those with allergies trigger irritation in asthmatics as well. Asthma suffers can now minimize exposure to outdoor pollutants and irritants by checking online for current air quality in their areas.
Do not use a vaporizer or humidifier unless you are sure it's been thoroughly cleaned. Bacteria can build up in the moisture of these machines, and get relayed into the very environment that you are attempting to make more conducive to your condition.
When dealing with an asthma attack, it is important to stay calm. Use the inhaler, pause for 30 seconds then use it again. If your attack worsens, call for help. Get somebody to phone for EMS or even transport you themselves to the nearest emergency medical facility. Breathing into a paper bag on the way can sometimes help by slowing your breathing rate.
Learn all you can learn about your condition. Having the right information can enable you to choose the treatments that are right for you, and help reduce symptoms. Keep yourself up to date about new findings and find a good doctor. You can do this by educating yourself on your condition and the treatment options that are available to you.
Asthma should not be taken lightly. Take all appropriate steps to reduce and prevent symptoms, and seek professional help when you think symptoms are getting out of control. Make sure to apply these suggestions to improve your symptoms and to prevent asthma from controlling your life.