Any medical condition that makes it difficult to breathe--especially asthma--has the potential to be absolutely terrifying. Its onset can be sudden and potentially lethal, and it can severely limit your enjoyment of life if you allow it to. In this article, you will learn some of the triggers of asthma attacks and some helpful ways to reduce their frequency and severity.
Do not smoke around a child with asthma. Secondhand smoke is known to be a reason asthma happens. Keep your child away from any area where people are smoking.
If you are an asthma sufferer, it is crucial that you don't smoke. Smoking is unhealthy for anyone, but it is especially dangerous for someone with asthma. This is because your lungs and airway are already compromised by your condition.
If you're having an asthma attack, a great way to handle this is to immediately evacuate the air from your lungs. Exhale quickly and hard. It can't be said too strongly: you must force the air out! Then take three quick breaths, next a deeper breath till your lungs fill with air, then repeat the forceful exhalation again. This gives your breathing a rhythm and makes you focus on your breathing. It also helps to push air out from your lungs so new air can come back in. If you cough up mucus, don't worry - just get the breathing back to normal.
If allergies lead to constant attacks from your asthma, there has been a recent solution that is administered via injection that provides long term care! Ask your allergist about omalizumab, an antibody drug that can reduce the severity of asthma symptoms and the frequency of attacks.
Think about getting a home dehumidifier if you have asthma. A dehumidifier will reduce attacks by taking extra humidity and, by extension, dust mites and other debris out of your air. Use a dehumidifier, and the air you breath will be much less likely to cause your asthma to flare up.
Receiving a flu shot annually is very important if you or a loved one are asthmatic. Get yearly vaccinations to keep these potential infections at bay.
Many of the biggest triggers for asthma can, and do, exist in your home. These triggers inside the home are usually spores, mold and dust. To ensure health and reduce the potential for asthma attacks, have a yearly inspection for the presence and removal of these hazards. Regularly cleaning your house can also contribute to preventing buildup of these substances.
Asthma Attacks
Making mouth and nose coverings such as mufflers, shawls or scarves a routine part of your winter wardrobe can help you ward off asthma attacks. Filtering and warming air before you inhale it can help prevent asthma attacks. 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.
Be sure to thoroughly understand how to utilize asthma medication correctly, particularly any rescue medication. Asthma is usually treated on two fronts. One is a standard medication, taken daily, and the other is an inhaler, intended for use in an emergency. Asthma is considered a chronic condition. For this reason, you should take the management of it very seriously.
When you fly, make sure to take along prescriptions or doctors' notes for all of your asthma equipment and medications, especially if they are unusual. Having proof that it belongs to you and is medically necessary will make the security check easier.
Inhalers are important to use every day, but be aware that inhalers have been known to cause infections near the teeth and gums. One way to reduce the probability of such infections is to immediately brush and gargle after inhaling the medicine.
If you have asthma and allergies, don't use a vaporizer or humidifier if it has not been completely cleaned. Not cleaning a humidifier allows bacteria to grow in the machine's moist water tank area, and the machine will pump dangerous allergens into yoru environment every time you use it.
Remain calm if you do happen to come under an asthma attack. Use your rescue inhaler, rest for a half to one minute, then use the inhaler again. If the attack gets worse doesn't get better, then get help immediately. Gesture to someone to call 911 if you can't speak, or have them drive you to the nearest hospital. Breathe into a paper bag, which will reduce your breathing rate during the trip.
If you are an asthma sufferer, it is crucial that you are using your inhaler the proper way. You cannot just spray it in your mouth and lightly inhale. Every time you use your inhaler, be sure to breathe deeply and slowly. Proper techniques with your inhaler will keep your symptoms from increasing out of control.
If you use your rescue inhaler more than two times a week, see a doctor to have your medication adjusted. This means your inhaler isn't working right. In addition, if you must change the cartridge in the inhaler more than two times in a year, you may need to see your doctor regarding a medication switch.
If you have asthma, visit your doctor every three or four months so that they can help you monitor your health. Only your doctor can fully evaluate your condition and recommend appropriate changes in treatment. It is up to you to work with your doctor at regular appointments to keep your treatment plan working.
Untreated or unmanaged, this condition can turn fatal. Utilize the content provided here, you can learn to control your asthma and enjoy a healthier, more active lifestyle.