If you have recently been given a diagnosis of asthma you may be feeling some panic. It is a severe chronic condition, and that means it lasts a lifetime. Life goes on after you have been diagnosed with asthma. You will gain some insights here on how to get control of asthma in an effective and manageable way.
If you suffer from asthma, it is critical that you not smoke. Smoking is a terrible habit but it's even worse for someone who suffers from asthma as it decreases the amount of oxygen that gets to your lungs.
Be careful of chemical cleaners if you are asthmatic. A lot of these products contain harsh chemicals such as ammonia. These chemicals wreak havoc on you and can trigger an attack. Instead of relying on harsh cleaners, check out some organic solutions. They might cost a few dollars more, but the difference is well worth it.
Always be very mindful of the type of medications you're taking. Some meds out there might just trigger an asthma attack. Some anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, can flare up asthma symptoms. Beta blockers can also have this affect, as well as other medications for controlling high blood pressure and heart disease. If you suffer from asthma, be sure that your medical professional is aware of this.
Asthma is ongoing. Therefore, it also requires continual management of your health. Make sure that your daily routine includes taking appropriate medication to keep you free of asthma symptoms, along with additional medication to treat you for any sudden asthma attacks. Find out from your allergist and your doctor what is best for you.
Medication Available
If allergy symptoms cause you to have moderate to severe asthma attacks, there is a medication available that can help for extended periods of time. One antibody medication available is called Omalizumab and can be prescribed by your doctor or allergist.
Talk to a social worker if you're not eligible for any health insurance and you're an asthma sufferer. You must have the ability to afford your medication, so a social worker might be able to locate a hospital or clinic that can offer them at little cost or free.
Though it is easy to postpone or avoid, get those annual flu vaccinations. People who have been diagnosed with asthma should exercise extreme diligence in avoiding other respiratory conditions. This means that you should take all standard precautions to avoid illness, such as washing your hands, getting vaccinated and avoiding those who are sick.
Immune System
Asthma sufferers should take Vitamins E and C. There is some evidence that these two vitamins can improve breathing and lower the frequency of asthma attacks. You can take these vitamins in pill form, or you can eat fresh fruits and vegetables and get the vitamins that way. Vitamins C and E are necessary for a healthy immune system. If your immune system isn't healthy, it won't be able to fight off illnesses that cause asthma attacks.
Mold and mildew can grow in your home where there is humidity. They are a nuisance for people with asthma; the asthma attacks they trigger require you to eliminate them. So try your best to make your home as dry as possible. When it's cold, a dehumidifier can keep moisture to a minimum; in hot months, your A/C unit will do the same thing.
During cold, winter months, asthma sufferers should wear a shawl, muffler, or scarf that will cover both their nose and mouth. This way, the air will be warm before entering your lungs. Breathing in air that's cold can trigger an attack, particularly in younger children that have moderate or severe asthma.
Be sure to thoroughly understand how to utilize asthma medication correctly, particularly any rescue medication. For most asthma cases, an emergency treatment option, such as an inhaler, is used to supplement day-to-day management medication. Because asthma can be a lifelong issue, it is vital to take both regular and rescue medications according to the instructions.
Asthma develops gradually, and its symptoms may not be very noticeable. In some serious cases, people have dropped dead due to an asthma attack without ever knowing they had asthma in the first place. Given that fact, if you have any kind of consistent cough or respiratory ailments, consulting a physician for testing is a good idea, since you want to know if you are suffering from asthma and if so, what to do about it.
Be prepared to live with arthritis! When you know everything you can about your specific asthma triggers, you can use that knowledge to avoid potential triggers. This article will help you build your knowledge so you can effectively combat asthma.