Asthma is a disease that can easily go out of control if left unchecked. Sometimes, asthma attacks are so bad that they cause fatalities. Consulting a medical professional is the first step in any treatment plan. Beyond that, however, you must take an active role in maintaining your health. These tips can help you better and relieve your asthma.
An important part of symptom management is knowing what type of asthma you have. Knowing as much as possible about your specific type of asthma will go an incredibly long way in helping you combat the day-to-day effects it has on you. If people who have asthma suffer attacks triggered by exercise, they should bring an inhaler with them when they work out. You can avoid any future crisis by knowing and figuring out patterns of the symptoms you have.
It is imperative that you do your best to avoid cleaning chemicals if you are asthmatic. Many of the chemicals in cleaning products can trigger asthma symptoms or attacks. If you're the one that cleans your home, try organic or natural cleaning solutions that are much less risky to your health.
During a mild to moderate attack, force all of the air out of your lungs. Blow your breath out as hard and fast as you can. Forcefully push the air out from your lungs. 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 will also empty your lungs of air, so that they're ready to take in new, fresh air. You might start coughing, and some sputum may come up, but this is no problem and your focus is to get back into a relaxed, rythmic breathing pattern again.
Never turn on a fan when the room you are in is very dusty. Turning on a fan is going to cause the dust to leave its surface and begin filling the air of your environment. If you feel you need airflow, open a window instead.
Use the inhaler properly. An inhaler is most effective if used in a relaxed location and according to the maker's instructions. Remember that the medication must reach your lungs if the inhaler is to work properly. Inhale deeply and spray the correct dose into your mouth. Continue holding your breath for approximately 10 seconds. This way, the medication will soak into the cells of your lungs.
An annual flu vaccination is recommended for you as well as other members of your family. Make sure you do your best in avoiding respiratory infections at all costs if you have asthma. This includes taking standard precautions against illness, like hand washing, as well as getting vaccinations that can keep you from getting sick.
If you are an asthma sufferer, be sure to get the recommended daily dose of Vitamins C and E. These vitamins help reduce asthma flare-ups by improving lung function. You can get these vitamins from food or take a supplement. Getting enough vitamins is also a good way to prevent asthma attacks by boosting your immune system.
Consider buying a dehumidifier for the home if you have asthma. Cutting down the humidity in the house will lower the amount dust mites in the air, and that will mean fewer asthma flare-ups. Dehumidifiers eliminate your home's humidity, leaving dry air.
Keep your home free of dust and other triggers, especially where the person who suffers from asthma sleeps. Food should be eaten only in the kitchen or dining room, and cigarettes are best relegated to outdoor smoking areas. Don't use bleach or harsh chemicals inside, and air out the house as much as possible after cleaning.
Make sure you are aware of what triggers your asthma so you can avoid it or prepare properly. A lot of people who suffer from asthma have the same triggers, pet dander, smoke, or pollen. Avoid your asthma triggers as much as you can to prevent attacks.
A humid home environment is a healthy environment for mildew and mold to develop. These substances can easily trigger asthma attacks. Therefore, try and keep the home dry. When you are using a heater in winter time, you can run a dehumidifier for help controlling humidity. In the summer, running your air conditioner will allow you to keep your humidity down.
When you need to take your asthma supplies on an airplane, it is a good idea to bring your doctor's prescription with you. If you have written proof about the item you have,and that it is medically necessary, there will be less hassles going through security.
Asthma is an uncurable disease, but that doesn't mean that the symptoms are permanent and can't go away. However, just like most things in life, overcoming your asthma symptoms takes time and effort. If you follow these easy tips, you'll find that your symptoms will get better over time and you'll be able to enjoy a healthier, more active lifestyle.