Asthma is a lung disorder that can make breathing difficult and create problems when oxygen is not delivered to cells efficiently. There are still ways to manage a normal life and remain safe, so do not think asthma means the end to fun and good health. You can control your asthma with medication, treatments and by listening to the advice of your doctor.
What type of asthma are you having to deal with? Before you can develop a self-care plan for your asthma symptoms, you need to know the specific cause of your symptoms. If you have exercised-induced asthma, for example, you'll want to bring your inhaler with you to the gym or other locations where you might be involved in physical activity. You can avoid any future crisis by knowing and figuring out patterns of the symptoms you have.
Second hand smoke can cause asthma to develop in children, and can trigger an asthma attack if they already suffer from asthma. Second-hand cigarette smoke is a leading cause of asthma. You should never put your children in a situation where they are exposed to people who are smoking.
If you are having an asthma attack (mild or moderate), you need to try to force air out of the lungs. Exhale quickly and forcefully. Really expel the air from your lungs! Follow this by breathing in three times quickly, and a fourth time deeply to ensure your lungs are filled to capacity, then exhale again as forcefully as possible. This will create a rhythm and will help you be aware of the way you are breathing. In addition, it repeatedly empties your lungs of air, so that you can draw in more oxygen-rich air. It is okay that you cough up some sputum, you really want to breathe right again.
If you have asthma, you should keep away from any smoke from cigarettes. You should not smoke yourself! It is also a good idea to stay away from the fumes or vapors from harsh chemicals, such as those used in cleaning. This can cause an asthma attack, and you may be unable to bring it under control. Leave a room if people smoke, or ask them to stop.
If you have been diagnosed with asthma, you should avoid smoking or even being in the presence of smokers. When you inhale tobacco smoke, you are severely increasing the likelihood of an asthma attack. This is especially true in small, confined areas with little to no ventilation.
While some people grow out of their asthma as children, others find it a lifelong battle. It can be controlled with some sound advice and following a doctor's orders. There are new developments in treatment and medications every year that make asthma easier to manage.