Asthma can get uncontrollable if it is left unchecked. Not only can asthma attacks prove severe, some are flat out fatal. It is important that you seek professional medical advice, but it doesn't mean that you should take your own steps to relief. This article contains a number of tips that can assist you in taking control of your asthma.
If you suffer from asthma, don't smoke, and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. This means you need to keep away from tobacco products and only seek out jobs where you aren't exposed to any harmful chemicals, smoke or vapors.
Second hand smoke can cause asthma to develop in children, and can trigger an asthma attack if they already suffer from asthma. There's a long list of environmental asthma triggers, and secondhand smoke is at the top of it. Ensure that your child is not around other people that smoke, either.
Cleaning Products
Be careful of chemical cleaners if you are asthmatic. Cleaning products are often full of chemicals, and breathing those chemicals in can irritate your lungs. There are many all-natural organic cleaning products available that may help eliminate asthmatic problems.
Stay away from anything that you are aware of that may trigger your asthma. For some people, this is allergy related; things like pollen and dust can start an attack. It could also be some type of strenuous exercise. Look for the trigger points in your life, so you can work around them.
There are medications that can unknowingly cause asthma-like symptoms. Some over the counter medications can irritate your asthma. You can also use beta blockers, which will help you manage blood pressure. It is important to talk openly with your doctor about your asthma so that you do not take any medications that could be harmful to you.
Any type of smoke can bring on a serious asthma attack. Avoid smoking altogether. Avoid breathing in any of the vapors or other chemical fumes. This can aggravate your asthma and it might not stop. Leave a room if people smoke, or ask them to stop.
Social Worker
If you have asthma and lack the health insurance coverage to deal with asthma treatment, talk to a social worker. A social worker can possibly help you with finding treatment and low-cost medications.
When dealing with hay fever or a cold, you will notice an increase in your asthma symptoms. Illnesses like this can often worsen your asthma symptoms, which may require that you up your dosage of certain medications. It is possible your doctor will want to add additional therapies to your treatment program until you are back on your feet.
If you suffer from asthma, you should refrain from sleeping on a pillow that contains feathers. Feathers can decrease lung function and cause asthma symptoms. Your other bedding, such as sheets, blankets and comforters, should be hypoallergenic, too.
Take your rescue inhaler and keep it handy when you travel. Being in odd environments can cause undue stress on your body, which makes you more prone to an asthma attack. Influencing the environment around you is nearly impossible while on the road, which is another opportunity for deteriorating symptoms or attack triggers.
Consider joining a support group, either on or offline. Asthma can be severe enough to keep you away from social activiites. Furthermore, these groups will keep you informed about any changes in medicines or any other scientific discoveries that are relevant.
Mold and mildew thrive in homes with high humidity levels. These can very easily cause an attack. To halt the growth of mold and mildew keep your home's humidity low. When you are heating your home during the winter months, a dehumidifier can be used to control the humidity. In the summer, use an air conditioner to maintain dry air.
Make sure you understand the correct way to use your asthma medication, especially any rescue medication. For most asthma cases, an emergency treatment option, such as an inhaler, is used to supplement day-to-day management medication. Asthma is an illness that is chronic in nature, so it is imperative to take the management medicine as directed and only using the rescue inhaler when necessary.
If you are taking your prescriptions with you on a flight, make sure to take your prescription. Having written documentation supporting this medically necessary item will eliminate any hassles when going through the security check point.
You should use your inhaler everyday regularly; however, be forewarned that the medicine can potentially lead to mouth infections, especially around your gums and teeth. To avoid those complications, be sure to brush teeth, gargle, and rinse mouth completely right after you have used the inhaler.
When you are cleaning your home, it is always better to use a wet mop rather than sweeping your floors. Vacuuming or wet-mopping are better than sweeping because they don't stir up dust and debris that might induce an asthma attack. When you dust, use a damp cloth instead of a feather duster which can spread these triggers.
Bed Linens
Allergens and asthma triggers, such as dust and pollen can cling to your bed linens. It is important to wash your bed linens at least once per week in very hot water if you want to reduce or eliminate the potential aggravators. If there are always fresh linens on your bed, you are much more likely to sleep restfully without unexpected asthma attacks.
To make sure all of your medical needs are being met, you will need to consult at least two doctors. It's true your primary doctor should be your main source for all your asthma help, but it may be wise to see one or two asthma specialists. Pulmonologists, allergists, asthma centers and also nutritionists can assist you in exploring every avenue of treatment for your asthma.
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.