If you were recently diagnosed as an asthmatic, you may be panicking. It is a severe chronic condition, and that means it lasts a lifetime. However, this doesn't mean life ends when you get diagnosed. This article is like a virtual library full of information on asthma symptoms and treatments.
If you are afflicted with asthma, it is critical that you don't smoke. While smoking is bad for everyone, it's particularly hard on an asthma sufferer as it restricts oxygen getting to the lungs.
There are certain medications that cause or exacerbate asthma symptoms. Not everyone knows this. Some NSAIDs and aspirin might do this. Also, beta blockers, such as medicines used to control heart disease and high blood pressure. Talk to a doctor if you have any of these conditions along with asthma.
When you are suffering from an asthma attack, exhale all of the oxygen from your lungs. Exhale quickly and with power. You have to force the air out. Inhale a series of three quick breaths, followed by a deeper one, before exhaling with force again. Using this strategy provides your breathing with a rhythm that forces you to focus on it. It will also empty your lungs of air, so that they're ready to take in new, fresh air. You may cough or generate sputum, this is okay, your main goal is to get your breathing back on track again.
If you are suffering from asthma, stay away from any type of cigarette smoke. Don't smoke! Air pollution and fumes from harsh chemicals also increase asthma symptoms. This may cause an asthma attack you can't stop. If people are smoking around you, remove yourself from that area quickly.
If the room that you're in is dusty, do not turn on a fan. The fan will cause the dust to circulate through the air, which can cause you to suffer an asthma attack. If you feel you need airflow, open a window instead.
Prevent Leukotrienes
Talk to your doctor about getting a leukotriene inhibitor if you have asthma. This type of inhibitor is designed to prevent leukotrienes. Leukotriene, a chemical released by the body in response to an allergen, is responsible for inducing many of the symptoms of an asthma attack. This inhibitor can prevent leukotrienes, which makes you less likely to have an asthma attack.
Be sure you and your family members get a yearly flu vaccination. Respiratory infections can seriously hurt those who suffer from asthma, so take measures to avoid contracting them. Precautions include washing your hands and staying current with vaccinations.
Vitamins C and E can greatly assist you in fighting asthma attacks. These vitamins make lungs function better and keep symptoms of asthma under control. Many foods have these vitamins in abundance, but you can also use a supplemental pill. The vitamins work to strengthen your immunities, thereby warding off sicknesses that tend to exacerbate asthma.
If you have asthma, it might be helpful for you to buy a dehumidifier. With less humidity, there will be fewer dust mites, and that means that there is less of a chance that your asthma will flare up. Dehumidifiers remove the humidity by drying out the air that flows through your house.
People who have asthma should stick to using unscented products. Using products with scents, like perfume, incense and air fresheners, boosts the amount of air pollution indoors and can bring on an attack. Irritating odors are also given off by new carpeting and paints. As much as possible, try to keep your home filled with fresh, pure air.
While traveling, always keep emergency asthma medication on hand and close by. Traveling causes extra strain on your already stressed body, which makes your body more susceptible to bothersome asthma triggers. Traveling can make asthma symptoms worse, and it is difficult, nearly impossible to control environmental triggers during travel.
Regardless of whether your asthma has been flaring up, don't neglect routine checkups. Asthma can flare-up at any time, and you never know, perhaps your doctor has safer or better medications which can help your symptoms.
Support Group
Consider joining a support group, either on or offline. Since severe asthma can be quite debilitating, it can have a huge impact on your everyday life. Being a part of a support group can help provide you with honest information about products and helpful hints, as well as medical news.
Mold and mildew grow in a home due to the humidity that creates a friendly environment for them. These things can trigger asthma attacks very easily. To halt the growth of mold and mildew keep your home's humidity low. Whenever you use a heater, you should use a dehumidifier, and air conditioning will help in the summer.
90% of dealing with asthma is about preparing for attacks. Having a knowledge of your type of asthma and the ways you can manage it from day to day is the best way to avoid crises. Gain as much knowledge as possible about asthma to help manage your symptoms.