Asthma affects five year-olds, 100 year-olds, rich people, and poor people alike. Going to the doctor is, of course, the appropriate first step, but you should also be vigilant about paying attention to signs that may mean your condition is worsening. The following paragraphs will give you the information you need to deal with asthma attacks, and more importantly, reduce the frequency of future attacks.
If you have any children who suffer from asthma, avoid smoking around them at all costs. Secondhand smoke is almost as dangerous to asthmatics as actually smoking a cigarette. You should also make sure your child is never in an environment where other people are smoking.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that requires constant management. Be sure to take the correct medicines to keep your daily asthma symptoms under control, and always have emergency medication available in case an attack occurs. Talk to your doctor and allergist to see what is the best idea for you.
If you are an asthmatic who also has allergies, injected allergy medication may be just the thing you need to get relief. An antibody medicine known as omalizumab is very effective at countering asthma attacks related to allergies. Ask your allergist about it.
A leukotriene inhibitor may be an excellent way for you to deal with asthma. These work by preventing the formation of leukotrienes. The inflammation caused by this substance can trigger the symptoms of asthma. The inhibitor will keep the leukotrienes from forming, which can reduce the frequency of asthma attacks that you experience.
Cannot Afford
If you have asthma and cannot afford health insurance or have no eligibility, bring up your situation with a social worker. If you cannot afford medicine for asthma, your social worker can help you locate someone that can help.
You and your loved ones need to get a flu vaccination every year. If you suffer from asthma, it is best to avoid respiratory infections of any type as much as possible. 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.
Using more than four different types of cleaning products in your home has been shown to increase the risk of an asthma attack. Organic products are preferable to more chemically loaded, commercially produced cleaning products.
Stay away from cigarette smoke, even if it's secondhand. When you inhale tobacco smoke, particularly in closeted areas, the functioning of your lungs can decrease, and you may suffer an attack.
You can help to prevent asthma attacks by maintaining a clean home, particularly the asthmatic's bedroom. Avoid smoking inside, and only let people eat in the kitchen. After cleaning around the house, open windows and allow fresh air into the house. This can reduce the smell and pervasiveness of household cleaners like bleach.
Asthma Triggers
You need to know what the asthma triggers are so that they can be avoided or treated promptly. Smoke, pollen, or pet dander are common triggers. Avoid your asthma triggers as much as you can to prevent attacks.
You can wear warm things like a shawl, muffler or scarf, which can help cover your nose and mouth in the colder months. This way, the air will be warm before entering your lungs. Breathing in the cold air has been shown to trigger asthma attacks, especially in younger children with moderate to severe asthma.
Asthma generally takes a long time to develop, and the symptoms may be vague at first, making it difficult to diagnose the problem. People can even die from their very first asthma attack as they're not prepared for it! If you have any trouble breathing or are coughing a lot, you need to see a doctor to determine what it is and if you need any medication or treatment for asthma prevention.
If you have asthma, don't stop using your inhaler unless your doctor tells you to. However, watch for infections in your gums or other mouth discomfort after using your inhaler. Immediately brush your teeth followed by a quick gargle after using your inhaler. This is a great way to prevent any kind of complications in your mouth.
Monitor how many times, on a weekly basis, you are using your rescue inhaler. It is possible that your asthma may be out of control or that there are extenuating circumstances that are exacerbating your condition. You are able to judge how the environment around you effects your body by how many times you need to use your inhaler.
Asthma is a serious medical condition that should not be underestimated. Asthma attacks are potentially lethal, and you should take precautions to make sure that your asthma is under control. For example, always keep with you an inhaler which is good should you suffer from an attack. Also, lessen the amount of allergens and airborne dust in your home. Hopefully, you follow these tips, so you can get a handle on your asthma, and control the symptoms better.