It can be difficult to live with asthma. It can stop you from engaging in the simplest of tasks, even going for a walk. Even worse, the disease can not be cured and the symptoms can be hard to control. Keep reading for advice that will help you make the most of life with asthma.
Asthma Sufferer
It is very important that an asthma sufferer refrain from smoking, if you do then it is advisable you quit now. Smoking is bad for everyone, but it's particularly dangerous for an asthma sufferer, as it cuts off vital oxygen to the lungs.
Avoid anything that is known to 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. You need to determine what your triggers are so that you can avoid them.
Asthma is a chronic condition that is ongoing over time, and as such, will require a continual treatment and management regimen. Make sure that your daily routine includes taking appropriate medication to keep you free of asthma symptoms, along with additional medication to treat you for any sudden asthma attacks. Speak with an allergist or your doctor to determine the best care for you.
If you are having an attack that is not severe, push as much air out of the lungs as possible. Exhale quickly and with power. It can't be said too strongly: you must force the air out! Inhale in a series of three, or three shallow breaths and one deep breath. After your lungs are filled with air, forcefully exhale again. This will make your breathing rhythmic and help you pay more attention to it. It also keeps air flowing out of the lung,s so that you can refill them. Regardless of whether spetum is generated, it will aid in returning breathing back to a normal state.
If you find that you are in a dusty room, do not put on any type of 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.
If you suffer from asthma, it's best to avoid pillows full of feathers. Pillow feathers are known to worsen asthma and affect the lungs. This applies to bedding, as well, so it's best to make sure that everything on your bed is hypoallergenic.
Go to your regular medical check-ups, even if your condition seems under control. It is impossible to predict the next attack. Furthermore, newer or safer asthma medications may be approved in the time since you last visited your doctor.
Know the right way to use any asthma medication you are taking, in particular your rescue medication. Asthma is usually treated with an everyday medication that is sometimes supplemented with an emergency treatment, like an inhaler. Asthma doesn't go away, so it's important to be vigilant about taking your daily medication and using your rescue inhaler when an attack occurs.
If you are going on a plane trip with asthma medications, make sure to bring your written prescription along with you. Having evidence from a doctor that the medication is necessary for your health will greatly help with security at the airport.
Try using a inhaler that prevents asthma every day, but you should know that one of the side effects is mouth infections of teeth and gums. To best method to prevent these side effects and complications is by brushing your teeth, then gargling directly after using the inhaler.
When housecleaning, it is better to clean your floors with a damp mop than sweeping them with a broom. The action of sweeping can swirl up a whole cloud of asthma-triggering particles. When dusting, try to use a damp rag rather than a feather duster to cut down on the spread of the triggers.
Bed Linens
Allergens, dust, pollen and other things that can aggravate your asthma tend to collect inside bed linens. Clean your linen and pillow case every week to prevent asthma attacks. Clean bed linens that are washed frequently will help you breathe easier every time your head hits the pillow.
Asthmatics should always wear a mask when dealing with the harsh chemicals in fresh paint. Paint can irritate your asthma a lot, so this mask acts like a protective barrier to prevent this. Refrain from using any substance or chemical that aggravate your asthma.
A support group for those with asthma can really help, and so can simply talking to people about your condition. They can provide you with advice and tips on how to better deal with fighting asthma. Support given by those around you who are also afflicted with asthma can really make all the difference.
Knowing what triggers your asthma is an extremely important thing to know in order to prevent your attacks. You need to think about maintaining a journal that can assist you in determining potential triggers of asthma. Talk to your doctor about these results. Once you know your triggers, do what you can to eliminate them from where you are, as much as possible.
Again, asthma is a serious health problem; don't ignore it or replace visiting your doctor with reading self-help articles about how to manage your symptoms. Take the appropriate steps needed to prevent and reduce any symptoms, and if your symptoms are uncontrollable seek professional help. Use these suggestions to reduce your symptoms so you can avoid having asthma control your life.