If you do not treat your asthma, it can quickly become dangerous. An extremely severe attack can even lead to death. If medical experts aren't providing you with sufficient advice, you may need to take matters into your own hands as it pertains to your treatment. This article provides easy tips to help alleviate some asthma symptoms and to help you to better treat your asthma.
Figure out what type of asthma you are suffering with. When you're informed about your asthma, you'll be able to do more to cope with the illness and prevent it from having a negative effect on your life. One example of this is exercise-induced asthma. This type of asthmatic will need to carry his inhaler with him when he goes for a run. Learn what activities trigger your symptoms, and prepare accordingly so that you're never caught without your inhaler during an asthma attack.
If you are afflicted with asthma, it is critical that you don't smoke. Smoking is a bad habit for everyone, but patients that suffer from asthma are negatively affected by smoke as it cuts the oxygen supply off and induces an asthma attack.
Never turn on a fan when the room you are in is very dusty. This can move the dust around and can trigger an attack easily. Open some windows if you want fresh air.
Properly use the inhaler every time you must use it. Discover a location that is peaceful, and ensure you follow all the instructions that are given by the manufacturer. The inhaler will only work if the medicine reaches your lungs. While taking a deep breath, spray in the recommended dosage. Allow the mist to fill up your lungs by holding your breath at least ten seconds.
Social Worker
Consider consulting a social worker if your asthma medication is not covered by an insurance policy. Having the financial ability to purchase your asthma medications is essential, and a social worker can help you locate a hospital or clinic that can provide you with these medications for free or at a significantly reduced rate.
Make sure you are taking plenty of Vitamins E and C if you suffer from asthma. They are believed to aid respiratory function and to be instrumental in keeping your asthma in check. It is possible to acquire the necessary amounts by eating foods or by taking dietary supplements. These vitamins can boost immune systems, which helps you to avoid illnesses that can be a trigger for your asthma.
If you have been diagnosed with asthma, you should avoid smoking or even being in the presence of smokers. When you inhale tobacco smoke, particularly in small areas without much ventilation, lung function may be severely impacted, and you have a higher chance of having an attack.
Your asthma medication may need to be adjusted if you become ill. A lot of illnesses can cause your asthma to flare up very badly, resulting in the necessity to increase asthma treatment. It is possible that your doctor will decide to modify your treatment, or even add additional treatments, until you are back on your feet.
Be knowledgeable about the factors that cause asthma attacks in order to avoid the triggers or develop a plan for managing the symptoms of asthma. The majority of asthma sufferers suffer attacks when exposed to some common trigger, including allergens or cigarette smoke. When possible, stay away from these triggers that cause symptoms or ultimately, full-blown attacks.
If you suffer from asthma, consider using a feather-free pillow to sleep. Pillow feathers are known to worsen asthma and affect the lungs. The same reasoning applies to all bedding - only purchase bed sheets and comforters that are manufactured from hypoallergenic materials.
If you are traveling by plane and taking along your asthma medications, make sure to have with you any written doctors prescriptions, especially when carrying some large asthma equipment like a nebulizer. Having written proof that the item in question is in fact medically necessary can cut down on hassles at the security check.
During spring or other high-pollen times, don't go outside unless you have to so that you can avoid a pollen-triggered asthma attack. Despite being different conditions, asthma and allergies can be triggered by the same kinds of irritants. Air quality readings are often available locally, and utilizing this information is key in minimizing exposure to harmful airborne irritants.
If you are suffering from an asthma attack, try to remain calm and do not panic. Immediately use your inhaler, then wait a half a minute and do so again. If this does not lessen the attack, get help quickly. Ask someone to drive you to the closest hospital or call an ambulance. Slow your breathing by inhaling and exhaling into a paper bag while you are waiting for help.
If you have asthma, you must know how to use your inhaler properly. Spraying it inside your mouth and inhaling is not all it takes. Make sure when you spray your inhaler that you take in deep breaths for short periods of time. Failure to properly use your inhaler can lead to deadly effect.
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.