Living with asthma has definite challenges, but it's possible to manage it and find solutions to help you live an active and healthy life. There are a number of ways to make sure that asthma doesn't interfere with your life. This article will help you get more done and spend less time dealing with asthma attacks.
What triggers your asthma? Being aware of your specific condition will help you combat the effects it has over your body day in and day out. People who suffer from exercise-induced asthma should consider carrying an emergency inhaler in their bag. If you know and understand your asthma triggers, you can better avoid and handle attacks.
Asthma is a chronic condition, requiring constant health management. It is crucial that you have the proper medications for controlling asthma, as well as medication, such as a rescue inhaler to treat sudden attacks. Your physician and allergist are the ones to approach with any questions you have about this disease and its treatment.
If you are dealing with asthma, keep far away from cigarette smoke. You should not smoke yourself! Inhaling the chemical-laden fumes and even the vapors from cigarettes can be extremely harmful. This may cause an asthma attack you can't stop. If you see people smoking in your vicinity, you should get away from them as soon as possible.
Never use a fan in a dirty, dust-filled room. A fan will spread dust and debris all over. This can very easily aggravate your asthma, and cause serious symptoms. It's better to open the window if you're in need of fresh air.
If allergies lead to constant attacks from your asthma, there has been a recent solution that is administered via injection that provides long term care! Your allergist may recommend a variety of medications to control your reactions and the onset of asthma.
Asthma Attacks
If you are having trouble preventing asthma attacks, you may find success with a leukotriene inhibitor. There are modern medicines that are highly effective at blocking leukotrienes. A leukotrienes is a type of chemical that causes inflammation, which leads to asthma attacks. When used properly, an inhibitor can help reduce symptoms and prevent attacks.
Use the inhaler properly. Find a peaceful spot, and make sure to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. The medicine in the inhaler only works if it actually makes it to your lungs. While inhaling, spray the dosage in your mouth. Then hold it and try not to breathe for a minimum of 10 seconds. This will give enough time for the medication to properly fill out your lungs.
If you are dealing with asthma, you would benefit from buying a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier will reduce attacks by taking extra humidity and, by extension, dust mites and other debris out of your air. Dehumidifiers reduce humidity and keep the air in your home dry.
Lower the chances of asthma attacks by keeping a spotless home, particularly in the areas where you sleep. Only allow food in the kitchen, and never smoke indoors. Bypass chemicals when cleaning your home if at all possible, and be sure to open doors and windows afterwards.
A yearly flu shot is necessary if you suffer from asthma. Prevent these infections from occurring by going to get vaccinated each year.
Keep all your doctors appointments even if your asthma symptoms aren't bothering you. You can never tell when an attack will strike, or when your physician may have some better or safer advice for you to follow.
Protect yourself against breathing in cold air that aggravates your asthma by wearing a scarf that covers your nose and mouth. This helps warm the air prior to it entering your lungs. Studies have consistently shown that cold air can cause your throat and lungs to constrict, triggering asthma attacks. Children are especially susceptible to cold-induced asthma.
Instead of sweeping your floors with a broom, it is preferable to clean using a wet mop. When you are sweeping with a broom, you stir up triggers like dirt and dust mites that can cause you to go into an asthma attack. When you dust, use a damp cloth instead of a feather duster which can spread these triggers.
Asthma sufferers should avoid close contact with all animals. While an allergy to animal hair or dander is a possible asthma complication, even those sufferers free of such allergies can experience an asthma attack caused by the dust and pollen all animals tend to carry along with them.
Bed linens attract things that cause asthma attacks. You could reduce the potential impact of these asthma inducers by cleaning your sheets regularly. Having fresh bedding will let you breathe more easily and have a more restful night.
Stay Indoors
Asthma sufferers should definitely stay indoors more when pollen increases. Asthma is not considered an allergy, but elements that cause allergies usually trigger asthma attacks too. The same air quality reports available in the local news for allergy problems can also help those with asthma issues stay indoors on particularly hazardous days.
Don't use humidifiers or vaporizers in your home until they have been rigorously cleaned, if you suffer from either asthma, allergies or both. Bacteria can build up in the moisture of these machines, and get relayed into the very environment that you are attempting to make more conducive to your condition.
If you are suffering from an asthma attack, try to remain calm and do not panic. Locate your inhaler, inhale deeply with the spray, and allow 30 seconds to pass before you reuse it. If your attack worsens, call for help. Go to the emergency room, or call an ambulance if it's extreme. Slow your breathing by inhaling and exhaling into a paper bag while you are waiting for help.
In conclusion, there are plenty of things you can do to prevent asthma from disturbing your life. Asthma does not mean the end of all you love about your life when you follow the advice above to make an effective plan.