If you have recently been handed a diagnosis of asthma, you may find yourself in a panic. There is not a cure for asthma; it is a lifelong condition. However, this doesn't mean life ends when you get diagnosed. This article contains simple tips to manage asthma effectively.
Certain prescription medications have the potential to cause asthma symptoms. Believe it or not, something as seemingly innocuous as aspirin can actually trigger symptoms. Beta blockers, such as those used to control high blood pressure or heart disease may also have this effect. Let your doctor know about your asthma and what prescriptions you're taking.
Be mindful of any allergy attacks that you suffer. If you experience these attacks more than twice each week, you need to switch medications. Both doctors and nurses claim having a larger number than two attacks each week can be very hazardous. This can be easily prevented.
Asthma generally takes a long time to develop, and the symptoms may be vague at first, making it difficult to diagnose the problem. In fact, some people who didn't even realize they had asthma died as a result of their initial attack. Discuss with your doctor if you are having problems trying to catch your breath or have had a persistent cough for a while. There is the possibility that you have developed asthma, and if so, your doctor can tell you what the best method to treat it would be.
Smoke is a major irritant for most asthma sufferers, so when you are cooking in the kitchen and it starts to get smokey, make sure you open a few windows to allow some fresh air in, and let the smoke out. Smoke can often trigger an asthma attack. If smoke is strong even with open windows, go outside until it's gone.
If you are planning on painting a room in your house, buy a mask in advance to protect you from breathing in fumes. Paint can aggravate asthma, but a mask can combat the irritation because it forms a shield between your nose and the environment. Avoid specific chemicals and substances that could worsen your asthma.
People who have asthma should stick to using unscented products. Products with a fragrance raise the air pollution indoors, and increase the risk of an attack being triggered. Some of these products include incense, scented body sprays and air fresheners. An asthma sufferer's airways can feel irritated by odors such as fresh paint or new carpeting. Try to maintain the air in your house as free from possible asthma triggers as possible.
Inhalers are important to use every day, but be aware that inhalers have been known to cause infections near the teeth and gums. You can prevent these side effects with proper tooth brushing and gargling after you use your inhaler.
Exercising in cold, dry air can be very dangerous if you are afflicted with asthma. When bronchial air passages are hit with dry coolness, it can cause asthma to attack. Outdoor exercise is best done when the weather is warmer and the humidity higher.
Refrain from smoking. Although bad for everyone, cigarettes can cause greater problems for those with asthma. Sensitive asthmatic lungs are easily irritated by smoke, so they need to avoid smoking and to avoid situations where there are people who smoke.
When dealing with an asthma attack, it is important to stay calm. Grab your inhaler and use it, then wait to see if it helps. If not, then use it again in thirty seconds. If this procedure does not stop your attack, seek immediate treatment from a healthcare professional. Have some one call for an ambulance or take you to the hospital. Grab a paper bag and breathe inside it, as that can help to slow down your breathing.
Make it a habit to always have some rescue medication available when you travel. Traveling causes extra strain on your already stressed body, which makes your body more susceptible to bothersome asthma triggers. It is also hard to predict what will come up or to control your environment when you travel, which increases the chances of experiencing more severe symptoms or an attack.
Think about signing up for a support group locally or online. Many people who suffer from asthma are unable to live a full life. By getting involved in a support group you will also be speaking with other sufferers who may know of new scientific discoveries and treatment plans you may not be aware of.
Everyone in your family, including you, should get the flu vaccination every year. If you have asthma, it's important to prevent all respiratory infections, if at all possible. Common method of avoiding illnesses can be very effective. Keep your vaccinations up to date and wash your hands frequently.
You have to know the proper way to use an inhaler if you suffer from asthma. Don't just breathe normally or shallowly after spraying inhaled medication into your mouth. Every time you spray the inhaler, breathe deeply inward for about three seconds. If you are having trouble using it correctly, ask your doctor for help at your next visit.
Take a lot of Vitamin E and C if you are suffering from asthma. These vitamins help to control asthma symptoms and improve the function of your lungs. You can take these vitamins in pill form, or you can eat fresh fruits and vegetables and get the vitamins that way. These vitamins can improve your immune system to prevent asthma triggers.
Fresh air in your home is essential if someone in the household has asthma. Fresh air can make it easier for asthma sufferers to breathe. If your house is insulated, you will have about 200% more allergens compared to well-ventilated homes. Ventilation is key to having good clean air.
If you are working to prevent asthma, it is best not to smoke. Smoke is one of the primary triggers of asthma. Stay away from all types of fumes as well as cigarette smoke. Things like this can make your asthma worse. If you know someone who smokes, politely ask that they do not smoke in your presence.
Waking up with an asthma attack at night more than 3 times a week, or using your inhaler 3 or more times a week is a sign that your asthma medication needs to be evaluated. Talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
If you are having an attack that is not severe, push as much air out of the lungs as possible. Breathe out fast and hard. This will force the air from your lungs. Then take three quick breaths, next a deeper breath till your lungs fill with air, then repeat the forceful exhalation again. This creates a rhythm to your breathing, making you pay attention to the breaths you take. By repeatedly forcing air out, you make room for new air so that your breathing can get back on track. This may cause you to cough or it may cause phlegm, but your breathing will be back to normal again.
As seen here, it is important that you are prepared in order to manage asthma. Understanding the kind of asthma you have, and what you can do to care for it every day, is the perfect way to avert disaster. Keep looking for more resources to increase your efficiency.
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