Asthma is a medical condition that can take over your life if you do not treat it. Asthma attacks may be very serious or fatal. Consulting a medical professional is the first step in any treatment plan. Beyond that, however, you must take an active role in maintaining your health. The following article offers you many manageable tips which can help mend and alleviate your asthma symptoms.
Use your inhaler as directed. Find a quiet spot and follow the instructions the manufacturer has given. The medicine in the inhaler only works if it actually makes it to your lungs. Inhale air while spraying the necessary amount of medication into your mouth. Holding your breath for a minimum of 10 seconds gives the medicinal mist from the inhaler time to spread itself throughout your lungs.
A clean house is important for maintaining the health of those who suffer from asthma. Allergens frequently trigger asthma attacks. One way to combat allergens is to vacuum frequently. If you do not have a vacuuming system that blows the particles outside of your home, you should invest in a good vacuum that has an airtight container to trap in the irritating particles.
Over time you should work to strengthen your body and increase the capacity of your lungs. Do not try to start with a hard workout that you will not be able to finish because your asthma will get in the way.
A support group for those with asthma can really help, and so can simply talking to people about your condition. The other members can give you valuable advice on how to cope with the everyday challenges of living with asthma, and how to handle specific situations. Support from those you are around is crucial.
If you suffer from asthma, don't smoke or expose yourself to smoke, fumes or vapors. You should not smoke and consider which jobs are appropriate for you, especially if you are thinking about working in a factory.
It is vital to have a rescue inhaler if you suffer from asthma, and it should be with you and available at all times. If you need it, the inhaler will temporarily give you quick relief from your symptoms. See to it that you have inhalers where you're likely to be, place one in your purse or at your desk, your briefcase, your lunch box and even your gym bag.
If you suffer from asthma, strong cleaning products should be avoided. Many chemicals that are in these products can cause the triggering of asthma attacks. There are many all-natural organic cleaning products available that may help eliminate asthmatic problems.
Bed linens can collect dust, pollen and other allergens, all of which can further aggravate asthma. You could reduce the potential impact of these asthma inducers by cleaning your sheets regularly. You're less likely to have an asthma attack while asleep or upon first waking up if your bedding is fresh and clean.
You should know what triggers your asthma attacks; this will allow you to either avoid them or be ready to manage the symptoms. A lot of people who suffer from asthma have the same triggers, pet dander, smoke, or pollen. It is best to do all that is possible to avoid triggers that can cause attacks.
If you have allergies and asthma, you need to avoid using a humidifier or a vaporizer unless it has been thoroughly cleaned. The insides of these machines get really moist and provide great breeding grounds for bacteria, which means the machines would actually be filling the air in your home with the very allergens you are seeking to avoid.
It is important to know the warning signs of an impending asthma attack so you can get medical help for your child if one strikes. Lips and fingernails that are grey-blue in color and a lack of response to medication increase are both signs that the attack is a serious one. In addition, you may not be able to understand your child when he speaks.
Smoking is extremely harmful if you suffer from asthma. If you are not already a smoker, don't start, and if you are, quit as soon as possible. Smoking is bad for everyone, but it's particularly dangerous for an asthma sufferer, as it cuts off vital oxygen to the lungs.
If you have an asthma emergency but you don't have your inhaler on hand, try using caffeine as a substitute. Many people have found that consuming black tea, coffee or chocolate may lessen the effects of an attack. Caffeine closes the blood vessels, which makes it easier for you to breathe.
Make note of how often, on a weekly basis, you use your inhaler. It is possible that your asthma may be out of control or that there are extenuating circumstances that are exacerbating your condition. You can use your frequency of inhaler use to gauge the effectiveness of your asthma treatment plan and make modifications when necessary.
If you or someone you know has asthma, it is important not to do any physical activities that may initiate an asthma attack unless otherwise noted by your doctor. If you choose to do one of these activities, you will regret it if you end up in the emergency room.
Keeping your home neat, clean, and regularly swept can really help to reduce the number of asthma attacks you have. Keeping your bedding clean and washed regularly can really make a difference when trying to control your asthma. Doing this eliminates the dust and dust mites that can cause asthma attacks. Dust in the air is irritating to those with asthma and increases the chance of an attack.
Replace your bed pillows often to avoid a build-up of irritating contaminants. Make use of 100% cotton fabrics for your linens. Regular washing and replacement, as well as the use of cotton, will prevent dust mites from harboring in your bedding. Of all the household triggers for asthma attacks, dust mites rank at the top of the list.
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.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment