An asthma attack can be terrifying, both for the sufferer and for his or her loved ones. You need to know all that is involved with this condition, including symptoms and preventative care, in order to be able to effectively manage it. You can have a good idea what will happen and when it will do so, and the advice in the following paragraphs can assist you.
If you have asthma, you should keep away from any smoke from cigarettes. Asthma creates breathing problems by constricting airways, and cigarette smoking only exacerbates the problem. Avoid breathing in the vapors and any other types of chemical fumes. Doing so can cause an asthma attack you might not have the ability to stop. If you are around people who smoke, leave the area very fast.
Make sure you understand the correct way to use your asthma medication, especially any rescue medication. When you have asthma, you should be on a maintenance medication and have an emergency medicine for asthma attacks. Usually this is in the form of an inhaler. Because asthma can be a lifelong issue, it is vital to take both regular and rescue medications according to the instructions.
If you are the parent of a child under five with asthma, regularly observe them for symptoms of an attack which will necessitate a hospital trip. Examples of such signs include: struggles to speak, gasping for air, and sucking in the area beneath the ribcage in an attempt to breathe. If you see any of these symptoms, your child should get medical help immediately.
Always choose unscented products for your home if you have asthma. Scented products such as air fresheners, incense and perfume heighten the degree of indoor air impurities and may possibly contribute to an attack. Certain things in the home, such as newly installed carpet or fresh paint, can also release chemical irritants. Take all necessary measures to ensure that your home is always filled with fresh, clean air.
If the room you are in appears to be dusty, refrain from turning on any fans. Dust blown around by fans can cause your asthma to rear up. It would be better to just open a window if you are needing to get some airflow.
Make certain that all members of your family get their annual flu shot. Respiratory infections can seriously hurt those who suffer from asthma, so take measures to avoid contracting them. This means taking every precaution possible, do things like getting vaccinated to prevent sickness to hand washing on a regular basis.
If you're flying with asthma medications, be sure you get a prescription from your physician. When you have written proof that these items are necessary it can help speed along the security procedures.
Bundle up during winter weather if you have asthma. Covering your nose and mouth with a scarf or muffler helps prevent asthma attacks. Filtering and warming air before you inhale it can help prevent asthma attacks. Studies have indicated that asthma attacks are sometimes triggered when cold air is inhaled. This is especially true for young children who have asthma that is moderate to severe.
If you suffer from asthma, avoid smokers, even if you do not smoke yourself. As soon as you inhale any smoke from tobacco, your lungs become sensitive, which increases your risk of an attack. Just avoid any type of smoke, especially in small areas, and keep your lungs healthy to be safe.
The cause of asthma can be hereditary or it can be induced by environmental factors. Sometimes both factors have a role in the disease. If you have a family member with asthma, keep a close watch on your children and yourself for any asthma related symptoms. Asthma sufferers need to be especially careful to avoid smoke, dust mites, extremely high air pollution levels and allergens.
When you are have a chance of an asthma attack, it is important that you create a plan on how to cope. This is very important because if you are prepared you will be in a much better position to deal with the asthma symptoms you have.
There are certain symptoms that you should look for to help you understand whether your child is having an asthma attack and needs to be transported to the hospital. These symptoms include a bluish tint to the lips or fingernails and unresponsiveness to medication. Your child may also experience trouble speaking.
Attend your regular asthma checkups, even if things seem to be going well. Asthma can flare-up at any time, and you never know, perhaps your doctor has safer or better medications which can help your symptoms.
Avoid exercising outside if it's cold and dry and you have asthma. The bronchial tubes can become irritated by the temperature and low humidity, causing an asthma attack. If you are going to be exercising rigorously, you should first make certain that the air outside is warm and humid.
If someone in your home has asthma, do not allow smoking in your vehicle or home. People who want to smoke should do so outside, away from the house and away from the person with asthma. Just the smell of smoke on those who indulge heavily in smoking can set off an asthma attack.
There are some medications that may contribute to asthma symptoms. Aspirin along with other NSAIDs can have this effect. You can also use beta blockers, which will help you manage blood pressure. Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking such medicine and also have asthma.
Monitor how many times, on a weekly basis, you are using your rescue inhaler. If you find that you are relying on it more than two times a week, your asthma is possibly not being well-controlled. If you notice an increased use in your inhaler, reexamine your management plan and check for any changes in your surroundings that may be triggering the asthma.
Check in with your doctor regularly to ensure that you are maintaining your asthma condition correctly and successfully. Your physician needs to evaluate how you are right now, and decide if any changes need to be made. It is up to you to be proactive about your health and set up regular appointments with your asthma doctor to allow him or her to work with you to keep you healthy and feeling well.
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 previously mentioned, there is so much you can learn about asthma. This article is just a sample of the hints that are useful in managing asthma, or helping a loved one manage asthma. With the sound advice above, you can work with your doctor to create a plan that is right for you.
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