There is no known cure for asthma; it is a lifelong condition.Your life shouldn’t come to a standstill once you have been diagnosed with asthma. This guide will give you a virtual library full of information on asthma symptoms and safely.
Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can actually trigger an asthma attack. Aspirin and some other NSAIDs may do this. Many medications for heart disease and hypertension can also cause asthma symptoms. If you suffer from any of these conditions along with your asthma, make sure you tell your doctor.
A good tip that can help your child with asthmatic problems is to avoid smoking in any areas they frequent. Secondhand smoke can actually cause of asthma. You should take care to also make sure that your child isn’t around those that choose to smoke.
If you are suffering from a mild or moderate asthma attack, then work to force all the air you can from your lungs. Breathe out quick and fast. You want to force all of the air out. Inhale a series of three quick breaths, and then take one deep breath so that you can allow your lungs to fill with air, before exhaling with force again. This will force you to pay close attention to all of your breathing and create a steady rhythm. It also help to get the air from your lungs so more can come in. You might cough or produce sputum, but the primary goal is to start breathing regularly again.
Keep your home meticulously clean to reduce attack potential if there is an asthma sufferer living there, especially the bedroom. Only allow food in the kitchen, and never smoke indoors. Harsh chemicals, like bleach and ammonia, can trigger asthma.
It would be better to open a window when you are needing to get some airflow.
Asthma medications are a necessity, and a social worker might be able to hook you up with programs to help you such as clinics and programs through pharmaceutical companies.
If you are dealing with asthma, a good idea is to use a pillow without feathers. The feathers contained in the pillow could trigger the symptoms related to asthma and it could prevent your lungs from functioning efficiently. Same thing with bedding – purchase sheets and a comforter that are constructed from hypoallergenic materials.
Make sure that you and your loved ones get a flu shot. This means that you should take all standard precautions to avoid illness, like hand washing, getting vaccinated and avoiding those who are sick.
To lower the chances of an asthma attack, keep your house extra clean, particularly rooms where asthma patients sleep. Food should be restricted to the kitchen, and cigarettes are best relegated to outdoor smoking areas.
Join a support group, online or in “real life”, to find help from your peers. Many people who suffer from asthma are unable to live a full life. Also, communicating with other people with asthma will keep you in the know about changes in how the condition is understood and treated.
Avoid Asthma Attacks
During the colder months, avoid asthma attacks by wearing a scarf, muffler or scarf that will cover your nose and mouth to help you avoid asthma attacks. This will keep you breathe it into your lungs. Breathing cold air triggers your asthma attacks, especially with younger children that have severe or moderate asthma.
It is important to use your maintenance inhaler daily as prescribed. However, understand that most types of inhalers contain ingredients which may make your mouth more susceptible to infections. One effective way in preventing these side effects and problems is to brush and gargle right away after you use your inhaler.
Asthma usually takes an extended interval of time to fully develop, and the symptoms are not always that obvious. There are actually many people that have passed away from an asthma attack without ever knowing they had asthma. So, if you have difficulty breathing or a cough that doesn’t go away, you should see a doctor to see if you might have asthma and determine whether you may need medication to either prevent or treat asthma.
If traveling by plane with your asthma equipment or medications, bring a doctor’s written prescription with you. Having proof that it belongs to you and is medically necessary will eliminate any hassles when going through the security check point.
Instead of sweeping your floors, clean them with a damp mop. When you sweep, you are stirring up asthma triggers that can cause you to have an asthma attack. A damp rag should be used when dusting because a feather duster can cause dust to kick up and lead to an asthma attack.
Keep notes on how often you use your rescue inhaler. If you are using it more than twice, the asthma problems you are suffering from may not be well-managed or something else might be causing additional attacks to come on. How often an inhaler should serve as a reminder that your environment needs to be monitored.
Asthma sufferers should avoid coming into contact with both domestic and breeds won’t trigger their asthma attacks.
Smoking is particularly bad for people with asthma. While smoking is a dangerous habit in general, it is far more damaging to those who have asthma. Asthmatics have sensitive lungs and tobacco smoke is very, very irritating. Smoke is so bad, that asthmatics should never allow themselves to be in the same vicinity as someone who is smoking.
You should have a second opinion. Your family doctor or primary care physician can be the person you go to regularly for asthma symptoms, but you may find it helpful to add a specialist’s knowledge. Asthma centers, allergists, nutritionists and allergists can all work with you, making sure you are getting all the treatment you need.
Most people know how dangerous smoking is, but for someone afflicted with asthma, the consequences are even more serious. Smoke can severely irritate an asthma sufferer’s lungs; so, so care should be taken to not only smoke, stay away from both smoking and being around smoke in general.
Joining a support group for asthma sufferers, or having a conversation with others who have asthma, is very helpful. 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. As with anything else, having the right support system can make a difference in how asthma affects your life.
90% of dealing with asthma is about preparing for attacks. By understanding this disease and how to manage it, you can keep it from escalating into a crisis situation. By reading this article, you have taken an important step in gaining the understanding you need to keep your asthma in check.