Asthma is a condition that affects the airways of many people. Those who suffer from asthma may experience symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Asthma can be bothersome, but it can be treated so that it is manageable. If you have asthma and would like tips on how to manage it, then continue reading this article.
Go to a doctor and tell them about your difficulties to breathe. Many medicines exist. Do not take something that was not prescribed by a doctor, and do not abuse over the counter medicine. If your medicine is not efficient, go to the doctor again and ask if you can try something else.
A great tip that can help you manage your asthma is to keep your home clean. If your house is messy, you’ll be much more susceptible to having an asthma attack. Make sure you don’t use any cleaning products that have harsh chemicals in them because they can also trigger asthma.
Medications that will help you control symptoms when you have an attack are oral corticosteroids and bronchodilators. Bronchodilators, usually referred to as “rescue medications”, are usually inhaled but also come in liquid, tablet, or they are injectable. These are the most popular forms of ‘rescue medications’ that you can get.
It is important for asthma sufferers to make sure to get their flu shot every year. Getting the flu can be deadly for anyone, but for asthma sufferers, that chance is greater. The flu virus can cause fluid in your lungs, which in turn, can cause your asthma symptoms to flare up.
If you have asthma and you are going to be traveling by air, be sure to get a note from your doctor stating your condition and what medications you take. Airports are picky on what can be brought on board, but asthma patients are always permitted to bring medications and inhalers on board, as long as they have a doctor’s note.
Contrary to popular belief, steroid tablets such as prednisolone are safe for short-term use. They are the most effective treatment for asthma attacks and do not cause side effects if they are not used for every long. Be sure you talk to your doctor before treating yourself with these medications.
You may want to consider acupuncture if you have asthma. Acupuncture is used for a variety of different illness, and for asthma, it is used to help relax you so that you can have better lung function. Speak with your doctor about an acupuncturist in your area. Some even take medical insurance.
Keep an asthma diary to help you identify substances that trigger attacks or worsen symptoms. In this diary, keep track of foods and activities to help you pinpoint those items that cause asthma attacks. Your asthma diary is also beneficial when working with your doctor on your long-term management plan.
To decrease your asthma symptoms, you should try to avoid going outside during humid seasons. You should also try to stay inside when the seasons are changing. The amount of pollen in the air increases with a season change. Pollen is one of the main triggers for asthma attacks and other asthma symptoms.
One important part of an effective asthma treatment regimen is selecting the proper inhaler. Asthma inhalers deliver bronchodilators that open airways and ease chest constrictions. There are devices available for both short and long term symptom relief. Asthma sufferers should use an inhaler whose bronchodilator formula is suited to their particular symptoms.
Avoid smoking. If you have asthma, you could have serious health complications from smoking. Your lungs could become very irritated if you smoke, and you should avoid being around others that are smoking.
If you are dealing with asthma, be especially careful with exercise routines. The faster, deeper breathing brought on by most sorts of exercise can be hard to take for an asthma sufferer. You should always ease your way into a new exercise program, keeping careful tabs on your respiration and watching out for asthma symptoms.
Wash your bedding, including your pillowcases, at least weekly, using hot water and chlorinated bleach. This will be more effective at killing dust mites than the use of liquid washing detergent alone. You have to wash bedding regularly to prevent the ones that do survive from continuing to multiply and causing problems.
Make sure to schedule regular asthma check-ups. This is very important because you and your doctor need to know immediately if your condition is worsening. Even if you are managing your asthma fine and don’t have attacks often, it is important to check in with your family doctor and make sure everything is well.
Asthma is something that can strike at any moment and sometimes people simply don’t have their inhaler handy. If you find yourself in this position, try a couple cups of coffee or tea to calm your lungs. Also try things such as hot chocolate, or chocolate bars. The caffeine in them has been known to help open up your airways.
Every single week, get in the habit of washing your bed sheets. During the course of the day, dust mites will reside on your bed, which can incite symptoms of asthma when you sleep. Clean your sheets to eliminate this dust mites and create a hygienic area for resting.
Researchers have found that Vitamin C plays a large role in keeping airways functioning normally. Low levels of vitamin C can prevent symptoms associated with airway diseases, such as asthma. It can also help to control the progression and severity of the disease.
If you feel the onset of an asthma attack and do not have your inhaler, try drinking a few cups of a caffeinated beverage like coffee or tea. Caffeine can alleviate symptoms for up to four hours. However, it is not a replacement for your medication and should only be used as a back up method. For more information discuss the subject with your doctor.
In conclusion, asthma is a condition that affects many people. People suffering from asthma experience coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, as their airways become constricted. It can be bothersome, but it can also be treated to a manageable state, as well. By using the tips from this article, you can manage your asthma.
