People with asthma usually find that even with their medication and inhalers, their symptoms still get in the way of daily life and activities. Fortunately, there are many ways you can prevent some of these symptoms and improve your quality of life. This article has several useful tips that can help you manage your asthma symptoms.
Think about getting a flu shot. If you have asthma regularly, your lungs have more risks have getting infected. A flu shot should protect your lungs from common types of infections. If you have a child with asthma, you should definitely get them a flu shot to prevent them from developing any severe lung infections.
Cleaning products should be avoided when you have asthma. A lot of these products contain harsh chemicals such as ammonia. These chemicals wreak havoc on you and can trigger an attack. Instead of relying on harsh cleaners, check out some organic solutions. They might cost a few dollars more, but the difference is well worth it.
Never turn on a fan when the room you are in is very dusty. The wind will move dust around and get into your airways causing an attack. If possible, open a window to increase the flow of air into the room.
If you have asthma, make sure to cover all your mattresses and your pillows with plastic covers. This will prevent any dust that may be on your fabrics from getting into your lungs. You should also wash all of your bedding in hot water at least once a week. Yes, this is a lot of work, but you will reap the benefits if you make the time to do it.
When you have asthma, you should always be under a doctors care. You will probably be prescribed medicine that should make it easier for you to breath. If you find that your medicine is not working well, you need to contact your doctor as soon as you can, and they can find a different drug that will help you.
Avoid being around smoke and fumes. Smoke, including cigarette smoke and vehicle exhaust, contain small particles of dust and chemicals, which can irritate the bronchial linings. This irritation is dangerous for asthmatics, as it can interfere with breathing in an already compromised system. Breathing in cigarette smoke especially can trigger an asthma attack.
Proper knowledge of how to use your inhaler is necessary if you have asthma. Get to a place out of the way, and read the directions before starting. The only way the inhaler can help is if the medication can reach your lungs. You need to inhale air while spraying the requisite dosage in your mouth. Hold your breath still for ten seconds at least in order to let the mist with medicine fill your lungs.
If you have asthma, know your triggers. What is it that causes an asthma attack to come on? Many common triggers are allergies and irritants. For some, it is exercise or extreme temperatures. Emotional or anxiety issues can also cause asthma type attacks. Knowing what causes your attack can also be what will help you find a proper treatment.
Consider joining a support group, either on or offline. Many people who suffer from asthma are unable to live a full life. A support group also makes it easier to keep up to date on advancements in asthma science or new medications that come on the market.
Have your inhaler technique checked. Many people use their inhaler improperly. If you aren’t using your inhaler correctly, you may not be receiving the correct dosage of medication, which means that it won’t work as effectively for you. Any medical practitioner with experience in asthma treatment should be able to critique your inhaler technique.
If you feel like an asthma attack is coming on and you do not have your inhaler around you, try caffeine. Drink a couple cups of tea, coffee hot chocolate, or even eat a candy bar or two. Caffeine helps because it will open up your airways and allow you to breath easier.
Try consuming caffeine products if you feel an asthma attack coming on but do not have your rescue inhaler with you. Caffeine can expand airways, so caffeine consumption may help you prevent an attack. A cup of coffee, hot chocolate or tea may help, or even eating a chocolate bar.
If you are struggling with asthma, you should cover your mattresses and pillows with plastic covers. Mattresses and pillows can trap in many triggers for asthma attacks, such as dust and dirt. You should try to wash your bedding once a week in hot water to remove the build up on asthma triggers.
Talk to your doctor about using a step-down of inhaled steriods for a child with controlled mild asthma. Daily inhaled steriods are excellent for preventing asthma attacks, but they do have side effects. Step-down methods allow your child to use the inhaled steriods only if they require an albuterol inhaler, so they may not need to take them every day.
Watch out for food additives, especially MSG (monosodium glutamate) and metabisulfite. These additives can cause a reaction in people with severe asthma. This food allergy often goes unnoticed because MSG can be a “hidden” additive, showing up under a variety of names. These include ingredients such as hydrolyzed protein, autolyzed yeast, and calcium caseinate.
If you are affected with asthma, stay away from men or women who wear very strong colognes or perfumes. These scents can tarnish the quality of the air you’re breathing, and can lead to shortness of breath. Additionally, you should try to limit the amount of body sprays that you put on your skin in the morning and evening.
You should take asthma very seriously. If left uncontrolled, it can result in an asthma attack which could be fatal. You should try to take every step that you can to reduce the symptoms. Apply these simple tips to manage your asthma symptoms and stop it from restricting your quality of life.
