Is Asthma Getting You Down? Try These Tips!
If you’re one of the millions of people suffering from asthma, you should know that there are many ways to improve your symptoms and stop it from worsening. In this article, you’ll find many of these simple tips that will put your asthma under control, and let you live a healthy, enjoyable life.
Wash your bedding regularly, at least once a week. Your bedding might contain dust and microscopic acarids which can cause asthma. You should also place a protective plastic cover on your mattress since you cannot wash it. Keep your clean bedding in a drawer where it will not get dusty.
Beta 2 antagonists that can be inhaled are long term asthma control medicines that can be taken every day. They may also have risks for certain people as well. When you are taking these medications it is now recommended they be used along with corticosteroids that can be inhaled.
Quick relief or preventative treatment inhalers are medicines that need to be administered properly. Make sure you breath deeply into your lungs as you depress the inhaler. Hold the medication in your lungs for at least 3 to 5 seconds before you exhale allowing it to take better effect.
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 suffer from asthma, you might want to check if you have any allergies to certain foods or your environment. There are many things that could contribute such as pets, cleaning products, feather pillows or bed, even certain perfumes. Dairy products as well as refined foods like white flour and sugar likely causes.
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.
If you are using a lot of different cleaners around your house you can trigger a asthma attack. Choose organic products, and stick to as few products as possible.
Read more: Helpful Information For Anyone Suffering With Asthma
Your home is where most asthma triggers are located. Dander, dust and mold are all commonly found in many homes. To ensure health and reduce the potential for asthma attacks, have a yearly inspection for the presence and removal of these hazards. Conscientious house-cleaning can help prevent buildup of substances in your home that might trigger an asthma attack.
To avoid or manage asthma, consider taking up yoga. But make sure to practice at a studio that doesn’t just focus on the asana exercises, but also teaches what they call pranayama, which is controlled breathing. When you can control your breath for a while, you will find that deep, clear breathing becomes habitual for the body and seriously prevents asthma attacks.
Engage your support network to help you manage your asthma. Talk to your friends and family about items that trigger attacks and enroll them in helping you make environmental or lifestyle changes to help you manage your asthma. The more knowledgeable your network is about your condition, the more easily they can support you.
Do not allow your asthma attacks to keep you down in the dumps! Any chronic illness can wear on you and lead to depression. Depression in turn leads to missed medications, missed appointments and a general lack of enjoyment within your life. When you keep a positive attitude instead, you maintain better control of your asthma.
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.
You should visit your doctor regularly throughout the year, so they can keep you apprised on the status of your asthma. Frequent check-ups help your doctor evaluate the effectiveness of your current treatment plan and revise the plan as needed. You are responsible for ensuring you schedule checkups with your doctor in order for him or her to follow up on you, and ensure you remain healthy.
Some over the counter decongestants can actually be used to help treat your asthma symptoms. This is because they work to break up the clutter that is in your lungs, allowing for a more open airway. Give them a try next time you have symptoms.
Make sure that you learn how to use your medicine properly. This is very important for children that use inhalers. Some experts estimate that half of all asthma use inhalers improperly. When used properly asthma inhalers deliver medicine much more effectively than other methods and the risk of side effects are much lower than other treatment options.
Reduce the symptoms of asthma by removing carpets from your home, which can hold in all sorts of environmental hazards that can trigger a severe asthma attack, especially if you have pets. Furthermore, if you have a cat or dog, do not let them in your room. You breathe very deeply in your sleep, so the bedroom is the worst place for fur, dust or dander.
Exercise moderately when you have asthma. Very strenuous exercise and the increased rate of breathing required can cause problems and trigger an asthma attack. Control your breathing by taking up light to moderate exercise. Yoga is especially helpful in this regard. Swimming may also help with breath control while providing good exercise.
Although this article makes it sound easy to control your asthma, you should recognize how dangerous asthma can be. Always contact appropriate medical help if you sense your symptoms worsening or getting out of control. Asthma attacks are extremely dangerous and can be fatal. Hopefully, by applying these tips, you’ll be able to better manage your asthma symptoms.
Read more: Doctors reverse the symptoms of Asthma and Allergies