Is Your Asthma Controlling Your Life? Get Help Here!
Asthma keeps you from breathing properly, which can be extremely scary. It can happen without warning, limiting your freedom in life and putting your life in jeopardy. This article not only explains some of the triggers of asthma attacks, but also details solutions for reducing the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
Learn how to recognize asthma so you can treat it. When you get asthma, you usually have difficulties breathing and feel as if your chest were getting tighter. Asthma is often accompanied by coughing and wheezing. If you experience different symptoms, you might have another illness that requires more medical attention.
It is important that you know what triggers your asthma symptoms. It may be wise to keep an asthma diary so you can see a pattern of when and where your asthma attacks happen. By knowing what triggers attacks, you will know what to avoid or stay away from as much as possible.
For help with asthma, maintain the humidity in your home. A great treatment for asthma is a clean, dry environment. Using a dehumidifier will reduce the amount of seasonal triggers that are present in your house.
Stop what you are doing when you feel that an asthma attack is coming. This is especially true when you are driving or operating heavy machinery. Explain to the people around you what is going on as they may become overly excited which in return can stress you out even more.
It is always a problem if you have asthma and don’t have health insurance, but talking to a social worker may help you resolve this issue. It is crucial that you be able to pay for your asthma medications, and a social worker might be able to locate a hospital or clinic for you that offers medications at a much cheaper price.
Try to reduce the amount of environmental allergens and pollutants, such as dust, pollens, pet hair, molds and fungi, and food particles. Keeping your house clean can make a huge difference for your asthma symptoms. Buying an air filter or purifier, or even cleaning out the filters in your AC system can also help.
If you suffer from asthma, you should refrain from sleeping on a pillow that contains feathers. Feathers in a pillow can bring on the symptoms of asthma and decrease lung function. You should also look into hypoallergenic materials when buying sheets and a comforter.
Keeping yourself healthy can be a way to control your asthma better. The common cold, as well as viruses and bacterial infections can cause a flare up or attack of your asthma. Especially colds which produce mucus or a nasal drip that can end up in your lungs.
Wash bed linens at least once per week and other bedding items, such as comforters, at least every two weeks, in hot water to kill any dust mites that may be present. Dust mites are a common allergen for many asthma sufferers, so frequently washing items where skin cells collect is one way to reduce the amount of mites and subsequently, lessen asthma symptoms.
Consider using a spacer with your inhaler. A spacer is a device that goes between your puffer and your mouth. Using a spacer can help more of your medication end up in your lungs where it can work, instead of sitting in your mouth and throat where it doesn’t do you any good.
Track and document how you feel physically when you are not experiencing any asthma symptoms. Being in tune with your body helps you catch increasing symptoms earlier, making it less likely you suffer a full-blown asthma attack. You may know how an attack or worsening symptoms feel, but if you can become aware of the first initial changes, it may help you better manage your condition.
Household items that can contribute to asthma come in many different and seemingly innocent forms. For example, perfumes and air fresheners can work as irritants that escalate asthma problems. In general, you should watch out for anything that gives off a scent regardless of how pleasant the scent is. Try to keep the air in your home fresh by improving air circulation rather than using chemicals to change the smell.
Smoke is one of the worst asthma aggravators. It goes without saying that asthma sufferers should not smoke, but some consideration on the part of those they live with is called for, too. A household that includes an asthma sufferer must be a smoke-free one. Smokers in the household must be willing to keep the indoor air clean out of medical necessity.
If you plan on exercising, use your inhaler about fifteen minutes before your workout time, and then carry it with you. This will give you a period of time in which you should be safe to exercise without adverse effects. Of course you should speak to your physician before starting an exercise program.
Read more: Is Asthma Getting You Down? Try These Tips!
Try to identify situations that trigger your asthma attacks and avoid them. Some people tend to have noticeable triggers such as too much excitement, allergic reactions that cause breathing problems or a change of environment. If you can identify some of your triggers, try to avoid them to manage your asthma.
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.
If you suffer from asthma, always make sure that you breathe through your nose during any type of vigorous activity. If you have to open your mouth to breath and find yourself losing control, just stop, calm yourself, focus on normalizing your breathing methods and then go back to doing your activity.
If you do not control your asthma, it can possibly kill you. When you follow these handy tips, you will be able to control your asthma and enjoy everyday activities (such as breathing) to the fullest!
Read more: Doctors reverse the symptoms of Asthma and Allergies