Learning To Live Better With Asthma Problems
If you are a life long sufferer of asthma or you have recently been diagnosed, there are always questions about how you can manage your asthma better and need your medications less. This article will give you information and ideas on how to have an easier time breathing.
A great tip that can help you manage your asthma is to start using nutritional supplements. Supplements such as vitamin C, D, and B are all wonderful for preventing asthma. If you aren’t getting enough vitamins from your food you should definitely look into purchasing some of these vitamin supplements.
Keeping your allergies in check is important in order to keep your asthma in check. Allergies and asthma commonly go together, and when your allergies or flairing up, your asthma probably will to. In addition to your inhaler, be sure to use an allergy medication when allergy season is at its peak.
Leukotriene inhibitors are a very popular treatment for people that have asthma. This type of medication will work to stop chemical substances that can cause an asthma attack. It is very important that if you are prescribed these, you make sure to take it exactly how your doctor tells you to.
Although it may seem trivial to most people, it is important that you live near your doctor or an emergency room if you have asthma. Living in a rural area can mean that paramedics cannot get to you in time to save your life if you have a severe asthma attack.
Persons suffering from severe asthma should take acetaminophen based pain killers. Aspirin, NSAIDs and ibuprofen based medication such as Advil or Motrin may trigger or worsen your asthma attacks. Be sure to carry the right type of medication with you as your coworkers, friends or family members may not have the appropriate one.
Be cautious when taking medications with asthma. Even some over the counter drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, may worsen asthma symptoms. If you are taking an over-the-counter medicine, be alert to changes in your asthma symptoms or for indications of an asthma attack. It may be necessary to avoid certain medications, in order to keep your asthma under control.
Do not try to “tough it out” if you notice an oncoming asthma attack or a general worsening of your symptoms. Your doctor prescribed you a rescue inhaler for a reason; use it. If your symptoms seem to be getting worse overall, you should speak to your doctor about adjusting your medication plan.
Stay indoors when grass is being mown or clipped if grass pollen is one of your asthma triggers. Because lawn care stirs up the pollen, being in the vicinity when the grass is being cut can cause an asthma attack. Instead, remain indoors with the windows and doors closed to lessen your exposure to the pollen.
Use a peak flow meter to help you monitor how well your asthma is controlled. These small, hand-held devices measure how efficiently you expel air from your lungs. Use the meter on a regular basis and record your results. This helps you identify times of day when your asthma may be more difficult to control as well as helps you determine how well your condition is truly managed.
Many people that have asthma also have allergies. These allergies can trigger asthma symptoms. Some common allergens include animal dander, dust mites, molds and pollen. If you have allergies, you can visit a doctor and he can let you know exactly what you are allergic to and help you find ways to avoid it.
Talk with your doctor and determine if supplements could help you manage your Asthma. Natural supplements such as Licorice Root, Marshmallow Root, Gingko Biloba and Mullein help some Asthma sufferers control their symptoms. You may find adding one or more of these supplements to your diet helps you manage your condition, but be sure to discuss with your doctor before beginning one.
Focus on breathing through your nose to reduce the loss of excessive carbon dioxide, especially during strenuous activities. Breathing through your mouth can cause a sudden decrease in carbon dioxide levels, making your airways more prone to contraction. Breathing through your nose keeps levels more stable, making it easier to manage your asthma.
If you have asthma, it is a good idea to use a vaporizer or dehumidifier in your home. A dehumidifier will help keep asthma triggers out of your air. If you are going to or are using a vaporizer or dehumidifier, be sure that it is properly cleaned before use. Be sure to clean it often, once you start using it.
Read more: Learn How To Get Your Asthma Under Control
If riding in a car with an asthmatic, make sure the air conditioner or heater is set to “recirculate”. This setting uses the same air that’s already in the car to cycle through the heating or cooling system. Other settings will allow air from outside the car to enter, and this outside air can contain pollen, pollution, or other irritants.
If you’re finding that you need to use your inhaler 3 or more times a week, it’s best to talk to your doctor about switching medications. Frequent use may be a signal that the medication is not effective. This also goes for refills. If you find yourself refilling your inhaler in excess of twice a year, then you need to change medications.
When it comes to asthma, many people have been known to abuse their inhalers without even realizing it. It is not a breath freshener, it is only to be used when you have a serious attack. Sometimes just simple calming breathing techniques or stopping moving are all you need to stop an attack. Don’t always resort to your inhaler as this can make your body stop reacting to it and make it useless.
Using the information in this article, you should have a better idea of some things that you can do yourself and some things to talk with your doctor about in order to get a better hold on your asthma. It doesn’t have to control your life, you can learn to control it.
Read more: Doctors reverse the symptoms of Asthma and Allergies