Asthma Got You Down? Feel Better With These Simple And Effective Tips
If you're one of the millions of asthma sufferers who don't think their medication is working, or is as effective as it should be, this article is for you. It contains several valuable tips and information that can help you control your symptoms and prevent it from controlling your life.
You do not have to be physically inactive just because you have asthma. Unlike decades ago, when asthma treatments were few and far between, there are plenty of different asthma inhalers and medications that you can take prior to and after performing physical activities. Ask your doctor for the best treatment for your specific needs.
Anyone suffering from asthma or asthma-like symptoms needs to stay clear of cigarette smoke, whether you smoke yourself, or even if you're breathing secondhand smoke. If you smoke, try quitting. Don't breathe vapor or chemical fumes. This may cause an asthma attack you can't stop. If others are smoking nearby, leave that area as quickly as you can.
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.
Learn as much as you can about living with your condition. Knowledge is power! Make sure you are well informed about the causes and known natural and prescribed ways to control your symptoms. Living with asthma can be difficult and cause you to have unwanted stress within your personal life.
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.
Keep your stress level as low as humanly possible. As anxiety levels increase due to everyday problems, so do asthma symptoms. If you experience wheezing and coughing several times a day, consider stress relief techniques such as regular exercises and stretching and breathing exercises. Also, be sure you get enough sleep to deal with the stresses of everyday life.
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.
Keep all your regularly scheduled asthma appointments, regardless of how you are feeling. Flare-ups can occur at any time; plus, your doctor may have a new medication that he or she can offer you that will make your treatment safer and more effective.
Keep dust and other particles out of the air in your home. This will not only reduce acute asthma attacks, but also help you breathe easier. In addition to dusting on a regular basis, you can also buy an air filter, which continuously sucks dust particles out of the air.
Acid reflux is a commonly missed diagnosis of asthma sufferers. You don't have to experience heartburn to be suffering from acid reflux. If it is causing your asthma attacks, treatment will be very different than for those whose asthma is caused by more traditional causes. Talk to your allergist or doctor if you think they may be a cause.
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.
Wear sunglasses in the spring and summer. Many people with asthma suffer from seasonal allergies as well, or are at least sensitive to pollen. Wearing sunglasses keeps pollen and dust out of your eyes, which can reduce symptoms of allergies. A runny nose or other allergy symptom can easily trigger an asthma attack.
The homes of asthma sufferers should be inspected thoroughly and regularly for mold, dust and spores. People who suffer from asthma are particularly susceptible to the kinds of allergens and airborne particulates that can cause respiratory trouble. A professional inspection can identify these asthma aggravators and pinpoint their sources for removal.
Don't smoke. Most people know that smoking is dangerous, but if you have asthma there are more serious consequences. Smoke can severely irritate an asthma sufferer's lungs; so, if you do suffer from asthma, stay away from both smoking and being around smoke in general.
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.
There are many harmful chemicals in the air inside a home that can aggravate your asthma. Air fresheners, chemicals from furniture, building materials and much more can harm a person with asthma. Keeping house plants in the house can ease the effect of the harmful chemicals on an asthmatic person.
If you are experiencing an asthma attack then you should sit down, lean forward, and put a warm compress on your chest to help relax those muscles. of course, while doing this use your rescue inhaler, or a plastic bag to help control your breathing. This should help get you through the attack without harm to your health.
If you have a child who suffers from asthma, make sure that you educate him about asthma and why following his treatment plans are so important. You should not only discuss what to do when he suffers an attack, you should also act out the steps. This will help your child to stay calm during an attack. Make sure that you also educate caregivers and siblings.
While this article contains useful advice, nothing will change if you don't have a little persistence. Be sure that you monitor your asthma carefully and take whatever necessary measures to prevent it from getting out of control.