The inability to breathe normally that comes with asthma can frighten asthma sufferers and their families. If you want to properly manage your situation well, educate yourself as to what asthma is, does, and entails. The following tips will help you better understand what to expect when coping with asthma.
If you are suffering from asthma, stay away from any type of cigarette smoke. Refrain from smoking! Avoid breathing in vapors from smoke or other chemical-type fumes. This can aggravate your asthma and it might not stop. Never visit a home or establishment where people will be smoking, and if people start to smoke, walk out.
Resist the urge to turn on a fan if you find yourself in a room filled with dust. All this does is circulate the dust, which is an invitation to triggering an otherwise avoidable asthma attack. If you wish to have a breeze, open a window instead of running a fan.
Know how to use your inhaler correctly. Find a relaxing spot, and be sure that you follow the directions that the manufacturer provided. The inhaler will only reduce symptoms if the medication can get to your lungs. Inhale deeply and spray the correct dose into your mouth. Allow the mist to fill up your lungs by holding your breath at least ten seconds.
Make sure that everyone in your family gets their flu shot. Asthma sufferers need to be careful and guard against any upper-resperatory illnesses. This means you should also be sure to wash your hands frequently and get vaccinated.
Think about getting a home dehumidifier if you have asthma. Decreasing the humidity in the house decreases dust mites, which decreases asthma flare ups. Use a dehumidifier, and the air you breath will be much less likely to cause your asthma to flare up.
If you have been diagnosed with asthma, you should avoid smoking or even being in the presence of smokers. When you inhale tobacco smoke, particularly in small areas without much ventilation, lung function may be severely impacted, and you have a higher chance of having an attack.
Keep your home clean. By keeping a clean environment, especially in a bedroom, you can lower your risk of asthma attacks. Only allow food in the kitchen, and never smoke indoors. Harsh chemicals, like bleach and ammonia, can trigger asthma.
If you are asthmatic, it may be a good idea to use a pillow that is not filled with feathers. The feathers contained in the pillow could trigger the symptoms related to asthma and it could prevent your lungs from functioning efficiently. The same reasoning applies to all bedding – only purchase bed sheets and comforters that are manufactured from hypoallergenic materials.
Support Group
Join a support group, online or in “real life”, to find help from your peers. Asthma can be devastating and lead to lethargy and withdrawal from normal life – especially if it is quite severe. A support group will help you have a good time and forget about your condition once in a while, as well as as keep you informed about the latest innovations.
As previously mentioned, there is so much you can learn about asthma. Our article contains just some of the many helpful ideas available for coping with asthma for yourself, or one you love. By working with your doctor, you can reduce the sway asthma holds on your life.