If you have asthma, life can be a challenge. But there are plenty of options for managing the condition, and having a happy and healthy lifestyle. There are numerous approaches in controlling or keeping asthma from adversely affecting your life. This article will show you how you can live your life to the fullest in spite of asthma.
Always be very mindful of the type of medications you’re taking. Some meds out there might just trigger an asthma attack. Examples of medications that may contribute to asthma are aspirin and other NSAIDs. Beta blockers can also have this affect, as well as other medications for controlling high blood pressure and heart disease. If you suffer from these conditions and also have asthma, be sure to let your doctor know.
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. Refrain from smoking! Air pollution and fumes from harsh chemicals also increase asthma symptoms. This can trigger an unstoppable asthma attack. If you find that you have people smoking around you, get yourself out of that area rather quickly.
Social Worker
If you have asthma and cannot afford health insurance or have no eligibility, bring up your situation with a social worker. It is essential that you can buy your asthma medicine, and a social worker might help you find a hospital or clinic that can provide your medicine at reduced cost, or free.
Make sure that everyone in your family, including you, gets annual flu shots. Try to avoid getting any respiratory infections if you have asthma. The easiest way to start is by performing routine hand-washing, limiting your touching of surfaces while in public places, and getting vaccinations recommended by your doctor.
Be sure to take plenty of Vitamins C and E if you have asthma. These vitamins have been known to improve the function of the lungs and reduce some asthma symptoms. You can take a supplement or consume these vitamins in food. Another great benefit of vitamin C is that it will help to strengthen your immune system overall.
Flu Shot
Receiving a regular flu shot is a great tip to implement if you or someone you love suffers from asthma. Prevent those flu infections before they happen by getting a flu shot each year.
Make sure you are aware of what triggers your asthma so you can avoid it or prepare properly. Most with asthma share common triggers, like pet dander, pollen or smoke. Avoid these things when you can to breathe easier.
Asthmatic patients should avoid using feather pillows. Feathers may trigger asthma symptoms by irritating your lungs. This applies to bedding, as well. Purchase sheets and comforters that are made of hypoallergenic materials.
During cold, winter months, asthma sufferers should wear a shawl, muffler, or scarf that will cover both their nose and mouth. This allows you to warm air before it enters your lungs. In multiple studies, breathing cold air is linked to increased asthma attacks. This link is especially pronounced in younger children.
Rescue Medication
Know how to properly use asthma medicine, especially your rescue medication. A typical asthma treatment plan is daily medication backed up with an emergency inhaler. Because asthma is a chronic condition, it is important to take management medication properly and to use rescue medication appropriately.
If you are traveling by plane and must bring inhalers or nebulizers on board, you should bring a written prescription for the equipment. Having proof that it belongs to you and is medically necessary will make the security check easier.
Asthma Attack
If you are cleaning, you should use a mop that is damp instead of a dry broom. Vacuuming or wet-mopping are better than sweeping because they don’t stir up dust and debris that might induce an asthma attack. A damp rag should be used when dusting because a feather duster can cause dust to kick up and lead to an asthma attack.
As you see, you can use several methods in controlling or preventing asthma from overtaking your life. Having asthma isn’t a death sentence, but you need to have a plan for how you are going to live with it, so you have a more fulfilling life.