If you have recently been handed a diagnosis of asthma, you may find yourself in a panic. Asthma has no cure, and as such the condition is chronic. However, a diagnosis of asthma does not mean your life has to be drastically altered. This article offers ways in which you can effectively and safely manage asthma.
It is crucial for asthma sufferers not to smoke. Smoking is unhealthy for everyone, however it is especially bad for asthmatics. Your lungs are already compromised from the asthma and adding smoke to that will cut off the vital oxygen supply your lungs need to breathe.
Some medications that you may take unknowingly can cause you to have asthma symptoms. Various NSAIDs and aspirin have been reported to do this. You should also pay attention to heart medications you may take, or ones that treat abnormal blood pressure. Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking such medicine and also have asthma.
As a chronic disease, asthma must be managed continuously. Ensure you’re taking the proper medications in order to manage everyday asthma symptoms. In addition, you should have a quick-fix medication handy in the event you suffer from an attack. Speak to your allergist and doctor to see what they recommend for you.
Don’t turn on the fan if the dust in a room is aggravating your asthma. A fan will spread dust and debris all over. This can very easily aggravate your asthma, and cause serious symptoms. A fan will just blow around dust without providing fresh air, so opening a window is a better option as it brings in fresh air and ventilation.
Make sure that everyone in your family, including you, gets annual flu shots. Keep yourself healthy, and without respiratory infections as best you can. This includes taking standard precautions against illness, like hand washing, as well as getting vaccinations that can keep you from getting sick.
Be sure to take plenty of Vitamins C and E if you have asthma. These vitamins can help improve your lung function, ultimately controlling asthma. You can get these vitamins from food or take a supplement. These vitamins will also provide a boost to your immune system. This will prevent respiratory illnesses that can trigger your asthma attacks.
Unscented products are best for asthma sufferers. Using products with scents, like perfume, incense and air fresheners, boosts the amount of air pollution indoors and can bring on an attack. Fresh paint and new carpeting give off odors that can irritate sensitive airways. Aim to keep the air as fresh as possible indoors.
Keep your home clean. By keeping a clean environment, especially in a bedroom, you can lower your risk of asthma attacks. Never allow anyone to smoke in the home of an asthmatic, and consider using plastic to cover your mattress and pillows. When cleaning your home, try not to use products that contain harsh chemicals, such as bleach. You should also allow fresh air to thoroughly circulate throughout your home after you’re done cleaning it.
If you are dealing with asthma, a good idea is to use a pillow without feathers. Feathers can trigger asthma symptoms and reduce lung function. Your other bedding, such as sheets, blankets and comforters, should be hypoallergenic, too.
Take your rescue inhaler and keep it handy when you travel. Traveling can make you more likely to suffer from attacks due to the extra strain and stress on your body. Traveling can make asthma symptoms worse, and it is difficult, nearly impossible to control environmental triggers during travel.
Your home is where most asthma triggers are located. These generally include dust, mold and spores. In order to remain healthy and lessen any chances of having an asthma attack, it is recommended you have your home inspected yearly to have these harmful triggers removed. If you clean your house regularly, you can minimize the risk of these substances accumulating in your dwelling.
To live with asthma, you have to be prepared. Having a knowledge of your type of asthma and the ways you can manage it from day to day is the best way to avoid crises. This article is the first step to understanding how to battle this disease effectively!
