Asthma can be a scary thing. Your airways tighten up and breathing becomes increasingly difficult. For someone without this disease, it is hard to understand the importance of being in control and having the proper treatments available to you. As you read on you will see some great ideas on how you can better manage your asthma.
Avoid keeping potted plants in your home. Certain plants might have a smell or change the nature of the air you breathe in a way that triggers asthma. If you want to keep plants, pay close attention to your symptoms and be ready to remove the plants if you notice any changes.
If you’re a sufferer of asthma, stay away from cigarette smoke. Never smoke a cigarette! Avoid breathing chemical fumes and vapors. This can aggravate your asthma and it might not stop. If you are around people who smoke, leave the area very fast.
There are two types of asthma medications that are used by people in their on going hunt for relief from their condition. One is a long term management medication and the other is one to control an asthma attack. Your doctor may recommend one or a combination of both of them.
If you have asthma symptoms, but you have never be diagnosed with it, it is important that you see a doctor immediately, as other conditions may mimic asthma. Also, if you find out that it is asthma that you have, it is important that you start treatment right away.
If your child is exhibiting any symptoms of asthma, be sure that you take them to the doctor right away. Beginning treatment at a young age can help your child live a longer, healthier life. Be sure that your child’s doctor checks for asthma during yearly check-ups as well.
Try to reduce the amount of environmental allergens and pollutants, such as dust, pollens, pet hair, molds and fungi, and food particles. Keeping your house clean can make a huge difference for your asthma symptoms. Buying an air filter or purifier, or even cleaning out the filters in your AC system can also help.
If you have been diagnosed with asthma then you want to be sure that your doctor prescribes for you a rescue inhaler. You will want to bring this rescue inhaler with you wherever you go. The reason for this is very simple: you simply never know when you will have an asthma attack.
If you’re suffering from a cold or allergies, you should talk to your doctor about taking additional asthma medication. Many illnesses have side effects which can cause your asthma to get much worse, leading your doctor to increase treatment. Your doctor may also add another treatment to your regimen until your illness gets better.
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.
A yearly home inspection by a qualified professional for common asthma triggers, such as mold spores and dust, is a must for asthma sufferers. Removing any of these substance’s if they are present in your home can reduce the number of asthma attacks suffered and make life more comfortable for the entire family.
Stay inside whenever it is humid or during times of high pollen. Springtime is nice, but not if you can’t breathe and that is the season that is likely to cause the most aggravation to your asthma condition. Invite friends over and find indoor activities that you can enjoy during these times, so that you don’t feel deprived from not being able to go outside.
Asthma is known to intensify the effects of the common cold and the flu, particularly the associated sinus and respiratory infections. It is therefore suggested to stay on top of flu shots during the winter if you have asthma. You should also take care to dress warmly and stay dry to reduce the chances of catching a cold.
Know how to properly use asthma medicine, especially your rescue medication. A treatment made up of a daily medication plus a rescue inhaler can help to keep asthma under control. Asthma lasts a lifetime, so you must manage your treatment and lifestyle to ensure you’re taking the best care of yourself.
Join a local support group of other asthma sufferers to gain additional information or tips on living with asthma. Others may have experienced specific triggers similar to yours and may offer beneficial suggestions for either avoiding them or lessening their effects. If you move to a new community, a support group can be an invaluable source of information on trigger substances common in the area.
If you need to travel with your asthma medication, particularly if you plan on bringing a nebulizer or other large equipment, it can be helpful to obtain a letter from your doctor explaining their use. If you have written proof about the item you have,and that it is medically necessary, there will be less hassles going through security.
Don’t be afraid to request accommodations that you need in order to deal with your asthma. If you are on a plane or bus and the person in the seat next to you is wearing a perfume that’s causing you to have a symptom flare, ask to move seats. It’s more important to protect your health than to be polite.
If you have asthma, it is important to avoid allergens. These irritants can trigger an attack and cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Things you should stay away from are tobacco smoke, pollen, dust, mold and pet dander. Some people are also sensitive to cold air or overexerting themselves.
Managing your asthma should be something that makes you feel more in control and puts you at ease about living your day to day life. Having a great treatment plan in place and knowing what you can do makes all the difference. This article has given you a lot of information to try and if it will make you feel better talk to your doctor.
