Asthma is such a common ailment that plenty of information is available about how to treat and control it. The following tips can guide you through the more important points to remember when taking treatment for asthma.
You should stay home as much as possible when it is humid outside or when there is a lot of pollen in the air. Humidity and pollen will make it hard for you to breathe. If you must go outside, you can wear a mask over your nose and mouth.
Know your triggers, and know them well. Most types of asthma have specific triggers that will lead to acute asthma attacks. By knowing your triggers, you can either limit your exposure to them or take measures to counteract their presence before you go. Preventing attacks is sometimes as simple as knowing what will cause them.
A great tip that can help you manage your asthma is to learn how to keep your stress levels in check. There are many variables that can trigger asthma and stress is one of them. Learning how to manage your stress will also help you manage your asthma.
Buy a dehumidifier if you suffer from seasonal allergies. Dry environments are much better for asthmatics than high humidity areas. The use of a dehumidifier will create the best home for your asthma issues. Doing so will help out the entire family as well since the house will be more pleasant to live in.
Let your friends know that they should not give you gifts of household plants. Plants can be a severe trigger for certain asthmatics. Having them constantly in your home would be like fighting a war with your environment every day. If someone does give you a plant, see if it can be planted outside. If it can't be moved outdoors, thank them nicely for the gift and then give it away later.
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.
If you suffer from asthma and you have carpet in your home, you may want to consider getting rid of it and replacing it with hardwood floors. Carpets tend to collect dust and other unhealthy materials that can trigger asthma symptoms and attacks. If you do keep your carpet, be sure to vacuum it often.
If tobacco smoke is a trigger for your asthma symptoms, not only should you not smoke, but you should also avoid places where people smoke. Tobacco smoke leaves a film behind, so even if there is no fresh smoke in the air, the chemicals left behind may still trigger an asthma attack.
If you are suffering an acute asthma attack and your emergency inhaler doesn't seem to work to bring it under control, get help. Asthma attacks can worsen very quickly. It's better to visit a doctor or even a hospital for a minor attack than to stay home through a major attack and suffer the consequences. It's a good idea to keep your cell phone charged up and within easy reach. Keep emergency contacts on speed dial.
Know the right way to use any asthma medication you are taking, in particular your rescue medication. When you have asthma, you should be on a maintenance medication and have an emergency medicine for asthma attacks. Usually this is in the form of an inhaler. Asthma is considered a chronic condition. For this reason, you should take the management of it very seriously.
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.
If you feel like an asthma attack is coming on and you do not have your inhaler around you, try caffeine. Drink a couple cups of tea, coffee hot chocolate, or even eat a candy bar or two. Caffeine helps because it will open up your airways and allow you to breath easier.
Find some relaxation techniques that work for you to help you when you notice an oncoming asthma attack. Options such as deep breathing, imagery, muscle relaxation and meditation can help you calm your breathing and reduce stress levels, helping you get control of worsening symptoms, especially those caused by stress or anxiety.
Having an asthma attack can be frightening. Certain triggers can set off a sudden asthma attack, and you always need to be ready with treatment in hand. There are many ways to treat asthma, and most depend on the severity of the attacks. Living with asthma is easier, as you know all the facts about how to treat it.
Orignal From: Things You Should Know About Asthma That Will Make Life Easier
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