If you were recently diagnosed as an asthmatic, you may be panicking. No cure exists for asthma. Life is not over though, just because of an asthma diagnosis. Here you will see some simple methods to manage your asthma to keep you safe and healthy.
You should avoid smoking at all costs and being exposed to vapors and perfumes if you suffer from asthma. That means you have to avoid all tobacco, and seriously consider think about what jobs you take; for example, factories are probably not a healthy place for you because of all the vapors and smoke.
Asthma Triggers
Avoid being around any known asthma triggers. This could be something you’re allergic to like pollen or dust. Others have asthma attacks when they participate in physical activities. Try to determine your asthma triggers, so you can avoid them and prevent attacks.
Some medications can exacerbate asthma symptoms as a side effect. Some NSAIDs and aspirins will do this for you. There are some beta blockers that are given to those trying to control their heart disease or who have high blood pressure that may be harmful to an asthmatic, as well. If you have asthma and these other conditions, let your physician know.
Think about buying a dehumidifier if your asthma symptoms are bad. Though you may not be aware of it, high levels of humidity in indoor spaces can increase dust mites, which then can affect asthma. Dehumidifiers keep your home dry by keeping the humidity out.
Asthma Treatment
If you have hay fever or a cold, chances are your asthma treatment will be increased. Side effects that are associated with most illnesses can serve as triggers for asthma and may cause an increase in your asthma treatment. It is also possible that your physician will add an additional treatment to your routine until you recover from your illness.
A yearly flu shot is necessary if you suffer from asthma. Avoid these infections by making sure your and your child’s vaccines are up to date.
Avoid using a feather or down pillow if you have asthma. People are often allergic to these natural products that can affect breathing and bring on asthma symptoms. The same can be said for bedding, try to get hypoallergenic comforters and sheets.
Your home’s humidity can cause mold and mildew growth within it. This stuff can easily set off an asthma attack. Therefore, try and keep the home dry. Using a dehumidifier during cold weather and turning on your air conditioner when the weather gets hot again can help keep humidity out of your home to ensure your asthma is under control.
Know exactly how any asthma medication you take or may take works. For most asthma cases, an emergency treatment option, such as an inhaler, is used to supplement day-to-day management medication. Asthma is considered a chronic condition. For this reason, you should take the management of it very seriously.
Track how often you use your inhaler during each week. If you have to use your inhaler more than twice, then our asthma is not being controlled effectively, and you may need to see your doctor for a way to get it under control again. How often you use your rescue inhaler should serve as a reminder that your environment needs to be monitored.
Using a wet mop is superior to using a broom to clean your floors. Sweeping the floor kicks up dust and other debris that can set off an attack of your asthma. Using a damp rag instead of a feather duster when you dust will lessen the spread of these triggers.
Contact with animals and pets should be avoided for asthma sufferers. A lot of times the hair or dander will cause an asthma attack, but even if you do not have an allergy to the pet itself they often carry pollen and dust with them.
Preparation and forethought are at the foundation of any asthma plan. Educating yourself on your particular asthma challenges and requirements will keep you healthy and minimize the risks you have to live with. This article will help you build your knowledge so you can effectively combat asthma.
