Asthma can be an uncontrollable disease if it’s not checked. Asthma attacks may be harsh and in some cases, even fatal. Consulting a medical professional is the first step in any treatment plan. Beyond that, however, you must take an active role in maintaining your health. This article is filled with useful tips to help you manage your asthma.

What type of asthma do you suffer from? Knowing as much as possible about your specific type of asthma will go an incredibly long way in helping you combat the day-to-day effects it has on you. Asthma caused by exercise can be treated easily if you carry an inhaler when you go to the gym. You can avoid any future crisis by knowing and figuring out patterns of the symptoms you have.

If you are afficted with asthma, it is critical to quit smoking and avoid the use of any other tobacco products. Smoking is a bad habit for everyone, but patients that suffer from asthma are negatively affected by smoke as it cuts the oxygen supply off and induces an asthma attack.

If you’re suffering from an asthma attack that’s moderate or mild, then work to force all the air you can from your lungs. Make your exhalations quick and forceful. Push that air from your lungs with all that you’ve got! Then, follow three short intakes of breath with one longer inhalation until your lungs are filled with air, although not uncomfortably so. Finally, expel the air from your lungs with force again. This technique develops a breathing rhythm, allowing you to notice the breaths that you take in. It also keeps air flowing out of the lung,s so that you can refill them. If you cough or produce sputum, don’t worry. Just remain focused on your objective, which is to regain a normal rate of breathing.

Properly use the inhaler every time you must use it. Get to a place out of the way, and read the directions before starting. The inhaler is only beneficial if the medicine gets to your lungs. The dosage that is required should be sprayed into the mouth while you inhale air. Don’t exhale for ten seconds so that the medicine can go through your lungs.

You should ensure that every family member in your household gets a flu vaccine yearly. It is a good idea to avoid all respiratory infections when you have asthma. Take the right steps to stop yourself from getting sick, wash your hands and get the right vaccines.

If you’re suffering from a cold or allergies, you should talk to your doctor about taking additional asthma medication. Treatment may be increased in these cases as many illnesses have side effects that can cause flare ups in your asthma. Your doctor may need to add new treatments to your typical asthma regimen until you are well.

Asthma is an uncurable disease, but that doesn’t mean that the symptoms are permanent and can’t go away. However, just like most things in life, overcoming your asthma symptoms takes time and effort. If you follow these easy tips, you’ll find that your symptoms will get better over time and you’ll be able to enjoy a healthier, more active lifestyle.