Asthma is a chronic condition that challenges your ability to live your life. It inhibits your capacity to do even basic daily tasks, such as taking a walk outside. Asthma is incurable and symptoms can be difficult to control. Follow the tips below to prevent asthma attacks and manage your symptoms.
To make sure you’re getting the most out of your inhaler, hold your breath for 3-5 seconds each time you puff. This will give you time to inhale the medication deeply into your lungs so that it can take effect quickly. Once you have finished holding your breath be sure to exhale slowly.
A great tip that can help you cope with asthma is to branch out and get in touch with other people who also suffer from asthma. Not only will you be able to get helpful advice from them, you won’t feel so alone and ashamed that you have asthma.
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.
Bronchodilators are a common treatment for asthma that is prescribed by a doctor. It is usually in the form of an inhaler, and there are short and long-acting treatments. The short-term will help with an immediate symptom, while the long-acting dose will be for ongoing problems.
Having the proper medications and treatments for your asthma is very important. If you need to use your inhaler more than once a day, or are awakened by symptoms more than twice a week, it may be time to switch to a more controlling medicine that can prevent your symptoms.
If you feel that your asthma symptoms are getting worse, try drinking a cup of hot coffee. Not only will the warmth relieve some of your symptoms, the caffeine can open up your airways and reduce the urge to cough. If you don’t like coffee, try tea, hot chocolate, or a chocolate bar.
When you are packing for a vacation and you have asthma, be sure to pack an extra rescue inhaler. In case your inhaler gets lost, having a back up will ensure that you do not go without medications. Also, do not forget to bring any pills you take for your asthma.
While everyone appreciates the look and feel of a clean house, asthma sufferers in particular benefit from a healthy environment as it can decrease the risk of asthma attacks, especially in a sleeping area. Avoid smoking inside, and only let people eat in the kitchen. Don’t use strong cleaners or bleach and air out the house immediately following cleaning.
As stated earlier, asthma must be taken seriously. It is a medical condition with symptoms that can potentially be catastrophic. Take all appropriate steps to reduce and prevent symptoms, and seek professional help when you think symptoms are getting out of control. You can make your daily life easier by applying these tips.