Asthma is a chronic lung condition that affects millions of Americans of all ages, adults and children alike. If breathing is difficult for you and you are interested in ideas and suggestions for managing your asthma, then you have chosen the right article to read! Take control of your 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.
If you have asthma, make sure to cover all your mattresses and your pillows with plastic covers. This will prevent any dust that may be on your fabrics from getting into your lungs. You should also wash all of your bedding in hot water at least once a week. Yes, this is a lot of work, but you will reap the benefits if you make the time to do it.
If you are struggling with asthma, be sure to use your bronchodilator. This is the most frequently prescribed treatment for people struggling with asthma. There are two types of bronchodilators available. The first is a short acting bronchodilator that is used to reduce your immediate symptoms. The other kind is a long acting bronchodilator that is used for ongoing asthma care.
Know how to use your inhaler properly! Find a spot that is out of the way, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter. Remember that the medication must reach your lungs if the inhaler is to work properly. Inhale deeply and spray the correct dose into your mouth. You should keep your breath held for 10 seconds at a minimum to let the medicated mist fill up your lungs.
Make sure you know your breathing. Observe the way you breathe when you are calm and symptom free. When you realize that your breathing has changed you can consider relaxation and breathing techniques to calm you down to avoid severe asthma attacks. During an attack, try to return your breathing to its normal depth and rate.
Asthma is caused by certain triggers, therefore the easiest way to avoid painful attacks is to avoid them. These triggers can be anything from pollen to pet hair so it is important to seek professional help to determine the underlying cause. If this is not an option for you keep an asthma diary, listing your activities before an attack to help to identify the real cause.
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.
Although there is no known cure for asthma, you can take steps to reduce the severity and intensity of your symptoms. Education is a vital part of lessening your symptoms, and by implementing some of the tips and suggestions from this article, you are on the road to easier breathing!