If you’re one of the millions of asthma sufferers who don’t think their medication is working, or is as effective as it should be, this article is for you. It contains several valuable tips and information that can help you control your symptoms and prevent it from controlling your life.
A lot of people enjoy the smell of a clean house. If you have asthma, this is actually harmful. The pleasant smell comes from chemicals that remain in the air. Make sure you open up your windows every time you clean up your house, even if this means losing the fresh smell.
If your children have asthma, let everyone know; from their school teacher to their babysitter. If you make an effort to educate people about how they can reduce the risks of your child having an asthma attack, your children will go through their day in a much better environment. Do not assume that everyone knows how to take care of asthmatic children.
Be careful of what profession you choose if you have asthma. Certain jobs like painters, bakers, health workers, and farm workers involve using chemicals or materials that could worsen your asthma or cause an asthma attack. Try to stick with jobs in which you will be in a healthy environment all day.
If you live in an house where you tend to need to sweep the floors often, try using a wet mop instead. Sweeping can stir the dust in the air and also triggers allergies to spread. If you do not have a wet mop and have asthma, now is the time to purchase one.
Have your home inspected at least once a year for mold and other spores. Many asthmatics, especially children, can have their asthma exacerbated by exposure to these allergens. Living in a home full of mold spores can even trigger repeated asthma attacks to the point of permanently damaging a child’s respiratory system.
Contrary to popular belief, steroid tablets such as prednisolone are safe for short-term use. They are the most effective treatment for asthma attacks and do not cause side effects if they are not used for every long. Be sure you talk to your doctor before treating yourself with these medications.
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.
Stay indoors during high pollen count days. Pollen and other airborne allergens account for many asthma symptoms. When pollen counts reach higher levels, the number of patients in the ER with severe asthma attacks increases. Avoid an attack, by staying indoors with an air conditioner or other air filtering system.
As helpful as the above advice is, keeping asthma under control involves your commitment as well. Keep an eye for your asthma getting worse, and keep an emergency inhaler around for those times when asthma strikes.