If you’re one of the millions of people in the world with asthma who believe that their medication isn’t doing enough to deal with their symptoms, you’ll be glad to learn that most of the symptoms can be relieved simply by taking proactive steps, such as improving your environment. This article will guide you through some of these methods to do this.
A healthy diet can help you to better manage your asthma. Studies have shown that processed foods, sugar, and trans fats can bring about inflammation which can trigger asthma. You don’t have to cut these foods out entirely, but you should keep them to a minimum.
Medications can be taken on a regular basis to control inflammation in your airways. Inhaled corticosteroids such as cromolyn and leukotriene modifiers are some such medications. Consult with your doctor about which one is the best for you. You may need to try several of them.
Learn how to properly use your inhaler. Find a good place and follow all of the directions that have been provided by the maker of the product. Remember that the medication must reach your lungs if the inhaler is to work properly. Make sure that you spray the required dosage directly into your mouth, inhaling the medication into your lungs. Holding your breath for a minimum of 10 seconds gives the medicinal mist from the inhaler time to spread itself throughout your lungs.
If you suffer from asthma, it’s best to avoid pillows full of feathers. The feathers contained in these pillows can aggravate asthma symptoms and reduce lung function. The same goes for bedding – try to buy a comforter and sheets that are made from hypoallergenic materials.
Make sure that your rescue medication is at hand at all times during your travels. Traveling is hard on your body, and you might have an asthma attack easier because your body is more likely to respond to triggers. You can’t control the weather or the environment when you travel, so keep in mind you are more vulnerable to symptoms and attacks when you go to a new area.
Make sure you use your preventative inhaler that is prescribed by your doctor. Note that a preventative inhaler is different than a rescue inhaler, which is used during an acute attack. A preventative inhaler, on the other hand, dispenses medicine designed to keep the air flowing, which reduces acute attacks.
There are support groups available to you, both in person or on the Internet. Asthma can be severe enough to keep you away from social activiites. In addition, a community of other asthma sufferers will let you know about changes in medications or other relevant scientific discoveries.
Asthma, if left untreated, can grow into a life threatening disease. You should always seek the appropriate medical help when you see signs of worsening symptoms. However, if you are persistent in trying to improve your condition, you will find that asthma is indeed manageable. Apply these tips to put your asthma under control and start enjoying your life.