With more than 17 million men, women, and kids suffering from asthma in the United States alone, there is a very good chance that you or someone you know is affected with this respiratory condition. Fortunately, this selection of carefully selected tips and tricks will leave you more informed about asthma.
Learn how to recognize asthma so you can treat it. When you get asthma, you usually have difficulties breathing and feel as if your chest were getting tighter. Asthma is often accompanied by coughing and wheezing. If you experience different symptoms, you might have another illness that requires more medical attention.
You may want to avoid getting pets, especially those with longer fur, if you have asthma. For many people, pet dander and fur is one of the major triggers of asthma attacks. If you really want to get a pet, try to get one with short fur or get an aquatic animal, like a fish.
If you get a bad cough that isn’t clearing up, ask your doctor if it could be related to your asthma. Asthma can trigger both coughs and bronchitis. The treatment for asthma trigger bronchitis is different from the treatment for a normal cough, and finding out if asthma is part of the issue will help you get relief for your cough quickly.
Asthma can be triggered by cigarette smoke. People that have asthma are most often times very sensitive to it. You should take great steps to make sure no one smokes in your car, in your home, or around you anywhere. This will help you immensely when you are trying to avoid asthma attacks, and stay healthy in general!
When it is humid outside, it is best for asthma sufferers to remain indoors. The pollen count is high during high humidity, and that can cause an asthma flare up. It is also a good idea to stay inside when the seasons are changing for the same reasons as the humidity.
It is important that you take vitamins everyday in order to control asthma symptoms and attacks. Vitamins and nutrients help to promote oxygen and blood flow to your lungs which also controls asthma symptoms. Try to eat foods that will also provide you with nutrients, such as green vegetables and fruits.
It is wise for all asthma patients to purchase peak flow meters for their home. These machines can help you check your lung function so that you know if you are in danger of having an asthma attack. These machines are inexpensive and certain insurances will actually pay for them.
If you find yourself using your emergency inhalers more than two times a week, you might want to consider changing asthma medication. Certain medications work better or worse for different people, so you shouldn’t just stick with the first one you try. If you feel that your symptoms aren’t getting better, ask your doctor about trying another medication.
Now that you have armed yourself with information on the common symptoms, triggers, and courses of treatment for this common respiratory condition, you will be better prepared to discuss medical care and prevention. Remember this useful and highly recommended advice to do whatever it takes to stay one step ahead of asthma.