A respiratory condition like asthma can be a frightening prospect for someone who is newly diagnosed or if you are friends with someone who has been diagnosed with the affliction. Fortunately, the information found in this handpicked selection of tips and tricks, is likely to shed some amount of light on the subject.
If asthma is something you suffer from, do not smoke or spend time around smokers, much less any source of vapors and fumes. You should avoid jobs where you might be exposed to fumes and chemicals, such as factories.
Concurrent health problems can contribute to your asthma symptoms. Many people with allergies find that their asthma symptoms become worse around allergy triggers. If you keep on top of your concurrent health problems, you’ll be less likely to be triggered into an acute asthma attack. Ask your doctor if your other diagnoses could contribute to your struggle with asthma.
When you have asthma, you are more vulnerable to infections. Wash your hands as often as possible, especially before eating. If your child has asthma, teach them this habit early. By washing your hands, you can stop the spread of certain harmful bacteria that would result in a lung infection.
If you are going to exercise, start very slowly. Sudden exercise such as taking off running can trigger asthma for most people. You can exercise, but do some warming up exercises that will gradually increase your heart rate until you feel comfortable with harder exercises. Do not force yourself to exercise if you feel you are going to have an asthma attack.
Know situations and conditions that cause asthma attacks for you, and stay away from them in the future as much as possible. Many asthma suffers find that dust or pollen can trigger an attack. For others, certain physical activities may be the trigger. You need to determine what your triggers are so that you can avoid them.
Make sure you have your home inspected for allergens on a regular basis. Some of the most common culprits in asthma attacks are related to the air we breathe. Items like dust, mold and spores tend to be the most frequent sources of these attacks. Knowing that you have a problem with these items will let you be able to do something about it.
Keep your bed linens washed on at least a weekly basis. Make sure to always wash them in hot water. This will keep your bed from harboring dust mites and other allergens that can trigger an attack. Having as clean a home as possible is one of the best defenses against asthma.
For those who have severe asthma, make sure you are using a nebulizer treatment before you go to sleep. Your lungs will be more open and it will be easier for you to sleep throughout the night by using a nebulizer treatment. Try to keep your rescue inhaler near your bed.
Like any other medical condition, asthma may seem especially scary, if you are unfamiliar with its most basic symptoms and treatment options. Use the information that you have just read, to arm yourself and be better prepared, if you or someone you know is faced with overcoming the condition on a daily basis.