Asthma is a serious medical condition that can not only interfere in doing basic, daily tasks, but can also cause severe symptoms that may become fatal if left unchecked. This article contains many useful tips and suggestions that can be helpful in reducing symptoms and helping you overcome your asthma.
Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can actually trigger an asthma attack. Various NSAIDs and aspirin have been reported to do this. Beta blockers, such as those used to control high blood pressure or heart disease may also have this effect. Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking such medicine and also have asthma.
If you enjoy using a vaporizer or a humidifier, you have to make sure it is clean before each use. These types of machines can build up a lot of dust and calcium, that you do not want getting into the air you breath. You need to be breathing the cleanest air possible, at all times.
Keeping your allergies in check is important in order to keep your asthma in check. Allergies and asthma commonly go together, and when your allergies or flairing up, your asthma probably will to. In addition to your inhaler, be sure to use an allergy medication when allergy season is at its peak.
If you do not understand the early signs of asthma, look for more frequent symptoms that have become increasingly worse, such as: coughing, wheezing and chest pressure or pain. If your symptoms keep you up at night or wake you up, make sure to contact your allergist right away.
Learn how to properly use your inhaler. Find a relaxing spot, and be sure that you follow the directions that the manufacturer provided. The medicine in the inhaler only works if it actually makes it to your lungs. Inhale deeply as you dispense the correct amount into your mouth. You should hold your breath 10 seconds so the medicated mist is able to fill up your lungs.
Keep the humidity in your home at a controlled level with a dehumidifier. Environments that are dry and clean should stay at the top of your list of asthma treatments. Ensuring the humidity is low in your home means you live and breathe in more ideal conditions that help to avoid triggers to your attacks that are seasonal.
Protect yourself against pneumonia and bronchitis if you have asthma. These illnesses are related to your lungs and cause breathing to be labored. As bad as it is for a regular, healthy person, it is even worse for an asthma patient because your lung function is already low.
Avoid eating foods that make you gassy or bloated. The added fullness of your abdomen will put extra pressure on your abdomen. This makes it even harder than usual for your diaphragm to expand and contract while breathing. While bloating will probably not trigger a full-on attack, it will interfere with your breathing.
Many people think that it’s impossible to do anything about asthma because it is an incurable disease. However, many of the symptoms can indeed be improved to the point that it’s almost negligible. As long as you watch out for warning signs of worsening symptoms, these tips will be able to help you relieve your worst symptoms.