One of every four children in the United States is affected by the chronic respiratory disease known as asthma. Although substances that trigger an asthma attack are known, the cause of asthma remains a mystery. This disease causes the airways to swell and block the breathing ability which leads to respiratory distress.
You do not have to be physically inactive just because you have asthma. Unlike decades ago, when asthma treatments were few and far between, there are plenty of different asthma inhalers and medications that you can take prior to and after performing physical activities. Ask your doctor for the best treatment for your specific needs.
For help with asthma, maintain the humidity in your home. A great treatment for asthma is a clean, dry environment. Using a dehumidifier will reduce the amount of seasonal triggers that are present in your house.
When you are having a difficult time with asthma, you might want to use a leukotriene inhibitor. Leukotriene inhibitors block the effects of leukotrienes. The chemical leukotriene is a common cause of inflammation in the lungs which in turn, can trigger asthma attacks. Get the inhibitor to prevent the leukotrienes, and your asthma attacks may drop in number.
If you have asthma and you are going to be traveling by air, be sure to get a note from your doctor stating your condition and what medications you take. Airports are picky on what can be brought on board, but asthma patients are always permitted to bring medications and inhalers on board, as long as they have a doctor’s note.
To keep from triggering any bad symptoms of asthma or a full-blown attack, it’s important to keep the home clean and tidy, free of dust and other particulates. This is particularly important in a bedroom. Refrain from smoking inside the home, and keep edibles inside your kitchen. After you clean, let the house air out completely, and stay away from using any harsh chemicals (especially bleach) inside.
Try to avoid sugary drinks such as soda if you have asthma. The additives that these drinks contain can trigger your asthma symptoms. Also, try not to eat too many candies or other foods with high sugar content. There are many alternatives that taste just as good as the original.
Engage your support network to help you manage your asthma. Talk to your friends and family about items that trigger attacks and enroll them in helping you make environmental or lifestyle changes to help you manage your asthma. The more knowledgeable your network is about your condition, the more easily they can support you.
If you have asthma and you need pain relief, you should use acetaminophen, like Tylenol, instead of aspirin and NSAIDs (Non-Sterodial Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) such as ibuprofen. NSAIDs, such as Advil, Motrin and Aleve and aspirin can often make asthma worse. Stick with acetaminophen for pain and you should be fine.
Children are the primary sufferers of asthma, which is a serious disease. Cigarette smoke, dust mites, animal fur and excessive exercise are all stimuli that often set off an asthmatic attack. Asthma cannot be prevented but it is treatable with medication, avoiding triggers and avoiding behaviors that may set off an attack.