Asthma can range from mild to life threatening. It can be common to panic when faced with such an intimidating condition. If you are armed with sound knowledge about asthma then you will feel more confident about handling asthma related decisions. The information below can prepare you to handle asthma with confidence.
Avoid being in contact with pets. Pets carry a lot of dust and other impurities on them. If you have a pet, wash it every week, and try keeping its hairs as short as possible. If you are going to be in contact with an animal, perhaps you should wear a mask.
Think about getting a flu shot. If you have asthma regularly, your lungs have more risks have getting infected. A flu shot should protect your lungs from common types of infections. If you have a child with asthma, you should definitely get them a flu shot to prevent them from developing any severe lung infections.
Get a bronchodilator or an inhaler. These products usually allow you to breathe better a few seconds after you use them. There are risks inherent to using these products, but if you use them as prescribed they should make your life easier. Ask your doctor about what kind of inhaler you should use.
Avoid keeping potted plants in your home. Certain plants might have a smell or change the nature of the air you breathe in a way that triggers asthma. If you want to keep plants, pay close attention to your symptoms and be ready to remove the plants if you notice any changes.
A great tip that can help you cope with asthma is to branch out and get in touch with other people who also suffer from asthma. Not only will you be able to get helpful advice from them, you won’t feel so alone and ashamed that you have asthma.
You may be unaware that certain medications you might be on could cause asthma symptoms. Aspirin is a common medication that can affect asthma sufferers. Beta blockers that are used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease can develop asthma like symptoms. It is important to talk openly with your doctor about your asthma so that you do not take any medications that could be harmful to you.
Get the flu vaccine every year if you suffer from asthma. Respiratory or sinus issues that can come from a bout with the flu can really do a number on an asthma sufferer. Taking the preventive tack of getting the vaccine can save you some serious suffering down the road.
Your doctor may thing that corticosteroids are the best relief from your asthma attacks. This is especially true if you have really bad attacks. They may be a little harder to diagnose but can be swallowed or injected in the case of an attack to open up your passages more effectively.
Utilizing the advice and tips outlined within this article can be the first line of defense toward the advocacy of your health or the health of a loved one. Asthma is not to be taken lightly so you need to be sure to make sound and educated choices when dealing with it.