Living with asthma can be a challenge. Asthma prevents people from participating in sports and other physically active activities because of the risk of having trouble breathing. If you suffer from asthma, you probably already know this. If you’d like to get help and find ways to improve your condition, read on!
A lot of people enjoy the smell of a clean house. If you have asthma, this is actually harmful. The pleasant smell comes from chemicals that remain in the air. Make sure you open up your windows every time you clean up your house, even if this means losing the fresh smell.
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.
Let your friends know that they should not give you gifts of household plants. Plants can be a severe trigger for certain asthmatics. Having them constantly in your home would be like fighting a war with your environment every day. If someone does give you a plant, see if it can be planted outside. If it can’t be moved outdoors, thank them nicely for the gift and then give it away later.
Make sure if you have an inhaler that you are using it the right way. Get to a place out of the way, and read the directions before starting. The inhaler will only reduce symptoms if the medication can get to your lungs. Inhale the air and spray the right amount down your throat. You should keep your breath held for 10 seconds at a minimum to let the medicated mist fill up your lungs.
It is important for asthma sufferers to make sure to get their flu shot every year. Getting the flu can be deadly for anyone, but for asthma sufferers, that chance is greater. The flu virus can cause fluid in your lungs, which in turn, can cause your asthma symptoms to flare up.
Have your home inspected at least once a year for mold and other spores. Many asthmatics, especially children, can have their asthma exacerbated by exposure to these allergens. Living in a home full of mold spores can even trigger repeated asthma attacks to the point of permanently damaging a child’s respiratory system.
If you suffer from asthma, you might want to check if you have any allergies to certain foods or your environment. There are many things that could contribute such as pets, cleaning products, feather pillows or bed, even certain perfumes. Dairy products as well as refined foods like white flour and sugar likely causes.
As you can see, asthma isn’t an insurmountable problem. By taking the proper measures, you can help manage your condition and do the things you enjoy, without worrying about hurting yourself or taking a trip to the hospital. Apply the advice from this article now and start living a better life!