10% of the population of North America have asthma. That’s an astounding number of people. Luckily, the prevalence of asthma means that a lot of information is available for dealing with the symptoms of this disease. Read on for tips on how to prevent flare up and keep yourself healthy.
Wash your bedding regularly, at least once a week. Your bedding might contain dust and microscopic acarids which can cause asthma. You should also place a protective plastic cover on your mattress since you cannot wash it. Keep your clean bedding in a drawer where it will not get dusty.
To make sure you’re getting the most out of your inhaler, hold your breath for 3-5 seconds each time you puff. This will give you time to inhale the medication deeply into your lungs so that it can take effect quickly. Once you have finished holding your breath be sure to exhale slowly.
If you are someone who suffers from asthma, stay away from all types of cigarette smoke. Do not smoke yourself, either! Avoid fumes and vapors of any kind. This can cause an asthma attack, and you may be unable to bring it under control. If you are around people who smoke, leave the area very fast.
Learn as much as you can about living with your condition. Knowledge is power! Make sure you are well informed about the causes and known natural and prescribed ways to control your symptoms. Living with asthma can be difficult and cause you to have unwanted stress within your personal life.
Use the inhaler the right way. Find a spot that is out of the way, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter. The inhaler is only beneficial if the medicine gets to your lungs. Breathe in through your mouth while you’re pressing the spray button. It is then necessary to hold the breath for about ten seconds to give the medication time to work in your lungs.
Stop what you are doing when you feel that an asthma attack is coming. This is especially true when you are driving or operating heavy machinery. Explain to the people around you what is going on as they may become overly excited which in return can stress you out even more.
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.
An annual flu vaccination is recommended for you as well as other members of your family. Make sure you do your best in avoiding respiratory infections at all costs if you have asthma. This includes preventive measures against sickness, such as practicing good hygiene and getting all recommended vaccinations.
It is important to learn what triggers your asthma and how to deal with the effects. Knowledge is the key to dealing with this condition, and hopefully we’ve given you some great advice to help you on the path to controlling your symptoms. Asthma can strike anywhere so pass this advice on to those who may need it.