You have just been diagnosed with asthma. Now what? The diagnosis of asthma can be frightening, but the disease does not need to control your life. There are plenty of things people with asthma can do to limit the effect it has on their daily activities. This article will outline some ways you can begin to manage your asthma symptoms.
Make sure you breathe fresh air as much as possible. This means you should open the windows of your house everyday. Perfumes, incenses or strong smells can trigger asthma: do not lit any candles or wear too much perfume. Stay out of your house if you need to let smelly paint dry.
If you suffer from asthma, it is crucial that you are using your inhaler properly. Make sure that you take a deep breath before taking your asthma pump. By not using your asthma inhaler properly, you may not be getting the proper treatment in order to control your asthma symptoms.
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.
Do not swim in pools that contain chlorine if you have asthma. The chlorine can trigger asthma attacks or make your symptoms worse. If you are unsure if the pool that you are going to swim in has chlorine or not, ask a lifeguard or the manager of the facility.
It is important that you take vitamins everyday in order to control asthma symptoms and attacks. Vitamins and nutrients help to promote oxygen and blood flow to your lungs which also controls asthma symptoms. Try to eat foods that will also provide you with nutrients, such as green vegetables and fruits.
Change your sheets and comforter once a week, and wash them in hot water. One of the best ways to prevent attacks or common triggers is to ensure your home is clean and dry. Your bedding starts to collect dust, dander, dirt and other debris that can pollute the air you breathe. Frequent washing in hot water ensures these pollutants are kept to a minimum.
Do not let having asthma get to you. Many people get depressed when they find out that they have asthma because they think their whole life will change. This is not true. As long as you take your treatments as directed by your doctor, you can continue to do most of the things that you used to.
Don’t skip appointments for your checkups, even if you haven’t had any recent asthma attacks. It is important to make sure your condition isn’t worsening, and your doctor may want to prescribe a different medication.
As you can see, your asthma does not need to limit you from having fun. With proper management, people with asthma can live full and satisfying lives. The trick to living well with asthma is being prepared for emergency situations and managing your symptoms adequately. A working knowledge of your body is the first step to doing this!