Asthma is a disease that can easily go out of control if left unchecked. Attacks can be serious, even fatal, unless they are controlled. If you have asthma, you need to talk to a doctor, but there are things you can do on your own, as well. This article contains many simple tips that can help you improve and relieve your asthma symptoms.
Some medications that you may take unknowingly can cause you to have asthma symptoms. Believe it or not, something as seemingly innocuous as aspirin can actually trigger symptoms. Common medications used for controlling high blood pressure often times contain beta blockers, which asthmatics may be more sensitive to. If you have any of these conditions along with your asthma, make sure you tell your doctor.
During a mild to moderate attack, force all of the air out of your lungs. Exhale quickly and forcefully. Force your lungs to expel as much air as possible. Inhale three times with short breaths, and then on the fourth one take a deeper breath so your lungs are full of air but still comfortable. Then breath out as hard as you can again. This gives your breathing a rhythm and makes you focus on your breathing. This technique also forces the air from your lungs to enable more air to come in. This may cause you to cough or it may cause phlegm, but your breathing will be back to normal again.
Realize what triggers your attacks, and you can avoid or manage these situations. Common triggers among asthma sufferers are smoke, pollen, or pet dander. It is best to do all that is possible to avoid triggers that can cause attacks.
Feather pillows can be bad for those with asthma. People are often allergic to these natural products that can affect breathing and bring on asthma symptoms. This extends to the rest of your bedding, as well. There are hypoallergenic comforters and sheets you can use to limit asthma symptoms.
Think about the benefits of joining an online or in-person support group. Asthma, particularly if it is severe, can incapacitate you and keep you from going about your daily activities. Also, other asthma sufferers can help keep you aware of new medications or other medical treatments.
A handful of primary initiators of asthma, and its attack triggers, lie right in your residence. These culprits include dust, spores and mold. To keep yourself healthy and avoid asthma attacks, you may need to hire an inspector to come out once a year to test your home and remove any irritants. If you clean your house regularly, you can minimize the risk of these substances accumulating in your dwelling.
Asthma is an uncurable disease, but that doesn’t mean that the symptoms are permanent and can’t go away. However, just like most things in life, overcoming your asthma symptoms takes time and effort. If you follow these easy tips, you’ll find that your symptoms will get better over time and you’ll be able to enjoy a healthier, more active lifestyle.
