How To Keep Your Asthma From Flaring Up

How To Keep Your Asthma From Flaring Up

Asthma is a condition that can be crippling to the lives of sufferers. It can severely restrict their physical activity and produce frightening attacks that sometimes require emergency care. However, by learning about the causes, symptoms and treatments of asthma, it can indeed be managed. Use the tips in this article to minimize the impact of asthma on your life.

It should go without saying that you need to take any medications prescribed to you by your doctor, but with the current economic state many people are fudging their medications. They are taking less than directed trying to stretch it out or they are skipping doses. To make sure that you get the best results, take your medications exactly as directed by your doctor. An emergency room visit for a severe attack could cost you more than the savings of a few prescriptions.

One way to combat an asthma attack is to ingest caffeine. As you feel your chest tightening and sense that an attack is about to happen, a few cups of coffee or caffeinated soda (especially high-powered energy drinks) can help you avoid the attack. This works because caffeine helps to open your airways. Only try this if you are away from your inhaler.

Consider using a spacer with your inhaler. A spacer is a device that goes between your puffer and your mouth. Using a spacer can help more of your medication end up in your lungs where it can work, instead of sitting in your mouth and throat where it doesn't do you any good.

Although this may seem counter-intuitive, sometimes it's helpful to learn how to run. Many people who have incorporated some form of running into their life have experienced fewer asthma attacks on the whole. By running you condition your body to deal with a smaller amount of oxygen on a more frequent basis, which can help it to adapt to the environment.

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.

If your children have asthma, let everyone know; from their school teacher to their babysitter. If you make an effort to educate people about how they can reduce the risks of your child having an asthma attack, your children will go through their day in a much better environment. Do not assume that everyone knows how to take care of asthmatic children.

Talk with your doctor and determine if supplements could help you manage your Asthma. Natural supplements such as Licorice Root, Marshmallow Root, Gingko Biloba and Mullein help some Asthma sufferers control their symptoms. You may find adding one or more of these supplements to your diet helps you manage your condition, but be sure to discuss with your doctor before beginning one.

If you have asthma, it is not a good idea to have a real fireplace lit in your home. This will cause some smoke to go into the house, and can trigger an attack. Even though it is a very small amount of smoke, it can still be harmful. Try installing a gas fireplace instead.

If you are asthmatic it is very important that you learn what the early symptoms of having an asthma attack are. There are many people who use a meter to determine how much air they can inhale. Knowing all of this can prevent you from having a full attack.

In order to combat asthma, you may need to get rid of your houseplants. Some indoor plants produce pollen and other irritants that can aggravate asthma. Even plants that do not make their own allergens contribute to your asthma troubles by harboring dust and dirt. Eliminating houseplants can make a small but definitely positive impact on your asthma condition.

A good tip if you're struggling with asthma is to make sure you talk to your doctor so you can figure out the best treatment. Sometimes your asthma might be too much for an inhaler to handle. Talking to your doctor will help you get the appropriate treatment you need.

If you own any type of pet and have asthma you need to be extremely cautious. The pet dander can easily set off an asthma attack. You should try hard not to have close contact with the animal, and have someone else bathe the pet thoroughly on a weekly basis.

Asthma is inconvenient, but it can also be dangerous for those it affects. For some, it places significant limits on the types of activities in which they can engage. However, by taking the tips and advice in this article to heart, it is possible to reclaim your quality of life.