You can still live the active life you want, despite having asthma, as long as you find the information you need to face the daily challenges asthma presents. Advice is plentiful; you just have to use it in your own life to reap the rewards. Read the tips below to live a full life and do what you want, even with asthma.

An important part of symptom management is knowing what type of asthma you have. Before you can develop a self-care plan for your asthma symptoms, you need to know the specific cause of your symptoms. If people who have asthma suffer attacks triggered by exercise, they should bring an inhaler with them when they work out. Knowing the patterns of your symptoms will help you avoid crises.

Do not smoke around your children if they have asthma. One leading cause of issues in children who have asthma is that people smoke around them. It’s best to also keep your child away from places in which others will be smoking.

Some medications can exacerbate asthma symptoms as a side effect. Some over the counter medications can irritate your asthma. Beta blockers, such as those used to control high blood pressure or heart disease may also have this effect. Talk to a doctor if you have any of these conditions along with asthma.

If you are having an asthma attack (mild or moderate), you need to try to force air out of the lungs. Exhale as quickly as possible, expelling air forcefully out of your lungs. Get the air all out of the lungs. Take three breaths in succession. These breaths don’t have to be deep, just breathe a little. Then take a deep breath, pulling as much air as possible into your lungs. When your lungs are as full as you can stand, force the air out. Not only will you breathe in rhythm, but you’ll focus more intently on how you are breathing and become aware of breathing problems. It also allows you to take in more air by completely emptying your lungs. You might cough or produce sputum, but that is fine; you are trying to get breathing under control again.

Cigarette smoke will make your asthma worse. Do not smoke! Never breathe in chemical fumes or vapors. This can aggravate your asthma and it might not stop. If people are smoking around you, remove yourself from that area quickly.

Consider getting allergy shots if you have asthma that is caused by allergies that aren’t under control. Your allergist may recommend a variety of medications to control your reactions and the onset of asthma.

Asthma Patients

Asthma patients without health insurance can get help by asking a social worker and getting access to programs with the resources asthma patients need. Asthma medications are never cheap, but it’s vital that you receive them and that is the social worker’s goal. He or she will deal with the clinics directly in efforts to remedy the situation.

Mildew and mold grow best in a home with high humidity. Both mold and mildew are associated with asthma attacks. Therefore, it is important to maintain a dry home. In the winter, use a dehumidifier along with your heater, and in the summer months, you can use your air conditioner to help control the amount of water in the air within your home.

Asthma Attacks

When it’s colder, wear a shawl, scarf or muffler that will cover your mouth and nose to avoid asthma attacks. You can help warm the air with these things before they bring any harm to your lungs. Inhalation of cold air is proven to initiate asthma attacks, and younger kids afflicted with asthma of moderate or severe proportions are especially at risk.

It is crucial that you know how to properly use your asthma treatments, particularly rescue inhalers. Asthma treatment is generally two-pronged: Daily asthma treatment and additional emergency medicine to relieve attacks as they happen. Asthma is a serious, chronic health condition, and it’s vital that you take medicine to manage the disease properly and use the rescue medications as directed.

When you fly, make sure to take along prescriptions or doctors’ notes for all of your asthma equipment and medications, especially if they are unusual. Having proof in writing from a doctor that states the item is a medical necessity can eliminate security hassles.

Rescue Inhaler

Monitor how often, each week, you need your rescue inhaler. You should not have to rely on a rescue inhaler more than twice per week. If you find yourself needing it more often, it could be a sign that your asthma is not being controlled well or that there is a new environmental factor causing attacks more frequently. How frequently you need to use the inhaler can help you recognize any environmental changes you need to make.

In conclusion, there are a number of methods you can try to prevent asthma from controlling your life. Asthma need not control your life, so be proactive and create a plan for treating your asthma and living a full, healthy life.