One of every four children in the United States is affected by the chronic respiratory disease known as asthma. Although substances that trigger an asthma attack are known, the cause of asthma remains a mystery. This disease causes the airways to swell and block the breathing ability which leads to respiratory distress.
When you have asthma, you are more vulnerable to infections. Wash your hands as often as possible, especially before eating. If your child has asthma, teach them this habit early. By washing your hands, you can stop the spread of certain harmful bacteria that would result in a lung infection.
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.
It may be wise to wear an ID bracelet if you have asthma. This way, if you were to have an asthma attack and you cannot speak for yourself, paramedics will know that you have this condition. If you do not feel comfortable wearing and ID bracelet, be sure to carry something on you that says you have asthma.
People that have asthma are often known to have allergies that can trigger your symptoms. Make sure you know what you are allergic to so that you can learn to stay away from the things that can hurt you. An allergist is the best one to give you a broad allergy test.
Your doctor may thing that corticosteroids are the best relief from your asthma attacks. This is especially true if you have really bad attacks. They may be a little harder to diagnose but can be swallowed or injected in the case of an attack to open up your passages more effectively.
If you have asthma, and you have no choice but to live in a cold environment, try not to spend too much outside when it is cold. The cold will worsen your asthma symptoms or cause attacks. Spend as much time as you can in a hot environment and when you have to go outside, wear a scarf.
For those who have severe asthma, make sure you are using a nebulizer treatment before you go to sleep. Your lungs will be more open and it will be easier for you to sleep throughout the night by using a nebulizer treatment. Try to keep your rescue inhaler near your bed.
Health Food
Raw apple cider vinegar is an excellent treatment for those who suffer from asthma. Mix two tablespoons with eight ounces of water or apple juice and drink up to three times daily. If you use water, honey can be added to make it more palatable. Look for raw apple cider vinegar in the health food section of most grocery stores.
Children are the primary sufferers of asthma, which is a serious disease. Cigarette smoke, dust mites, animal fur and excessive exercise are all stimuli that often set off an asthmatic attack. Asthma cannot be prevented but it is treatable with medication, avoiding triggers and avoiding behaviors that may set off an attack.
