Asthma: Everything You Need To Know To Prevent And Treat Your Symptoms
Asthma: Everything You Need To Know To Prevent And Treat Your Symptoms
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.
Wash your bedding regularly, at least once a week. Your bedding might contain dust and microscopic acarids which can cause asthma. You should also place a protective plastic cover on your mattress since you cannot wash it. Keep your clean bedding in a drawer where it will not get dusty.
Clean up your house from food and water. Keep your food inside the fridge. When you let food or water sit, you are attracting small bugs and roaches, which can trigger allergic reactions. If you need to keep food outside of your fridge, consider getting a food pantry or opening your windows.
If you're using your inhaler more than twice a week, you should talk to your doctor about additional asthma treatments. An inhaler is meant only for emergency relief and if you're periodically relying on it, then your current asthma treatment isn't effective enough. Overuse of an inhaler can be harmful and you should avoid potential problems, right away.
A good tip that can help you if your child has asthma is to do everything you can to educate your child about asthma. Young children have no idea what asthma is or how it affects them, so it's your job to inform them and to help them work through it.
It is important that you keep your home and work environment clean if you have asthma. Dust and germs can worsen your asthma symptoms and cut off oxygen to your lungs. Because dust accumulates rather quickly, it is recommended that you dust your furniture and appliances at least once a week.
Let your friends know that they should not give you gifts of household plants. Plants can be a severe trigger for certain asthmatics. Having them constantly in your home would be like fighting a war with your environment every day. If someone does give you a plant, see if it can be planted outside. If it can't be moved outdoors, thank them nicely for the gift and then give it away later.
Control the humidity within your home. Many people with asthma have seasonal triggers, meaning that as the humidity changes, they are more prone to attacks. Keeping your home at a steady low level of humidity throughout the year by using a dehumidifer could drastically reduce the number of asthma attacks you have.
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.