How to Control Your Asthma

With more than 17 million men, women, and kids suffering from asthma in the United States alone, there is a very good chance that you or someone you know is affected with this respiratory condition. Fortunately, this selection of carefully selected tips and tricks will leave you more informed about asthma.

• If you want to use a humidifier or a vaporizer, clean it thoroughly. If it contains dust or anything else, your lungs will be bothered by the particles contained in the vapor. Let your humidifiers and vaporizers stand in water for a while and make sure they are dry before you use them.
• Concurrent health problems can contribute to your asthma symptoms. Many people with allergies find that their asthma symptoms become worse around allergy triggers. If you keep on top of your concurrent health problems, you'll be less likely to be triggered into an acute asthma attack. Ask your local ENT doctor if your other diagnoses could contribute to your struggle with asthma.
• If you are out of shape, a solid exercise regimen can help improve your asthma symptoms. The fact is that under-exerting ourselves can lead the body to exhaustion more easily. By pushing your boundaries, you tone functions vital to your body's general balance, making your body less likely to go haywire.
• If you have asthma and you live in a cold weather environment, you may want to consider moving. It is a medical fact that cold weather triggers asthma attacks, whereas hot weather helps keep asthma attacks and symptoms in control. Places like Florida and the Caribbean have a smaller asthma population.
• If your children have asthma or hives, they might actually have certain food allergies. You should go to a doctor and do the necessary tests to find out if they are allergic to something and then, make sure they stay away from that particular food.
• If you have asthma, make sure to cover all your mattresses and your pillows with plastic covers. This will prevent any dust that may be on your fabrics from getting into your lungs. You should also wash all of your bedding in hot water at least once a week. Yes, this is a lot of work, but you will reap the benefits if you make the time to do it.
• If you find yourself using your emergency inhalers more than two times a week, you might want to consider changing asthma medication. Certain medications work better or worse for different people, so you shouldn't just stick with the first one you try. If you feel that your symptoms aren't getting better, ask your doctor about trying alternatives.
• Products with no scent are the safest and best option for an asthma sufferer. Scented products such as air fresheners, incense and perfume heighten the degree of indoor air impurities and may possibly contribute to an attack. Fresh paint and new carpeting also produce smells that can cause irritation to the airways. Because the dangers these things represent, it is important to always keep indoor air fresh to the best of your ability.

Now that you have armed yourself with information on the common symptoms, triggers, and courses of treatment for this common respiratory condition, you will be better prepared to discuss medical care and prevention. If you are in the Mid-Cities of North Texas, consult Saint Camillus Medical Center, the leading Hurst hospital for treating a variety of medical symptoms.