What Is Asthma

An asthma diagnosis is one that you probably don't want to hear, but know that you are not alone. There are about 20 million other people on the planet who carry your same diagnosis. Luckily, there are things you can do to help manage and control your symptoms. This article will be a great resource for you, to better understand your asthma. Keep on reading to learn a little more about asthma and how to be proactive about the disease and your life.

Asthma can be triggered by an array of different irritants. Some of these irritants can not be avoided completely, but you can do your best to minimize your exposure to them. If smoke is a trigger for you than insist that your home is a smoke free environment, and do not visit places that are known to be smokey such as bars and restaurants. If dust is a trigger for you, be sure to regularly clean your home and keep your bed sheets free from dust. If your asthma is triggered by illness, then make measures to stay healthy by eating right and exercising regularly.

Just about everyone who suffers from asthma uses an inhaler. An inhaler helps to open your airways when you are having trouble trying to breath. It is crucial that you carry your inhaler on you at all times, so you know exactly where it is during the time of an attack. Asthma attacks can come on quickly with little warning and having your inhaler on hand could be the difference between calming your attack and taking a ride to the emergency room.

There are different types of inhalers. Rescue inhalers are fast acting and meant to be used in acute situations, when you feel an attack coming on. Steroidal inhalers are stronger, but are meant for daily use to help keep your airways relaxed and open. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions as to how you should be using your inhaler.

Despite the other 20 million asthma sufferers, it can be easy to feel like you are all alone. Joining a support group can help you to relate to others. Sharing stories with others about the hardships of living with asthma, can really help you to find some comfort in dealing with the disease. Sharing experiences with others can assist you in finding new asthma treatments, that you may otherwise have been oblivious to. There is a natural comfort in knowing that others around you know almost exactly what you are going through. Living with asthma is not always easy, so it can really help to have a good support system for when things get a little rough.

As stated earlier in this article, asthma is a disease that effects many people around the world. Luckily, there are ways that you can take control of your asthma, and not let it get the best of you. Apply the advice from this article and you will be on your way to effectively controlling your asthma.