There are different ways to cope with asthma especially if you have bouts of it. By this time you’ve already been diagnosed with having it and see your doctor regularly, taking any medications that may be prescribed and having a personal plan writing down what aggravates your situation. Once you do that make sure you stay away from those triggers.
Signs of an Asthma Attack
· Coughing
· Wheezing
· Shortness of breath
What You Can Do
· Make sure you use allergen-proof covers on your mattresses and pillows. If you have dust mites, wash your sheets weekly in water above 130F and make sure the humidity inside your house is below 50% using a dehumidifier.
· All of us love our pets, however they’re NOT allowed in your bedroom; that means no sleeping on the bed. Sorry Boo and Morris time you started sleeping elsewhere. Do you rather have your 4 legged friends sleeping with you or an asthma attack?
· Get rid of your carpets or vacuum twice a week with a cleaner that’s equipped with an HEPA air filter. I know many people love their carpeting but they have to make sure to vacuum. I’ve noticed more people getting rid of them and putting wooden floors instead.
· Fix all of your leaks and get rid of water that’s on the bottom of your planters, which adds to mold and makes things worse. Don’t forget to look inside your bathtub where the caulk is and under the standing mat; mold just loves to live there. I usually use Clorox and let it sit on the mold until I get rid of it then I rinse with cold water.
· If the weather is extremely hot or humid you’re better off staying inside especially during ozone alerts. If you have to go out make sure you have your air conditioner on or go to a place that has one. This is especially important for those who live in states where it’s hot and humid all year round.
· A person isn’t going to stop exercising but you’re better off doing it indoors and this goes for hot and cold weather. For those of us who have been to the gym have you ever noticed how cold it is and the fans are always going even though the air conditioner is on? There’s a reason for that. Everyone’s perspiring at the same time; just smell those lockers at the end of your workout.
· Pay attention to the mold and pollen count, if it’s too high stay inside.
· Make sure you let your child’s teacher know if he or she suffers from asthma and during those days where it’s hot and children love to go out for recess, tell the teacher you rather you child stay inside. Please supply the school nurse with Albuterol or any other medication your child may have to take.
· Another thing that helps the environment is an air purifier so it wouldn’t hurt to invest in one. You’re not only doing it for the child or person that suffers from asthma, but for the entire family.
Asthma is a serious condition and if not treated can be extremely dangerous. Anyone who suffers from it needs to take the necessary precautions to ensure their health and those they love.
http://www.airnow.gov/
