7 TIPS FOR PEOPLE WITH ASTHMA
More than 10 million Americans have or have had asthma during their lives. It is a condition in which “twitchy” overactive bronchial tubes narrow, swell, and become clogged with mucus. The condition is usually triggered by pollens, house dust, animal fur and other common substances. Stress and anxiety can also play a role in bringing on an asthma attack. Sometimes even exercise can trigger an attack.
Regardless of what triggers an asthma attack, there are several precautionary measures you can take to lessen both the frequency and severity of attacks.
1) Breathe clean air— this is often easier said than done, but just about any assault on the respiratory tract can trigger an asthma attack. Avoid such irritants as paint fumes, pine oil, insect spray, household cleaners, strong cooking odors, and smoke of any kind.
2) Avoid allergens— if you suffer from asthma, the chances are about 3 to 1 that ^gu are allergic to one or more substances. It you can avoid the most common allergens—dust, mold, and pollen—you may be able to protect yourself from asthma attacks (see allergies, elsewhere in this chapter).
3) Stay out of the cold— according to medical experts, cold air can trigger asthma. The best thing to do when it’s cold outside is to stay indoors, but if that isn’t possible, you should keep your mouth and nose covered with a mask or a scarf.
4) Watch the foods you eat— pay attention to the foods you eat and give up any that seem to be followed by breathing difficulties. Be especially wary of eggs, milk, nuts, some meat products and seafood.
5) Watch what drugs you take— you should take drugs only under your doctor’s supervision. Among the drugs most likely to trigger asthma are penicillin and related antibiotics. Avoid aspirin and all aspirin-containing compounds because you are most likely sensitive to the pain reliever.
6) Know how to use an inhaler— whatever type of an inhaler you may have— one bought over-the-counter, or one prescribed by a doctor—you must be able to use it correctly.
The proper position for an inhaler is 1 to 2 inches from your lips with your mouth wide open. Inhale deeply as you squeeze the canister down; hold your breath for 3 to 5 seconds.
7) In an emergency, use caffeine— some studies have shown that the amount of caffeine in two cups of coffee can help ease an asthma attack. Doctors say that caffeine and some popular asthma drugs are so much alike that your body can’t tell the difference. While caffeine is not a recommended substitute for medication, nor a recommended treatment , many experts say the caffeine in two cups of coffee or a couple of chocolate bars can be used effectively in an emergency when your medication or inhaler is not available.
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Give yourself time to heal— stay out of the sun until all signs of the sunburn, including any peeling and flaking, are gone. When you finally return to the sun, don’t forget your sunscreen.