7 Do's and Don'ts for Anyone with Asthma

Asthma is truly debilitating at times, and we know exactly how much the respiratory condition can affect your everyday life. While some things might seem obvious when it comes to minimizing the effects asthma can have on you, some aren’t as clear.

Here, we round up seven do's and don’ts to remember when it comes to managing your condition and preventing your symptoms.

Don’t smoke

An obvious one, smoking is harmful in all situations, regardless of whether you suffer from asthma or not. However, if you do have respiratory issues, you should avoid smoke wherever possible. Whether this means kicking the habit or simply preventing people from smoking in your home or car, be sure to take the necessary steps to avoid cigarette smoke.

Do keep your home clean

Regular maintenance at home will prevent a build-up of dust, dirt and pet dander – all of which contribute to unwanted symptoms of asthma. Change your sheets regularly to avoid a dust mite invasion, and vacuum frequently (especially if you share your home with a cat or dog).

Don’t stop exercising

If you’re into fitness, try not to let your asthma get in the way of your exercise routine. If you’re new to the gym scene, don’t let it put you off trying something new. Working out is beneficial for many reasons, and it’s better to discuss your concerns with your doctor rather than quit exercising altogether.

Do prepare your own food

In order to manage your diet effectively, try to prepare your own food when and wherever possible. This will allow you to keep on top of your meals, as many pre-packaged food items contain preservatives and chemicals that could trigger an asthma attack. This also applies to those who suffer from allergies.

Don’t put off visiting your GP

This is important. If you have asthma, it’s crucial to have regular check-ups with your doctor. Don’t wait until you’re feeling extremely unwell to pick up the phone and call your GP – visit them regularly to ensure you’re doing all you can to keep your condition under control.

Do try yoga

Yoga is undeniably effective when it comes to managing stress – one of the key triggers of asthma. Practicing deep breathing and meditation techniques will aid you when it comes to controlling your stress levels, and these soothing exercises will mean you react to stressful situations in a calmer, more rational way.

Don’t forget your inhaler

Try to pack a spare inhaler in your bag, briefcase or carry-on so you’re prepared wherever you are. It might seem obvious, but it’s easy to forget – so always have one on hand to avoid panicking should you have an asthma attack away from home.

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5 Asthma Triggers You Probably Didn’t Know About

Asthma can be extremely disruptive when it comes to your everyday life. Affecting the airways, asthma can cause shortness of breath, discomfort and panic.

While asthma can occur as a result of pollution, intense exercise or respiratory infection, it can also be triggered by a number of lesser-known factors, most of which might surprise you.

Below, five of the lesser-known culprits behind your asthma attacks.

Indoor environment

The conditions in which you live play a significant role when it comes to your health. A build-up of dust in your bedroom, living area or attic can bring on your symptoms, and mold or damp in your bathroom can also have a serious impact. If you’re into DIY, take care when handling and storing paint, glue and varnishes, even if they’re in the garage.

Second-hand smoke

It goes without saying that cigarettes are hazardous to your health, and it’s common knowledge that smoking can cause serious lung damage. According to Asthma UK, around 82% of people suffering with the condition find that tobacco smoke affects their asthma. However, you don’t need to be a smoker to feel the effects - the chemicals in cigarette smoke cause irritation and inflammation of the lungs and airways.

Emotions

Our emotions can really toy with our asthma symptoms. Perhaps your asthma has previously been triggered by laughing at a friend’s joke (read: misfortune), or by crying while watching an especially sad scene in a movie – you may want to avoid The Light Between Oceans if you have asthma and a tendency to cry. In fact, the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) and the American Thoracic Society (ATS) both reported a link between laughter and asthma, so you don’t necessarily need to be sad to feel the effects.

Alcohol

Did you know that the glass of wine you indulged in last night may have affected your asthma? Probably not. However, according to a survey by Asthma UK, 64% of sufferers claim that certain alcoholic drinks trigger their symptoms. Red wine was the primary offender, with beer and cider not far behind. If you’ve noticed a correlation between certain alcoholic drinks and the worsening of your symptoms, it’s best to avoid them altogether.

Stress and anxiety

Asthma UK has revealed that 69% of asthma sufferers reported that feelings of stress and anxiety can bring on their symptoms. When stressed, our bodies release extra hormones - and we react with tense muscles, faster breathing and a quickened heart rate, all of which can contribute to worsened asthma symptoms. To minimize the impact stress and anxiety can have on your asthma symptoms, make sure you’re managing your condition well – stay healthy, take your meds and speak to your doctor if you’re feeling more stressed than usual.

To stay ahead of your asthma and allergy outbreaks, the Sensio AIR team recommends regular visits to your GP, careful use of medication and the use of an at-home air quality monitor.

The Sensio AIR device will be available to buy soon, but you can manage your symptoms in the meantime by downloading the app. iPhone users can get it here, and Android owners can download it here.

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Image courtesy of Jill Wellington, Pixabay

5 Allergy Mistakes You’re Probably Making

Not one to take your shoes off when you return home? It's time to change that.

We know you’re doing everything in your power to keep your allergies under control. You take your meds, wear sunglasses during pollen season and avoid your neighbor’s cat at all costs.

However, there are some things you could be forgetting. If you’re someone who enjoys a large glass of red come dinner time, read on. Here are five allergy mistakes you could be making.

Not taking your shoes off

This little detail can make a big difference. Wearing shoes around the house can result in a trail of pollen being left behind, and this applies to your clothes too. Try to remove your footwear as soon as you return home, and change into fresh clothes in the bathroom – not your bedroom.

Having alcohol with dinner

According to Everyday Health, drinking alcohol actually encourages blood flow to the nose, which can make your nasal allergy symptoms worse. If you’re feeling particularly unwell, or you’ve noticed an increase in your symptoms, trade your wine for water.

Taking a dip in the pool

While going for a swim won’t affect your allergy symptoms in itself, the chlorine in the water might. If you’re lucky enough to have a pool in your back garden, or you’re a member of the local swimming group, be wary in water. Ingesting the chlorine can irritate your airways and make you feel poorly.

Skipping your pre-bed shower

While many opt for an early morning shower, it’s a good idea to indulge in one upon your return home. You can pick up an array of harmful particles while out and about, many of which will cling to your hair, clothing and skin – so be sure to wash them away with a bedtime shower.

Opening your windows

This one can be difficult – it’s tempting to throw every window open when spring finally makes an appearance, but try not to. The breeze is welcome, but the particles that come with it are not. Pollen will flow into your home along with the cool bursts of air, so opt for an air conditioner instead.

#asthma #allergy #respiratory #disease #triggers #children #health #healthcare #symptoms #SensioAIR #airpollution #pollution #allergens #illness #stress #smoking #exercise #alcohol #medication #medicine

Image courtesy of Drew Coffman, Unsplash