Asthma is a condition that affects thousands of people each year. It is a condition of the lungs in which the airways tighten and narrow. Asthma can make it hard to breathe and cannot be cured, but medicine and lifestyle changes can help control it. Asthma may be started (triggered) by:
- Animal skin flakes (dander).
- Cleaning products.
- Hair sprays or aerosol sprays.
- Paint fumes or strong smells.
- Cold air, weather changes, and winds.
- Crying or laughing hard.
- Certain medicines or drugs.
- Foods, such as dried fruit, potato chips, and sparkling grape juice.
- Infections or conditions (colds, flu).
- Certain medical conditions or diseases.
- Exercise or tiring activities.
At Home:
- Take medicine as told by your doctor.
- To help prevent asthma attacks:
- Do not Stay away from secondhand smoke.
- Change your heating and air conditioning filter often.
- Limit your use of fireplaces and wood stoves.
- Get rid of pests (such as roaches and mice) and their droppings.
- Throw away plants if you see mold on them.
- Clean your floors. Dust regularly. Use cleaning products that do not smell.
- Have someone vacuum when you are not home. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter if possible.
- Replace carpet with wood, tile, or vinyl flooring. Carpet can trap animal skin flakes and dust.
- Use allergy-proof pillows, mattress covers, and box spring covers.
- Use blankets that are made of polyester or cotton.
- Clean bathrooms and kitchens with bleach. If possible, have someone repaint the walls in these rooms with mold-resistant paint. Keep out of the rooms that are being cleaned and painted.
- Wash hands often.
Get Help Right Away If:
- You seem to be worse and are not responding to medicine during an asthma attack.
- You are short of breath even at rest.
- You get short of breath when doing very little activity.
- You have trouble eating, drinking, or talking.
- You have chest pain.
- You have a fast heartbeat.
- Your lips or fingernails start to turn blue.
- You are light-headed, dizzy, or faint.
If you are suffering from Asthma contact our Irving doctors today to schedule an appointment.