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 Presently,
there is no known medical cure for asthma. In living with asthma, the sufferers
need to understand that a combination of factors are needed to help them control
the number of attacks they have and the quality of life they live.
Depending on the severity of their asthma some individuals may require specific
medicine. Others may be able to employ natural and alternative products that
help ease their symptoms and prevent attacks. In both cases there are numerous
practical suggestions that can prove to be of benefit as well.
Firstly, it is of primary importance for any sufferer to gain as much
understanding of their condition as possible. Knowledge can mean gaining control
of their situation. An asthmatic is greatly affected by their environment. By
studying the experiences of others, it is possible to gain insight into areas
that they may have otherwise overlooked. So the first suggestion to living with
asthma is to make oneself an attentive student of the disease. This role entails
the need to learn as much as possible about the disease, its causes, medications
and other factors necessary to manage it.
Another practical suggestion for living with asthma is to take a close look at
your environment. Dust mites, pet dander, strong scents, and chemical fumes can
all play a role in irritating the airways of an asthmatic person. Practical
efforts must be made to improve the situation in our home. Dust mites, for
example, may require a special vacuum cleaner designed to clear them out. There
are several brands available at the market today for you to choose from.
Alternatively, you may decide to remove all the carpeting from your home or
apply an application of a powder known as Benzyl benzoate which was known to
help eliminate the mites for up to two or three months. Another environmental
issue is mold and it may require a practical search of all areas of the home -
such as the basement. Keeping the humidity in the home under 50% is another
suggestion that helps certain asthmatics.
And because more and more people are becoming aware of the toxicity of certain
everyday chemical products we are now fortunate enough to have a variety of
'green' products that have a natural and non-allergic base. By slowly finding
and changing these household items you can go along way to reducing the number
of asthma attacks.
Learn to recognize the stress points in your life. A number of asthma support
groups are ready to help sufferers in coping with their asthma by learning
methods to deal with these stress. Most of us are aware when the pressure may be
building. By taking steps to keep calm we eliminate one more trigger from our
lives.
Take a careful look at the foods you eat. Certain foods can certainly aggravate
an asthmatic condition. If need be, write down what you were eating whenever you
experience an uncomfortable reaction. Since it can include an number of items
you may over a short period of time be able to pinpoint the culprits by spotting
the pattern. Some specific trouble makers have been found to be food additives
BHA and BHT. As well, FD&C Yellow No. 5 food dye. For some the amino acid
tryptophan can cause a reaction.
Cultivate good communication skills - with your doctor - and with the people you
live and work with. By being open with those around you it will help them to
work with you in lessening the triggers in your environment which may lead to
asthma attacks. By working well with your doctor you can keep a close watch on
the progress of your disease and the effectiveness of your medicines. Hence,
living with asthma and quality living is definitely possible.
Get
more information on living with asthma!
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