Asthma is a condition which affects many people. Although there is no cure for asthma, there are things that can be done to control its symptoms. Read on to learn more about asthma and the different treatment options available.
Asthma is a chronic lung disease which affects your airways. It is caused by the chronic inflammation of these airways. This inflammation makes the airways of an asthmatic person extremely sensitive to different triggers. When anything triggers the inflammation, the airways get swollen and filled up with mucus. The muscles in the airway then contract. and it becomes difficult to breathe.
Asthma symptoms can sometimes be mild while other times they can lead to an asthma attack. The main symptoms of an asthma attack are difficulty in breathing, wheezing, tightness of chest, difficulty speaking and coughing. The most common symptom is wheezing, which is a whistling sound with breathing.
Although there are treatments for asthma, people can die from it. Therefore, if you have asthma. it is important that you treat the symptoms when you notice them. Preventing the symptoms from getting worse can prevent a severe asthma attack. If you have a severe asthma attack you may need emergency care since it can be life-threatening.
There are many different treatments available for asthma. There are the long term medications used to control your asthma. These are generally taken on a daily basis and keep your asthma under control. There is also the quick relief medicines which you use for fast relief during an asthma attack or before exercising. A quick relief inhaler can alleviate your symptoms immediately if your asthma flares up. Also, if your asthma is caused by allergies, an allergy medication may help. Talk to your doctor to determine which is the best medication for you.
There are other alternative treatments which can help you cope with your asthma symptoms. Some people have found acupuncture helpful. Breathing and relaxation techniques can also be useful in controlling your symptoms. These can help your asthma by reducing stress and tension. There are some herbal remedies which might also help improve the symptoms of asthma. These include pycnogenol, butterbur and Indian frankincense. Omega 3 fatty acids have also been found to reduce inflammation which causes asthma symptoms. Remember that these alternative treatments should not be a substitute for your medical treatments.
There are many things that people with asthma can do to minimize the possibilities of an asthma attack. You can control your asthma by avoiding things that trigger it. Use the air conditioner to reduce the amount of pollen from the air. During pollen season, do not open windows and limit the amount of time you spend outdoors. Clean your house regularly to minimize dust. Avoid pet dander. If you have a pet, bathe or groom him regularly. Doing these things will help control your asthma.
You can have asthma and still live a fulfilling life. Just remember that asthma is a manageable disease which can be successfully controlled. Learn all you can about it to help minimize and prevent asthma attacks.