10 Lifestyle Tips to Manage Your Asthma
Marina had asthma for over 20 years and she kept her condition in control with proper medication and lifestyle habits. However, she was always surprised that majority of her asthma episodes happened at home, instead of the outdoors. Marina wondered if there was something she was not doing right.
Like Marina, most people have their asthmatic attacks while in the safety of their home. This can be rather surprising as we would believe our homes are cleaner than the polluted streets we travel each day to work. However, that may not always be the case. Minor allergens indoors can trigger off major breathing difficulties. Here are 10 important points you need to be aware of so you can successfully control your asthma indoors.
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Your pet pooch stays out of bed
As much as you love Fido, his fur is probably what gave you your last asthma attack. Dogs and cats should not be allowed on the bed. Check with your doctor if pet fur can be tolerated by your asthma condition. Ask your vet to trim excess fur. Regularly brushing your pet will prevent bunches of fur from lying around the house.
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Smoking indoors is an absolute no-no
If you have asthma, chances are you don’t smoke. However, second hand smoke can be equally dangerous as a trigger for an asthmatic episode. Make sure your guests take their cigarettes outside. Any lingering smoke smell in your curtains or furniture linen can cause a problem for you.
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Throw away excess aerosol sprays
Household sprays like air fresheners, deodorants, hair sprays, and insect repellents can trigger your asthma. Avoid using aerosol sprays daily. You can try substituting with natural products such as agarbatti to freshen up the air. Instead of deodorants try to opt for scented oils.
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Flower pots may need to go outside
Pollen is a known trigger for those who suffer allergic asthma. Flower pots in your living room or on your kitchen window need to be relocated to the outdoors. Daisies, sunflowers, chrysanthemums, and chamomile are known to be the worst flowers affecting those with allergic asthma.
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Wash linen in hot water
Makes sure to wash all your bed linen in hot water to get rid of any bacteria and dust mites. Unwashed linen are often the main cause those unexplained nightly asthma episodes. These days, the market has many special allergen-resistant pillows and duvets designed for asthma patients.
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Find the best exercise plan
Zumba, jogging, and aerobics might be harsh on you. Yet, you need to exercise to keep your lungs strong. Walking, swimming, yoga, leisure biking, and tai-chi are great ways to stay in shape. Always check with your doctor before starting something new.
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Get sufficient sleep at night
Those forty odd winks through the day can’t replace a good 8-hour sleep at night. Sleep is your body’s only way to rest, repair and heal. Studies show that people who try to cut down on the number of hours they sleep have a weakened immune system. A minimum of 7 to 8 hours of sleep is necessary each night for you to be at your healthiest.
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Always adhere to your prescriptions
Asthma is a condition that needs to be managed daily; not just when the symptoms show up. Always take the medication your doctor has prescribed. If your child has asthma, make sure his / her teachers and gym coaches are aware of the condition.
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You need antioxidants in your diet
Antioxidants help prevent oxidative damage to your body cells. Studies have shown that people who ate a diet rich in antioxidants have had greater success in managing their asthma symptoms. Include blueberries, kidney beans, ginger, tomatoes, apples, carrots, green tea, fish, oranges, onions, and legumes in your daily diet.
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Take time out for yourself
Stress is known to cause a shortness of breath which may trigger off your asthma symptoms. In the rush of city life, it may seem a hard task to take the time to relax and yet it is very important. Develop a relaxing hobby or spend a few minutes of silent meditation each day. These will truly do wonders for your health.
Homeopathic treatment for asthma
Research has shown that asthma is the third most common cause of hospitalisation worldwide. Moreover, asthma does not have a uniform pattern of presentation. It manifests through different triggers in each affected person. Homeopathic treatment for asthma adopts a unique approach based on each person’s progression of the disease. With the use of safe and natural substances, homeopathic medicine helps reduce the intensity and frequency of asthma episodes. Homeopathic treatment of asthma is free from harmful side-effects. This makes it an especially suitable option for young children. Don’t let asthma harm you or your loved ones. Contact your nearest homeopath for safe and holistic healing solutions.