SolveYourProblem Article Series: Asthma
Asthma Causes, Triggers & Treatments

Living With & Suffering From Asthma?
Some Practical Suggestions

At present the medical community and researchers do not have a known cure for the disease of asthma. In living with this disease sufferers have come to understand that there is a combination of factors that goes into helping 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.

To begin with, 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 may have previously been overlooked. So the first suggestion is to become a first rate student of the disease.

Next, 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 when one is sensitive. How can you improve the situation in your home? Dust mites, for example, may require a special vacuum cleaner designed to clear them out. There are several on the market today that promise to do that. Or you may decide to remove all the carpeting from your home. As well, an application of a powder known as Benzyl benzoate can also 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 point sufferers in the direction of learning to develop personal methods of dealing with stress. Most of us know 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 that lead to asthma attacks. By working well with your doctor you will can keep a close watch on the progress of your disease and how effectively your medicines are working.

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by SolveYourProblem.com : 2008

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