As someone with asthma, you know that your chances of having an attack does not disappear when the weather turns cold. In fact, you could be exposed to even more triggers. To prevent this, it is important that you take precautions to safeguard your health. Here are a few ways you can keep control of your asthma.
Protect Yourself from Cold Air
Breathing cold air can trigger an asthma attack. Since avoiding the weather is unlikely, you need to take precautions to protect yourself when you are outdoors. For instance, you can use a scarf to cover your mouth and nose.
If you routinely exercise outdoors, now is the time to move indoors. Your local gym or your home are idea places. However, if you must exercise outdoors, you should invest in a winter face mask. You also need to be mindful of how your body is responding to the air. If your chest starts to tighten or you start coughing, ending your workout for the day at that point could prevent an attack.
Avoid the Fireplace
Your fireplace might make your home feel warm and cozy, but it can potentially trigger an asthma attack. The smoke from the fireplace could cause irritation to your lungs. It can also leave the room feeling humid, which is also a trigger.
To avoid this, do not use the fireplace this winter. If you turn to a central heating system to provide warmth for your home, remember to use a humidifier. The humidifier will add moisture to the air, which can keep you from inhaling dry air that will irritate your lungs.
Get a Flu Shot
Getting a flu shot might seem like an unusual step to take when trying to avoid as asthma attack, but the two conditions are linked. Flu is a condition that can affect your lungs and cause other complications, such as pneumonia. Your risk of a serious asthma attack increases significantly if you get sick with the flu.
If you develop any flu symptoms this winter, talk to your allergist immediately. He or she will want to treat you for the condition to ward off any complications.
Your allergist and family doctor can offer additional advice on avoiding an asthma attack this winter. By taking precautions ahead of time, you can not only avoid the attack, but other complications that could have a long-term effect on your health. Visit resources like http://www.drdianeozog.com to learn more.
Share23 October 2017
Seniors are like any other specialized group of people. They need services specific to their needs. Everything from nutrition to housekeeping to travel is different for seniors, and the services they receive should reflect that. I am a mental health care provider, and I work exclusively with people over the age of 65. My goal is to help educate the general population about the special needs of seniors and to inspire people to make their homes, businesses and lives more acceptable to the older generations. Seniors deserve our care and attention, and I hope that I can show others how to provide it.