You Might Need To Think Carefully Before Doing Away With That Asthma Inhaler
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How many of you were diagnosed with Asthma as an ADULT like I was? It was QUITE shocking!
I'm active and like to hike, so I went to Spray Falls which is in the Mt. Rainier area, about 15 years ago. While traversing up the mountain, I had to continuously stop to catch my breath. This seemed odd. I couldn't figure it out. I wanted to get to the top to take pictures because the scenery was stunning, I just was having a hard time getting there. I eventually reached the top and took some pictures. I would love to go again someday.
Weeks after my hiking trip, I was still experiencing shortness of breath. Why was this happening suddenly? It made no sense! I was a little scared.
Off I went to visit my allergist. He had me blow into a device that measures breathing, plus ran some other tests. He informed me that I had asthma! I couldn't believe it.
I was sent home with a preventive inhaler for daily use and an emergency inhaler to use during an attack. Even though I had the preventive inhaler, I refused to use it. I was still in denial that I needed it. I happened to be out on the trail one day with my husband and experienced a severe asthma attack. For some reason I had the preventive inhaler with me and not the emergency inhaler. Of course, the preventive one doesn't work during an attack. I managed to survive.
That awful experience forced me to finally listen to the doctor and start puffing daily. At first my voice went away, but I was breathing and that's all that mattered.
My asthma eventually was under control and I was able to go to a lower daily dosage. After feeling fantastic for a long time, I decided to take it upon myself to completely stop using my daily inhaler right before spring. I mean, I was cured, right? Wait a minute, NOT SO FAST! I started having the worst attacks of my life. My husband used to have to drive me to air conditioned malls and movie theatres. A couple of nights we spent in hotels just for air. It was getting ridiculous and expensive!
I got back on the inhaler again and have used it consistently for years on a daily basis. I puff now about every other day unless I start having symptoms. If that happens, I puff more frequently. Different locations in my house and the cars are stashed with puffers, since I never know when disaster will strike.
I used to completely PANIC when having an Asthma attack, but I've learned secrets to deal with it and they've really helped me.
1. Don't panic, go to a designated quite place (mine was my bedroom) and puff, lie down, and RELAX.
2. Buy a Humidifier or put a pan of hot water next to the bed. You might also jump in a hot steamy shower to open your lungs.
3. If the air is freezing cold outside, don't go outside.
4. Don't drink cold water, drink hot water daily. It's good to steam your lungs!
5. Don't EVER STOP using your daily inhaler "cold turkey". Talk to your doctor before making any changes.
6. Don't stuff yourself when you eat. It can put pressure on your lungs.
7. Take your emergency inhaler wherever you go. I have several that are stored in different places like bedroom, family room, purse, and each of our cars.
8. Carpets collect dust. Replace with hardwood floors.
9. Keep your windows closed especially during pollen season. Invest in an air conditioner if you can afford it.
10. HEPA filter vacuum cleaners are a great way to remove the dust. Other vacuums might redistribute the dust throughout your house.
Do not hesitate to contact your doctor if you experience breathing problems or think you might have asthma. |
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By :
Peter Steph
Submitted
2010-12-23 07:01:15 |
Article From Article Mayhem
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