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Hypertension & more ::
avoidance of asthma triggers
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Avoid potential asthma triggers and reduce chances of attacks
These triggers can be present in food, in clothing, in the environment. You need to work with your doctor to identify the right triggers. That can be a long-drawn-out process, at times. But it is worth the effort because it helps you reduce asthma attacks. By controlling your exposure, you can control both the frequency and severity of your asthma attacks. Here are some of the more common triggers and what you can do to limit the damage they do. Dust mites What are dust mites? They're tiny insects that feed on fallen skin cells. They excrete a substance that can cause an asthma attack for some folks. Where do you find dust mites? Everywhere you find sloughed-off skin. That means mattresses, pillows, couches, carpets, soft toys and more. They just need a place to burrow into and hide, so most soft items will do. Get rid of stuffed animals, at least inside bedrooms. Avoid draperies and carpets when possible. Use covers on pillows and mattresses. You can control dust mites and therefore your asthma symptoms. Dust Did you know that dust itself (not the mites above) can be a bronchial irritant? Dust can easily trigger an asthma attack in some people. Take steps to control dust in your living space by making changes like using a canister vacuum cleaner (this prevents dust billowing into the air). Make it a point to wipe down dusty surfaces with a damp cloth while cleaning. Pollen If you are allergic to pollen, it can present a huge challenge. Because pollen can be present everywhere at certain times of the year. Keep an eye on air quality. Many radio stations, newspapers and websites publish daily air quality ratings for individual cities. Check on this before you go out. At the minimum, avoid heavy outdoor activities when air quality is poor. Skin cells from pets Pet dander is a virulent asthma trigger for some people. The most logical way out is to give the pet away. If you can't do that, keep it away from sleeping areas to reduce your exposure. Train the pet to not climb onto couches and other places where you sit (or slouch!) Food related allergies For many asthmatics, their attacks are triggered by specific foods. There is no set pattern here and a wide range of food items may trigger bouts of asthma (peanuts are a fairly common trigger.) If testing reveals that you are allergic to certain foods, you should avoid them. More than one natural asthma remedy requires you to focus on food. Physical exertion / exercise This can set off an asthma bout for some people. It is thought that this is due to bronchial tissues drying out more quickly during exercise, particularly if you take rapid, shallow breaths. Cockroaches Parts of cockroaches including litter contain chemicals that act as allergens for some patients, particularly children. Setting up roach traps and using various insecticides can help to keep these pests under control. Cold air This can trigger attacks as well. Again, this may be due to bronchial tissues drying out -- an effect similar to that produced by exercising. The solution is to wear a face mask or scarf when going out in cold, dry climates. Figure out what your specific allergens are. And do what you must for the avoidance of asthma triggers so that you can bring the disease under control.
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