How to Control Asthma

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
Asthma is a disease that affects the lungs. While there is no known cure for asthma, symptoms of asthma can be controlled both by making lifestyle changes and by taking medication. If you are tired of dealing with asthma, scroll down to Step 1 for more details.

Steps

Getting Medical Help

1. Consult a doctor about your asthma. The first thing you should do before trying any medication is talk to your doctor about your condition. He or she will be able to prescribe medication tailored to your health and medical history.
   • Schedule regular doctors visits. Scheduling regular visits is a good idea because your doctor can check to see if there have been any changes to the things that you are allergic to or causing your asthma attacks.
   • Health conditions that mimic the symptoms of asthma include: sinus infections, lung infections, lung diseases, gastroesophageal reflux disease, respiratory syncytial virus, and vocal chord problems.
2. Use an asthma inhaler. These are devices that help you to take your medication and will relieve your symptoms if you are in the middle of having an asthma attack. A common inhaler is Azmacort, which contains 75 mcg of triamcinolone acetonide, a steroid, in every spray. Your inhaler should come with instructions, but you can also use the tips below.[1] To use an inhaler:
   • Assemble the inhaler by opening and attaching the medicine container at the medicine port of the inhaler.
   • Shake the inhaler well before use. This is to ensure that the medicine in the bottle is properly mixed.
   • Put the mouthpiece in your mouth and secure it with your lips, forming a sealed connection. This way you won’t waste any medicine.
   • Press the medicine bottle and simultaneously inhale through your mouth and hold your breath for 2 seconds so that the medicine can be absorbed in the airway. Holding your breath allows the medication to settle in. Repeat this process as prescribed by your doctor.
   • Many times people will feel their rescue inhaler is ineffective but this is often because the inhaler is being used incorrectly. The stream of medication should be pointed at the airway, not at the tongue or roof of the mouth. You must also inhale and hold the breath in the lungs for as long as possible, in order to help the medication absorb. One puff is often also not enough, and taking 1-2 puffs every twenty minutes for up to an hour may be needed to calm some asthma attacks.[2]
3. See if an asthma nebulizer relieves your symptoms. These devices deliver steroids, bronchodilators or both in an aerosol form. The metered dose inhaler (MDI) is a handheld nebulizer. This is usually what is used for asthma medications. The medication is in a pressurized canister that can be placed in an inhaler that can release medication through a mouthpiece or a nose piece.[3] To use a nebulizer:
   • Wash your hands. Place the nebulizer on a sturdy platform and plug it in an electric socket. Attach the mouthpiece/mask and the nebulizer cup to the tubing. Attach the tubing through a port of the nebulizer.
   • Put the prescribed medication in your nebulizer cup. Position the nebulizer in an upright manner so that the air flows more effectively. Turn on the machine and breathe the aerosol slowly and simultaneously hold your breath for two seconds. Holding your breath allows the medication to settle in.
   • Continue until the nebulizer cup is empty. If dizziness occurs, pause for five minutes and then continue the treatment.
4. Talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for steroids. Steroids act as anti-inflammatory agents by relaxing your airways when you have an asthma attack. Steroids can be prescribed as pills, or they can be taken with the help of an inhaler or nebulizer.[4]
   • A 40 mg dose of prednisone taken every other day is a common steroid prescription.
5. Try using bronchodilators. These medications help to relax spastic airways during an asthma attack. Like steroids, they can be taken via an inhaler or with the help of a nebulizer. A common bronchodilator is 2 to 4 mg of albuterol taken 4 times a day orally.[5]

Adjusting Your Lifestyle

1. Follow the advice provided by your doctor. The first place you start should always be following the asthma plan that your doctor comes up with for you. Every case is different and your doctor will be able to give you specifics for you particular case and lifestyle.
2. Know when you need to rest. It's important to recognize when you need to slow down and rest. Know when too much activity is too much, so you can rest and catch your breath before an asthma attack happens. Just by paying attention to your body and learning the feeling of an oncoming attack, you can prevent many asthma attacks.
3. Drink more water. Staying well hydrated isn't connected to asthma specifically but is very important for keeping all of your body in good working condition and it will cut down on factors that can affect asthma (by, for example, regulating lung mucus). Try to drink a small glass of water at least once every 2 hours while you're awake. [6]
4. Change where you live. Certain environments are just not good for people with asthma. Especially if your asthma is severe, it may be a good idea to move to another part of the country. Warmer climates and climates with clear, good quality air are best for people with asthma.
   • Humid climates may, however, contribute to asthma problems. Be careful when choosing a warmer place to move to.
5. Lose some weight. Being overweight can add to the severity of your asthma attacks because your extra weight can add pressure to your lungs. Because of this, if you have frequent asthma attacks you should try to lose some weight. The key to reaching a healthy weight is a nutritious diet and exercise.[7]
   • Try to eat six small meals a day rather than three large meals. You should also cut back on fatty foods, sugar, and excess carbs. For more information on how to create a healthy diet for yourself, click here.
6. Reduce your stress levels. Stress can cause you to have an asthma attack because your body can respond to stress by restricting your airways. Make sure to get at least eight hours of sleep each night so that you have the energy to face stressful situations head-on the next day.[8] You can also try:
   • Yoga.
   • Meditation.
   • Breathing exercises.
7. Strengthen your lungs through moderate exercise. While strenuous exercise when your lungs are weak could lead to an asthma attack, moderate exercise can actually strengthen your lungs. To begin, start with very moderate exercises, like walking, and work your way into a more challenging workout regimen. Exercise increases your lung capacity. During exercise, your lungs work harder. Like a muscle, lungs compensate to the a harder work by becoming larger and stronger. Consult your doctor before exercising because he or she can help you to tailor an exercise routine that can fit the limitations you face because of your asthma.[9] For example:
   • Start out by walking 100 meters every day. If you can walk 100 meters everyday for a week without any problem, increase next weeks distance to 110 meters, etc.
8. Take good care of your health. Getting sick with colds and sicknesses like bronchitis can make asthma symptoms much worse. Because of this, you'll want to take extra good care of your general health in order to prevent further problems. Eat a healthy diet, get lots of vitamin C, wash your hands, and try not to expose yourself to people who are sick.

Avoiding Triggers

1. Identify allergens that trigger your asthma. Allergies can make your airways constrict because your body sees these allergens as a threat. When your airways constrict, your asthma can get triggered. Try avoid the things that you are allergic when it is possible to do so. If you do not know what you allergic to, go to a allergy specialist who can test you for specific allergies.[10] Common allergens include:
   • Pollen.
   • Trees.
   • Grass.
   • Molds.
   • Dust.
   • Roaches.
2. Write down things that trigger your asthma in a journal. If you notice that your asthma is worse on some days that others, or in certain places rather than others, write down what you think triggered it so you can avoid it in the future.
3. Be aware of environmental factors that can affect your asthma. Some environmental factors can increase your asthma attacks. These environmental factors can irritate your respiratory system, which in turn triggers your asthma.[11] Some common factors include:
   • Sudden change of atmosphere.
   • Excessive cold weather.
   • Excessive hot weather.
   • Strong odors.
   • Sinusitis.
   • Medication.
   • Food.
4. Stop smoking. Smoking irritates the mucosal linings of the airways stimulating them to produce more mucus than in generally normal. If you have asthma, you should quit smoking to give your sensitive lungs a chance to recover.[12]
   • Avoid being around smoke in general. Second hand smoke can also wreak havoc on the linings of your airways so try to avoid being around cigarette smoke as much as possible.
5. Avoid mold. Mold is another common trigger for asthma attacks. Make sure your home has good ventilation and keep it clean to avoid mold. You should also try to let wet surfaces and objects dry completely. Towels are a common place for mold to grow, for example.
   • You can use apple cider vinegar to kill mold on many surfaces.
   • A dehumidifier can also help control mold and make the air in your home easier to breath. [13]
6. Control pests. Cockroaches and dust mites are both sources for asthma attacks. Keep a clean home and use pest control products to reduce this problem.
7. Pass on furry and feathered pets. It's sad, but furry pets can cause lots of problems for those with asthma. You'll have to pass on pets like cats and dogs. While some breeds are advertised was being hypoallergenic, studies have found these to not do anything to reduce health problems. Asthma sufferers may have more luck with no-hair cats and dogs, though.
   • Try a lizard, snake, or fish if you want to have a pet that will work better in your household.
8. Change your bedding. Down bedding and other natural bedding can cause asthma problems, due to allergic reactions. Dirty bedding, which develops mold and other soils, can also trigger asthma attacks. Choose cotton bedding and wash it regularly in hot water to keep triggers away.
9. Read food labels and be aware of what you are eating. Asthma often goes hand-in-hand with food allergies. People with asthma are often allergic to albumin, which is found in eggs, peanuts, and other foods that cause allergies.[14]
   • If you are allergic to albumin, always make sure to read food labels to prevent the onset of an allergic reaction.
   • Watch out for sulphites. Sulphites, a common food additive, may contribute to asthma attacks for some. Avoid sulphites when you can. They are most commonly found in dried fruit and many alcoholic drinks (namely wine).
10. Avoid perfumes and other strong, chemical smells. For those with extreme asthma, these may trigger attacks. Try not to put them on yourself and avoid areas where they are particularly strong, such as malls and auto shops. [15]
11. Check the air report. Many weather reports, especially those online and in newspapers, will include a forecast of the pollution levels or allergens (usually called the "Air Quality" report). Avoid spending a lot of time outside on days with particularly bad reports.
12. Stick to hypoallergenic products. Because of your asthma, you might be sensitive to certain products. This way you can make your daily life as comfortable as possible. Watch out for products with strong scents and try to find hypoallergenic versions of your favorite things, including:
    • Fabric. This includes clothing, bedding, and towels.
    • Soaps. Try to stay away from scented soaps and purchase hypoallergenic fabric softeners.
    • Pillows. Purchase hypoallergenic pillows.

Tips

• Replace filters in vents frequently (air conditioners, kitchen exhaust, dryers, etc...)
• If someone in your family has asthma, you are also more likely to have it.
• Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a high-efficiency particle arresting (HEPA) filter.
• Asthma medicines come in two types—quick-relief and long-term control.
  • Quick-relief medicines control the symptoms of an asthma attack.
  • Long-term control medicines help you have fewer and milder attacks.
• Asthma can be difficult to diagnose, especially in children under 5. Regular physical checkups, including checking your lung function and checking for allergies, can help your doctor make the right diagnosis.
• Worried about that stuffed animal your asthma-burdened child refuses to give up? Place it in the freezer for about a day once a week to kill dust mites. Be sure to wash it to remove their residue.
• Get rid of fabric curtains and replace them with window shades or mini-blinds.
• People who have asthma should get the flu vaccination as part of their routine care.
• Avoid potted plants. They are a breeding ground for mold.
• Use washable pet beds or blankets.
• Instead of carpeting, try vinyl or wood floors. Use area rugs that can be shaken out.
• Wipe the tub or shower dry after use to prevent the growth of mold.

Warnings

• Respiratory infections are more serious in patients with asthma. These infections can often lead to pneumonia and acute respiratory disease.
• Adults with asthma are at high risk of developing complications after contracting the influenza virus.
• Poor, inner-city minorities have disproportionately high rates of mortality from asthma.

Related wikiHows

• How to Control Asthma in Children
• How to Recognize Asthma
• How to Treat Asthma Attacks
• How to Dust Your Entire House
• How to Clean a House

Sources and Citations

1. ↑ Kozier, B. et al Fundamentals in Nursing Concept, Process and Practice 2006 Person Prentice Hall seventh edition.
2. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma-attack/basics/treatment/con-20034148
3. ↑ Smeltzer S. and Bare, B. 2006 Brunner and Suddarth Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing Vol 2. Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins Inc.
4. ↑ Ernst, A & Herth, F (2012). Principles and Practice of Interventional Pulmonology
5. ↑ Smeltzer, S. ET. Al.(2008). Brunner & Suddarth’s textbook of medical-surgical nursing.
6. ↑ http://brown.edu/Student_Services/Health_Services/Health_Education/common_college_health_issues/asthma.php
7. ↑ Ernst, A & Herth, F (2012). Principles and Practice of Interventional Pulmonology
8. ↑ http://www.everydayhealth.com/asthma/how-stress-triggers-asthma.aspx
9. ↑ http://www.asthma.org.uk/knowledge-bank-living-with-asthma-exercise
10. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/allergies-asthma
11. ↑ http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/csem.asp?csem=18&po=6
12. ↑ Smeltzer, S. ET. Al.(2008). Brunner & Suddarth’s textbook of medical-surgical nursing.
13. ↑ http://www.cdc.gov/asthma/faqs.htm
14. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/asthma-triggers
15. ↑ http://health.cvs.com/GetContent.aspx?token=f75979d3-9c7c-4b16-af56-3e122a3f19e3&chunkiid=19111

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Control Asthma. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Asthma Medicine and Cure

Asthma Medicine,Cures and Books

Visit 4RX.com for affordable meds!

Asthma Medicine and Cure

Asthma Medicine,Cures and Books

Visit 4RX.com for affordable meds!

How to Treat Asthma Attacks

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
Witnessing someone suddenly have trouble breathing can be terrifying, especially if you do not know what to do. It is important to stay calm and follow these steps for determining the cause of their breathing problem, treating an asthma attack with an inhaler, or for providing alternative treatments for asthmatics without an inhaler. If in doubt, call emergency services immediately.

Steps

Treat Severe Asthma Attacks

1. Determine if the asthma attack is severe. Severe asthma attacks happen less frequently, but are characterized by[1]:
   • Wheezing or whistling produced by breathing in and out
   • Rapid breathing
   • Uncontrollable coughing
   • Chest pain or chest tightening
   • Difficulty talking
   • Anxiety or panic
   • Pale face and blue lips or fingers
   • Persistence of symptoms despite use of asthma medications
2. In the case of a severe asthma attack, call emergency medical services before proceeding to the section immediately below. Most of the time, severe attacks will progress with few warnings.[2] If signs do occur, it is important to treat them immediately, so that they do not lead to severe attacks.

Treat Moderate Asthma Attacks

1. Help the person sit down. Let them lean slightly forward onto you or a chair for support.
   • Some asthmatics may sit in a "tripod" position by leaning forward with their hands on their knees to relieve pressure on their diaphragm.
   • Because asthma can be triggered by secondhand smoke, banish any smokers from the vicinity.
2. Calmly ask "Do you have asthma?" Even if they cannot verbally answer due to wheezing or coughing, they may nod or gesture towards their inhaler or an instruction card.
3. Inform the person you are looking for their inhaler. Do this to keep them calm and reassure them that you are working with them, not against them.
   • Women may keep their inhaler in their handbag, and men in a pocket.
   • Some asthmatics, especially children or the elderly, may have a clear plastic tube called a spacer that attaches to the inhaler. A spacer delivers the medicine into their mouth with less force, making it easier to inhale.
   • If you cannot find their inhaler, go to the section below.
4. Understand that there are different kinds of inhalers on the market. Depending on the situation, you may be forced to use a type of inhaler you are unfamiliar with.
   • MDIs, or metered dose inhalers. These are probably the most common inhalers. They are what the layperson thinks of when they think "inhaler." MDIs deliver asthma medication through a small aerosol canister equipped with a chemical propellant that pushes the medication into the lungs.[3]
   • DPIs, or dry powder inhalers. Dry powder inhalers require you to breathe in quickly and deeply, making them difficult to use during an asthma attack.[3] This makes them less popular than the standard MDIs. DPIs vary consistently from manufacturer to manufacturer, so care should be taken in reading the instructions before using.
   • Nebulizers. Nebulizers deliver asthma medication through a mouthpiece or mask. They are easy to use, because the patient breathes normally, but are somewhat bulkier than the MDIs. Nebulizers are common among children and elderly who suffer frequent asthma attacks.[3]
5. Shake the inhaler for five seconds to mix the medication in the canister. [4]
   • If there is a spacer, attach it to the inhaler after shaking. Remove the cap from the mouthpiece.
6. Prepare the person to receive medication from the inhaler. If the person has their head resting downward, temporarily lift their upper body back.
   • Help the person tilt their head back if necessary.
   • Have the asthmatic exhale as much as possible before using the inhaler.
7. Allow them to administer their own medication.
   • Inhaler dosages must be appropriately timed, so allow the asthmatic control of this process. Help them support the inhaler or spacer against their lips if necessary.
   • Most asthmatics will pause for a minute or two between puffs.
8. Call emergency services. Monitor the asthmatic until paramedics arrive.
   • Even if the asthmatic seems to get better after using their inhaler, it is best if a paramedic or healthcare professional can assess the person. If they do not want to go to the hospital, they can make that decision after being informed of their health status.
   • Continue to help them with their inhaler if necessary; even if the asthma attack does not decrease in severity the medication will help keep it from worsening by relaxing the airways.

Treat An Asthma Attack Without An Inhaler

1. Call emergency medical services, especially if the asthmatic is young or elderly. People suffering from asthma attacks without inhalers are serious risk of asphyxiating.
2. Find a drink with caffeine. Caffeine's chemical structure is similar to common asthma medications, and a small amount of coffee or soda can help relax the airways and reduce respiratory problems. [5]
   • The drug in question here is called theophylline.[6] There may not be enough theophylline present in coffee or tea to counteract the asthma attack, but it's better than sitting idly by and waiting for the attack to cure itself.
3. Help the asthmatic move inside if the air is cold. Cold air can trigger asthma attacks; moving them into an area with warm or even humid air may help relieve symptoms.
   • If you or the asthmatic is at home, running a hot shower or bath can transform the bathroom into a good recovery zone. [4]
4. Make use of common household drugs if you are at home. Certain drugs may help relieve the effects of an asthma attack in the case of emergency.
   • Administer a fast-acting antihistamine (allergy medicine) if you or the asthmatic thinks an allergen has triggered the reaction. This may be the case if you are outside on a day with a high pollen index. Antihistamines include:
     • Allegra, Benadryl, Dimetane, Claritin, Alavert, Tavist, Chlor-Trimeton, and Zyrtec, to name a few.[7]
     • Echinacea, Ginger, Chamomile, and Saffron are all natural antihistamines. If you can find any teas that contain these ingredients, that might help.
   • Use a pseudoephedrine like Sudafed. Sudafed is a nasal decongestant, but it could help during an asthma attack when an inhaler is not present.[6] It's best to break the pill down with a mortar and pestle and dissolve in warm water or tea before administering to limit the risk of choking.
5. Try to calm the asthmatic. Asthma can be triggered by emotional stress, and the experience of an asthma attack is very frightening. Reassuring them will provide comfort and support.

Video

Warnings

• The only over-the-counter medication for asthma attacks, called Primatene Mist, is no longer distributed. It has been banned by the United States FDA for using CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) as inhaler propellents, a substance that depletes the ozone layer. Because Primatene Mist is manufactured in the United States, it may not be available elsewhere. Primatene Mist is safe for an asthmatic to use so long as it has not expired. [8]

Related wikiHows

• How to Treat a Cat With Asthma
• How to Create an Asthma Action Plan
• How to Treat a Cough
• How to Deal With Smokers when You Are a Non Smoker
• How to Cope With Asthma

Sources and Citations

1. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/asthma-attack
2. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/status-asthmaticus
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 http://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/asthma-inhalers
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Kaiser Permanente, 1994, "Healthwise Handbook", ISBN: 1-877930-06-7
5. ↑ http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/29/asthma-symptoms-try-caffeine/
6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 http://www.thesurvivaldoctor.com/2012/05/03/asthma-attack-without-inhaler-9/
7. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/antihistamines-for-allergies
8. ↑ http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm247196.htm

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Treat Asthma Attacks. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Asthma Medicine and Cure

Asthma Medicine,Cures and Books

Visit 4RX.com for affordable meds!

How to Exercise With Asthma

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
When you have asthma it's still important that you still exercise daily and stay in shape. A good thing to do is talk to your doctor about asthma medicines. Last thing you want is an asthma attack. Make sure you know how to control your asthma before doing hard or medium exercise.

Steps

1. Make sure you have some sort of asthma inhaler. Always have it near by when you exercise, like in your pocket.
2. Take your normal dose 15 minutes before exercising.
3. When you exercise and you feel as if you're wheezing, then stop for a minute and take your medicine again.
4. If you don't have your medicine with you, then once you start wheezing, stop and sit down for about 20 minutes, until your breathing is normal.
5. Don't wait too long once you start wheezing or have difficulty breathing, because you could easily get an attack.

Tips

• Running is what you should really be careful about because it can have the most effect on breathing
• Swimming is one of the best sports you can do with asthma.

Warnings

• When you have an attack and you have no medicine then get help right away and rest your body and don't move.
• Never exceed dose! it can be extremely dangerous.

Related wikiHows

• How to Begin Running With Asthma
• How to Diagnose Asthma
• How to Control Asthma in Schools
• How to Recognize Asthma

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Exercise With Asthma. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Asthma Medicine and Cure

Asthma Medicine,Cures and Books

Visit 4RX.com for affordable meds!

How to Prevent Asthma from Acting Up

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
Asthma is a common medical diagnosis. Depending on your particular kind of asthma, an attack can happen at what seems like random times. To prevent asthma attacks as best as you can, keep reading.

Steps

1. Discuss treatment options with your doctor. You will like be put on a steroid inhalation, although they may prescribe something else. Visit a specialist regularly, and return if you have any trouble with your asthma.
2. Understand what bothers you in particular. For example, is your asthma better in hot or cold conditions? Humid or dry? If you know what causes problems, you can better avoid those conditions.
   • Make sure you follow the prescribed treatment. If the patient is a child, be sure to supervise them.
3. Exercise with caution. Do not go from no activity to attempting to run twenty miles. If your asthma is acting up, try a milder form of activity and slowly build up. Always have your inhaler with you. This is vital!
   • If you experience trouble breathing or signs of an asthma attack, such as a tight chest, sit down, relax, breathe evenly and stop exercising until you feel you are ready to resume.

Tips

• If you or your child has trouble in gym, tell a teacher or coach. The school may require you to disclose information about the condition, or provide a doctor's note confirming the diagnosis.
• Talk to your doctor about what bothers you. They may offer a simple solution - for example, a humidifier - but you may also have a concurrent issue, like allergies.

Warnings

• If you take a breathing treatment more than prescribed, it may cause negative side effects like weakness, dizziness, and more, depending on the medication. Follow the treatments as your doctor has told you to.
• Make sure your medicine and inhaler are within their expiration dates. Many asthma medicines - Advair, for example [1]- begin to lose efficacy after being opened.

Related wikiHows

• How to Help Someone Having a Panic Attack
• How to Improve Your Breathing
• How to Lower High Blood Pressure Without Using Medication

Sources and Citations

1. ↑ http://us.gsk.com/products/assets/us_advair.pdf

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Prevent Asthma from Acting Up. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Asthma Medicine and Cure

Asthma Medicine,Cures and Books

Visit 4RX.com for affordable meds!

How to Heal Chronic Cough

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
Coughing helps to clear foreign substances from your lungs. A chronic cough, a cough which lasts more than 8 weeks, is a symptom of a disorder in which the cough will not resolve or go away on its own. It may be caused from asthma, esophageal reflux, allergic rhinitis or sinus problems. Chronic cough may also be the result of smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke or an infectious disease. If left untreated, a chronic cough can lead to complications such as headaches, dizziness, urinary incontinence, fractured ribs, sore abdominal muscles or excessive sweating. How you heal a chronic cough depends largely on the reason for it but once the underlying condition has been treated, the chronic cough will go away.

Steps

1. Visit your doctor if your cough will not go away. He will be able to determine the source of the cough and treat it accordingly. Your doctor may prescribe a cough medicine with codeine, which is a strong cough suppressant.
2. Take an over-the-counter cough suppressant to find relief from coughing. It will not treat the main cause of the cough but a cough suppressant will give you a break from all the coughing. It will also allow your body to focus on healing the real reason behind the chronic cough.
3. Use cough lozenges in between taking the cough suppressant. The slow release of the suppressant as it melts can help calm your throat.
4. Treat the underlying cause of the chronic cough.
   • Use an inhaler with steroids to treat asthma. Talk with your doctor as inhalers are only available by prescription.
   • Take acid blockers with famotidine, which help control stomach acid for gastroesophageal reflux disease.
   • Use a decongestant or antihistamine to help postnasal drip. They can be found over-the-counter in your local pharmacy.
   • Take antibiotics if you are suffering from bacterial pneumonia or bronchitis. Your doctor will prescribe the correct kind and dosage according to your particular needs.
5. Avoid the environmental factors that you may be allergic to, that may be causing your chronic cough. This may not always be plausible but avoiding the allergens can give you some relief.
6. Take an anti-allergy medication. If it is environmental allergens that are causing your chronic cough, an over-the-counter allergy medicine can greatly help relieve your symptoms.
7. Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water. This will help soothe your throat, calming irritation that is causing you to cough.

Video

Tips

• Eat lots of fruit; the fiber and flavonoids may help prevent chronic cough.
• Stop smoking or avoid secondhand smoke as these are the most common causes of chronic coughing.

Warnings

• If your chronic cough produces blood or vomiting, see your doctor immediately.
• Keep away from individuals who are sick with pneumonia or bronchitis as they are contagious.

Things You'll Need

• Doctor Appointment
• Cough Suppressant
• Lozenges
• Medicine
• Water

Related wikiHows

• How to Get Rid of Bronchitis
• How to Treat a Cough
• How to Recognize Bronchitis Symptoms
• How to Treat Pneumonia

Sources and Citations

• http://www.medicinenet.com/chronic_cough/article.htm
• http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/chronic-cough/DS00957

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Heal Chronic Cough. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Asthma Medicine and Cure

Asthma Medicine,Cures and Books

Visit 4RX.com for affordable meds!

How to Use a Nebulizer

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
Patients with asthma, pneumonia and emphysema or other respiratory conditions are those most commonly prescribed a nebulizer. A nebulizer is a medical device that turns liquid medication into an aerosol or mist, which is then inhaled. There are different types of nebulizers. The most commonly used is a jet nebulizer. A doctor may prescribe a nebulizer to deliver medication like bronchodilators, steroids and antibiotics directly to the lungs.

Steps

1. Attach 1 end of the oxygen tubing to the nebulizer cup. On most types of nebulizers, the tubing will connect on the bottom of the cup. Connect the other end of the tubing to an air compressor used for nebulizers.
2. Unscrew the top of the nebulizer cup and put the prescribed medication into the nebulizer. Securely replace the top to prevent the medication from spilling out. Many types of respiratory medications for nebulizer treatments come in pre-measured doses.
3. Add the mouthpiece to the nebulizer cup. Although different manufactures may have slightly different jet nebulizers, most mouthpieces will attach to the top of the nebulizer cup.
4. Plug the air compressor into an electrical outlet. Turn the air compressor on.
5. Put the mouthpiece into your mouth and keep your lips sealed tightly around it. Inhale slowly and deeply in through your mouth. Exhale either through your mouth or nose.
6. Continue to inhale the medication until the mist stops. Once all liquid is gone, the mist stops coming out.
7. Turn the machine off and unplug it from the outlet.

Tips

• Set up an activity to occupy young children during the nebulizer treatment, which typically takes about 15 minutes. Puzzles, books or coloring may help the child sit still for the length of the treatment.
• An oxygen cylinder can also be used in place of an air compressor if needed. Turn the flow rate to between 6 and 8 liters per minute to start the aerosol.
• Consider using an aerosol mask as an alternative to a mouthpiece for young children as well as people who are too ill to hold the mouthpiece in their hand. Aerosol masks attach to the top of the nebulizer cup. The mask comes in pediatric and adult sizes.

Warnings

• Do not put any parts of the nebulizer into a dishwasher to clean it. Rinse the nebulizer cup and mouthpiece after each treatment with tap water. Allow both to air dry. Do not rinse the air compressor or oxygen tubing.
• If a significant adverse reaction develops, such as increased wheezing or trouble breathing, while inhaling the medication, stop using the nebulizer and consult your doctor. Your doctor will prepare you in advance for normal side effects, such as increased heart rate or dizziness, which patients may experience while they use a nebulizer with certain medications.

Things You'll Need

• Nebulizer
• Air compressor for a nebulizer
• Prescribed medication

Related wikiHows

• How to Create an Asthma Action Plan
• How to Make a Spacer for an Asthma Nebulizer
• How to Help an Asthmatic During a Asthma Attack and a Panic Attack
• How to Nebulize a Toddler

Sources and Citations

• http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000006.htm

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Use a Nebulizer. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Asthma Medicine and Cure

Asthma Medicine,Cures and Books

Visit 4RX.com for affordable meds!

How to Use an Asthma Inhaler

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
Do you have asthma? Or does your child have asthma? If so, you've read the paper inside your (or your child's) prescription. Is it difficult to read? Just read these simple and accurate directions to use an inhaler properly.

Steps

1. You need an inhaler. Or which ever inhaler your doctor prescribed for you. (or your child)
2. Make sure your mouth is clean and clear. You do not have to brush your teeth. You just have to clear whatever is in your mouth. Which means you can not take your inhaler while chewing gum or chewing any other object or food in your mouth. Also if you just ate, clean your mouth with a napkin.
3. Place your index finger on top of the metal canister. Don't press hard or you'll waste a dose.
4. Place your thumb on the bottom of the inhaler with the index finger still on top the metal canister, not pressing hard. Keep that position.
5. Take off the cap from the mouth piece.
6. Shake the inhaler. Don't shake it too hard. Or the canister will fly off.
7. Exhale one time.
8. Place the mouthpiece in between your lips.
9. Press the metal canister with your index finger firmly. While inhaling once.
10. Once you've inhaled once, take your finger off the canister and remove it from your mouth.
11. Hold your breath for at least 10 seconds, and exhale.
12. If your doctor prescribed another dose. Repeat steps 3-12
13. When you are done, close the mouthpiece with the cap and place the inhaler in a dry area.

Tips

• Some inhalers can cause hoarseness and candiasis - it can be useful to rinse out your mouth with water after taking your inhaler
• If a child is using an inhaler. Get an adult to do it for the child for the first time.
• If your doctor also prescribed a spacer just put the spacer on the inhaler and do the exact same thing.

Warnings

• If your inhaler has a dose counter: When it goes to 000 do not use it or you will not get enough medication.
• Do not puncture the metal canister.

Things You'll Need

• A inhaler that your doctor prescribed for you.
• A faucet

Related wikiHows

• How to Treat Asthma Attacks
• How to Reduce Your Exposure to Pollen
• How to Reduce Your Children's Exposure to Chemicals
• How to Control Asthma in Schools

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Use an Asthma Inhaler. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Asthma Medicine and Cure

Asthma Medicine,Cures and Books

Visit 4RX.com for affordable meds!