You might not know this, but, asthma affects women differently than men. Now, you might be wondering, what is so different in female and male bodies? Well, simply said, the female hormones. Hence, women suffering from this condition need to manage how their hormones affect their asthma when they are pregnant, as well as when they are going through their menopause or menstrual cycle.
So, this means that women have more challenges when managing their asthma condition and if you are in this situation, this article might be able to help you. The text below will feature what you can do to breathe easier. Let’s take a closer look at the article:
Contents
1. Know What Triggers It
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The first thing you should do is to know what triggers your asthma attacks – and once you know what they are, try to entirely avoid them. In order to identify your triggers, you will need to do an allergy test which will test both your skin and blood. Besides taking a test, writing down where you were and what you were doing when the symptoms started occurring can also help you determine what bothers your body.
2. Get Rid of The Mites!
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If you have been suffering from this condition for some time, you must know that the number one indoor allergen is dust mites. If you want to decrease or entirely get rid of them, start with your bedroom. Purchase dust-proof covered for your pillows, covers, and mattress.
You should also wash the sheets and bedding at least once in a week and make sure that you use the hot water setting on your washing machines. Generally, tiled or hardwood flooring is suitable for women who suffer from asthma, hence, avoid adding carpets that will attract dust mites.
3. No Smoke, no Problem
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Although you probably do not smoke, your family members or friends might – and this can be a huge problem for you. Of course, secondhand smoke is dangerous for everyone, but for women suffering from this respiratory illness, it is extremely harmful. So, you will need to avoid places that allow smoking – such as coffee shops and bars.
Also, you should know that fumes, odors, and perfumes can also cause your symptoms to act up. Hence, stay away from perfume shops, candle stores, or any other place where there is a lot of scents. Learn what can irritate lungs and avoid those things whenever it is possible.
4. Air Humidifiers Will Eliminate Allergens From The Air
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Women suffering from asthma can reap a lot of benefits from using an air humidifier that has a HEPA filter – and you should definitely have one in your bedroom. According to Edc Mag, High-Efficiency Particulate Air or HEPA for short will trap most irritants from the air, hence, they will not be polluting your home.
Remember that the filters need to be changed regularly in order for the humidifier to have a positive effect on the air quality in your home. If you do not own a humidifier, you might want to click here to see more information about the best humidifiers you can get for asthma.
5. If You Like Exercising, do it With Caution
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Some women affected by this condition can also trigger attacks by heavy breathing during their workout sessions. By exposing yourself to environmental triggers while working out outside, you can have an asthma attack. Hence, you might want to opt for a different exercise routine that will be suitable for your condition.
This is why you will want to talk to your doctor who might suggest indoor cycling or some dance classes that you can attend. Also, no matter what you choose to do, make sure that the equipment is dust-free and avoid working out outside when the air quality is low. Following these tips can help you stay fit without causing symptoms and attacks of this illness.
6. Follow What Your Doctor Recommended
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Your doctor probably gave you two medications that will help with managing the attacks. The first one is a quick-relief medicine, while the other is a long-term medicine that you need to take. If you feel like you will have an attack, you should use the quick solution which is probably your inhaler. This is why it is important to keep it with you at all times.
The second solution is the long-term medicine that you will need to take. Now, your doctor will direct you on how often you should take it which can be every day, even if you are feeling entirely fine. Keep in mind that you will need the inhaler less often if you take the prescribed medicine.
7. Always Check The Air Quality Before Going Outside
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There is a wide range of smartphone applications that will allow you to check the air quality in specific parts of your town or the entire town. Besides checking an app, you can also check the air quality in the news, newspaper, and on the Internet. If the air quality is bad, you should change your activities for the day, hence, managing the symptoms.
However, if the air quality is low, but you need to go outside, you should go outside as early as you can and come back to your home as soon as you are done with your errands. Also, it is smart to carry an inhaler with you and you should also consider wearing a mask or scarf that will protect your airway and lungs from triggers.
8. What About Pets?
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Unfortunately, dander from pets can cause symptoms and attacks. And, even the cats and dogs without hair can trigger an attack. Even if your asthma is not triggered by animals, it is not smart to keep them in your home. The pet dander, urine, dirt, fleas, and saliva can get transferred to your clothes which can cause some serious problems without you realizing what is causing it.
Conclusion
By following the tips from this article, you will be able to alleviate the symptoms and breathing problems asthma can cause. Hence, now that you know what you should do more often, do not waste any more time and start implementing some of the tips from the article above.
