Written by Gary Eugene in Diseases
Viewed by 75 readers since 11-26-2008

Do you know anyone with asthma or allergies? If yes, then this would be of great help to them. Most people think controlling asthma attacks is like having an inhaler handy. However, this is not control at all. In a sense, you are just reacting to the attack itself when it occurs. The right strategy is to go directly to the source of the attacks itself.

If we would look at asthma and allergies together, we would realize that they do not always go hand in hand. Surely enough, many people suffer from both of them. Some would have asthma attacks as an allergic reaction to a trigger while others will just have itchy skin. The problem is when an asthma attack is due to an allergic reaction. The sufferer’s airways constrict. The narrowing of the airways causes symptoms, such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.

Most of the time, the episodes are triggered by certain environmental stimulants. These include allergens, cold air, warm air, moist air, tobacco smoke, pet dander, and even exercise, emotional stress, and exertion. Here are some tips on how to stop allergic reactions and asthma attacks.

• Take note of the circumstances surrounding your asthma attacks. Be aware of the commonality of such occurrences. By doing so, you will be able to pinpoint and determine the cause of the attacks. Always be mindful because that is the first key to avoiding them.
• Try to avoid the most common triggers, like strong fumes and smoke. Studies show that these are the most common triggers for asthma attacks and allergies so it would be best to avoid them.
• Avoid pollution and pollen at all times. Knowing in advance the pollution and pollen levels can usually help you avoid such attacks so stay indoors just to be safe when those levels are way up.
• A dust-free home not only removes allergens from your abode, but it also keeps away mites and bacteria as well. Using a regular vacuum cleaner might make things worse. The best option would be cleaning with water because it traps the dust away from your nose and mouth.
• Pets should be kept outside the homes of persons with allergy. Some people are susceptible to pet hair and even saliva.
• Immediately remove any molds. Make sure that damp places get plenty of ventilation by running a dehumidifier.
• Try to make your home cockroach-free. They most likely trigger asthma and allergic attacks. Clean up food clutter and water so that their supply will be cut off, thereby forcing them to look elsewhere.
• Lastly, have medications handy. Not only will these help you cope with attacks, it can also help eliminate troublesome, if not painful, symptoms associated with asthma or allergic attacks. Controlling the conditions around you will help greatly in your quest to control these attacks right at its core. After all, breathing should be light like air.