If you have asthma, you should pay close attention to your mattress

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, occurs in over 25 million Americans. It is a very common health problem that can be successfully kept under control with medication such as corticosteroids, theophylline, and ipratropium, also known as bronchodilators. Their purpose is to relax the muscles around the airways so that the person can breathe normally and stop experiencing difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.

However, while asthma is a highly prevalent condition, it can be fatal, as it causes 10 deaths every day throughout the country, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Therefore, avoiding irritants such as dust mites, pollen or cigarette smoke should be a priority for asthma sufferers.

Asthma misdiagnosis in asbestos exposure victims

It is worthy of note that numerous people who have a history of asbestos exposure, such as veterans and former industrial workers, are often misdiagnosed with asthma when they actually have a disease which is the consequence of asbestos exposure. For this reason, it is very important to seek a second opinion from a medical professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating asbestos-related diseases. The medical experts we collaborate with have vast knowledge concerning diseases that stem from occupational or military asbestos exposure and they will be able to assign you a correct diagnosis, so we strongly advise you to contact our law firm if your diagnosis is asthma and have a history of asbestos exposure.

Oftentimes, people who are initially assigned a diagnosis of asthma, suffer, in fact, from asbestosis. Not only will seeking a second opinion provide you with a correct diagnosis, but it may also qualify you for filing a claim to recover the compensation you deserve from asbestos trust funds and, if you are a veteran, from the VA as well. With 30 years of professional experience, our attorneys, who specialize in pursuing asbestos exposure cases, will provide you with the legal assistance you need to obtain the money you are entitled to.

The importance of a hypoallergenic mattress

One of the objects which may pose a danger to people who have asthma is their mattress, as it can easily collect dust over time, which is a major trigger for asthma attacks.

Furthermore, mattresses can also gather mold, pollen, animal dander, dust mites, and cockroach droppings, all of which are irritants. This is why you should replace your mattress every 7 years or even more often if you suffer from asthma. Nevertheless, the mattress of your choice should be suitable for your condition, as there are numerous substances and materials in mattresses that can trigger asthma attacks by themselves, such as polyester, polyurethane foams, and toxic fire retardants. For this reason, you should choose a hypoallergenic mattress, as they are specially manufactured to meet the needs of people who struggle with asthma. They do not contain any irritants and are also designed to gather a minimum amount of dust, pollen, bacteria, fungus, and animal dander.

If you have asthma, we highly recommend an organic mattress, made with natural certified materials such as organic latex, wool, and cotton, a mattress certified by PETA made with cotton instead of wool, which is best for asthma sufferers. Look for a mattress with no polyester, polyurethane foams, or toxic fire retardants, which are 100% safe for people who have asthma.

Natural remedies for asthma

In addition to regularly taking your asthma medication and changing your mattress with a hypoallergenic one, you may want to try some of the following natural remedies, which were proven to reduce the risk of asthma attacks and to alleviate the symptoms you experience:

• change your diet: try to include many fresh fruits and vegetables in your everyday diet, as they are rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene and will also help you lose weight if you need, as obesity worsens asthma symptoms
• garlic: garlic has anti-inflammatory properties and, because asthma is a type of inflammatory disease, it helps prevent asthma attacks
• omega-3 oils: try to eat foods which contain omega-3 oils on a regular basis, such as fish and flax seeds, as they were found to reduce the inflammation of the airways
• ginger: as another food with anti-inflammatory properties, ginger should be part of your diet if you struggle with asthma
• the Papworth method: this is a breathing and relaxation technique which has been used since the 1960s to develop breathing patterns by using your nose and diaphragm, which will alleviate your asthma symptoms and ease your breathing
• drink coffee: caffeine was found to reduce inflammation and thereby lessen respiratory muscle fatigue
• yoga: as it entails breathing exercises, yoga may help reduce the intensity and frequency of your asthma symptoms
• acupuncture: as a form of ancient Chinese medicine, acupuncture may also help alleviate your asthma symptoms

10 tips for people who struggle with asthma

If you have asthma, particularly as a consequence of asbestos exposure, it is crucial to make some changes to your lifestyle so that your condition will cause you the least discomfort possible. We advise you to take into consideration the following tips, which were found to reduce the risk of asthma attacks and to alleviate the symptoms associated with the condition.

• air purifier: according to a recent study, using this device is effective in relieving asthma symptoms by eliminating major allergens, such as dust and cigarette smoke
• biofeedback: it entails a series of methods which will help you increase and control your heart rate so that you will experience less frequent and less intense asthma symptoms
• quit smoking: cigarette smoke is a major trigger for asthma attacks and will only make your symptoms worse, as well as further damage your lungs, so you should quit as soon as possible
• exercise: engaging in physical activity will help strengthen your breathing muscles and boost your immune system, which will result in you struggling with asthma symptoms on a less frequent basis
• avoid respiratory infections: viral infections such as pneumonia will only make your asthma worse and will also take a great toll on the function of your lungs, so you should consider getting a flu shot and make a habit of protecting yourself during the cold season by regularly washing your hands and sleeping enough
• use a peak flow meter: this device shows how air is moving through your lungs and can be very useful for people with asthma, as it will let you know days prior to having a potential asthma attack if your airways are narrowing so that you can take the necessary measures to prevent it
• humidifier: if you live in a place with a dry climate, the air can irritate your airways, which may worsen your symptoms, so using a humidifier will improve the quality of the air you breathe while you are inside your home
• avoid triggers: whether you are inside or outside, staying away from triggers such as dust, mold, and smoke should be your number one priority, as they may lead to a severe asthma attack
• have a thorough asthma action plan: discuss with your physician the symptoms of your asthma on a regular basis and they will provide you with a specific action plan to use in your everyday life
• stay cool during the summer: because hot weather can make your asthma symptoms worse, staying cool is crucial during the summer, which you can do by using air conditioning or a fan