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Archive for August, 2006

Ways to Prevent Asthma

If you know that you or your family member has asthma you should know what sets the asthma off. Sometimes avoiding these things can prevent asthma attacks for starting. Just by following these few steps can cut back on your asthma from flaring up.

1. Place dust free covers on pillows and mattresses to cut back on allergies kicking in while sleeping.

2. Purchase vent filters for each vent in your home. It will cut back on air borne particles that can get asthma irritated. If you can’t get the whole home at least get the room the asthma patient sleeps in.

3. If you have carpet in your home it will help tremendously if you replace it with hard wood floors or vinyl flooring. Again if it is not possible to do the whole house at least do the asthma patients room.

4. It is a good idea to have a nebulizer at home with steroid medication and having an inhaler with the asthma patient at all times.

5. Talk to your doctor about putting you on an everyday asthma prevention medication. Some popular brands that are out there are: Singular, Allegra, and Zyrtec. These are just a few that you can ask your doctor about.

6. Most important is having an Asthma Action Plan just in case the asthma was to get out of hand by something that you are not aware of. A plan of action allows you to know exactly what to do. It will cut back on panic modes.

These are just a few things that you can do to help prevent your asthma from getting out of hand. These few steps have saved my family a few emergency room visits. These are from my experience only. You should contact your doctor for the right plan for you and your family.

About the author:

Shannon Miller is the mom of 5 children. Be sure and stop by her sites for free information and advice on parenting. www.parentingfroma-z.com and www.asthmainfosite.com

Written By: Shannon Miller

What Are Allergies?

Allergies are one of the leading causes of diseases in USA. The annual amount spent on allergies in USA is $18 billion. Allergies could get complicated and even ruin a person’s life. Allergies generally mean over reaction or hyper sensitivity to a certain substance or product. The substance could make a person sneeze, wheeze or create rashes etc.

Allergies have also been linked to many respiratory diseases. Sinus, Asthma, Bronchitis are some diseases that are caused by allergies. Allergies can be managed by taking precautionary measures. Some allergic reactions can be very bad. Allergies can also be inherited like balding. Some people are allergic to specific allergens, some to soy, milk, fish etc. Like adults, children and infants are also allergic to certain substances. Cows milk allergy is very common in children. If a child is allergic to cows milk, as a substitute they are provided soymilk. More than 50% of children develop allergies to soya milk.

Allergies due to dust and pollution are very common nowadays. The dust particles enter the nose and make a person sneeze. It could also lead to other diseases like bronchitis and asthma. Allergies due to pollution, candle smoke, incense stick etc could create various upper respiratory problems. People with upper respiratory problems have itching in the throat and ear also. Breathing difficulty could also exist. At home, dust particles in the mattress, pillows etc could also lead to allergies. Even domestic cats and dogs hair could lead to allergies. Consult your physician if you are allergic to any substance immediately.

About the author:

Paul has been providing answers to lots of queries through his website on a wide variety of subjects ranging from satellite phones to acne. To learn more visit http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn612.html

Written By: Paul

Allergies and Asthma - Differences and Similarities

Allergies are the most common cause of the inflammation which underlies most asthma particularly in younger sufferers.

Allergy rates are on the increase especially in Western countries (compared to people in less affluent rural parts of the world) and there is a growing body of evidence that strongly suggests that asthma is an environmentally induced disease.

This raises the challenging possibility that we may be able to prevent asthma by altering our environment.

Treating asthma by removing the causes, aka triggers, may prove to be successful when the cause is easy to remove, such as a dust or vapors inhaled at the office.

This is also true when the cause is a pet such as a cat or dog, however the reluctance to not have loved pet commonly prevents this.

An allergy to house dust mites is one of the commonest cause of asthma but getting rid of mites sufficiently to make a significant difference requires such a major and expensive change in lifestyle for the sufferer that it is rarely successful..

Research is currently being carried out to develop future treatments which may be able to modify or diminish the allergic process in the body and help all asthmatics.

Asthma and Allergies

*The cause of the inflammation (of the airway) which underlies most asthma in younger sufferers is one or more allergies.

*More people in western countries suffer from allergies, compared to people in less affluent parts of the world, and allergy rates are on the increase.

About the author:

Do you, a spouse or a child, have asthma? Learn more, including the treatments available at Asthma-Explained.com

Written By: Mike Herman

Cleaning Habits Reduce Allergy Symptoms

According to a survey conducted by Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), it is clear that cleaning habit can greatly reduce allergy symptoms for all those who greatly suffer from allergies and asthma. Cleaning your own home to manage dust mites and pet dander involve a yet simple but an effective cleaning strategies that can be performed by the all non family members.

According to recent survey, seventeen percent of people clean their home and their neighbor envoirment. But all those who clean their envoirment have a question in front of him how effective they are in their cleaning.

Allergy and its associate asthma control begin at homes and spread all over. The most common triggers: dust mite and house hold mold must be tackled appropriately. For ex- simple cleaning a home can stir up a dust mites and pet dander that can cause and results in allergic reaction. So if you are known about the fact that you are more prone to allergy, then it is advisable that plz stay away from it. Cleaning your carpets (including the under pad) and removing yard waste. Use dust mite covers on your bedding, mattresses and furniture. Vacuum regularly and avoid sweeping, which tends to move dust around the room rather than eliminate it.

If you’re more infected with this condition then there are certain solution you can adopt:

1. Talk to your doctor about best medication.

2. Clean your home at least twice.

3. Eat properly and plz not spread it all places especially if you have child.

So always clean your home to save yourself from allergic condition and its effect that could results in danger diseases. If you are more prone to this, then consult with your doctor.

About the Author

Author is experienced health expert.

Written By: Gelfey

Air Purifiers, Are They Worth The Money?

When you suffer from allergies or asthma, you may think it may be a good idea to purchase an air filtration system for your house. But one legitimate question would be: is it worth paying the money? Experts say that it can ease your symptoms, but that is true only if you make other changes in your environment, too.

These changes concern avoiding the carpeting, finding another place for your pets and using air conditioning during the warmer months in order to get rid of the pollens or allergens. You should as well clean the air filters, the air conditioner filters, and the duct filters every season. Another possibility is not to open your windows and to avoid staying a lot outdoors, during the period when your allergies are acute.

If you have tried all these and didn’t find adequate relief, then it may be better for you to think about using an air filter. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as well as the American Lung Association recommends air filtration for those who suffer from allergies and asthma, but not as a solution per-se. Controlling the pollution and ventilation that can cause allergies is more important; there are arguments on whether filters can give relief from asthma in a house that is clean and well ventilated. Air cleaners may be helpful in some situations and may help reducing allergy or asthma symptoms, but that air cleaning is not the one to reduce consistently the symptoms.

About The Author

Dominic is the author of this article. This article may be reproduced on websites subject to credit being given to the author, and a link to his website. If you would like more information go to http://www.airpurifiersources.com.

Written By: Dominic Ferrara

Are Showers Harmful to Your Health?

The last thing you would think about when you are taking a nice, refreshing shower is, “Am I jeopardizing my health”? Chlorine is used by many municipalities to disinfect their water supply. Unfortunalely, according to many health experts, chlorine has been linked to breast, bladder and colon cancer. When I first read about this, my first thought was, “I don’t drink the water in the shower, so what is there to worry about”? What I didin’t know was, our skin can absorb 7 - 10 times more chlorine than from drinking water that contains chlorine. When showering, chlorine can vaporize and form chloroform gas, which is inhaled, affecting those with respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitus. Showering in chlorinated water can also cause excess drying of the skin and hair.

Does this mean we should stop taking showers?

No!

There is an easy solution. Using easy to install shower filters will alleviate the chlorine problem. Not only will you be able to shower without the worry of the bad effects of chlorine, you will enjoy the benefits of softer, smoother skin and hair that is less dry.

About the Author

Ed Bishop is founder and president of Enhanced Living Inc., a Troy, NY-based design-consulting and contracting company. contracting. Trained in the House Is A System approach to HVAC design. He was formerly a building analyst instructor, providing certification training for New York’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program

Go to www.expert-air-purifier-reviews.com

Written By: Ed Bishop

The Benefits of Steam Saunas

One can achieve the best result from a steam sauna when the temperature is between 43 degrees C and 46 degrees C and there is a relative humidity of 100%. Saunas should have mist or steam. Hence, saunas must have steam generators and control systems to prevent the escape of steam. Steam sauna leads to sweating and rejuvenation.

Taking a sauna is a relaxing experience that leads to sweating, which has many health benefits. Generally, temperatures are more than 80 degrees C in these structures.

Steam saunas increase the supply of oxygen to cells and tissues; increase the number of white blood cells; improve blood circulation, immune system and nutrient supply; release toxins and reduce tension; and kill viruses and bacteria. And, steam saunas burn 400-600 calories in every session, and the moist heat improves blood supply. Steam saunas are also very good for patients suffering from bronchial asthma, bronchitis, cough, catarrh of upper respiratory channels, and joints ailments.

Steam saunas are most popular in Europe, Greek, Rome, Russia and Turkey.

A sauna is a bathroom, house or hut specially constructed so that someone can enjoy a steam bath. The word sauna is derived from Finnish savuna that means in smoke.”

About the author:

Saunas Info provides detailed information about infrared, home, Finnish, and steam saunas, as well as sauna kits, heaters, suits, and benefits, plus advice on how to build a sauna. Saunas Info is the sister site of Hot Tubs Web.

Written By: Kevin Stith

Coughing Is A Continuous Battle Of Our Life

Coughing can be of different kinds and it is basically a provision provided to your body to remove foreign materials. There are two types of coughs one is the productive cough which is a combination of mucus or phelgm produced in your lungs and the other is the non-productive cough which is dry cough as it has no mucus or phelgm.

Cough can be caused by many different reasons. It is caused by smoking and it is one habit which cannot be left that easily. If you want you can get through this too by some rigorous self-treatment. Different kind of allergies also leads to coughing and it can be triggered by dust, smoke and sometimes your favorite pet. Heartburn and asthma are also causes of your cough.

There are different kinds of cough which create problems and they are barking cough, whooping cough, wheezing cough, stridor, sudden cough, nighttime cough, daytime cough, cough along with cold, cough with fever, cough with vomiting, rigorous and persistent cough and can be very annoying.

Even though it is cough which cannot be taken lightly and you have to get yourself checked. The treatment to be used by the doctors is the use of antibiotics. There is also use of antitussives which are drugs and are used to subdue the cough. You can also have various other supplements like vitamins which are very useful. Vitamin C and many other help in preventing the conjunction one has during cough.

About the author:

Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of natural home remedies websites which have information on various home and natural remedies which are very useful for in our day to day life.

Written By: Kevin Pederson

Helping You To Breathe Easier

Because one in five Canadians is living with a serious lung disease, The Lung Association specializes in giving you advice and information about how to control asthma, improve the quality of life for people with breathing difficulty due to lung illness and fund respiratory medical research.

The Lung Association helps people with asthma by helping them to understand: what asthma is; how it can affect you; the symptoms; how to avoid asthma triggers; treatment options; up-to-date information about asthma medications; and most importantly, how to achieve good asthma management.

For those who identify themselves in one of the following categories: a current or former person who smokes; been exposed to occupational dusts; or maybe even excessive outdoor air pollution, you may suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. We can help you and your family to cope with the emotional hurdles and physical challenges of living with COPD and we understand that COPD is a disease that can affect every part of your life. We can offer the support and practical information you need to live life to the fullest with COPD and help you to learn more about what it is, its symptoms and diagnosis. Our COPD educators will provide you with free information, resources, and support. Visit the Web site www.lung.ca/ breathworks or call our toll-free Breath Works helpline at 1-888-566-5864 (LUNG).

Since our lives depend on every breath we take, The Lung Association provides information to help you take simple actions that will make a positive difference to the indoor air you breathe.

Did you know that the air indoors can sometimes be as hazardous as the air outside on a smoggy summer day? That’s important to know because on average, we spend between 80 and 90 percent of our time indoors. Our activities and the products we use can cause indoor air quality problems and can be made worse without adequate ventilation. We’ll tell you how you can use less toxic cleaning products; ensure adequate ventilation, and look for potential pollutants such as mould and fungus. Let us help you to keep your indoor air clean. Call us for advice and get your free copy of our Healthy Home Audit.

Something as simple as breathing is difficult for one in five Canadians. Your support is needed through our Christmas Seal Campaign, because, when you can’t breathe, nothing else matters. Call our toll-free number 1-888-566-5864 (LUNG) or visit us at www.lung.ca.

About the author:

News Canada

What are Peak flow meters? Are They Helpful?

Peak flow meters are small, hand-held devices that show how well a patient is breathing and is often used as part of an asthma action plan to measure lung function.

The asthmatic patient takes as deep of a breath as possible and blows into a tube to measure how fast they can blow out - resulting in the peak flow number.

It’s important that a peak flow meter is used regularly as the values will vary from patient to patient and what’s important is how a day’s reading compares to the best they’ve achieved and don’t forget to remember what your best is.

The comparison between a reading and this personal best simply and clearly shows whether the asthma is under control or not.

The peak flow meter is able to also help warn of asthmatic episodes before symptoms occur.

If it is apparent that breathing is deteriorating, via the readings of the peak flow meter, they can immediately follow their plan and take their relief treatments or other medications as the doctor has directed.

Additional peak flow readings can then monitor how well they are responding to the treatment.

As an example (above), if the patient is a woman aged 58, who has a height of 61 inches (5 foot, 1 inch, or 154 cm (1.54 m), then their predicted Peak Flow is roughly 430 litres per minute.

About the author:

Learn More About How You Can Treat and Live with Asthma at Asthma-Explained.com/asthma-treatment

Written By: Mike Herman