Anyone suffering from asthma quickly learns that cold air often brings on an attack. The problem with cold-induced asthma symptoms is that they can be easily mistaken for other, much less serious problems (like being extremely tired). Because exercise- and cold-induced asthma can, in some cases, result in death, it is very important to correctly name the symptoms. Even if you’re not an asthmatic, this knowledge may save the life of one of your friends.

How could it happen?

Cold-induced asthma is caused by a narrowing of airways irritated by inflowing cold air. The symptoms are as the following:

1. Difficulty in breathing Difficulty in breathing is the easiest signal to notice, but it is also the easiest of all cold-induced asthma symptoms to misinterpret. When coming into contact with cold air, or after exercising, some breathing problems are perfectly natural. But if someone says that he/she feels tightness in the chest, or if you notice certain irregularity in breathing (exhalation takes twice as long as inhalation) - remember that all these are genuine cold-induced asthma symptoms. At this point it is possible that the attack in already on the way.

2. Bluish color of face and/or lips The facial discoloration is caused by the lack of oxygen. The problem is that it is also a natural color of the human face in cold weather. Fortunately, this cold-induced asthma symptom is visible along with other, more straightforward symptoms. The face color usually changes at the same moment an asthmatic starts loosing his/her consciousness.

3. Decreased level of consciousness Losing consciousness is potentially the most dangerous of all cold-induced asthma symptoms. The confusions unconsciousness creates often prolongs the time between the attack and the sufferer receiving some help. Keep that in mind when someone shows signs of breathing problems. The danger of indulging violent outdoor exercises in winter is the possibility of losing consciousness… and that is a classic example of cold-induced asthma symptoms.

4. Severe apprehension Another important cold-induced asthma symptom is fear. When an asthmatic feels he/she can’t breathe, he or she will show fear bordering on panic, even if it is impossible for him or her to speak. This is probably the most important symptom of asthma for non-asthmatics. Exhaustion alone does not generate such fear. Consider this situation: you notice that your friend on a hiking trip stops suddenly and tries to take a deep breath. You think he or she is probably tired, but you come closer. If you see a trace of panic in his or her eyes, you can be sure that it’s not about being exhausted: the cold-induced asthma attack in on its way. Symptoms don’t lie.

Don’t overlook them!

The worst thing you can do is to ignore or misinterpret cold-induced asthma symptoms. If it is a severe case of asthma, the very life of an asthmatic may rest entirely in your hands. It is not an exaggeration to say that your reaction may decide whether someone lives or dies! This is especially important outdoors or in wilderness.

If you spend regular time with an asthmatic you should discuss the situation with your friend. First agree on a gesture that will alert you to start of a server asthma attack. Next be sure you know what medications should be administered and where those medications are kept.

With some simple planning asthma can be controlled in a calm, rational manner. That planning leads to a very normal life for the sufferer.

About the author:

Mark Walters explains asthma symptoms and remedies through his web pages at http://www.AsthmaRoom.com

Written By: Mark Walters

Posted: June 28th, 2007 under Asthma.
Comments: none

A persistent, chronic, nighttime cough is one of the most common symptoms of mild asthma. It also can be a symptom of several other pulmonary problems. If your child coughs often at night, how do you tell if it’s asthma - or something else?

Without a medical evaluation, you really can’t. Even doctors find it difficult to diagnose asthma when its only presenting symptom is nighttime coughing. In general, an asthma cough is a non-productive cough - one that doesn’t bring up any mucus. It may sound as if something is rattling, or have a wheeze at the end of it. More often than not, there’s a spasmodic quality to the cough - it may continue until the child is completely out of breath and gagging, or even until they actually vomit.

What if your child is coughing up mucus and sputum? Well, say doctors, chances are that it’s not an asthma cough if it’s productive. In most cases, a productive cough accompanies a cold, or lingers for a week or two beyond it. It may also be a symptom of other seriously lung problems, though, so if a cough persists more than 5-7 days, be certain to contact your doctor. Treatment of a night-time cough obviously depends on the underlying cause of the cough, but most doctors agree that if a cough is productive, treatment shouldn’t suppress the cough, since the body needs to bring up all the ‘junk’ that’s clogging the lungs and airways. In fact, if there’s obvious congestion that isn’t being brought up, an expectorant can help break it up and allow it to be coughed out.

Asthma coughs, on the other hand, are most often dry coughs caused by bronchial spasms. Since there’s nothing to bring up, there’s no way for an asthma cough to be ‘productive’, though you may hear rattling or ‘crinkling’ sounds if you listen to the chest of a child when they cough. Most doctors now believe that the actual cause of an asthma cough is an irritant or allergen of some kind that sets off an excessive immune reaction. The airways swell as histamine is produced, and the muscles around the bronchial passages go into spasms to attempt to force the irritant up through them.

When dealing with an asthma cough, productive treatment should include regular use of a bronchodilator to help loosen up the muscles around the bronchial tubes. Those muscles put a stranglehold on the airways and make it almost impossible to force air in and out of them. Relaxing them can soothe the most evident symptom of childhood nighttime asthma. Productive treatment often also includes the use of an anti-inflammatory - most often inhaled steroids - to reduce chronic swelling of the bronchioles and make it easier for them to empty.

You can also try a few ‘natural remedies’ to help reduce episodes of night-time asthma coughing - as long as you keep using the treatment your doctor gave you. Some herbalists suggest a cup of hot black or green tea with honey before bedtime - the theophyline and caffeine in the tea are both older treatments for asthma, and the honey can sooth a dry, irritated throat. Add a banana or two to your daily diet, or make sure to eat plenty of magnesium-rich vegetables and meats - magnesium helps control muscle contraction, and many people with asthma have low magnesium levels. Finally, avoid having irritants in your (or the child’s) bedroom. No pets, no stuffed animals, nothing that might trap dust mites or dust - major causes of allergic reactions in childhood asthma.

About the author:

Check out MyHealth-Info.com for more information on asthma, asthma treatment and asthma allergy.

Written By: Masni Rizal Mansor

Posted: June 25th, 2007 under Asthma.
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Understanding and managing your asthma medications is an important step towards gradually eliminating the negative effects of this condition. Here are a few general things that you should remember when it comes to your asthma medication: Let your doctor know if you are taking any other types of medication. Some medication types can affect the actions of asthma medications when combined. Before preparing or taking medications you should make sure your hands are clean. Double-check the instructions on the asthma treatment medication before taking it. Store the asthma drugs according to given instructions. The best asthma control can be achieved if you follow your asthma chart. Following the guidelines set by your doctor will increase the effectiveness of asthma inhalers and asthma medication Ask your doctor to describe medication side effects, although these are rare and of reduced danger. Make sure to always have sufficient supplies of medication nearby. Check out the links below for more relevant asthma control medication

There are two main components related to asthma that you can use specialized medications for: the airway inflammation and the constriction of the air passage muscles. Asthma medication is mostly used to prevent inflammation, thus reducing the negative effects of the condition and eliminating chances for asthma attacks. Here are the main types of asthma medications: Asthmaxpert

Asthma control medication

This sort of medication has to be taken on a daily basis for extended periods of time. Getting control of asthma is now possible, but only if the asthma treatment is carried our consciously and without interruptions. Persistent asthma can be subdued is the right medication is prescribed for the patient. Activity impairing asthma attacks are less frequent when the proper asthma medication is used, a fact that determines many patients to follow their asthma treatment continuously. Among long term asthma medications you will find anti inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, beta agonists and bronchodilators.

Asthma attack medication

Most quick relief medications are also very efficient during asthma attacks. Short acting bronchodilators and beta-agonists are some of the drugs commonly used to relieve asthma symptoms. Some systemic corticoids are also found in asthma medication designed for attack stoppage.

About the author:

More relevant asthma information is available below: Asthmaxpert Arthritis treatment information Depression Treatment Expert

Written By: Michael Rad

Posted: June 22nd, 2007 under Asthma.
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Summer is the time of the year that most of us look forward to but overexposure to heat can cause heat related illnesses.
Summer is the time of year most of us look forward to but with the heat and humidity that accompany it there is a risk of heat related illness. Sunburn is one of the most frequent effects of too much time spent in the sun. Some people with extremely sensitive skin may be prone to sun poisioning when they get a sunburn. Prolonged exposure to excessive heat can cause heat cramps which consist of muscle spasms, excessive sweating and sometimes nausea or vomiting.

Heat exhaustion is a condition that can affect anyone although elderly people and young children are more easily affected. This condition is sometimes confused with heat stroke. If not treated immediately and properly heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke. In heat exhaustion there is usually heavy sweating and muscle weakness. The skin may be cool or cold and clammy. Fainting may also occur. Heat stroke occurs when the body’s temperature control malfunctions. The skin becomes hot, dry and flushed. This is a life-threatening condition that may require hospitalization. Immediate treatment is imperative in heat disorders since any delay could result in the condition being fatal. If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke call an ambulance immediately. Remove as much clothing as possible and sponge bathe the skin with cool water. Use fans or air conditioning to try and cool the person. If they are conscious do not give them any fluids.

Sun and heat exposure can also cause skin rashes such as heat rash. Fair-skinned people are especially prone to heat rash which is caused by excessive sweating that results in reddish blisters that are extremely itchy. Those who are prone to heat rash should always use a sunscreen when planning outdoor activities. Prickly heat is a rash which also occurs when there is excessive perspiration due to heat and humidity. Heat rash is a fine red rash that may last from a few hours to a couple of days.

Those who suffer from chronic conditions which affect the lungs such as COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), bronchitis, emphysema and asthma should take extra care in extremely hot weather since these conditions are easily aggravated. Extrinsic asthma occurs when there is an allergen in the environment. Those who have been diagnosed with this type of asthma are apt to have more attacks in the spring and summer when allergens are most potent. During cooler months they are able to breathe better and have less attacks.

People who suffer from allergies such as hay fever are also more likely to have attacks during hot, humid weather. They may have periods of excessive sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes and difficulty breathing. Even if you are on regular medication you may want to ask your physician about ways to lessen the effects of heat and humidity on your allergies. It may be best to stay indoors and try to keep cool when humidity is at its highest. If you suffer from any type of illness that may be heat aggravated stay out of the heat as much as possible, take extra measures to keep cool, follow your physician’s instructions and have a happy, healthy summer.

About the Author

Darlene Zagata is a freelance writer and poet. Her work has appeared in several electronic and print publications. Darlene is the Editor of the Health department at RITRO.com and she co-authors a column with her son at RaisingASon.com. She is also a Review Editor for MyShelf.com and an Editorial Reviewer for The Writer’s Room Magazine. Her book of poetry “Aftertaste” is now available at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. Her first book of fiction, “The Choosing” is currently in the process of publication.

Written By: Darlene Zagata

Posted: June 19th, 2007 under Asthma.
Comments: none

We are now more than six months into the year. Six months from our last New Year resolutions.

Did you resolve to take charge of your asthma?

To never have to rush to the emergency room again?

To stick to a routine of taking your medication the way it should be taken, or to look into some of the alternative treatments that might work for you?

Statistics show that the emergency rooms are just as busy. Surveys show that people are not taking their medication properly. Far too many resolutions have not been kept. Why?

You are a victim of routine, thats why. Many resolutions dont stand a chance because we have spent years establishing routines and habits that work against them. What we need to do is establish new routines.

Here are 4 simple steps to help you get back on course.

1. Set up cues. I admit Im one of the many who just fell out of the habit of using my inhaler regularly. I reacted to symptoms by taking a reliever but neglected the controller medication that addressed the underlying causes of my asthma. The problem with these medications is they do not give an immediate benefit so it doesnt seem to matter if you miss a dose. Yet they make a great difference to your asthma in the long term.
How did I start using my inhaler regularly again? I simply put it beside my toothbrush. Now I regularly use my inhaler because I cannot avoid it. Perhaps you could do the same, or put it beside the coffee maker or toaster.

2. Use a peak flow meter. If you dont have one, get one. These simple devices measure the condition of your lungs. Monitoring on a daily basis can warn you of an impending attack or reassure you that your condition is improving.
My peak flow meter used to be in the bedside cabinet. Never used it. Now its right beside my inhaler. It sits on top of the graph and small pencil I use to record my results morning and night. If youre thinking this is too much effort, it takes me about three minutes to measure and record my peak flow, then use my inhaler. I do this every day because I put them with my toothbrush. Are you really telling me you cannot get into this simple routine?

3. See a doctor. A recent Canadian survey found that few people discussed managing their asthma with a healthcare professional despite suffering symptoms on a weekly basis. The survey also found that few of these professionals discussed the use of an action plan.
Experts agree that education is the best prescription. Use these professionals, and together you can come up with ways to reduce your exposure to whatever triggers your asthma and put together an action plan so you know what to do when your asthma gets worse. If you want to try an alternative therapy they can help you with that too.

4. Visualise success. Believe you can improve your life and reduce the impact of asthma. Every morning and night as you lay in your bed visualise yourself symptom free. Build the vision into your life. You will be clearer about why you are keeping to your resolution and that will pull you forward to success.

So there you have it. Four simple steps to get you back on course. Are you willing to make the effort, or are you prepared to drift for another six months? Do yourself a favor and start now. Go put your medication where you cannot miss it the next time you should take it. Make an appointment to see your doctor. Learn more about asthma. Whatever you decide is the next step you want to take to improve your asthma, go do it now.

About the Author

David Kane is the author of 101 Top Tips for Asthma Relief and has produced a number of resources to help asthma sufferers monitor and control their condition. Find these at http://www.asthma-relieftips.com

Written By: David Kane

Posted: June 16th, 2007 under Asthma.
Comments: none

Asthma is a respiratory disorder characterized by frequent wheezing, labored breathing, sense of chest congestion and frequent attacks of coughing and gasping. It is a disease of the respiratory system in which the airways narrow down often in response to a trigger meaning exposure to cold air, exercise, allergen or emotional stress. These symptoms of asthma can range from mild to life threatening and can be controlled by drugs and separate lifestyle changes.

This disorder is a chronic inflammatory condition in which the airways develop increased responsiveness to various stimuli and are characterized typically by bronchial hyper-responsiveness, increased mucus production, intermittent airway obstruction and frequent inflammation.

Diagnosis of asthma

If you are suffering from any of these symptoms you should visit the physician for proper diagnosis. Asthma is strongly suspected if a patient suffers from eczema or several other allergic conditions and already has a family history of asthma.

However diagnosis of asthma involves the following factors:

In children it begins with developed breathing problems, history of nasal stiffness [rhinitis], itchy eyes [allergic conjunctivitis] and eczema.
For adults it involves listening to the lungs with stethoscope and examination of nasal passages.
Blood tests and sputum studies are also great ways to diagnosis for asthma.
Spirometry is breathing test, which measures the amount, and rate at which air can pass through airways.
Exercise challenge tests and metacholine inhalation tests are also great procedures to evaluate airway responsiveness.

Asthma and pregnancy

Asthmatic women can face serious problem during pregnancy. If they do not take proper care, asthma can attack both the mother as well as the fetus inside the mother. Therefore uncontrolled asthma in pregnant women often lead o complications like premature birth, low birth weight and maternal blood pressure changes.

Following are brief ways pregnant women can take care of their asthma:

The expectant mother should remain active and sleeping throughout the night.
Pregnant women with asthma should do some regular exercises under the supervision of their physicians.
The pregnant mother should avoid medications like iodides, aspirin or ASA products, tetracycline, sulfonamides and antihistamines.

Treatments for asthma

Asthma can be treated with two types of medicines that include quick-relief medicines and long-term control medicines. While quick relief medicines should be taken during the first signs of asthma, the long-term medicines are taken every day usually over long periods of time to prevent symptoms and asthma attacks.

Following are the various treatments for asthma:

Children with moderate or severe asthma should know to use a peak flow meter to help keep asthma under control.
Medicines are the best treatments along with inhalers. However, medicines like beta-blockers used for treating high blood pressure and glaucoma, nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin should be avoided.
Regular physical activity is important to reduce asthma.

You should manage your asthma to remain fit and healthy in life.

About the Author:

Barney Garcia writes about many different allergy and asthma topics. For more info on allergies and asthma visit allergies and allergy relief and asthma

Written By: Barney Garcia

Posted: June 13th, 2007 under Asthma.
Comments: none

Discover green tea — an ancient drink with health benefits for you today.

Want to enhance your health in surprising ways? Drink green tea.

We’re not talking about a new health discovery here. This beverage has been used for thousands of years by the Chinese. It has proved itself for centuries as worthy of beingincluded in our diet for its health properties.

Not only has this drink been endorsed for ages, but modern science also has discovered astonishing facts about whatit may be able to do for your health.

There are a lot more benefits to drinking green tea than are listedbelow, but here are seven:

1. Drink it to help shed extra pounds.

A study published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in November, 1999, is encouraging. It shows that this drink may enable people to burn more calories.

2. This ancient brew may help combat signs of aging.

That’s because it contains large amounts of vitamins E and C which are antioxidants. Antioxidants have the reputation of being able to combat free radicals that damage cells. Cancer, heart attacks and diabetes can result from damaged cell membranes.

In April, 1999, researchers at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland revealed that green tea may ease the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

3. This drink may help asthma sufferers.

Because it contains theophylline (a muscle relaxant), it can help the muscles surrounding bronchial tubes to relax. This helps asthma sufferers to breathe with less restriction.

4. Green tea may help lower blood pressure.

High blood pressure makes you susceptible to heart attack and stroke. This ancient brew may also keep blood clots from forming.

5. Green tea has been reported to help in the fight against cancer.

Doctors from the prestigious Mayo Clinic found that green tea extract given to four leukemia patients seemed to help three of them experience regression of the disease. And even the fourth patient showed some improvement. The reason the doctors tried green tea extract is that a 2004 test tube study showed that leukemia cells were killed by the extract.

By the way, in Japan there are fewer reported cancer deaths. Could it be because the Japanese drink a lot of green tea?

6. Drinking this beverage my help lower cholesterol.

Lowering cholesterol with no side effects has been reported in studies using green tea. Your ability to fight heart disease and ward off stroke is tied in with your cholesterol count.

7. This brew may help your body fight infections.

The New York Times reported in April of 2003 that the immune system’s ability to fight disease may be strengthened by drinking green tea. Microbiologist Milton Schiffenbauer, professor at Pace University (New York) stated, “Our research shows tea extracts can destroy the organism that causes disease. If we can stimulate the immune system and at the same time we are destroying the organisms then it makes sense to drink more tea.”

Now that you’ve learned 7 ways green tea has been shown to help your health, why not give it a place in your daily diet? It’s not a magic cure, but this proven ancient beverage may just help you to be healthier.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Patricia Wagner offers informative tips and a newsletter to help you live a more energetic lifestyle. Check out A to Z Wellness at http://www.a-to-z-wellness.com/healthy-foods.htm

Written By: Patricia Wagner

Posted: June 10th, 2007 under Asthma.
Comments: none

If you have asthma and you enjoy outside activities that take you to higher elevations or much, much higher, the possible danger has certainly crossed your mind. Well, the news isn’t all bad, though it is cautionary.

Asthma is a chronic lung condition, characterized by a difficulty with breathing. People with asthma have extra sensitive or hyper-responsive airways. During an asthma attack, their airways become irritated and react by narrowing and constructing, causing increased resistance to airflow, and obstructing the flow of the air passages to and from the lungs.

There’s no question, as an asthma sufferer you’re more likely to be affected by altitude sickness than if you didn’t have the disease. However, if you’re fit and healthy, with asthma that’s well controlled, you should have no problems coping. This is, of course, provided you ascend slowly and recognize and accept your limitations.

Altitude will generally have little effect on stable asthmatics.

If your asthma is so severe that your blood oxygen is low, then air travel can put you in danger of reducing your blood oxygen level even further. That, combined with the dry, cool conditions generally encountered at high altitudes, could trigger asthma symptoms. In addition, if your destination is a high altitude, a city such as Denver for example, and you’re unaccustomed to that altitude and have little opportunity to acclimatize, you may experience heightened symptoms. As always, discuss this with your doctor ahead of time.

Now, if you’re dealing with severe asthma and you’ve been using your bronchodilator three or more times a week over the previous year, high-altitude treks can also increase your risk of an asthma attack. As already mentioned, the dry, cool conditions generally encountered at higher altitudes tend to aggravate the disease. Climbing, in and of itself, can be a very strenuous exercise which may trigger exercise-induced asthma in some people.

Then there’s your inhaler to consider. In freezing conditions, pressurized inhalers may not work properly. So before using yours, first you’ll need to warm it up using the body heat from your hands.

The best thing to do is to discuss your trip with your doctor several weeks in advance of your departure. This will allow time to work out a personal asthma action plan for the trip. This might involve increasing your preventer treatment for several weeks before the trip to give your airways extra protection, or measuring peak flow while away to determine how altitude is affecting your lung function, or even simple things like ensuring that you have enough medication and backup medication.

High altitudes do not need to be avoided. Just make certain you take some basic precautions. Humid air is certainly better for keeping your airways moist. However, the effects of dry, cool air can be prevented by keeping your asthmatic condition under close control. And some asthma sufferers, particularly those whose asthma is triggered by house-dust mites may actually find their asthma improves at higher elevations, where the dust mites can’t survive.

So ask your doctor about any high-altitude travelling you have upcoming, heed his advice, and enjoy your trip!

About the author:

David Silva is the webmaster of Asthma Insights, a website dedicated to the comprehensive exploration of asthma, its triggers, its symptoms and its management. Pick up a free copy of the special report, Understanding Asthma, when you sign up for their newsletter at http://asthmainsights.com

Written By: David Silva

Posted: June 7th, 2007 under Asthma.
Comments: none

There are forms of exercising that are better for those who have asthma.

Certain forms of exercise will cause more wheeziness or chest tightness than others.

For example, running outdoors not as good as swimming.

Indeed swimming is one of the best forms of exercise for people with asthma because the swimmer is surrounded by warm, moist air.

On the other hand if the air you breathe during exercise is cold and dry, then the asthma will be worse.

If it is warm and moist, as with swimming, then the asthma will be not be as bad.

This tells us why swimming causes less asthma attacks than running, or other forms of exercise.

However, asthma and associated allergies can be complex as some asthmatics suffer worsening symptoms from the fumes (chlorine) in swimming pools.

The amount of time you exercise important as it usually takes at least six minutes of continuous exercise to trigger an exercise-induced asthma attack, and exercising for less time than this may not be enough to trigger an attack.

For a few hours after you have had the exercise-induced asthma, repeating the same amount of exercise will no longer produce the same amount of asthma symptoms, or may even produce no asthma symptoms at all.

In this way some patients are able to avoid exercise-induced asthma either exercising with short bursts.

Therefore asthmatics are particularly suited to sports and exercise, which consist of short bursts of activity with periods of rest in between.

While long-distance or cross-country running would be a bad choice of sport because they are undertaken outside in cold air without short breaks others are possible including…

*Football or hockey, or similar sport, as they are played in brief bursts with short breaks and periods of rest in between.

*Swimming is an great form of exercise for anyone with asthma. The warm moist air in the swimming pool is less likely to trigger symptoms of asthma.

*Yoga is a another exercise for people with asthma as it relaxes the body and the mind, reducing stress, and often done indoors where the air is warm.

There is evidence that indicates that gradual exercise can make you less prone to exercise-induced asthma.

Accordingly this disease does not automatically prevent a sufferer from enjoying sport at any level.

There have been many Olympians, including medallists, who were asthmatic and suffered from exercise-induced asthma.

However having the needed medical advice, asthma management, treatment, as well as the proper coaching, training, and self-discipline that every Olympic athlete needs to have, the asthma problems were overcome.

There are steps to help you help you in reducing the severity or number of asthma attacks.

*Speak with your doctor and make sure that you are properly and safely using your asthma medications.

*Warming up and down to get your muscles ready as well as getting your lung ready.

*Be aware of the weather and environmental conditions.

*Stay fit. Aerobic exercise help’s to reduce the effects of asthma and recommended by doctors for good health.

One of the triggers of asthma is fatigue. Having strong lungs, a benefit of exercise, is allows you to avoid the fatigue that brings on asthma attacks.

About the author:

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

Written By: Mike Herman

Posted: June 4th, 2007 under Asthma.
Comments: none

The 21st Century has brought us many advances. The progress industry has been through changed everything around it and the environment is suffering its effects.

The air is the means of transportation - and consequently, the means by which microorganisms get spread, more commonly that ever before. It’s pretty easy for an epidemic to get spread through the air and it’s scary, if we take into account what happened with the Ebola virus some years ago. The whole world was afraid, even countries at the other side of the globe were praying for the virus not to get to their territory.

Directly opposite to what many people think, it is not only the “outside” that offers danger to our overall health. We are not safe even inside our homes. Believe it or not, a study developed by environment researchers found that the air inside our homes is dirtier than the air we breathe when we are walking in the street.

What are we exposed to?

We are exposed to a lot of danger when we breathe. Asthmatic people suffer even more than people who don’t have any respiratory disorders. Little children, especially newborn babies, and old people are the most predisposed to suffer respiratory disorders due to the bad condition of the air we breathe.

It’s not that hundreds of years ago, the air was safe. No, it was not. Allergens have always existed. But progress has brought us industries with their high chimneys spreading smoke, a dark and heavy smoke, into the air. We have cars that also spread smoke. These simply create high levels of pollution.

Besides the pollution, we also have the allergens in the air. And the majority of these are the ones responsible for the asthma crisis today. The smoke of a cigarette, the pollen from flowers and the thousands of different smells mixed ogether may lead a delicate respiratory system into a serious crisis.

In addition to that, bacteria and viruses as well as other types of microorganisms are constant threats. Due to these invisible creatures, people get pneumonia and tuberculosis, diseases that may lead to death if not treated properly.

How do we protect our loved ones?

Unfortunately, there aren’t many things we can do in order to protect our family or our environment at work. We can’t prevent pollution, allergens or microorganisms from existing in the air that we breathe and we cannot stop breathing either.

The same hand that pollutes tries to clean. Industries have developed some air purifiers in order to decrease the effects of the polluted air we breathe.

Air purifiers simply try to take from the air the allergens and some of the pollution. It’s something we can do to decrease the effects on our bodies. It is certainly necessary if we have new babies at home.

Techniques used

There are several techniques available for people who want to create a safe - or less dangerous - indoor environment with respect to the air.

Some air purifiers use adsorbent techniques and electrostatic charges and ionizers. Some others include a germicidal UV light and the emission of ions into the air in order to react with the agents that may cause health problems and reduce or eliminate them. However, there isn’t an air purifier sold for homes able to create indoor conditions as clean as those found in hospitals.

We cannot control what we breathe when we are in the street, but we can do something to avoid such side effects when we are at home.

About the author:

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Air Purifiers

Written By: Michael Russell

Posted: June 1st, 2007 under Asthma.
Comments: none