Sep 5
2007

In the waiting room in my clinic, there is a poster that says Self Forgiveness is Essential for Healing. A patient once asked me what it means and why I put it up there.

There are two main reasons why I put the poster up.

Firstly, I want my patients to realise that some physical illnesses are just manifestations of unresolved emotions and conflicts. Most times, these unresolved emotions have to do with anger and self blame. Both emotions are actually two sides of the same coin. The difference is that with anger, we direct the negative emotion outward at an external object or person while we direct it inwardly at ourselves in self blame. Both emotions are harmful to ourselves and may actually lead to physical illnesses. Some researchers believe that there is a strong link between such negative emotions with cancer.

In my own practice, I see some patients whose physical symptoms are actually caused by such negative emotions. One particularly noteworthy case was of a lady in her mid-thirties who suddenly developed asthma after a recent miscarriage. We initially treated her with anti-asthmatic medications with very little improvement. After about a month on medications, she came one afternoon looking rather sad. When I enquired further, she burst out crying. She disclosed that she had been feeling guilty about her miscarriage and blamed herself for the lost. To make matter worse, she could not discuss her feelings with her husband because he refused to talk about the matter.

I spend about an hour listening to her sorrows, allowing her to grieve for her lost. As she described her pain, she cried but I could see that it was good for her to discharge her pent up emotions.

After this visit, I did not see her for some time. Several months later, she came by to see me again. This time it was to thank me for the last consultation. Apparently, ever since that consultation, her asthmatic symptoms disappeared and never came back.

This demonstrates the negative effects of self blame and guilt, and the power of self forgiving.

There is another reason why I put that poster up, and it is to remind myself sometimes to be kind to myself. As a doctor and a human being, I am sometimes faced with difficult decisions and choices. Sometimes, the decisions I made may turn out to be detrimental to my patients, resulting in unpleasant consequences. Fortunately, such incidents are rare and far in between, but they are a reality of life as a doctor. No doctor with a conscience can continue to provide quality healthcare to his patients if he allows such guilt to haunt him indefinitely. Self blame in such a case is not only harmful to the doctor himself but to the patients he has to treat everyday.

Thus, as a doctor, one has to learn to accept responsibility for his choices, both good and bad. If the decisions happened to be bad, he has to allow himself to grieve and move on as quickly as he can. He does not have the luxury of prolonged griefs.

A healthy way to handle such situations is to consciously accept responsibility for his choices, even if he does not openly admit it to others, learn from it so as not to repeat the same mistake, and then to focus on the immediate task at hand. This can only be achieved with a lot of self forgiving.

As the saying goes, To err is human, to forgive divine. While forgiving is indeed divine, self forgiving can be the most difficult thing to do. It is often much easier to blame someone else instead of accepting responsibility for ones choices. It takes a person of courage and integrity to own his actions.

About The Author

Dr. Tim Ong is a medical doctor and runs a successful family medicine practice. In his free time, he devotes himself to meditation and community works. He is also the webmaster of http://klinikong.com, http://theselfimprovementsite.com and http://mindscienceinfo.com.

Written By: Dr. Tim Ong

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Sep 2
2007

More than 17 million people in the US alone suffer from asthma, a serious lung ailment, resulting in 5,000 asthma deaths a year. Asthma is an allergic inflammation of the lungs, which is generally triggered by pollens, molds, dust, animal dander, air pollution, chemicals, exercise, temperature changes or ingestion of certain foods. Asthma drugs, which are traditionally used to control asthma symptoms can have very serious side effects, plus they are also quite expensive. For a detailed list of asthma drugs and their known side effects see:

http://www.dramatic-asthma-relief.com/asthma-drug-side-effects.htm

Fortunately there are alternative asthma treatments which are quite effective, relatively inexpensive compared to drugs and best of all they are without negative side effects. However, it is best to prevent the development of asthma in the first place.

Asthma Prevention – Measures You Can Take to Prevent the Devlopment of Asthma

Doctors and researchers agree that the single most important thing that parents can do to prevent their child from developing asthma in the first place is to eliminate or significantly reduce dust mite allergens or asthma triggers in the home.

“Clinical studies have revealed that avoidance of dust mite allergens in early childhood can prevent the onset of asthma…” Michael LeNoir Md

Dust mite allergens are known to play a major role in it’s development. Researchers have determined that other important allergens (after dust mites) that also need to be eliminated from the home are cats, certain types of mold, dogs, cockroaches and tobacco smoke. It is a popular misconception that children will “outgrow” asthma. It is a severe and potentially life-threatening illness that should be taken seriously. Long term use of steroid drugs is not recommended by doctors and has serious side effects. Making these preventative environmental changes is a much more viable, healthy and preferable alternative. If you or your child are already suffering from asthma or allergies these measures will certainly help.

What are Dust Mites?
Dust mites are microscopic insects and live in bedding, pillows, mattresses, blankets, upholstery, carpets etc. They thrive particularly in humid climates. They live off of dead skin cells and produce an allergen from their excrement, which is inhaled.

All Homes Contain Dust Mites No Matter How Clean They Are.
Studies have shown that dust mite allergens in the home must be reduced to at least 2mcg/g dust or mite populations decreased to 100/g dust to have any significant benefit. There are several things that can be done to accomplish this.

What Can Be Done To Eliminate or Reduce Dust Mites?
Researchers have found through numerous studies that these are the most effective measures:
Changing the relative humidity and temperature of the home:

-Keeping relative humidity less than 50% is proven to greatly reduce the dust mite population. (Portable dehumidifiers were not shown to significantly reduce humidity).

-Mechanical ventilation with a heat recovery unit has proved to be the most effective to reduce humidity in the home.

-Using air cleaners that have HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, which will also eliminate other allergens such as pollen and animal dander.

-Cleaning using a vacuum with a HEPA filter and steam cleaning rugs and upholstery regularly.

-Washing all bedding in hot water (60 degrees C, 130 degrees F) on a weekly basis is known to kill dust mites. Drying bedding in a hot dryer.

-Dry cleaning quilts and blankets weekly will also kill dust mites.

-Placing plastic casings specifically made for dust mite control on pillows and mattresses.

-Chemicals used on carpets and upholstery which are known to kill dust mites include benzyl benzoate, permethrin, pirimiphos methyl, phenyl salicylate, tannic acid, common household disinfectants, combinations of these, and insect growth regulators. (please note: some chemicals can also trigger asthma and allergy reactions, therefore research them carefully before using).

About the Author:

Susan Millar is a researcher and ex-asthma and allergy sufferer, providing people suffering from asthma with free asthma prevention resources. To download your free Asthma Prevention Report in pdf format,visit http://www.dramatic-asthma-relief.com/asthma-prevention.htm

Written By: Susan Millar

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Aug 30
2007

Because you will stumble upon the facts and no longer be confused.

Theres a lot of confusion out there about Ephedra andEphedrine and exactly what they are.

I wrote about this a couple years ago and its time to write about it again. Theres a lot of information so pay attention, here we go.

Ephedra is back in the news again.

This time because of a decision last week by a federal court in Utah that struck down the fda ban of Ephedra. First of all, herbal Ephedra was never banned. Ephedrine alkaloidswere banned. Ephedrine is the active ingredient in Ephedra.And Ephedrine alkaloids are the synthetic super concentrated version of Ephedra.

The fda has stated that the ban is still in effect for higher doses(above 10mg) of ephedrine products. And that the agency is considering its options with respect to their next steps.

There is a whole lot of controversy surrounding Ephedra. Because it has been confused and misrepresented by those who are confused about what it is and is not.

Ephedra is an herb which is perfectly safe when used in quantities that meet U.S. mega-dosing laws. Just like its been used in Asian cultures for thousands of years for its health benefits.

And because it is a broncho-dilator the actual herb Ephedra is one of the most widely used and effective treatments for asthma.

Do you really think Asian cultures would use something for thousands of years if it was dangerous? Lets give credit where credit is due.

Because to the misuse of the word Ephedra all of the negative associations of Ephedrine alkaloids have been transferred to the natural herb Ephedra. Including a number of deaths caused by the synthetic Ephedrine alkaloids.

And this is how Ephedra has become demonized.

Pseudo Ephedrine HCL is found in nearly every over the counter cold and decongestant sinus medication.

Pseudo Ephedrine, like Ephedrine alkaloids is a chemically altered form of Ephedra. Most of these over the counter medications have many times the content of concentrated ephedrine alkaloids as compared to weight loss and other nutritional supplements – most of which contain the natural form of Ephedra.

In fact, most medications contain far more Pseudo ephedrine in 2 Pills, because of its concentrated form, than an entire weeks worth of nutritional supplements which contain the natural ephedra.

Dr. Linda Page, N.D., Ph.D., Dr. Page has been a Classical Herbalist for almost 30 years and has formulated over 250 effective whole herb combinations, many of them containing ephedra. Dr. Page writes:

“I am continually distressed about ephedra’s misuse and abuse, most importantly the isolated component of ephedra, ephedrine. If herbalists and formulators lose the ability to use ephedra, we are losing one of the best broncho-dilators from the plant kingdom that is extremely valuable when used for asthma and allergies. What then would people have to choose from to alleviate their symptoms? Drugs of course.

So what’s the difference between ephedra and ephedrine? Dr. Page explains that in a whole herb formulation containing ephedra, there may be up to 50 mg of ephedra, containing only HALF a milligram of ephedrine. But the products that isolate ephedrine may deliver up to 20 mg of ephedrine – a full 40 times as much as ephedra!.

Yet, You can walk into any drug store or grocery store to find a few dozen cold, sinus and CHILDRENS products which contain pseudo ephedrine hcl. Yes, thats right 15mg of pseudo ephedrine hcl in a childrens decongestant.

So you are asking yourself “wait a minute, what about all the over the counter medications which contain synthetic ephedrine?, Why aren’t those banned?”

Thats a great question, you’ll have to ask the fda.

Sources:

Jenny Thompson, HSI e-alert Get it right, 4/21/2005

Jenny Thompson, HSI e-alert Circle the Wagons, 1/8/2004

About the Author

Lee Cummings has been helping real people solve real problems and feel better with expert proven nutrition for over 5 years.
For a No cost Report mailto:report@lc-nutrition.com Discover proven nutrition information visit: http://www.LC-Nutrition.com

Written By: Lee Cummings

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Aug 24
2007

Diagnosis is the important first step in taking control of asthma.

The earlier it is diagnosed the earlier the condition can be controlled, and the more successful the treatment can be.

Anyone regularly exhibiting any of the symptoms below should see a doctor or allergist as soon as possible.

Fatigue

Coughing, even when the person does not have a cold

Wheezing

Difficulty breathing

Tightness in the chest

Runny nose

Itchy throat

A doctor will ask you the following questions:

Do you have episodes of coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, seeming to follow allergies during certain seasons, or weather changes?

Do you get colds that seem to “go to the chest” or take longer than a week to get over?

Are there over-the-counter medications that you are taking that help your symptoms?

Do have parents, siblings, or any other family members that have asthma or similar allergies?

What is it that seems to trigger or cause these symptoms or make them worse?

The doctor will then investigate the possible causes through a number of tests, i.e. listening to your breathing, to diagnose not only whether the patient has asthma but also its severity.

An instrument called a spirometer will likely be used to check your airways, by measuring how much air you can exhale after taking a deep breath.

If the airways are narrowed and inflamed the results will indicate that, showing that asthma is likely the reason. Your doctor may give you some medication and then continue the testing to see if the medication improves your breathing.

Additional test either done by or prescribed by your doctor are:

Allergy testing – what allergens you are allergic to

Sinus disease tests

How exercise affects your lungs

Testing you for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) which can affect asthma

Testing via a peak flow meter

A a chest x-ray may be needed to find out if a foreign object, or other lung diseases or heart disease could be causing asthma-like symptoms

Depending on the results of your doctors finding form the tests and your medical history your doctor is able to determine the severity of the asthma. The severity of the asthma will tell your doctor(s) which treatments are best.

The levels of asthma severity are:

Mild Intermittent: Asthma symptoms occurring less than twice each week during the day, and is less than twice a month at night.

Mild Persistent Asthma: Asthmatic episodes occurring three or more times each week, yet not occurring on a daily basis, and night time attacks are occurring three or more times each month. Asthma attacks may be interfering with daily activities, exercise, etc.

Moderate Persistent Asthma: Asthmatic episodes occurring daily, as well as night-time symptoms more than once a week. Asthma attacks may be interfering with daily activities, exercise, etc.

Severe Persistent Asthma: Asthmatic episodes throughout the day, as well as night-time symptoms often. Physical activity is likely to be limited.

It is important to note that anyone with asthma can have a severe attack – even those who have intermittent or mild persistent asthma.

The doctors will instruct you on:

Taking your long-term daily medicines

The triggers that make your asthma conditions worse and how you could avoid them

What to watch for that indicates that your asthma is starting to worsen such as the weather conditions, allergens, your peak flow meter, etc.

How and use your peak flow meter

The medications need to manage your asthma

How often you should be seeing or calling your doctor

Together with a knowledgeable doctor, or even a “team” of doctors, you’ll be able to successfully manage your asthma.

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

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Aug 21
2007

BREATHE EASY SALTPIPE SALT INHALER. The natural respiratory aid to easier breathing! Clinically proven to relieve suffering from asthma.

BREATHE EASY SALTPIPE SALT INHALER.The natural respiratory aid to easier breathing! For centuries salts have been used as folk remedies by many different cultures in regions around the world. Today people suffering from respiratory disorders travel to curative mines such as Wieliczka in Poland, Hallen in Austria or Praid in Romania. Now you can achieve the benefits of salt therapy easily simply and in the comfort of your own home. The BREATHE EASY SALTPIPE SALT INHALER. The modern way to experience salt therapy.

BREATHE EASY SALT THERAPY PIPE Clinically proven to relieve suffering from asthma. Studies reveal that salt therapy shows an improvement in 85% of cases of mild, moderate asthma, 75% of cases of severe asthma and 97% of cases of chronic bronchitis!

Off to the salt mines? Whatever for!

Hundreds of thousands of people suffering from allergies, asthma, and other respiratory system disorders have found that visits to the salt mines of Wieliczka in Poland, Hallen in Austria or Praid in Romania or the Dead Sea to inhale the salt brine vapour have brought amazing natural respiratory relief and treatment of asthma, nasal catarrh, sinusitis, breathlessness, bronchitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, night coughing, rhinitis, irritation and coughing caused by pollution and smoking, hay fever and other allergies. Breathe easy! Now you can achieve the benefits of rock salt vapours easily and simply and in the comfort of your own home with the COMPACT BREATHE EASY SALT PIPE SALT INHALER. – the modern way to experience salt therapy.

Salt of the Earth

The benefits of salt therapy or speleotherapy are well documented. In the mid 18th Century a Polish health official Felix Botchkowski noticed that the workers of salt mines did not get ill with lung diseases. He wrote a book about the effects of salt dust in 1843. His successor Mstislav Poljakowski founded a Salt Spa in Velicko near Krakow, which is still in operation.

During the Second World War salt mines were often used as bombproof shelters. After spending time there many people who suffered from asthma felt that their health had improved!

The BREATHE EASY SALT PIPE SALT INHALER is a patented porcelain pipe inhaler filled with Miocene Mineral Halite Salt Crystals from the Transylvanian Praid Salt mine placed in the pipe chamber between ceramic filters so air is drawn through the salt. Its salty therapeutic microclimate calms and cleanses the cells of the respiratory system. When using the pipe the moisture of the passing air absorbs the micron sized particles of the salt that penetrates into the respiratory system to induce natural self cleansing mechanisms that flush away the impurities from the surface of the cells, mechanically cleanse the passage ways, help clear out the nasal cavities and help calm, heal and repair inflamed lungs and airways. Acting as a muco kinetic it helps restore the normal transport of mucus and unclog blockages in the bronchi and bronchioles.

Just a few minutes or regular daily use can be of major benefit not only to asthma, hay fever and allergy sufferers, smokers and snorers but can also help overcome stuffiness, persistent coughing, shortness of breath, and wheeziness during colds, flu and other infections and neutralise the daily damaging effects of air pollution, dust, smog, fog and secondary cigarette smoke.

About the Author

Website: http://www.livingiseasy.co.uk Telephone: +44 (0) 207 483 1991 Email: info@livingiseasy.co.uk

Welcome to the world of LIVINGISEASY. Every little contribution you make towards your well being adds up. At Livingiseasy we help you to add life to your years and years to your life. So if its to buy, to browse, share your ideas, check out new products, latest offers and top tips or simply listen to our relaxing theme tune remember Livingiseasy.co.uk

Written By: Tzaf

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Trackback  •  Posted in Asthma  


Aug 18
2007

Here are some facts about the relationship between coffee and asthma. Regular coffee drinkers have about 1/3 less asthma symptoms than those of non-coffee drinkers according to a Harvard researcher who studied 20,000 people.

For the past several years, many experts have touted how horrible coffees were for our health and that the drinking of caffeinated coffee should be immediately ceased. Recently, however, several studies have shown that caffeinated coffee can actually be extremely good for people. One of the groups of people who can reap health benefits from drinking caffeinated coffee is those people who suffer from asthma.

In particular, drinking caffeinated coffee in the situation of an emergency onset of asthma can allow the patient to breathe easily. Doctors have recommended coffee as an emergency way of treating asthma patients who find themselves with a sudden onset and no medication for many, many years.

In Scotland, as evidenced by the Edinburgh Medical Journal, asthma and coffee are good for each other. While not recommended for exclusive treatment, one to two cups of stron coffee may help open airways.

This coffee and asthma treatment can help a patient who is suffering from an onset of asthma symptoms and finds himself without an inhaler breathe more easily until the inhaler can be obtained. This emergency treatment has proven extremely effective due to the similarities between caffeine and a tried-and-true asthma medication known as theophylline.

The similarities between these two chemicals lead doctors to routinely advise patients who are about to undergo tests for lung function to avoid coffee and other caffeinated beverages for one to two days prior to the time of the test.

Several large coffee and asthma studies conducted in the past few years have examined the relationship between drinking coffee and the prevalence of asthma. A study of over seventy thousand Italians showed that there was a significant reduction in the appearance of asthma amongst patients who would regularly drink coffee.

The risk of asthma symptoms fell by 28% when patients drank three or more cups of coffee every day.

In 1992, the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES II) examined over twenty thousand Americans. The study found that the risk of symptoms from patients with asthma going into the study fell dramatically (over 29%) when patients who regularly drank coffee were compared with patients who did not drink coffee on a regular basis.

In addition, the risk of patients suffering from wheeze fell almost 13%. A relationship was also found between the amount of coffee consumed and the effects gained by the asthma patients. Those who drank more coffee had fewer symptoms; those who drank less coffee had more symptoms.

Another smaller coffee and asthma study was performed on nine adult asthmatics using four daily doses of caffeine similar to the doses contained in coffee. This study showed a dose response effect of caffeine on forced expiratory volume (FEV), forced expiratory flow (FEF) and specific airway conductance (Gaw/VL). This data also suggests that caffeine is an effective tool to use in opening airways during an onset of asthma.

While doctors will never advise drinking coffee as the sole treatment for asthma as they did hundreds of years ago, they do agree that the caffeine found in coffee is particularly beneficial in an emergency situation. Anecdotal evidence shows that people have used coffee in situations where inhalers were completely unavailable, such as when on vacations and on an airplane. Coffees are particularly useful in these situations, as the patients might otherwise suffer serious consequences due to their inability to breathe properly.

About the Author

Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.
Randy works with his son on Ultimate Coffees Info, Randy also owns Las Vegas Weddings and Profitable Home Businesses. Randy owned and operated a very successful storefront/mailorder business from 1988 to 2003.

Written By: Randy Wilson

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Trackback  •  Posted in Asthma  


Aug 15
2007

The following article includes pertinent information that may cause you to reconsider what you thought you understood. The most important thing is to study with an open mind and be willing to revise your understanding if necessary.

Inhalers have changed the way that doctors treat asthma completely. Asthma inhalers can deliver medicine directly to the lungs just about anytime or anyplace that an asthma attack happens. Portable, easy to use and commonly accepted, asthma inhalers are a key to independence for many asthma sufferers.

While there are other parts to an asthma treatment plan, asthma inhalers are the part that can make it possible for those who have asthma to engage in regular daily activities – including sports and other activities – without fear. Knowing what type of inhalers you can use and how to use them can help you manage your life so that asthma doesn’t manage you.

Definition: Asthma inhalers are portable, usually hand-held devices used to deliver medication directly to the lungs. There are two kind of inhalers:

* Metered-dose inhalers. A metered dose asthma inhaler delivers medication by means of a chemical propellant – like a fluorocarbon. Usually, the medicationis released by pressing the inhaler canister into a base – similar to a spray can. As the name says – it delivers a metered, or measured dose.

* Dry powder inhalers. With the concerns about fluorocarbons and chemicals damaging the atmosphere, manufacturers have come up with other ways to deliver medication in inhalers. In a dry powder inhaler, medication is delivered in a powder rather than a fine mist.

Types of Medication in Asthma Inhalers

* Short-acting bronchodilators. Often called ‘rescue inhalers’, short-acting bronchodilators relieve asthma symptoms immediately in an emergency situation by relaxing the muscles around the bronchial tubes. The effects last 4-8 hours. They include albuterol and pirbuterol.

* Long-acting bronchodilators. Salmeterol and formoterol are also bronchodilators, but the effects are longer lasting. Long-acting bronchodilators are NOT for use in an emergency situation. Instead, they are used to relax bronchial muscles for longer periods of time as treatment for chronic problems.

It seems like new information is discovered about something every day. And the topic of Asthma Inhalers is no exception. Keep reading to get more fresh news about Asthma Inhalers.

* Corticosteroids. Inhaled corticosteroids are used as a long-term preventative medication. They work by reducing the underlying bronchial and pulmonary inflammation. Most are prescribed for use once or twice a day on an ongoing basis.

* Cromolyn or nedocromil are two nonsteroid medications that are used to prevent and manage inflammation in the long term.

* Corticosteroid + long-acting bronchodilator. This medication combines a corticosteroid and a long-acting bronchodilator (Advair).

How to Use Asthma Inhalers

Your doctor may give you slightly different instructions for using the asthma inhaler prescribed for you, but in general, the instructions for using an asthma inhaler depend on which type of inhaler it is.

A metered dose inhaler comes in a pressurized canister. When you press down on the top of the canister, one measured dose of medication is converted into a fine mist. To use the metered dose inhaler, hold it in front of your mouth or against your lips and be ready to inhale. You must be able to inhale and press down on the canister at the same time. This can be difficult for young children, who often are prescribed an asthma inhaler with a spacer or a face mask to make it easier for them to use.

When you use a dry powder inhaler, you don’t need to coordinate breath and press. Instead, you put your lips on the mouthpiece and take a sharp, deep breath to pull in one dose of powdered medication. Dry powder asthma inhalers are available in several different types.

Those who only know one or two facts about Asthma Inhalers can be confused by misleading information. The best way to help those who are misled is to gently correct them with the truths you’re learning here.

About the author:

Please visit MyHealth-Info.com for more information on asthma inhalers.

Written By: Masni Rizal Mansor

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Trackback  •  Posted in Asthma  


Aug 12
2007

Asthma can strike at any age, half of all cases first occur in children under age 10; in this age group, asthma affects twice as many boys as girls. It is one of the leading causes of respiratory illness among children and young adults, however, this condition may progress a lifetime. It’s estimated 17-million Americans suffer from asthma.

Asthma is a reversible lung disease characterized by obstruction or narrowing of the airways. It may resolve spontaneously or with treatment. Its symptoms range from mild wheezing and shortness of breathe (dyspnea) to life-threatening respiratory failure. Symptoms may persist between acute episodes.

People with asthma do not have a problem inhaling, but rather, a problem exhaling. Airways open up during inhalation with the lowering of the diaphragm as the ribs move out making the lungs bigger allowing air to move around any obstruction. However, when the person exhales, as the rib cage relaxes, the diaphragm slides up preventing the air from getting around the obstruction.

TYPES AND CAUSES

Extrinsic asthma results from sensitivity to specific external allergens. In cases in which the allergen isn’t obvious, it’s referred to as intrinsic asthma.

Extrinsic asthma usually begins in childhood and is accompanied by other manifestations of atopy — A hereditary disorder marked by the tendency to develop immediate allergic reactions to substances such as pollen, food, dander, insect venoms, house dust or mold, kapok or feather pillows, food additives containing sulfites, or similar allergic conditions. In intrinsic asthma, no external allergen can be identified. Most cases are preceded by a severe respiratory infection. Irritants, emotional stress, fatigue, exposure to noxious fumes, changes in temperature, and changes in humidity, may aggravate intrinsic asthma attacks. In many asthmatics, intrinsic and extrinsic asthma coexist.

Several drugs and chemicals may provoke an asthma attack. Examples of these substances include aspirin, various nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and yellow food dye (tartrazine). Exercise may also provoke an asthma attack. In exercise-induced asthma, bronchospasm may follow heat and moisture loss in the upper airways.

An asthma attack may begin dramatically, with simultaneous onset of many severe symptoms, or insidiously, with gradually increasing respiratory distress. It typically includes the following signs or symptoms or some conbination of them:

- progressively worsening shortness of breath – cough – wheezing – chest tightness.

During an acute attack, the cough sounds tight and dry. As the attack subsides, thick mucus is produced (except in young children, who don’t expectorate). Between acute attacks, breath sounds may be normal.

The intensity of breath sounds in symptomatic asthma is typically reduced. A prolonged phase of forced expiration is typical of airflow obstruction. Evidence of lung hyperinflation (use of accessory muscles, for example) is particularly common in children. Acute attacks may be accompanied by tachycardia, tachypnea, and diaphoresis. In severe attacks, the patient may be unable to speak more than a few words without pausing for breath. Cyanosis (a bluish or purplish tinge to the skin and mucous membranes), confusion, and lethargy indicate the onset of respiratory failure.

TREATMENT

Treatment of acute asthma aims to decrease inflammation, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, bronchial airway swelling, and increase pulmonary ventilation. After an acute episode, treatment focuses on avoiding or removing precipitating factors, such as environmental allergens or irritants.

If asthma is caused by a particular virus, bacterium, toxin, or other foreign substance, it may be treated by desensitizing the patient through a series of injections of limited amounts of the antigen causing the attack. The aim is to curb the patient’s immune response to the antigen.

About the author:

Copyright 2006 — HealthClamour.com Larry Champlin Health Clamour Senior Editor http://www.healthclamour.com
Larry Champlin is the Senior Editor at Health Clamour.com http://www.healthclamour.com

Written By: Larry Champlin

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Trackback  •  Posted in Asthma  


Aug 9
2007

Most people become lousy at breathing. Our bodies are naturally designed to breathe properly, but we tend to override this advantage with bad breathing habits. Your shoulders should not lift. Your chest should not stiffen. Your stomach should not push out as you exhale. If you breathe in more than sixteen times a minute your breathing is too rapid and too shallow.

The rib cage and the diaphragm are the main parts of the body involved in inhaling and exhaling. You can feel your rib cage, but you are probably unaware of your diaphragm. The diaphragm is a thick layer of muscle between the lungs and the intestines. When you breathe in it contracts, pulling downward on the chest cavity and pressing down on the stomach and intestines. When you exhale it relaxes.

Do you use your diaphragm correctly when you breathe? Try this exercise to find out. Lie on your back with your right hand resting on your upper chest, and your left hand on your abdomen. Relax for a while until your breathing becomes normal then notice what your hands are doing. When you breathe in your left hand should rise and your right hand should remain fairly still.

Breathing is also important because it can produce a calming effect when we feel anxious. Deep breathing is accepted as a way to calm nerves in many situations. Even professionals use the technique before stepping on stage or standing up for a speech.
Try the following next time you feel yourself becoming tense.

Breathe in for a count of one, and then breathe out for a count of one.

Breathe in for a count of two, and then out for a count of two.

Breathe in for a count of three, and then out for a count of three.

Continue until you are breathing in for a count of twelve, and out for a count of twelve. Keep the counting at a constant rhythm. If you cannot comfortably reach twelve do not strain yourself to reach this figure. Inhale and exhale for as long as you find comfortable and do not hold your breath to complete the count. During this exercise focus on how your body expands and relaxes as you breathe in and out. More oxygen will reach your brain as you do the exercise, making your mind sharper and making you feel refreshed and relaxed.

Most of us could improve our breathing but our tendency to breathe too rapidly and too shallow becomes exaggerated when a person suffers an asthma attack. If you suffer from asthma try to resist the urge to gasp for breath during an attack, and focus on remaining calm and breathing out as fully as you can. Your inhale will follow naturally. Also concentrate on breathing slowly. This is much easier to do if you practiced when you were not having an attack.

Try the following exercises when you are feeling well. If you are healthy they will improve your breathing technique. If you suffer from asthma they will help you exhale correctly during an asthma attack.

1. Hum as you exhale slowly, trying to prolong the breath without straining. Then repeat, but this time make a buzzing sound. Notice when the sound changes and when you become breathless. Stop breathing for a moment then breathe in gently. If you need to gasp for breath you are trying too hard.

2. Breathe in, purse your lips then breathe out in a series of little puffs. Work against the pressure of your lips and cheeks, contracting the abdomen not the chest as you blow.

3. Blow out an imaginary candle. Again your abdomen not your chest should contract as you blow. Your attempts to blow out the candle should be fairly quiet. You should be breathing in naturally at the end of the blow. Repeat as many times as is comfortable but stop if you begin to feel breathless.

We take over ten thousand breaths a day, drawing in about half a liter of air with each one. You can improve this essential act with just a few simple exercises. Try the above and learn to breathe properly.

About the Author

David Kane is the author of 101 Top Tips for Asthma Relief, which gives more ways to control asthma. This and other resources designed to help asthma sufferers monitor and control their condition are available at http://www.asthma-relieftips.com

Written By: David Kane

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Aug 6
2007

Childhood breathing problems can be stressful and frightening for parents. After all, you want your child to be able to play just like every other child. You don’t want him or her to have to live in a bubble or struggle to breathe.

Unfortunately, breathing problems–usually related to asthma and allergies–are becoming more and more common in Western countries. Experts are still exploring why this is so. But the bottom line is, if you’re a parent of a young child, there’s a good chance you’ll have to deal with asthma at some point in time.

So what is a parent to do? Just give up and accept that your child will never be “normal”? Of course not! The good news is, there are quite a few positive actions you can take that will go a long way towards helping your child live a happy, active life.

Here are three main steps you can take to help keep your child with asthma healthy…

Step 1: First, you need to understand asthma.

Knowledge is power, and knowing what actions to take start with understanding what’s going on in your child’s body. Asthma is a chronic breathing problem that interferes with your child’s ability to get air in and out of his or her lungs.

When your child has asthma, the airways often become red, swollen and irritated. This means the passages become narrower, which makes it harder for the air to flow in and out. Also, the airways overreact by producing large amounts of mucus, which can clog the airways further. This causes symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

There is no cure for asthma, but there are many medicines and treatments that can keep it under control. Some children do grow out of asthma over time as well.

Step 2: Get a handle on your child’s asthma triggers.

It’s a well-known fact that asthma symptoms are set off–or triggered–by certain environmental substances. For unknown reasons, your child’s body “sees” these triggers as threats, even though most people are not bothered by them. The lungs then overreact by triggering an asthma attack.

The most common asthma triggers in children are pollen, dust, molds, food allergies, pet dander, and even colds. Scents and cigarette smoke can also set off an asthma attack.

As a parent, you will be able to notice the things that trigger your child’s asthma symptoms. Make note of the patterns, and then do your best to help your child avoid those triggers as much as possible.

Step 3: Play an active role in your child’s health care.

Children who have asthma do need medical care. It’s important to consult with your pediatrician or an asthma specialist and get your child on a treatment program that will help control or prevent his or her symptoms.

The doctor may prescribe the treatment, but it will be up to you to carry it out. It is essential to follow the plan laid out for your child to the letter. Skipping doses of medicine or nebulizer treatments–even on good days–will lead to health problems sooner or later… probably sooner.

So, talk with your health care professional. Ask questions until you are sure you understand exactly what is going on and what to do for your child. Ask your child’s doctor to help you fill out an “Asthma Action Plan” that guides you when to take emergency action during asthma attacks or when an attack is building.

Lastly, keep your child’s doctor informed about what is working or not working. Report when your child’s symptoms change. The doctor will not know when to update the plan of treatment unless you keep him or her informed.

So, in summary, parents are in the best position to help their children with asthma stay healthy and live active lives like other kids. All it takes is a healthy dose of knowledge, good observation skills, active communication with the care team, and a generous helping of love.

About the author:

This article may be reprinted on a website, blog or for personal use IF all content remains unchanged and this resource box is included. Visit http://www.healthybodysupplements.com for FREE HEALTH NEWSLETTER. Get your health questions answered.

Written By: ElmerFizz

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