Jan 12
2008

If you have asthma, managing it is an important part of your life. Controlling your asthma means staying away from things that bother your airways and taking medicines as directed by your doctor. If you have asthma, it is important to learn how to take care of yourself.

MAKE AN ACTION PLAN WITH YOUR DOCTOR

It is important that you work with your doctor to make an action plan that you are both happy with. As part of this, you will need to:

* Tell your doctor about all other medications and drugs you are taking, in case one of them affects your asthma.
* Follow your asthma action plan and have regular checkups.
* Learn to use your medication correctly. Ask your doctor to teach you how to use your inhaler. This is very important. If inhalers are not used correctly, less medication gets into the airways.
* If you are having problems taking your asthma medicine, seek your doctor’s advice immediately.

IDENTIFY YOUR ASTHMA TRIGGERS

You also need to learn to identify and avoid the things that can worsen or trigger your asthma symptoms.

* If animal dander is a problem for you, keep your pet out of the house and/or at least out of your bedroom and wash your pet often – or even find it a new home.
* Do not smoke or allow smoking in your home.
* If pollen is a problem for you, stay indoors with the air conditioner on when the pollen count is high.
* To control dust mites, wash your sheets, blankets, pillows, and stuffed toys once a week in hot water. You can get special dust proof covers for your mattress and pillows.
* To prevent colds and flu, wash your hands often and get a flu shot every year. Children with asthma should get flu shots, too.
* If cold air bothers you, wear a scarf over your mouth and nose in the winter.
* If you get asthma when you exercise or do routine physical activities like climbing stairs, work with your doctor to find ways to be active without having asthma symptoms. Physical activity is important.
* If you are allergic to sulphites, avoid foods (like dried fruit) or beverages (like wine) that contain them. For example, sodium metabisulphite (E220-227) may also trigger asthma, but not via an allergic reaction. It can be found in wine, home-brewed beer, fizzy drinks, prepared meats and prepared salads.
* Do not allow smoking indoors unless there is a room reserved for smokers and which has a separate ventilation system to exhaust smoke outside. Never allow smoking around anyone with asthma.
* Try to keep humidity levels in the home between 30 and 50 percent. High humidity can promote growth of biological agents that may trigger asthma episodes. Use exhaust fans or open windows in the kitchen or bathroom areas when cooking, using the dishwasher, or taking showers. Make sure clothes dryers are vented to the outdoors, and use a dehumidifier in the basement if necessary.
* Avoid using humidifiers. If it cannot be avoided, clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Refill it daily with fresh water to prevent the growth of harmful microbes.
* Minimize exposure to combustion particles and gases that can cause breathing difficulties for people with asthma. Have combustion-powered furnaces, stoves, or heaters checked yearly to make sure they are operating properly. Change furnace filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions, or every month or two during periods of use. Consider installing higher efficiency filters to reduce the number of particles in the air. Never use a gas stove to heat the home, and always use the exhaust fan when cooking on a gas stove.
* Avoid sprays like deodorants, perfumes, or air fresheners, odours from paint, and strong smelling cleaners may start a child’s asthma attack.
* Keep the house clean to reduce allergens like microscopic dust mites, pollen, and animal dander. Use an allergen-proof comforter and encase mattresses and box springs in vinyl covers. Wash bedding frequently in hot (130F) water. Avoid furnishings that collect dust.

MONITOR YOUR ASTHMA

If your asthma is not under control, there will be signs that you should not ignore. The following are some signs that your asthma is getting worse:

* Your asthma symptoms happen more often.
* Your asthma symptoms are worse than they used to be. * Your asthma symptoms are bothering you a lot at night and making you lose sleep.
* You are missing school or work because of your asthma.
* Your peak flow number is low or varies a lot from morning to evening.
* Your asthma medications do not seem to be working very well anymore.
* You have to use your short-acting “quick relief” or “rescue” inhaler more often. (Using quick relief medicine every day, or using more than one inhaler a month is too much)
* You have to go to the emergency room or doctor because of an asthma attack.
* You end up in the hospital because of your asthma.

If your asthma seems to be getting worse, see your doctor. You may need to change your medication or take other actions to get your asthma under control.

About the author:

For further information on asthma, visit Asthma Experience. David Drinkall is a lifelong asthma sufferer and owner of AsthmaExperience.com .

Written By: David Drinkall

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Dec 13
2007

Allergies are disorders of the immune system, which when a foreign substance that is normally harmless in most people causes an extreme reaction within the body. Contact can be with the skin, lungs, oesophagus, mouth, stomach and intestine and can cause a reaction to those organs plus the musculo-skeletal, genoto-urinary system, bowel, cardio-vascular, nose, eyes and brain. The substances that cause these reactions are called allergens and the person who suffers from this, is said to be allergic to the substance. When an allergen comes into contact with the body, the immune system believes it is under attack and produces antibodies called IgE to fight it. The antibodies trigger chemicals (the main one being histamine) to different organs of our body from mast cells which causes the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

The most common allergies are to dust mites, pollen, animal dander in household pets, insect bites, food and drink – the most common being milk, wheat, eggs, fish, soy, citrus fruits, seafood and peanuts, washing powder, cosmetics, toiletries, jewellery, mould and mould fungus, latex and rubber and certain drugs such as antibiotics and anesthetics.

Every individual has their own target organ that has more of an allergic reaction than the others organs. Whatever the substance that causes the reaction, the symptoms occurs in the weak target organs whether this is the same point of contact or not. The symptoms as a result from the allergic reaction will be dependant on the function of the afflicted organ and whether it is depressed or excited.

The main organs that are affected are the brain, eyes, ears, nose, lungs, heart, skin, bowel, genoto-urinary system and musculo-skeletal system.

The brain is the most sensitive of the body’s organs and is easily affected by allergies. Mild forms can be as simple as forgetfulness and severe forms can be as serious as dementia. ‘Woolly brain syndrome’ is a common symptom described by most people who suffer from allergies and this is why most people consider it normal. Other afflictions to the brain are anxiety, depression and panic attacks. The eyes can be affected by becoming watery, red and itchy and also afflicted by conjunctivitis. The mastoid glands in the ears can become affected producing pain and infection. When the nose is affected it can show symptoms such as hay fever, rhinitis, catarrh, blocked nose, sinus pain, sneezing and a running nose. The mouth and throat can be affected by swelling of the lips and tongue, sore throat and coughing. The heart can be affected which can cause hypertension, palpitations and irregular heartbeats. Asthma (wheezing and shortness of breath) and bronchitis can be cause by the lungs being affected and bowel can be affected with Crohn’s disease, colitis, diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain and vomiting. The skin can be affected becoming itchy, inflamed and having a red rash as with eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and urticaria. Urticaria (hives or nettle rash) can be caused by allergies to bee stings, medicines, animals and foods. The genoto-urinary system can be affected with PMT, cystitis, impotency and frigidity. Arthritis, Myalgia and fibrosis can affect the musculo-skeletal. The most extreme allergic reaction is anaphylaxis.

The target organ can change as the body changes, for instance, a child may have eczema as an infant which then changes to hay fever later in childhood which then can change again to migraine attacks in the teenage years which then can change again to arthritis in old age.

In the UK, 1 in 3 people will suffer from one or more type of allergy, 1 in 5 suffer from hay fever, 1 in 5 school children suffer from asthma and 6 million people have eczema.

Natural substances such as mould, spores, pollen, dust mites, animal dander and insects usually cause an allergic reaction in the upper respiratory systems. They cause redness, itching and fluid in the form of water and mucous and can affect the eyes, nose, sinuses, throat, lungs and bronchial tubes.

A person can be allergic to any food, wheat, milk, eggs, corn, yeast, coffee and chocolate are the most common. Food allergies mostly affect the nervous, respiratory, gastrointestinal and skin areas.

Allergic reaction can be caused by food additives and environmental chemicals such as chemical sprays, pesticides, hydrocarbons, tobacco smoke plus thousands of others.

Allergies to certain foods are associated with certain symptoms. For example, headaches are associated with chocolate and wheat, migraine headaches are associated with milk, eggs, nitrates, alcohol, cheese, chocolate, citrus fruit, nuts, wheat, tomatoes and MSG, eczema is associated with eggs, tomatoes and citrus fruits, hay fever is associated with milk, wheat, cola drinks, chocolate and sulfites, hives are associated with strawberries, nuts, pork, mangoes, tomatoes, eggs, chocolate and shellfish, asthma is associated with wheat and eggs, cerebral symptoms are associated with wheat, corn and Soya beans and childhood allergies are associated with fish, beef, rye, milk, wheat, eggs, peanuts, artificial colourings and flavourings and salicylates.

Other factors that can contribute to allergies are bad feeding habits in the baby’s first year of life, poor digestion, excess or repeated contact of a particular substance or food, low nutrients level, presents of candida albicans, parasites, worms or other bacteria, stress and environmental toxins.

To help eliminate or reduce the symptoms of allergies it is best to consume lots of still mineral water, brown or white rice, fruit juices except citrus fruit juices, lots of vegetables except corn and tomatoes, fish except shellfish, turkey and almonds, sunflower seeds and walnuts.

In conclusion, good nutritional health is vital to support our immune systems to help ward off allergic reactions to foods and environmental chemicals. Once a person knows they have an allergy, it is best to avoid that food or chemical, improve nutrition and exercise regime, combat stress and generally support the immune system. It is best not to ignore allergic reactions, as they can lead to further more serious illnesses.

About the Author

Stewart Hare C.H.Ed Dip NutTh Advice for a healthier natural life website: http://www.newbeingnutrition.com

Written By: Stewart Hare

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Nov 1
2007

When we hear of allergy and asthma studies, we often find them lumpted together. Is there really a connection between allergies and asthma? To get to the answer to this, we must first learn what allergies and asthma actually are.

Allergies are immune system reactions to things that others would find harmless. Certain foods, pollen, even dust are all considered allergens that can trigger an allergic reaction. The immune system produces antibodies that release chemicals

Asthma is a chronic lung condition, characterized by difficulty in breathing due to extra sensitive or hyper-responsive airways. During an asthma attack, the airways become irritated and react by narrowing and constructing, causing increased resistance to airflow, and obstructing the flow of air to and from the lungs. Common early warning signs of asthma include fatigue, coughing (especially at night), wheezing, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, runny nose, and itchy throat.

Allergies, on the other hand, are immune system reactions to things that most people would experience as harmless. Certain foods, dust, pollen … these are allergens that can trigger an allergy attack. When they’re encountered, the body’s immune system produces IgE antibodies to fight the allergen. These antibodies create the release of chemicals into the bloodstream, one of which (histamine) affects the eyes, nose, throat, lungs, and skin, causing the allergy’s symptoms.

So now that we have a better picture of how these two health conditions work, the question becomes … is there a relationship between allergies and asthma?

It’s true that those with certain allergies (usually allergies that affect the nose and eyes, such as dust mites, animal dander, mold or pollen) are more likely to develop asthma than say … those without allergies or those with allergies in other classifications, such as food allergies. But it’s also true that many of those with allergies never develop asthma at all.

In addition, there are other factors that can contribute to a person’s asthma. Unmonitored exercise, for example. Or other illnesses, such as colds or the flu.

Scientists aren’t sure what lies at the root cause of asthma. Various studies are looking at a variety of factors, including air pollution, obesity, and as strange as it might sound, even the lack of exposure to viruses and bacteria in childhood (which may prevent he immune system from growing stronger).

What we do know is that exposure to indoor allergens, pollen, animal dander, grass … in other words, allergy-related factors, are often found in asthmatics. Often, but not always. And it also appears that asthma tends to run in families. If both parents have asthma, there’s actually a 40% probability their children will develop the disease as well.

Current research efforts have been exploring the influence of environmental factors, genetics (as mentioned above), and even stress on asthma. This creates the potential to dramatically reduce a person’s asthma severity levels by altering his or her exposure to the aggravating factors. This can be particularly successful when the culprit is something that’s relatively easy to control. Dust, for instance. Or something only encountered in a work environment. Or, though it’s certainly much more difficult because of the emotional component, a family pet.

Unfortunately, the most common allergy that appears to have a direct influence on asthma is an allergy to dust mites. Eliminating these mites to the extent that it might make a difference in the severity of your asthma requires a major change in lifestyle and can often be quite expensive. That doesn’t mean it can’t be done, only that it’s not as easy as simply staying indoors during the pollen season or switching to a less stressful job.

Of course, new treatments are coming along all the time, and considerable research is currently dedicated to finding ways to modify, abolish or diminish the affect allergies have on the body. It’s believed that with the successful control of allergies can come the successful control of asthma, particularly in younger sufferers.

In the meantime, here’s what we know … asthma can be triggered by allergic reactions, but it can also be triggered by nonallergic reactions. Most asthma attacks result from exposure to allergens such as pollen, household dust, and mold. These attacks can be influenced by indoor or outdoor environments. Because a majority of asthma sufferers are affected by some form of allergies, it’s worth the effor to work closely with your doctor to try to identify and control all potential allergens within your influence.

About the author:

Amanda Baker writes for http://tobeinformed.com – a website for health, fitness and wellness information.

Written By: Amanda Baker

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May 5
2007

The words ‘triggers’ or ‘trigger factors’ of asthma are used for the things which can cause an attack in someone who already has asthma.

There is a huge variety of these triggers that have been reported by patients including dogs, cats, tobacco smoke, cold air, exercise, being upset, anxiety, and stress, taking aspirin, dust, fumes and even laughter.

However, particularly severe attacks which can lead to hospital stays usually occur following a virus infection in the nose or chest.

It is important that an asthmatic and their doctor identify the one or more triggers that can make their asthma worse and limit exposure to them through daily management of the disease.

The most common triggers for asthma include:

Allergens

*The skin, hair, or feathers of animals, such as cats, dogs, etc.

*Dust mites found in house dust.

*Cockroaches.

*Tree and grass pollen.

*Mold.

Irritants

*Cigarette smoke.

*Air pollution .

*Drastic weather changes

*Changes in air temperature, for example, if you move from warm indoor air to cold air outdoors.

*Cooking or paint oders

*Scented products, candles, air fresheners, etc.

*Allergens that you are exposed to at your place of work such as chemicals, dusts, smells, etc.

Others

*Breathing tests. Just as the faster breathing in exercise can bring on attacks, the faster and deeper breathing you have to do for most breathing tests can bring on quite a noticeable narrowing of air passages, and can bring on an asthma attack.

*Histamine or methacholine aerosols are used in medical tests to produce a minor and controlled asthma attack to determine the extent of the disease. In the test, the amount of asthma produced is small and very bearable, and it wears off quickly. The result gives a measurement of the irritation in the patient’s airways that can be very useful to the doctor.

*The inhalers used to treat asthma can causes symptoms. Some powder inhalers can cause tightness in the chest and the lubricants in pressurised aerosol inhalers can cause irritation of air passages, and can bring on an asthma attack.

*Some medicines such as aspirin or other painkillers and beta blockers that are used for high blood pressure or heart disease.

*Sulphur dioxide was previously used as a preservative in soft drinks and wine. This can cause chest tightening within seconds of drinking, or even breathing the air above such a drink.

*Sulphites in food and drink such as sodium metabisulphite (E220-227) may trigger asthma, but not via an allergic reaction. It can be found in wine, home-brewed beer, fizzy drinks, prepared meats and prepared salads.

*Gastro-oesophageal reflux, where stomach acid rising up the gullet or more commonly, acid reflux . This causes heartburn and can worsen asthma symptoms, especially at night.

*Infections of the lining of the breathing passages, such as colds and flu.

*Laughing or crying.

*Exercise.

*Strong emotional stress. People with asthma often say that their asthma gets worse if they are upset, crying, or under stress.

About the author:

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

Written By: Mike Herman

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Mar 24
2007

5 Ways Green Lipped Mussels can benefit your Health

Green lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) is a New Zealand shellfish most commonly found growing in the clean water sea off the coast of New Zealand.

GLM (Green lipped mussel) contains many vitamins, especially the B complex group and a broad range of minerals and trace elements. It is rich in protein, provides essential amino acids and is an excellent well balanced nutritious dietary supplement.

New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel use can help with: 1. Arthritis 2. Asthma 3. Menstrual pain 4. Multiple sclerosis 5. Skin problems

GLM contains Omega 3 Fatty Acids which are known for reducing inflammation. It also contains Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulphate which are important building blocks for joint cartilage, and may assist in the repair of joint structures. Green Lipped Mussel is thought to work by affecting the inflammatory pathway of prostaglandin and leukotriene metabolism, inhibiting inflammatory responses.

Common reasons for using Green Lipped Mussel: Can be used to relieve the pain of arthritis Can be used to reduce joint inflammation associated with arthritis Can be used to reduce swelling associated with arthritis Can be used to Assist in the management of arthritis

Green lipped mussel may even help in the treatment of joint inflammation and osteoarthritis in animals.

How much Green Lipped Mussel? The daily dosage of Green Lipped Mussel will vary greatly depending on the age of the person and the severity of symptoms. Talk with your doctor, pharmacist or health professional about how much Green lipped mussel you should take. The amount depends on the strength of the medicine and the reason you are taking Green lipped mussel. Do not take more Green lipped mussel or take it more often than what is written on the directions.

Known Side Effects of Green Lipped Mussel? Before Using: Tell your doctor if you… are taking medicine or are allergic to any medicine (prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) or dietary supplement) are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine are breast feeding have other health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart or blood vessel disease

Side Effects: Stop taking your medicine right away and talk to your doctor if you have any of the following side effects. Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing, or rash. Upset stomach and gas Asthma Skin rash You may retain fluid while taking Green lipped mussel

About the author:

Healthy 1020 was established in New Zealand during 1994. Their aim is to supply the public with the highest quality, chemical free, natural health products. These are sourced from reliable & responsible producers world wide, supported by competent, knowledgeable staff, with professional backup from qualified practitioners. Find out more information on Green Lipped Mussel at www.newzealandgreenlippedmussel.co.nz.

Written By: Healthy 1020

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Nov 18
2006

According to the Asthma Society of Canada, asthma kills 10 people every week and afflicts 10 per cent of the Canadian population. Dr. Dean Befus, from the University of Alberta, in collaboration with Dr. Alan Schreiber from the University of Pennsylvania, are trying to arrest this process. Asthma usually strikes people when they are children, in the form of an allergic reaction to something. The body develops an antibody that reacts in the form of excess mucous or breathing difficulties. Dr. Schreiber discovered that one gene helps this reaction is called the Syk gene, and developed a way of blocking the inflammation. Dr. Befus implemented a test on a lab rat and effectively blocked the inflammation in the rat’s allergic reaction to egg shells. This could lead to promising new treatments for asthmatics everywhere.

Their research is being funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). CIHR is Canada’s preeminent health research catalyst and is funded by the government of Canada. An exciting new concept, CIHR is modernizing and transforming the health research enterprise in Canada.

To learn more about CIHR please visit: www.cihr.ca, e-mail: info@cihr.ca or write to: CIHR, 410 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa ON K1A 0W9.

About The Author

News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial “fill” items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

Written By: News Canada

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Oct 10
2006

A healthy home environment means that contaminants that are harmful to your health are removed or neutralized as much as possible. For allergy sufferers, it is vital to try to limit the free distribution of air-borne allergens that can trigger allergic symptoms. That includes airborne contaminants such as:

Dust, pollen, allergens

Pet dander, dust mites

Harmful bacteria, viruses

Pet odor removal: dog, cat, etc.

Mold / mildew removal

Cigar / cigarette smoke

Home air purifiers help rid the air of these particles that can cause allergic reactions and even trigger asthma attacks. If you can’t change the way that your body treats what it perceives as a threat by allergic reaction, then you can work on changing the environment that you live in so that your body doesn’t sense the presence of these allergy causing compounds.

Most home air purifiers are made to specifically clean and scrub the air within a predefined area or size of room. There is no need to buy a home air purifier that is made for large spaces when you only need it for one small room. Likewise, under buying for the area you need to have clean air is a waste of money and will not achieve the results that you want.

Home air purifiers can also be used in conjunction with other air cleaning devices like air duct filters to provide an even higher level of air quality than is possible with one method alone.

One of the great benefits of home air purifiers is that they are so easy to set up and maintain. Just find a spot in the room(s) that you plan to clean and plug the air purifier in. Most are made to run very quietly and will not be a disturbance to anyone in the room. When the recommended time for has elapsed for the filter use, just remove the current filter and pop in the replacement.

Home air purifiers are an inexpensive, simple, and easy way to help control the living environment indoors for anyone who requires high quality air filtration, especially allergy sufferers.

About the Author

Duane Johnson – All About Home Air Purifiers is a site that provides free information, tips, and resources for finding the best home air purifiers, commercial air purifiers, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers to help improve your health.

Written By: Duane Johnson

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Aug 20
2006

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

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