Over 17 million Americans have asthma. Boost your awareness with this brief introduction to the disease.
What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects both children and adults. It is characterized by inflammation of the lungs, causing an inability to breathe properly. Certain triggers cause changes in the lungs of an asthmatic; airways restrict and may also become filled with fluid, which can lead to wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Asthma affects 5% to 10% of the worlds population, with the United States having record numbers of cases. Currently, more than 17 million Americans have been diagnosed with asthma, and asthma is one of the number one reasons for missed work and emergency room visits in the country. Asthma can be a serious, life threatening condition, but is manageable with proper medical care, medications, and education.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

The most common symptoms of asthma are coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, but these are not the only symptoms that asthma can cause. Rapid breathing, irritation of the nose and throat, frequent sinus infections, allergies, excessive thirst, chest tightness and pain, productive and non-productive persistent cough, allergies, difficulty breathing while exercising, and waking at night with a feeling of being suffocated are all symptoms and possible signs of asthma. An asthma attack is usually marked by beginning with a noisy wheeze experienced while exhaling and rapid breathing. Panic can increase the severity of an asthma attack, which is an unfortunate thing, as an asthma attack itself can cause one to panic. I have noticed during my own asthma attacks that I experience chills, tremors, and a cold, clammy perspiration before and after an attack, along with marked weakness in my limbs. It is important to remember that each persons symptoms may differ from those of others.

Who gets asthma?

There are many different criteria for determining who gets asthma. The two most at risk groups for developing severe asthma are the elderly, and the urban poor. In the United States, 6.1% of African-Americans develop severe asthma compared to 5% of Caucasians. Also, African-Americans are three times as likely to die from severe asthma as are Caucasians. Childhood asthma occurs most often in boys, but after puberty reports show that cases of asthma are diagnosed most often in young women. Women run a much greater risk of death from asthma than do men, and the numbers are increasing steadily, especially in elderly women. 90% of all asthma deaths in the United States occur in the elderly.

Workers in certain occupations, such as farmers, hair dressers, and those in the textile industry, are at greater risk of developing asthma. Some known workplace allergens that may cause asthma include polyurethane, paints, steel, electronics, western red cedar, oak, redwood, mahogany, metal salts, vegetable dusts, and certain red dyes, and people that work with these substances on a regular basis have a greater risk of developing asthma.

Lifestyle also plays a major role in deciding who gets asthma. Studies have shown that those who are obese run a far greater risk of developing the disease than do people who maintain their recommended weight. On the other side of the coin, highly trained athletes, such as long distance runners, bear an increased risk as well.

It is also believed that environment can be a risk factor for those who live in heavily polluted areas of the country, such as large cities, industrial areas, and those who live near congested roadways.

Heredity can also bear a part in risk factors. Asthma seems to run in families, and an asthmatic couple wishing to have children should discuss their own risks for passing on the disease with their doctors. Asthmatics with children should also be on the lookout for signs of the disease in their children, as it can become quite severe if allowed to progress unnoticed.

What can trigger asthma attacks?

There are many things that can trigger asthma attacks, and they are different for each individual. However, some of the more common triggers include primary and second-hand cigarette smoke, food and plant allergies, allergic reactions to insect bites and stings, certain chemicals such as chlorine and ammonia, certain medications such as aspirin and beta-blockers, exposure to extreme hot or cold air, extreme emotion, colds or respiratory infections, mildew and mold, dust, and intense exercise. In 40% to 90% of people with asthma, intense exercise will trigger coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.

It is important to note that strong emotion, such as anxiety, fear, or panic, can trigger asthma attacks. When suffering from an asthma attack, the victim should be kept as calm as possible to avoid compounding or prolonging the attack by becoming distressed or frightened. My most severe, life-threatening attack happened after a car accident, and if I had not had a compassionate individual on hand to calm me, my condition could have ended up very bad indeed.

What are the consequences of asthma?

Asthma can be a serious illness that results in death, but most fatalities that are caused by asthma are preventable by seeking proper treatment from a medical professional. All that aside, asthma is still a frightening and debilitating disease that carries a myriad of problems along with it. Sleeplessness is one common problem suffered by asthmatics. In fact, 40% of all asthmatics lose at least 11 days of work or school per year due to difficulties caused by sleeplessness or lack of quality sleep. Between 17% to 30% of all asthmatics also develop chronic sinusitis and continuous nasal drain.

How can asthma be treated?

There are many options when discussing the treatment of asthma. Bronchiodilators are one of the most common treatments prescribed, and may come in the form of liquid, pills, or inhalers, such as Albuterol. Steriods are also used in order to beef up lungs and make them stronger, thus more able to resist asthma flare-ups. Certain exercise regimes may be recommended in order to build lung capacity, as well as an education plan in order to avoid triggers which may cause asthma attacks. Before undergoing any treatment plan you should always consult with your personal physician.

About the Author

Deanna J. Jones is a freelance writer, wife, and mother. She is also a self-proclaimed history buff who spends her free time building web sites and working on her first novel.

Written By: Deanna J. Jones

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

* 1 out of every 7 children is affected by asthma.
* It is the second major reason for the hospitalization of the children up to age 9.
* Asthma has affected 1 out of every 12 adults.
* The death rate due to it is constantly rising in America, Africa and Latin countries.
* It has become one of the major reasons of absenteeism from school in the US.
* It leads to 2 million emergency room visits and amounts up to 5,000 deaths every year in the USA alone.

Asthma is a chronic disease, which directly affects your airways. The airways are the tubes carrying air in and out of your lungs. Asthma is caused by inflammation and subsequent constriction of your airway. The condition is characterized by an instantaneous reaction by the airways in response to various triggers or allergens and substances.

During an asthma attack, the airway gets inflamed and restricts the airflow to the lungs. It directly effects your breathing and leaves you short of breath. It makes you wheeze and you can experience chest tightness. During an asthma attack the production of mucus by airway cells increases and it further causes obstruction in the air flow through tubes. You can die due to the lack of oxygen, if the attack is severe and prolonged.

Asthma, if not treated and controlled, can cost you your life.

It is widely known disease, effecting millions of people, still there is no concrete evidence towards its cause. Studies have revealed that it is caused due to allergic reactions caused by the presence of certain antibodies or certain conditions. Some studies also reveal that it is caused due to obesity and weight related problems. Various triggers or allergic reactions are known to cause asthma in people. It might not be necessary that the same trigger causes an asthma attack in all people. There are numerous triggers, which can cause asthmatic attacks. Triggers can be categorized as allergens, irritants and other triggers. Among the common triggers which initiate asthma attacks are as follows:

Allergens Dust Pollen Mold Cockroaches Dust mites Animal dander Irritants Tobacco smoke Air pollution Strong odor Laughing Crying Others Workplace chemicals Common cold Infections Exertion Respiratory infection Flu

It is important for you to identify what triggers an asthma attack for you. It would help you greatly if, once recognized, you in stayed away from any known causes.

Like other diseases, asthma also presents symptoms that characterize its early, advancing and later stages. Some of the common symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness.

The first stage — Early warning signs of Asthma

If you are in the early stages of an asthmatic event, you might experience some common symptoms. These common symptoms are characterized during the inception periods of the asthma episode. The symptoms include:-

*Frequent coughing during sleep in the night.
*Experiencing wheezing or coughing after exercising.
*Shortness of breath.
*Extreme exhaustion following exercise.
*Feeling tired and upset all the time.
*Experiencing a running nose, sore throat, headaches and sneezing frequently.

If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should immediately get yourself checked for asthma. The swifter you act, the more you will be able to control it.

The second stage – Advancement and worsening of Asthma

If you are not able to identify the initial symptoms of asthma, or if you ignore those symptoms, asthma could get even worse. The advancement of asthma starts affecting your daily activities and sleep. Some of the symptoms of worsening asthma include.

*Regular and undying cough.
*Frequent wheezing.
*Declined response to medications.
*Shortness of breath.
*Experiencing regular tightness in the chest. Asthma should be diagnosed immediately upon countering these symptoms or it could further advance into a severe stage causing damage to your body.

The final stage and its symptoms When asthma enters into its last stage it starts affecting you severely. It makes life difficult for you and can even cause the death. You would need immediate medical attention if you experience any of the symptoms listed below:

*Rapid breathing.
*Undying chest pain and pressure.
*Non-stop coughing.
*Sweaty and dull face.
*Blue fingernails and lips.
*Hampered talking.
*Retraction of neck and chest muscles.
*Frequent gasping for breath.
*Severe wheezing.

Asthma can only be controlled, not cured. So you must abide by proper medication and medical instructions. It is also important to stay free of any known triggers, which can cause an asthma attack.

You should visit your doctor immediately if you are concerned you may be suffering with asthma.

About the author:

Mike writes articles on a number of different topics. For more information on Asthma please visit http://www.asthma-guide.org/asthma/ and for additional Asthma articles please visit the following article page http://www.asthma-guide.org/asthma-articles/

Written By: Mike

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

Asthma is a chronic lung disease, which is caused by an increased reaction from the airways to various stimuli. It is a persistent inflammatory condition with acute specific exacerbations. If asthma is not properly managed or treated, it can become a life-threatening disease.

A person in middle age or older can at times develop asthma and this is called adult onset asthma. A careful diagnosis of asthma is very significant, because very often the symptoms can be confused with other very similar illnesses of middle age such as specific types of heart disease chest ailments or cough.

It’s been discovered that Asthma in adults is often a recurrence of childhood asthma. Sometimes a child’s asthma persists into adulthood, or very often childhood asthma disappears only to recur later in life as adult onset asthma. Therefore an appropriate diagnosis is essential.

Asthma symptoms:

The usual asthma symptoms in adults are as follows,

* Wheezing
* Breathlessness
* Cough
* Tightness of the chest
* Production of mucus.

Asthma triggers in adults:

Cigarette Smoking: –
Bronchial asthma is a very common disease and is an important cause of morbidity amongst both children and adults. Tobacco smoking, which is both active and passive, can have dire effects on asthma.
Bronchial irritation is often caused by exposure to cigarette smoking and can precipitate acute episodes of Asthma. It also increases bronchial receptiveness and causes airway sensitization to some occupational allergens.
For any asthmatic, smoking will always increase their disease severity and is the probable cause of irreversible Airway’s obstruction and also the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. (COPD)

You can see that there’s practical value in learning more about Asthma. Can you think of ways to apply what’s been covered so far?

Smoking is frequently associated with
* Increased asthma symptoms,
* Respiratory infections,
* Acute episodes
* And the frequent hospitalization of children.
* It also increases bronchial responsiveness and any specific airway sensitization.

Similarly, uteri exposure to maternal smoking is often independently responsible for early onset of asthma. Exposure in adult asthmatics to cigarette smoking by their spouses, siblings or colleagues is equally worrying.

Similar triggers
A person with adult onset asthma is also sensitive to the same types of triggers, which precipitate symptoms in younger people suffering with asthma. Therefore it stands to reason that adult onset asthma can be managed by limiting the amount of exposure to specific particular triggers, which include: –

* Cigarette smoke
* Allergens such as pollen or mould
* Infections
* Fumes and strong odors
* Dust mite allergen
* Specific Exercise
* Medications such as beta-blockers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Asthma in adults is a permanent condition. If you suffer from Asthma as an adult, you will probably need constant medication to keep your symptoms under control for the rest of your life!

Regular medication for Adult Asthma.
As people get older, their lungs become much less capable which makes the efficiency of the other organs of the body that much harder. Adult onset asthma in someone middle-aged or older can accelerate any worsening lung function they may be suffering from.
Adult onset asthma should be managed correctly because once the lung functioning has deteriorated it never recovers. It is very important preventive medication is prescribed and taken on a regular basis to protect lung function at all times.

Things to remember

a) Adult onset asthma is often a recurrence of childhood asthma,
b) Symptoms can often be confused with other illnesses of middle age, such as heart disease or other chest conditions.
c) People with adult onset asthma usually need to take preventive medication to protect their lung function on a regular basis.

Now might be a good time to write down the main points covered above. The act of putting it down on paper will help you remember what’s important about Asthma.

About the author:

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

Written By: Masni Rizal Mansor

Posted: October 26th, 2007 under Asthma.
Comments: none

What is an allergy?

An allergy is a super-sensitivity to a substance that is not harmful to most other people. These substances are called allergens. The common allergens include pollen, mould, dust mites, cockroaches and pet dander. Some people also have food allergies. Some people have symptoms with strong chemical fumes, odours (including perfumes, fragrances in household cleaners and detergents), smoke and air pollution. These compounds are chemical irritants and not true allergens. The common symptoms of allergy include hay fever, asthma, eczema or food reactions.

How do I know if I have allergies?

Hay fever is the most common allergy problem in Canada. The typical symptoms of hay fever are sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, watery eyes, a dry cough and itching. Asthma is a lung condition which can lead to shortness of breath, wheezing or coughing. Eczema is a skin condition which often involves a dry itchy rash. True food allergy reactions can include hives, itchiness, shortness of breath, throat tightness, lightheadedness or stomach pain after eating the food allergen. Allergies can be a serious medical condition and you should consult your doctor if you suspect you have them. A doctor may recommend allergy scratch tests (a type of skin testing in which suspected allergens are applied to the skin, scratched and observed for a reaction in 15 minutes). Skin tests should always be done under the supervision of a qualified physician with an expertise in allergy.

How are allergies treated?

The first step in an effective allergy treatment plan is to make some simple lifestyle changes that will limit your exposure to allergens. I would suggest having allergy scratch tests done before any major lifestyle changes are made. After the allergy scratch tests you will know the likely causes of the allergy symptoms. One can avoid pollen by keeping windows closed and air conditioning on during the high-pollen seasons. Most of the mould that causes allergies is from the outdoors. Therefore, keeping the windows closed is helpful. If you notice mould in the house it should be cleaned with diluted bleach. The best ways of avoiding dust mites are to purchase proper dust mite proof pillows and mattress covers, remove carpet from the bedroom, wash the bedding in hot water and to keep the humidity around 40 percent. Vacuuming and duct cleaning are actually not very effective at removing dust mites. The only way to remove pet allergens completely from the home is to keep the pet outdoors or to give the pet away. By keeping pets out of the bedroom, washing pets weekly and removing carpets from the bedroom, you can decrease your total pet allergen exposure. If you have a true food allergy, that food should be completely avoided.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about which medications would help you manage your allergy symptoms. Antihistamines are the most common medications used to treat hay fever. Antihistamines block the action of histamine released by the immune system and are effective at reducing sneezing, runny nose and itchy, watery eyes. They are particularly effective at relieving the symptoms of seasonal hay fever and should be taken as soon as an allergy attack develops. You may also need a decongestant to reduce nasal congestion. Some antihistamines can cause side effects such as drowsiness and they should be avoided if you have to drive, work or perform tasks that require you to be alert. There are several websites offering good information on allergies, for example, visit www.claritin.ca.

About The Author

Dr. Harold Kim is an allergy specialist based in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario.

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web. 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

Posted: October 8th, 2007 under Asthma.
Comments: none

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

Posted: August 12th, 2007 under Asthma.
Comments: none

Arthritis had Mrs. Thompson grounded for years. She had seen several doctors with no permanent solution to the problem. As an alternative medicinal stream, Mrs. Thomson agreed to use aromatherapy. Regular massage with the essential oils of lemon balm, rose, black spruce, tarragon and jasmine was recommended. She testifies to the positive effect aromatherapy had on her condition.

Many people like Mrs. Thompson have found relief in aromatherapy treatment. The system of aromatherapy treatment utilises aromas and scents to heal the human being as a whole. Aromas and scents are derived from several plants and herbs. Research that has been undertaken on plants and herbs from the ancient times until now has helped determine their therapeutic benefits. However, more than a science, aromatherapy is an art and involves a creative approach in making specific blends.

Essential oils have an important role to play in aromatherapy treatment. An essential oil is the essence of plants derived through a process whereby plants are distilled through steam or water. What we get through the process is a concentrated essential oil, of which a few drops are capable of giving the desired effect.

One of the first known discoveries of the therapeutic benefits of essential oils was made by French chemist Ren-Maurice Gattefoss. Gattefoss is also credited with coining the term aromatherapy. When he got a burn on his hand, he accidentally put his hand in a jar full of lavender oil. He was surprised to see that he got immediate relief and the burn left no scars on his hand. Through further research, he established the healing powers of lavender oil.

Some of the common ailments where aromatherapy treatment has been accepted as a potent solution are anxiety, stress or insomnia, muscular aches and pains, headaches, eczema, digestive problems, menstrual or menopausal problems, etc. Therefore, aromatherapy treatments heal physically as well as psychologically.

A common respiratory disorder is asthma. This is caused through contact with allergen, after a tiring exercise session or through infection. An asthmatic person experiences shortness of breath, cough and mucous production as a result of inflammation or contraction of the bronchi. The condition can be treated through aromatherapy reatment. The oils of clove bud and lemongrass have been recognised to have anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious properties. These oils along with the oils of lemon, clary sage, and angelica can be very useful for treating asthma.

Aromatherapy products are available in several stores, referred to as aromatherapy stores. These stock preparations made from herbs and plants sourced from different parts of the world; mostly, the Indian subcontinent, Middle East and the Africas.

However, the use of aromatherapy treatments must be strictly prescriptive. Toiletries, which use aromas and scents, use a very small amount of essential oils. Therefore, they are not harmful. As said earlier, essential oils are highly concentrated. If a larger dosage of it is taken, then can result in irritation or be poisonous, when used with food or drink.

Did you think essential oils being derived from plants are free from side effects? No, they are not. The common side effects of essential oils are nausea, headaches etc.

Get help from an expert practitioner on the appropriate treatment for ones condition. The person who practices aromatherapy treatment is known as aromatherapist. He either will massage the oil on the skin or would suggest the appropriate method of use. Just as one would check the credentials of a doctor practising in contemporary medicine, it is important to know whether the aromatherapist has been trained in aromatherapy treatment. An aromatherapist proceeds in the same manner as a common doctor. He will first get a detailed medical history of the individual through a series of questions on diet, lifestyle, and health problems. This goes well with the system of aromatherapy healing where the whole rather than one particular ailment is considered for treatment.

About the Author:

Bryan Josling is working with the Horticultural Research Station in Adelaide. He has also been involved with research on plants. To find Aromatherapy essential oils, essential massage oils, essential oils wholesale visit http://www.ndaroma.com

Written By: Bryan Josling

Posted: August 3rd, 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.
Comments: none

A lot people have asthma. My daughter, 41 years, included. She has suffered from attacks for many years. Recently I encounter three natural remedies that I asked my daughter to try. I have not yet received a report on these, so I would like to pass them on to you. Here is the first one.

Boswellia

Boswellia, an herb, is known for its anti-inflammatory abilities and its usefulness in reduces the effects of bronchitis, asthma, cough, laryngitis, and fever. It comes from the resin of a tree in India and made into a pill or cream. It is best known for use in arthritis.

Recommended dose is: 150mg three times a day.

Yamoa

Yamoa is an herbal powder treatment for Asthma, which is derived from the bark of an African gum tree. It is available in capsule and has been typically used to help asthma. It has a good history of helping asthma sufferers.

Minor Blue Dragon formula

The Minor Blue Dragon is a Chinese herbal formula. Another name for it is xiao-qing-long-tang, or XQLT. Its a blend of eight herbal medicines used to treat asthma for centuries in Asia

The XQLT formula has been used effectively for bronchial asthma for centuries and it is said to have an even more powerful bronchodilator effect than prescription drugs.

This formulation contains ephedra, which has been banned in the US in diet formulas. However, ephedra in this formula is considered safe, since the formula only contains around 15% of this herb. The other ingredients in XQLT are paeonia alba, cinnamon, pinellia, ginger, schisandar, asarum, and glycyrrhiza. Nutritional Supplements That Help Reduce Asthma

Antioxidants

In addition to the above herbs it is also important to take a good supply of antioxidants – especially vitamins A, C, and E, carotenoids, and selenium. Taking antioxidants helps to reduce the irritating effects of airborne free radicals, which can activate an asthma attack.

Magnesium

Magnesium has been shown to reduce the risk of developing asthma and might also be helpful in reducing asthma. Magnesium is also good for asthmatics because it helps to dilate the bronchioles. Also, make sure that plenty of water is drunk daily, which thins mucus. The recommended dosage of magnesium is 200-600 mg/day.

MSM

MSM has also proven useful for asthma aside from being beneficial for arthritis, allergies, fatigue, back pain, sinusitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, autoimmune diseases, and many other conditions. Start with 2000mg of MSM per day but be sure to take 50 to 150 micrograms of molybdenum daily since MSM needs molybdenum to activate it properly.

I was able to find a product that already has the proper molybdenum in the MSM, which makes it convenient to take just one pill. Go to google and put in the words MSM molybdenum and you will find some web sites that sell this MSM combination.

Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. He also writes a newsletter called Natural Remedies Thatwork.com For more information on his writings go to: http://www.asthmatreatments.info

Written By: rudy silva

Posted: April 8th, 2007 under Asthma.
Comments: none

The number of newly diagnosed asthma cases in the United States has risen dramatically over the past ten to fifteen years. Part of the reason may be due to the availability of better medical care and early diagnostic methods used by many doctors today. More people may be willing to visit their doctors for breathing-related difficulties than in previous generations. But it is also likely that more people are afflicted with asthma than ever before due to a number of environmental factors like pollution, pesticides, and even building insulation. With increased industrialization, more factories are burning more fuel and releasing greater amounts of waste products into the air. Since a significant percentage of the population now lives in urban areas, they are undoubtedly feeling the effects of chronic exposure to airborne toxins. Conversely, even in rural areas improved technology is impacting the way that farmers grow crops and control pests. Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers may help to ensure better crops, but runoff from fields where these substances are used can get into the water system or food products and lead to the development as asthmatic-type symptoms.

Although many people do not know if they have asthma, there are some symptoms to look for that may indicate the presence or development of this chronic condition. The most obvious clue, and one that should be checked promptly by a doctor, is shortness of breath. This may come and go or show up only when a person is exposed to certain triggers, often allergens like dust, pet dander, or household chemicals. Some foods can bring on an asthma attack, especially nuts, eggs, and shellfish, although others are likewise culprits. See your doctor promptly if you develop a breathing disorder, and if you experience difficulty catching your breath, seek emergency assistance.

Other possible signs and symptoms of asthma include a dry cough, chronic allergy symptoms like sneezing or watery eyes, wheezing, and other related breathing changes. Asthma causes the airway to become congested, which tightens the throat and lungs, making it harder for air to pass through. This is what leads to breathing difficulties.

No matter how probable it may be that you or a loved one is showing signs of asthma, you will need to see the doctor for an accurate diagnosis and a prescription for treatment. You may need to use a bronchodilator, which blows a special medical vapor into your throat and lungs to ease constriction. Prescription medications can help, as can avoiding obvious or suspected triggers. Controlling allergic symptoms by removing household or job-related allergens also can help to reduce the frequency of asthma attacks. Some doctors supplement conventional treatment with herbal remedies, but check with your physician before taking over-the-counter medications or formulas.

Asthma can be a serious condition and may even become life threatening for some. Work with your doctor to get the best care and improve your condition, or that of a loved one, to avoid serious complications from this chronic condition.

About the Author

Do you need more information on treatments for asthma? Visit The Asthma Directory at http://www.asthma-dir.com

Written By: Charles Kassotis

Posted: April 5th, 2007 under Asthma.
Comments: none

Symptoms in asthmatics can vary tremendously between patients with each person having their own unique mix of symptoms including the severity and how often or how frequently they affect the sufferer.

To some asthma is an occasional feeling of tightness in the chest and a cough but for others the attacks can be so severe that they can become life threatening.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that makes airways (bronchial tubes) particularly sensitive to irritants, and this is characterized by…

*A restriction of the air passages in the lungs causing breathing difficulties due to increased resistance to airflow.

*Rapid changes in airway restrictions.

*The effects can be significantly reversed using drugs that resemble adrenaline, known as the beta2 agonists.

*Significant reversibility of the restriction problems with steroid drugs.

*Symptom-free periods, where the patient feels and act fine.

*Frequent occurrence of allergies.

*Bronchial hyper-responsiveness (air being breathed in) to non-specific stimuli such as cold air or histamine.

The symptoms of asthma include:

*Coughing that may become worse at night or first thing in the morning causing sleep disruption. Sometimes this is the only sign of asthma in a child.

*A wheezing or whistling sound when you breathe, especially when you have a cold or other illness.

*A tightness feeling in the chest, as if someone is squeezing your chest.

*A feeling that you have a shortness of breath.

*Faster or noisy breathing.

Asthma symptoms can be brought,, triggered, by factors including exercise such as running or biking, especially during cold weather, prolonged crying or laughing or when exposed to allergens and irritants.

All asthmatics will not have these symptoms, those that do will notice that they may vary from one asthma attack to another and in severity. Attacks can vary from the mildly annoying, to those that are serious enough to prevent what you want to do and they can even be so serious that they are life threatening and you need to get urgent medical attention.

Symptoms also differ in how often they affect you, some patients have attacks daily whereas others have problems once a week or month. With the correct treatment and management, most asthmatics can expect to have minimal symptoms and can lead active, normal lives.

Asthma Symptoms of Note

*Asthma is a chronic inflammation that makes airways (the bronchial tubes) extra sensitive to irritants, and this leads to difficulty in breathing.

*The predominate symptoms of asthma include coughing, especially at night, wheezing, a tight feeling in the chest, and shortness of breath.

*The symptoms vary from person to person, as well as in severity and frequency.

*With good management and the correct treatment, most asthmatics can lead active, normal lives.

About the author:

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

Written By: Mike Herman

Posted: April 2nd, 2007 under Asthma.
Comments: none