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

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

Posted: August 24th, 2007 under Asthma.
Comments: none

“Children born in the year 2000 or later are not expected to outlive their parents” stated Dr. David Katz of the Yale Preventive Medicine Research Center in New Haven, Connecticut at a nutrition conference last April. In March of last year, Dr. Katz quoted in a Wall Street Journal article that a ‘poor diet in kids is more dangerous than alcohol, drugs, and tobacco combined!”

Is this guy crazy? Could this really be happening? Are American kids really that sick?

Think of some kids you know. Do they have dark circles under their eyes? What about there skin? Does it have a healthy glow or a dull, clammy look? What about their hair? Their physic? Are they lean or a little on the chunky side?

If you know healthy kids today, statistics are showing they may be sick in the future. The food children and teens are allowed to eat today, will determine the disease they contract tomorrow. If we do not pay attention to what our children are eating, in the next 10 years we will see 16 & 17 yr olds dying of heart disease on a regular basis, according to Dr. Katz.

Is there evidence today backing up Dr. Katz’s claim outrageous claims?

According to the Children’s Environment Health Network, cancer kills more kids than any other disease. We’re talking about acute leukemias and tumors of the brain, nervous system, lymphatic system, kidneys, bones, and muscles. Dr. Delia Garcia, Radiology Oncologist in St. Louis has already begun treating teenagers with breast cancer. She believes kids should be considering their prom date, not their cancer treatment.

Next, according to the International Journal of Obesity, type 2 diabetes, previously referred to adult onset, has increased 10 fold in the past twenty years. This increase is so startling that it is being called an epidemic. Researchers are studying this new phenomenon and do not yet fully understand the reasons for such a change, however many believe that the increased incidence of obesity in children and adolescents, along with sedentary lifestyles and poor eating habits, is responsible.

Last, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention stated that today over 8 million children have asthma, up 232% in the last 40 years. The American Lung Association reports that asthma is the third leading cause of hospitalization among children under the age of 15.

Why are our kids so sick? One reason is we eat too much bad food. The top 3 foods consumed in America are hot dogs, white bread and coffee. In 1970 we spent 6 billion on fast food. Today, we spend over 110 billion. Americans spend more on fast food than higher education, books and computers.

Over 4500 published medical studies have proven that fruits and vegetables are the key to disease prevention. All major health organizations agree that fruit and vegetable nutrition is key to a healthy life.

I’d like to share an easy solution for you and the children you love. This solution has indisputable research from high caliber, reputable, independent universities with published clinical research. This solution will provide your body with much needed antioxidants. Our bodies are whole food deficient, not vitamin deficient. This solution will deliver whole food nutrition from 25 different fruits and vegetables to your body everyday. You can no longer ignore the health epidemic in America today and the crisis our children face. Would you like to help your body fill the nutritional gap in you and your families life? I believe Dr. Katz’s comments are on target. Please visit www.AddJP.com or contact me at Lori@AddJP for more information.. Thank you.

About the author:

Hi, my name is Lori Woosley and I am a Nutrition FREAK. Many of my clients come to me because they are concerned that they are unable to incorporate 9-13 servings of fruits and vegetables into their diet every day and that’s where I come in. I resolve this by introducing them to a whole-food supplement, resolving that problem forever.

Written By: Lori Woosley

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Drink it to help shed extra pounds.

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

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

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

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

3. This drink may help asthma sufferers.

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

4. Green tea may help lower blood pressure.

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

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

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

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

6. Drinking this beverage my help lower cholesterol.

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

7. This brew may help your body fight infections.

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

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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

Written By: Patricia Wagner

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

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

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

Allergy and asthma sufferers have a broad range of improved traditional remedies as well as numerous alternative treatments available to them. Here are some possibilities you may consider. Antihistamines are the most popular treatment for allergies. They can provide relief from nasal symptoms (sneezing, itching, runny nose), eye symptoms (itching, tearing, and burning), and skin conditions (hives, eczema, itching, and some rashes). Prescription antihistamines are Claritin, Clarinex, Allegra and Zyrtec.

Claritin-D is used to relieve hay fever and allergy symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, and red, itchy, tearing eyes. Claritin-D is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. Claritin-D may cause less drowsiness than other antihistamines.

Clarinex is an antihistamine used to relieve the symptoms of hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis). Clarinex contains a long-acting tricyclic histamine antagonist with selective H1-receptor histamine antagonist activity.

Allegra is indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with seasonal allergic rhinitis in adults and children 6 years of age and older. Symptoms treated effectively were sneezing, rhinorrhea, itchy nose/palate/throat, itchy/watery/red eyes.

Zyrtec prevent sneezing, runny nose, itching and watering of the eyes, and other allergic symptoms. Zyrtec is used to treat allergies, hives (urticaria), and other allergic inflammatory conditions.

Decongestants can help you to relieve congestion from swollen nasal tissues. Remember that Over-the-counter sprays should not be used for more than three or four days in a row, although prescription ones can be used longer. Those with high blood pressure or heart disease should not use decongestants because it can raise blood pressure and cause rapid heartbeat.

Flonase can relieve multiple nasal symptoms of congestion, sneezing, and itchy, runny nose. Flonase Nasal Spray is for topical administration to the nasal mucosa by means of a metering, atomizing spray pump.

Nasacort is FDA approved for the treatment of the nasal symptoms of seasonal and year round allergies such as nasal congestion, itchy runny nose, and sneezing. Nasacort Nasal Spray is an unscented, thixotropic, water-based metered-dose pump spray formulation unit containing a microcrystalline suspension of triamcinolone acetonide in an aqueous medium.

You should also consider Anti-inflamatory Agents. These medications help fight the inflammation that typically results from allergy and asthma. They include nonsteroidal medications, which are topical, as well as topical and oral corticosteroids.

Nasonex is a nasal allergy spray for the treatment of seasonal and perennial allergy symptoms. Nasonex helps relieve itchy, runny noses, sneezing and congestion caused by dust mites, pet dander and tree and grass pollen. Nasonex Nasal Spray is a corticosteroid demonstrating anti-inflammatory properties. The Corticosteroids have been shown to have a wide range of effects on multiple cell types.

About the Author

J. Zorro owns http://www.epharmacypremium.com

Written By: J. Zorro

Posted: April 17th, 2007 under Asthma.
Comments: none

Did you know that the household and beauty products that you purchase at your local store are unhealthy for your family? You probably don’t know this because the chemical and manufacturing industries don’t have to provide us with this information. Of course, many of these chemicals were originally intended to enhance our lifestyles. However, you really need to know that these “life-enhancing” products are actually polluting our health and environment. Your continued good health depends upon knowing this truth. This way you can limit your exposure to these toxic chemicals.

One of the largest indoor pollutants that is found in our homes is formaldehyde which is found in antiperspirants, mouthwash, toothpaste, floor waxes, and furniture polishes and causes allergies, cancer, immune system failings, and asthma.

Another major indoor pollutant are phenols. This pollutant can be absorbed by both your lungs and your skin and result in caustic burns, kidney and liver damage and hyperactivity. Phenols are found in acne medications amd mouthwash.

Some other items that you need to be cautious of include Dawn Dishwashing Detergent which is the #1 cause of accidental poisoning in the USA, Tide which contains lye is the #1 polluter of our homes, and Off bug spray contains DEET which causes seizures. Other products to beware of include Lysol, Fantastik, Formula 409, Pine-Sol, Pledge, Spic & Span, Tilex, Ajax, Speed Stick, Secret, Johnson’s, Joy, Windex, Palmolive, Shout, Spray & Wash, Palmolive, Lever, Irish Spring, Jergens, Crest, Listerine, Arm & Hammer, Colgate, Scope, Old English and Dove. As you can see, these are a lot of major brand cleaners and beauty products.

What exactly do these products do? They can cause a list of symptoms including: a delay in the onset of puberty, cancer, excessive fatigue, heart palpitations, insomnia, night sweats, hormonal imbalances, unusual skin rashes, swollen glands, digestive problems, nausea, diarrhea, muscle and joint pain, heart disease, irritability, aggression, impaired memory and concentration, auditory and visual perception, the onset of allergies, asthma, birth defects, and noise intolerance. They can also adversely affect the nervous system reducing emotional well being, mental alertness, coordination and other functions associated with intelligence. Toxic chemicals also increase the symptoms of any existing conditions.

Your home is a toxic waste dump! The average home contains 62 toxic chemicals. Less than 2% of these chemicals have actually been tested for long-term effects. Now that you know the truth, I encourage you to start doing something about it!

About the Author

Brenda Hoffman is a home-based professional from Pennsylvania. She began her adventures in home-based business over 7 years ago after receiving a degree in psychology. Now the mother of 1, she operates a homeopathic health and wellness network (http://your-healthy-family.blogspot.com)providing information for those who are interested in improving their life.
Copyright (c) 2005 All Rights Reserved

Written By: Brenda Hoffman

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

Eating fish reduces the risk of various diseases including heart disease, diabetes, childhood asthma and prostate cancer, among other.

Fish is a staple diet of most Asians. In China, the average person eats more than 20kg of seafood a year, three times that of the consumption of Americans. Fish is indeed an excellent food and is an important part of a healthy diet. It is low in saturated fat, high in protein and unsaturated fat and rich source of fatty acids. About half of the human body’s dry weight is made up of protein and that includes brain cells, muscle, skin, hair and nails.

Among the many types of edible fish, oily cold-water fish like tuna, salmon mackerel, sardines, anchovies, pilchards and cod are well known for their health-giving properties due to their high content of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids first came into prominence in the 1970s and researchers and nutritionists recommend eating two to three meals of fish a week to reduce the risk of diseases ranging from childhood asthma to prostate cancer.

Eating oily fish has been found to benefit the heart. It helps to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels and reduce blood pressure. Omega-3 fatty acids in the fatty tissue of the fish are also anti-inflammatory with anti-blood clotting actions. Fish oils may also reduce the risks and symptoms for other disorders including diabetes, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, some cancers, and mental decline.

There are many healthy ways to enjoy fish. You could steam, grill, stir-fry, poach or eat it raw like sushi. Fish with darker flesh such as sardines, mackerel, salmon, tuna and herring contain more omega-3 fatty acids than white fish. Besides fish, other seafood such as scallops, calamari, trout, sea perch and squid are also good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, albeit in smaller quantities.

While it is good to eat fish, it is also wise to avoid those high in mercury levels. Excess mercury affects the nervous system, causing numb or tingling fingers, lips and toes.

It delays walking in an infant and talking in children. It causes muscle and joint pain as well as an increased risk of heart attack. If you enjoy catching and eating your own fish, don’t fish in polluted water. Bottom feeder species, such as catfish, may ingest more pollutants. Smaller fish such as sardines and anchovies are specially recommended for consumption because they naturally contain oils that are lower in heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium and arsenic and environmental toxins ( e.g. pesticides, dioxin and PCBs ) than larger predatory fish such as tuna and cod. Pregnant women, women planning pregnancy and children up to six years of age should choose carefully the type of fish they eat.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

www.medical-explorer.com

Written By: Anonymous

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