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

It is estimated that 17 million people in America have asthma, with 5 million being under the age of 18. Asthma, which is Greek for to pant, is a chronic lung disease that triggers episodes of coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath which is caused by an inflammation of the lungs that result in the airways to narrow. It can take place at any age, and appears to have a genetic link. Although its symptoms are controllable, it is not thought to be curable.

Triggers for asthma can vary from one person to the other and may include allergens (dust, smoke, molds, pollens, and animal dander), chemical agents (cleaning products, perfumes, etc.), emotional stress and exercise. The best way to halt asthma attacks is to prevent them in the first place. Simple steps include controlling and managing house dust mites, animal related allergens, tobacco smoke, cockroach allergen, mold and other fungal spores and pollens, smoke from wood burning stoves, colds and viral respiratory infection, and physical activity or exercise induced asthma (EIA).

It was once thought that physical activity should be discouraged if you had asthma, but today this is not the case. With the appropriate precautions, exercise is not only considered safe, but it is frequently promoted as part of a sound respiratory therapeutic program. There are many ways to help avoid exercise induced asthma. If you have asthma, check with your doctor before you begin an exercise program and get a complete physical with a review of your current medicine therapy.

Some guidelines:

Warm up with 10 minutes or so of low intensity walking and gentle stretching and before your workout.

Avoid exercising in cold, dry air or in areas where air pollution or allergens are high. If you must exercise in a cold environment use a scarf or face mask to trap the warm moist air and prevent cold dry air from penetrating deep into your lungs.

After exercise, be sure to include a 10 to 15 minute cool down period.

Asthma attacks place significant stress on the body. Fatigue is common, making it even more difficult to breath. This is why a gradual progression with exercise is important. Developing cardiorespiratory fitness will make you feel less fatigued and will help lung function.

Different types of exercise may effect symptoms of asthma. For example, outdoor running is often worse than indoor running on a treadmill. To improve cardiorespiratory fitness, begin with 20 (or less) of low intensity aerobic activity 3 times per week, eventually building to five. Exercise in 10 minute intervals with a short rest in between. Use a cross training method applying different exercise modalities (i.e. treadmill, bike, rower). Swimming rarely causes EIA due to the warm moist air (however swimming in chlorinated pools may be a trigger for some).

Exercise intensity is also related to EIA and should be kept at a moderate level. You should be able to talk in short sentences throughout your workout.

Long duration exercise causes more exercise induced asthma then shorter bouts. Sports that promote stop and go activities such as tennis, volleyball & resistance training may cause less EIA in some individuals.

Keep your exercise up beat by making the most of your workouts, and avoid becoming bored or stressed, pick activities that you enjoy and can do.

If a medication is prescribed you can use it before exercise and monitor peak air flow with a peak flow meter. Your inhaler can be used during exercise also if symptoms arise. Talk to your doctor about how to use your inhaler with exercise. If notwithstanding your efforts, symptoms develop and persist, stop the activity and inform your doctor. Your doctor may recommend simple changes in medication that make the difference.

Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after exercise. Dehydration causes airways in the lungs to constrict, and makes breathing more difficult. Studies have shown that this is true even if the individual is not exercising. Thirst is a poor indicator of when to rehydrate, by the time you sense thirst your body is already lacking essential fluids.

Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea or sodas; these are diuretics, which dehydrate you even further.

Exercise-related breathing problems also occur in individuals who have not been diagnosed with asthma. People with allergies may experience many of the same symptoms, as exercise causes increased oxygen demand, breathing rate, and cooling and drying of the airways.

Although right now there is no cure for asthma, it can be managed with proper treatment and lifestyle management. Controlling symptoms may include using an inhaler or other medicine, as well as identifying and avoiding factors that may trigger an episode. Educating yourself as much as you can about asthma and your response to exercise gives you improved control and a greater chance of living an active life.

About The Author

Scott is an exercise physiologist and has worked in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation for many years. He has also managed large fitness centers and is past director of the Flushing YMCA in New York City. He is currently a Wellness Consultant with American LifeWay Wellness. Website: http://www.americanlifeway.org/ slarson@americanlifeway.org

Written By: Scott Larson

Posted: November 25th, 2007 under Asthma.
Comments: none

There are two types of treatments to reduce the symptoms and effects of an asthma attack using drugs that resemble two of our natural hormones.

These are adrenaline (epinephrine in the USA) and the steroid hydrocortisone and they form the basis for relievers that provide quick relief of symptoms and preventers for longer term care.

Most asthmatics use both preventers and relievers to form a medical regime to control the asthma.

These medicines are usually taken as inhalers so that they can be breathed in through the nose or mouth. Inhalers have advantages over other forms of medication because…

*The medicine is delivered where it is required in the lungs and so less of the medicine is needed.

*The medicine can be made to be biodegradable inside the body. After it has done its work in the lungs it can be broken down in the liver so there is little chance of harmful side effects.

*The medicine works more quickly.

Quick Relief Medicines

Drugs that resemble adrenaline (epinephrine) are known as ‘relievers’ and give rapid, short-term treatment and are used for when the asthmatic has worsening symptoms that if left untreated could lead to an asthma attack. The patient will feel the effects of these medicines within minutes but they only last a short time.

They are short-acting inhaled bronchodilators that work by relaxing the muscles that have tightened around the airways. They help open up the airways quickly and ease the patient’s breathing and are used only when needed. They are sometimes called ” rescue ” or ” relief ” medicines because they can stop an asthma attack very quickly and anyone who has asthma should always carry one of these inhalers in case of an attack.

Long-Term Medicines

These are called preventers and are taken every day, usually over long periods of time, to control chronic symptoms and to prevent asthma episodes or attacks. Medicines which resemble hydrocortisone slowly reduce the sensitivity the patient has towards irritants and allergens that would normally trigger an attack. It will take a few weeks to for them to show any improvement and once an attack starts they do nothing to alleviate it. Patients with persistent asthma need long-term control medicines.

Long-term medication includes:

* The most effective and long-term medication for asthma is an inhaled corticosteroid (or steroids for short) because his reduces the swelling of the airways that makes attacks more likely. This is the preferred treatment for controlling mild, moderate, and severe asthma and are safe when taken as prescribed by your doctor. There are many kinds of inhalers that require different techniques, and it is important to know how to use a inhaler in the correct way. In some cases, steroidal tablets or liquid are used for short periods of times in order to bring asthma under control.

* Long-acting beta-agonists are bronchodilators: these are not anti-inflammatory drugs but are used to help control moderate and severe asthma and to prevent night-time symptoms. Long-acting beta-agonists are taken together with inhaled corticosteroid medicine.

* Leukotriene modifiers (i.e., montelukast, zafirlukast, and zileuton) are long-term control medicines that used either on there own to treat mild cases asthma or used in tandem with inhaled corticosteroids for moderate or even severe asthma.

* Cromolyn and nedocromil are also long-term medicines used only to treat mild asthma.

* Theophylline is a long-termmedication used either on it’s own to treat mild asthma or along with inhaled corticosteroids to treat moderate asthma. People who take theophylline should have their blood levels checked to be sure the dose is correct.

Most asthmatics will need both a short-acting bronchodilator to use when symptoms worsen and long-term daily asthma medication to control the ongoing inflammation. Over time, a doctor needs to make changes to the asthma medication, increasing or decreasing doses and changing medication where required. The desire should bd to use the least amount of medicine necessary to control the asthma effectively.

Asthma Treatments with Relievers and Preventers

There two main types of medicines for the treatment of asthma:

*Quick Relief Medicines – also called relievers , and,

*Long-Term Medicines – also called preventers .

Quick Relief Medicines are fast acting, providing short-term treatment within minutes and are taken when the patient feels worsening asthma symptoms that can lead to an asthma attack.

Long-Term Control Medicines are taken daily, over long periods of time, to control the disease.

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: November 13th, 2007 under Asthma.
Comments: none

Most asthma sufferers are familiar with the inhalers and oral remedies prescribed by their doctors for the treatment of wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath that accompany an asthmatic episode. While these medicines are typically effective in the treatment of the condition, there are people who may prefer a more natural approach to asthma relief, for a variety of reasons. Some people want more natural remedies.

Any drug introduced to the body has the potential for unpleasant side effects; short term reactions such as nausea and long term concerns such as potential permanent damage from steroids used to decrease inflammation in the lung tissues. There has been ongoing controversy in the medical community regarding the safety and advisability of steroid use. While these can be life-saving, there is concern that the steroids may cause irreversible damage such as muscle weakness and bone loss. To minimize the frequency of use, the asthma sufferer can make some dietary and lifestyle changes to help reduce the likelihood of an asthma attack.

The best “natural” defense against an asthmatic episode is to avoid known triggers. People with sensitivity to tobacco smoke should obviously stay away from it; and if your trigger is cat dander, you’ll just have to avoid petting the kittens in the pet store – no matter how adorable. Stay indoors on “high pollen” days if that is your trigger and always try to keep stress levels down. Using common sense is the first step toward lowering frequency of asthmatic episodes.

Asthma sufferers can also make healthy changes to their diets which can minimize asthma symptoms. Beyond avoiding known dietary triggers such as food allergies, nutritional supplements in the form of necessary vitamins and minerals can go a long way toward minimizing asthma attacks. Nutritional deficiencies make for a weakened system that isn’t able to effectively fight unexpected environmental triggers. Asthmatics need to exercise care even when using natural supplements. Make sure supplements are hypo-allergenic so as not to react to those! The need for certain vitamins and minerals may be greater among asthma sufferers than the average person as the condition itself tends to contribute to certain deficiencies. A good multi-vitamin is recommended to compensate for these deficiencies and make for a healthier body, better equipped to ward off reactions. Asthmatics also tend to have very low magnesium levels – a mineral that helps relax bronchial tubes – so a supplemental dose may be advisable. Finally, Vitamin C is believed to improve bronchial functioning.

More and more people are turning to herbal remedies to find relief from asthma symptoms. While most herbal supplements are not evaluated or endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration, there have been reports of success among those who have used them. Tylophora indica, used in Auyervedic medicine in India, has been getting a lot of positive attention thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, some individuals treated with the herb, Boswellia, reported a reduced number of asthma attacks. Butterbur is another promising herb shown to be as effective as traditional antihistamines in initial studies. As conclusive studies have not been done on most herbal remedies, the asthma sufferer is advised to be cautious when experimenting with these.

While it is possible to relieve symptoms of asthma, and reduce the likelihood of an asthma attack by avoiding known triggers, making lifestyle and dietary changes, and using certain herbal remedies, it is imperative to listen to your healthcare provider. Discuss vitamin and herbal supplements with your physician, and keep him informed of any changes you make and improvements you notice in your condition. The journey to a healthier life begins with a healthy amount of care and old-fashioned common sense.

About the author:

Gray Rollins is a featured writer for AsthmaDocs.com. To learn more about natural asthma remedies and asthma treatments, please visit our site.

Written By: Gray Rollins

Posted: September 14th, 2007 under Asthma.
Comments: none

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Author:

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

Written By: Susan Millar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Types of Medication in Asthma Inhalers

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Use Asthma Inhalers

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

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

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

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

About the author:

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

Written By: Masni Rizal Mansor

Posted: August 15th, 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.
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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.
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Asthma is a chronic lung disease that effects over 30 million Americans alone and researchers estimate that 10 – 15% of the world population suffers from asthma. People with asthma have extra sensitive or hyper-responsive airways. The airways become irritated and narrow and constrict during an asthma attack, causing increased resistance to airflow, and obstructing the flow of the air to and from the lungs. Most often asthma must be treated with prescription medicine. There are two main types of medicines for the treatment of asthma. Quick relief medicines, also called relievers, give rapid, short-term relief and are taken when asthma symptoms worsen potentially leading to an asthma attacks. The effects of these medicines are felt within minutes. Long-term control medicines, also called preventers, are taken every day, usually over long periods of time, to control chronic symptoms and to prevent asthma attacks. The full effects of these medicines are felt after taking them for a few weeks. People with persistent asthma need long-term control medicines.

Some asthma drugs treat asthma by resembling two of our hormones. These two hormones are adrenaline (epinephrine in the USA) and hydrocortisone (a steroid).

Adrenaline (epinephrine) is pumped into our bloodstream when we have a sudden fright or emergency. It is the quick-acting hormone from the middle of the adrenal glands near our kidneys. It makes your pulse race, your heart thump, and readies your body for emergency action. In asthma, the medicines which resemble adrenaline quickly relieve asthma for a short time.

Hydrocortisone comes from the outer part of our adrenal glands, called the ‘cortex’. It is also partly an “emergency hormone” but it works much more slowly, for much longer, and in a completely different way to adrenaline. Medicines which resemble hydrocortisone slowly allow the lining of air tubes in an asthma sufferer to become normal. As a result, your asthma becomes less severe and you are less likely to get asthma attacks. So these steroid medicines are called preventers. There are other asthma ‘preventers’, but the steroids are the most powerful.

Quick relief medicines are used only when needed. A ype of quick relief medicine is a short-acting inhaled bronchodilator. Bronchodilators work by relaxing the muscles that have tightened around the airways. They help open up airways quickly and ease breathing. They are sometimes called “rescue” or “relief” medicines because they can stop an asthma attack very quickly. These medicines act quickly but their effects only last for a short period of time. People with asthma should take quick relief medicines when they first begin to feel asthma symptoms like coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. Anyone who has asthma should always have one of these inhalers nearby in case of an attack. For severe attacks, your doctor may use steroids to treat the inflammation.

The most effective, long-term control medication for asthma is an inhaled corticosteroid. This medicine reduces the swelling of airways that makes asthma attacks more likely. Inhaled corticosteroids are the preferred treatment for controlling mild, moderate, and severe persistent asthma. They are safe when taken as directed by your doctor. Inhaled medicines go directly into your lungs where they are needed. There are many kinds of inhalers that require different techniques, and it is important to know how to use your inhaler correctly. In some cases, steroid tablets or liquid are used for short times to bring asthma under control. The tablet or liquid form may also be used to control severe asthma.

Many people with asthma need both a short-acting bronchodilator to use when asthma symptoms worsen rapidly and long-term daily asthma control medication to treat the ongoing inflammation. Over time, your doctor may need to make changes in your asthma medication. You may need to increase your dose, lower your dose, or try a combination of medications. Be sure to work with your doctor to find the best treatment for your asthma. The goal is to use the least amount of medicine necessary to control your asthma and to find the right medicine for you.

About the Author

Learn more about asthma and asthma medication at http://www.asthmaexplained.com

Written By: Daniel Lanicek

Posted: July 31st, 2007 under Asthma.
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