Feb 26
2008

Asthma has increased 300 percent in children in the past ten years. Research by WHO, in Germany, finds prostate cancer, breast cancer, and other cancers increasing due to mold-related problems.

Mold is the number one health problem with one in every three persons affected by mold and one in ten with a severe problem related to mold. These can range from the common cold, tonsillitis, otitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma, and pneumonia, to cancer.

Check your home’s humidity levels; buy or borrow a hygrometer and watch the changes in R.H. that occur throughout a typical day in different rooms of the house and over the heating season. To inspect your home for mold growth, winter is the best time except for basements which should also be inspected in the summer. With a flashlight and some simple tools, go through the entire house, both inside and outside, searching for moisture damage and mold growth and their potential causes.

The Stachybotrus species of mold is dangerous; it will start growing in 80 percent humidity but, once established, can grow at 55 percent humidity. This mold can develop from the decay of building materials and is much harder to control. If more than ten square feet develop, it is advised that a professional clean it up. When you see a small speck of mold, that’s only part of the problem – the remainder being inside the walls.

‘Frog Page’ is a manual of the health of the environment and states that frogs are declining because of mold.

Some of the causes of mold are brush and trees within 30 feet of the building; venting the clothes drier inside the home; furniture against outside walls; old fill, causing building movement leading to cracks causing water ingress; concrete will wick up water even to several feet above ground; ventilation not directed outside, such as the kitchen range hood, which should be vented outside; plants and aquariums; drying clothing indoors; standing water, such as keeping cold water in the kitchen sink; hot tubs; using several gallons of water to wash floors.

‘Sick Building Syndrome’ is caused by moisture and mold growth. It migrates through foundations up from the soil. A dehumidifier is not the final answer as it only does the air and not the walls. What is required is a combination of ventilation, circulation, and heat.

Carpenter ants and termites will smell moisture from miles away and they only attack damaged wood.

Ventilation alone won’t help a crawl space. In the summer the vents bring in warm, moist air.

Mold forms on the coldest space. The only
way to deal with it is with heat. Wall heaters with fans are more efficient than baseboard heaters.

Pull furniture and store material away from exterior walls and off basement floors; leave closet doors ajar; leave bedroom doors open as much as possible; undercut doors; don’t block or deflect warm air registers; open drapes, blinds, and curtains; set the furnace fan to run continuously. This will use more electricity but can be offset by installing a two-speed energy-efficient motor; don’t cut off the heating supply or close off unused rooms.

Uninsulated or poorly insulated areas such as exterior corners or foundation walls, should be improved with additional insulation. Be sure to install an air-vapor barrier, usually polyethylene, on the room side of the insulation to prevent hidden condensation behind the insulation. Seal hidden opening into the attic, tighten the attic hatch, weatherstrip and caulk around windows and doors, gasket electrical outlets, caulk baseboards and seal the top of foundations. Using an air conditioner on muggy summer days also helps take out the moisture.

Humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air-conditioning units and filtration systems can be a source of mold growth if they are not regularly cleaned.

Key areas to check for moisture sources leading to condensation inside the home are roof leaks [especially at chimneys, flashings, skylights and eavestroughing]; wall leaks [especially at window and door flashing and sills]; foundation leaks [especially where the ground slopes toward the foundation]; and plumbing leaks [especially at toilet bases and under sink drains].

Check any fuel-burning equipment – furnaces, hot water heaters, boilers, fireplaces, and wood stoves – to ensure that they are venting properly. A blocked chimney could mean that combustion products, including large amounts of water vapor, are spilling into your house. Along with that moisture come dangerous combustion gasses, such as carbon monoxide, which cause deaths every year. Have heating equipment and venting systems checked by a trained service person.

If your moisture remedial work includes extensive air sealing, be sure that all fuel-burning equipment has an adequate supply of combustion air. High efficiency furnaces, for example, have their own air supplies and exhaust fans but conventional equipment may rely on house air for combustion and on ‘natural draft’ to move combustion products up the chimney flue. If starved for air or overpowered by an exhaust fan somewhere else in the house, such equipment can spill combustion gasses indoors. Examples of this include stains near the vent of a gas water heater, smoke entering the room from a wood-burning fireplace or stove, and pilot lights being blown out.

Mold growth often occurs in out-of-the-way areas like closets, corners, walls behind furniture and unused rooms. Increasing air circulation to these areas warms the cold surfaces and lowers local humidity levels.

To solve moisture problems, cover any exposed earth in a crawl space or basement with heavy polyethylene, sealed and weighted-down; slope soil away from foundations to keep basement walls and slab dry; patch any foundation leaks; don’t use humidifiers, unless humidity levels are below 30 percent R.H.; avoid drying firewood indoors; operate bathroom exhaust fans during a bath or shower; use your range hood exhaust when cooking; avoid steam-cleaning carpets in winter; clean mold from wood and gyproc with a 10 percent to 30 percent solution of hydrogen peroxide applied with a spray bottle. This is more effective than bleach and water.

If you use chlorine bleach, mix one part bleach with two parts water and a little detergent to clean nearby surfaces. Leave for 15 minutes and rinse well. Use gloves and protective glasses and good ventilation. Badly mildewed carpets, furnishings and books will probably need to be thrown out.

Molds are parasitic micro-organisms that appear as black, white or multi-colored stain or fuzz. In addition to causing asthma, they can cause other allergies and serious health problems. There are tens of thousand of varieties of molds and are difficult and expensive to identify, even for experts. Health officials recommend eliminating all molds from inside your home.

Most mold spores need condensation or damp materials to germinate and once are established, many colonies generate their own moisture and can continue to survive even under dry conditions. They also need mild temperatures and a source of food, such as house dust or drywall paper.

Resources:

1. Natural Resources Canada [NRCan] “Air-Leakage Control” Pg. 11 [20 Feb 2002]

2.WHO [World Health Organization] [20 Feb. 2002]

3. Cormier, Dr. Y., Centre de Recherche, Hopital Laval, 2725 Chemin Ste-Foy, Ste Foy, Quebec Canada, G1V-4G5 Institut de Recherche en Sante et Securite du Travail (IRSST), Quebec Canada July 21, 1999; revised; accepted for publication November 26, 1999.

4. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/ [20 Feb. 2002]

5. http://ehpnet1.niehs.nih.gov/qa/105-10news/NIEHSnews.html [20 Feb.2002]

6. http://water.usgs.gov/pubs/FS/fs-043-01/
[20 Feb. 2002]

About the Author

Margot B, Writer, Information Broker, Web Developer at Margot B & Associates mailto:margotb@wonderport.com http://www.writers.Org-HQ.com

Written By: Margot B

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Trackback  •  Posted in Asthma  


Dec 28
2007

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

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Trackback  •  Posted in Asthma  


Aug 21
2007

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

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

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

Off to the salt mines? Whatever for!

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

Salt of the Earth

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

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

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

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

About the Author

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

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

Written By: Tzaf

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Trackback  •  Posted in Asthma  


Apr 8
2007

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

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Trackback  •  Posted in Asthma  


Mar 9
2007

Today, asthma and sinusitis are increasing in frequency and morbidity. When a person has asthma, the patients and his family’s cooperation are very important. Parents must keep an eye on the complex treatment that includes pills, inhalers and exercises. If there is poor medical service, asthma and sinusitis are likely to get worse.

Asthmatic children have higher risk of getting sinusitis from exposure to second hand smoke. On the other hand, people with chronic sinusitis are sometimes at higher risk of developing asthma.

When asthma comes with sinus infection, simple treatment will not do. Since the nose is blocked, the individual is forced to breath through their mouth which can likely hasten an asthma attack. Likewise, air breathed through the mouth is colder than the air breathed through the nose. And cold air is known to trigger asthma attacks. Overuse of antibiotics, environmental factors, bacteria and fungi among others often increases the occurrence of asthma and sinusitis despite the advances made in treating these conditions.

If both asthma and sinusitis are considered as inflammatory diseases, then their treatment is likely similar. Patients should drink enough fluids and bacterial infection should be reduced by means of breathing and coughing exercise, various enzymes, exercise, iodides, guaifenesin and irrigation. However, if the sinus infection does not improve with antibiotics, a CT scan may be necessary. Asthma and sinusitis are often treated at the same time as what affects the sinus affects the entire upper respiratory system.

You are likely to identify asthma if you are aware of its causes and symptoms. Symptoms can generally range from mild shortness of breath to chest pain, coughing and tightness in the chest. Common asthma triggers include indoor and outdoor allergens, infections, tobacco smoke, wood smoke, air pollution, certain medication, weather and even strong emotions. Some episodes of asthma attacks can be very severe and even life threatening. For this reason, education of patients is very important. Also, prompt diagnosis and treatment of sinusitis is important in the long-term management of asthma. And in order to effectively control the symptoms, it is important to know what triggered the attack and then avoid those causes.

Understand that sinusitis can worsen asthma. However, many patients who have successful treatment of their sinus infection find that their asthma also improves. Controlling the inflammatory process in the nose can help to control asthma symptoms. And along with prevention and treatment, maintaining a healthy well-balanced lifestyle and diet is also very important. After all, a healthy body is likely to get sick.

For comments and suggestions kindly visit Sinus Infection Relief

About the author:

Viojieley Gurrobat loves readings books in her spare time. She writes stories and poems about anything under the sun.

Written By: Viojieley Gurrobat

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Trackback  •  Posted in Asthma  


Oct 28
2006

Did you know that the food you eat when you are ill can help your body to recover? Or succumb to the full-blown illness?

What foods should you AVOID?

And what should you be eating if you have a cold or colitis or cancer?

Learn more at: http://www.XTherapist.com about what diets you should be on — to increase your energy levels, alleviate your pain and speed your recovery.

Also find out:

* find out what to eat when you’re NOT sick.

* learn the ideal diet for your body to keep it in good health

* find out the truth about salt and sugar in your food

* discover that some “health food” you take is really junk food

* learn what vitamins you or your children should take and when

* find out how food allergies develop in your body & overcome it

* get important information on various common foods that most people don’t know about

The book also answers many QUESTIONS you might have about nutrition

* Should I be eating more carbohydrates or more proteins (Atkins diet)?

* Organic food, macrobiotic food, wholegrain food, vegetarian food. Which is BEST?

* What’s the most perfect food on earth? Is there such a hing as a “super food”?

* And what’s the worst food I can possibly consume. And why?

* Why pasteurized milk can provoke colds, ear infections, sinusitis, inflammations of the tonsils and lung infections in some children?

* How to cure your food allergy in 5 days?

* Which is better – butter or margarine? (One of these accelerates aging!)

* Which is best – white bread, whole wheat bread, rye bread?

* How can I lower my blood cholesterol?

* Why do so many children have crooked teeth and need an orthodontist? How can my kids avoid gum disease and tooth decay and have healthy teeth for life?

* Why are some babies born deficient even if the mother practices good nutrition during pregnancy?

* Why your first child will usually be healthier than your second?

* What’s the ONE thing you need to remove from your diet if you’re allergic to pollen, dust, animal danders that cause asthma, hay fever and sinusitis to see an improvement in your health?

About the author:

Discover the answers to all these questions and more at: http://www.XTherapist.com

Written By: Edwin John

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Trackback  •  Posted in Asthma  


Oct 4
2006

Spring time is here. People are outside enjoying the air. Shopping and playing outdoor sports are activities that most like to do during this season. There could only be one thing that is holding back from going outside. That one thing is allergies.

Allergies are very serious. If you start becoming allergic to one allergen, you can end up allergic to another allergen. Most people are allergic to dust mites, those people could be candidates of being allergic to pollen. The symptoms are nose swelling, sneezing, redness and itching of eyes. If you have asthma, more occurrences of asthma attacks are seen. If these symptoms are not treated, you can develop a fever and bronchitis, which are very serious.

More than fifty million Americans suffer from allergic diseases. Pollen allergy affects nearly ten percent of the people in the USA. A recent nationwide survey found that more than half of all U.S citizens test positive to one or more allergens. Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic disease in the United States. Chronic sinusitis, a continuous or recurring infection and/or inflammation of the sinuses of the head, most often caused by allergies, affects approximately 38 million people in the USA.

People need to try to control their allergies so it doesnt get out of hand. There are books and medications that can help you do this. You can purchase these items at this site, http://www.youronestopstore.com/12109. On the search bar, type allergies.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I’m 24 year old male. An inspiring entrepreneur trying make it in this world.

Arbes SJ et al. Prevalences of positive skin test responses to 10 common allergens in the US population: Results from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 116:377-383. 2005.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America 1717 Massachusetts Ave. N.W. (Suite 305) Washington, DC 20036

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Trackback  •  Posted in Asthma