Sep 2
2007

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

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Aug 30
2007

Because you will stumble upon the facts and no longer be confused.

Theres a lot of confusion out there about Ephedra andEphedrine and exactly what they are.

I wrote about this a couple years ago and its time to write about it again. Theres a lot of information so pay attention, here we go.

Ephedra is back in the news again.

This time because of a decision last week by a federal court in Utah that struck down the fda ban of Ephedra. First of all, herbal Ephedra was never banned. Ephedrine alkaloidswere banned. Ephedrine is the active ingredient in Ephedra.And Ephedrine alkaloids are the synthetic super concentrated version of Ephedra.

The fda has stated that the ban is still in effect for higher doses(above 10mg) of ephedrine products. And that the agency is considering its options with respect to their next steps.

There is a whole lot of controversy surrounding Ephedra. Because it has been confused and misrepresented by those who are confused about what it is and is not.

Ephedra is an herb which is perfectly safe when used in quantities that meet U.S. mega-dosing laws. Just like its been used in Asian cultures for thousands of years for its health benefits.

And because it is a broncho-dilator the actual herb Ephedra is one of the most widely used and effective treatments for asthma.

Do you really think Asian cultures would use something for thousands of years if it was dangerous? Lets give credit where credit is due.

Because to the misuse of the word Ephedra all of the negative associations of Ephedrine alkaloids have been transferred to the natural herb Ephedra. Including a number of deaths caused by the synthetic Ephedrine alkaloids.

And this is how Ephedra has become demonized.

Pseudo Ephedrine HCL is found in nearly every over the counter cold and decongestant sinus medication.

Pseudo Ephedrine, like Ephedrine alkaloids is a chemically altered form of Ephedra. Most of these over the counter medications have many times the content of concentrated ephedrine alkaloids as compared to weight loss and other nutritional supplements – most of which contain the natural form of Ephedra.

In fact, most medications contain far more Pseudo ephedrine in 2 Pills, because of its concentrated form, than an entire weeks worth of nutritional supplements which contain the natural ephedra.

Dr. Linda Page, N.D., Ph.D., Dr. Page has been a Classical Herbalist for almost 30 years and has formulated over 250 effective whole herb combinations, many of them containing ephedra. Dr. Page writes:

“I am continually distressed about ephedra’s misuse and abuse, most importantly the isolated component of ephedra, ephedrine. If herbalists and formulators lose the ability to use ephedra, we are losing one of the best broncho-dilators from the plant kingdom that is extremely valuable when used for asthma and allergies. What then would people have to choose from to alleviate their symptoms? Drugs of course.

So what’s the difference between ephedra and ephedrine? Dr. Page explains that in a whole herb formulation containing ephedra, there may be up to 50 mg of ephedra, containing only HALF a milligram of ephedrine. But the products that isolate ephedrine may deliver up to 20 mg of ephedrine – a full 40 times as much as ephedra!.

Yet, You can walk into any drug store or grocery store to find a few dozen cold, sinus and CHILDRENS products which contain pseudo ephedrine hcl. Yes, thats right 15mg of pseudo ephedrine hcl in a childrens decongestant.

So you are asking yourself “wait a minute, what about all the over the counter medications which contain synthetic ephedrine?, Why aren’t those banned?”

Thats a great question, you’ll have to ask the fda.

Sources:

Jenny Thompson, HSI e-alert Get it right, 4/21/2005

Jenny Thompson, HSI e-alert Circle the Wagons, 1/8/2004

About the Author

Lee Cummings has been helping real people solve real problems and feel better with expert proven nutrition for over 5 years.
For a No cost Report mailto:report@lc-nutrition.com Discover proven nutrition information visit: http://www.LC-Nutrition.com

Written By: Lee Cummings

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Jul 31
2007

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

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May 26
2007

During the Democratic convention the Reverend Al Sharpton quoted a shocking statistic: One third of the children in Harlem suffer from asthma. This shouldnt be completely surprising since asthma cases have been consistently increasing over the years, especially in the cities, escalating recently during the rollback of some key environmental laws, but it is a trend we must turn back.

While parents have only limited control over the environment where they raise their children, there is a personal environmental decision they can make that may dramatically reduce the symptoms their children experience. It all comes down to detergent, and not just any detergent. It is the detergent that they use to wash their childrens clothes and sheets. The biggest selling detergents in the United States contain large amounts of irritating phosphates, which are not only a major irritant to the skin and respiratory system, but a source of serious pollution, and a component in global warming.

If you are wondering if your laundry detergent contains phosphates just read the label, it is listed there. In most industrialized countries phosphate detergents are outlawed for good reason, but in the United States the chemical industry has a strong lobby and cheap phosphates help manufacturers keep their costs low, so their use continues. The next time you walk though the laundry detergent section of your supermarket, take a deep breath and notice how much the smell irritates your nose and lungs.

What kinds of detergent contain low, or no phosphates? Baby detergent! No mother would dream of washing their newborns clothes and sheets in the familys powdered detergent! That would give their babys delicate skin rashes, not to mention an increase in crying and crankiness. There are many readily available natural detergents that are phosphate-free and its worth the time to find them.

We have noticed tremendous improvements for both children and adults when their clothes and sheets are consistently washed in a phosphate-free detergent. By itself this change may not alleviate all of the symptoms of asthma and those related skin rashes, but it clearly removes an insidious irritant from the equation.

It might be helpful to explain why this simple change is so effective. Testing in Europe shows that, while sleeping, people are between two thousand and ten thousand times more sensitive to chemical and electromagnetic pollution than while they are awake. When a childs pajamas are washed with a chemical irritant and they sleep on bedclothes containing those same toxins, their immune system is challenged nightly, during a time when they are most vulnerable. Their bodys nutritional reserves are consumed in that battle and they are less able to defend themselves from the pollutants they encounter during their day. Asthma and allergies are not produced by a single irritant, but by an accumulation of minor irritants that eventually overwhelm the bodys ability to adapt. It is not a huge leap to imagine that removing a respiratory irritant from the sleeping environment, where a person spends one third of their time, is going to produce an improvement in a child’s ability to breathe.

Drs. Ralph & Lahni DeAmicis are Naturopathic Physicians. Their educational program, The 10 Minute Herbalist, seeks to put the knowledge of everyday good health into everyones hands. Information about their program and publications is available at www.SpaceAndTime.com.

ralph@spaceandtime.com

Written By: Drs. Ralph & Lahni DeAmicis

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May 17
2007

Asthma is chronic disease that is hallmarked by the inflammation of the bronchial or breathing tubes, in the lungs. While there is no known specific cause for the condition, many of its triggers are well known and avoidable; and those that can’t be avoided can be well managed.

15 million adults and 5 million children in the United Stated have asthma, a chronic respiratory disease that can cause early morning or late night coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, fatigue, anxiety and shortness of breath. Asthma symptoms can be mild or serious, and they can also be life threatening during an asthma attack.

Our lungs are filled with hollow tube like passages that resemble the branches on a tree. These passages gradually become smaller and smaller ending in tiny pockets where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged. For those with asthma, swelling in the hollow tubes makes breathing difficult and uncomfortable by preventing the air from moving freely. This inflammation causes an increased sensitivity to allergens and a host of other asthma triggers.

So what causes asthma? It is generally believed that exposure to allergens early in life can trigger asthma, but heredity plays a role too and can predispose certain populations to this chronic condition. Allergen induced asthma usually becomes apparent before the age of 35. Non allergic asthma usually has its onset in middle age and can be triggered or worsened by reflux disease, exercise, weather changes and illness.

Environmental lung irritants are by far the biggest culprits in triggering asthma problems and include cleaning products, perfume, smoke, mold, dust, pollution, mildew, seasonal pollen and animal dander.

Lifestyle and illness also play a role in causing respiratory flare-ups in those susceptible. Stress, exercise, laughter, foods and food additives like sulfites, getting a cold, the flu or a bronchial infection, and even changes in the weather can bring the asthmatic closer to an asthma attack.

Luckily for asthmatics many of the factors that can lead to an asthma attack can be eliminated or reduced in their lives. Keeping the environment clean and dust free to avoid exposure to mold, mildew and dust mites, avoiding pets and smoke, staying inside on windy days and always riding in the car with the windows up to avoid excessive amounts of pollen, avoiding exposure to household chemicals and perfumed body products, and running a dehumidifier on humid days can all help to reduce the causes of environmental allergen triggers. Reducing stress, increasing exercise and working to stay healthy are necessary additional steps to managing asthma. Asthma is on the rise in the United States and in other developed countries around the globe; and though no one knows exactly why, it is theorized that the culprits may be a byproduct of our more industrialized lives. People spend more time indoors where household pollutants are greater, and though environments are generally healthier, with less exposure to viruses and bacteria our immune systems may be becoming more sensitive to these issues.

There is no cure for asthma, but medication, and environmental and lifestyle changes can help to alleviate the symptoms and keep asthma from limiting the lives of those afflicted.

About the author:

Gray Rollins is a featured writer for AsthmaDocs.com. To learn more about natural asthma treatment and to learn more about what causes asthma, please visit our site.

Written By: Gray Rollins

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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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Apr 5
2007

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

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

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

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

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

About the Author

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

Written By: Charles Kassotis

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Mar 12
2007

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

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Feb 16
2007

Asthma, a disease of the human respiratory system, which narrows the airways, commonly in response to a “trigger” such as an exposure to an allergen, exercise, cold air, or emotional stress. This narrowing can cause symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing. Between asthmatic episodes, most people with the condition feel fine. This disease is a chronic inflammatory condition wherin the airways develop an increased responsiveness to certain stimuli, shown by bronchial hyper-responsiveness, increased mucus production, inflammation, and intermittent airway obstruction. asthma can be anywhere from mild to life threatening, but can generally be controlled with a combination of drugs, inhalers and changes in lifestyle. People have focused on asthma recently because of its rapidly increasing number of patients, affecting up to one in four urban children. Genetic factors can contribute to cases of asthma, but there is no clear pattern of inheritance found. It is a very complex disease which is influenced by many various developmental, genetic, and environmental factors, which work togetherto create the widespread condition.

Breast-fed babies have proved to be less susceptible to asthma. Current research indicates that the prevalence of asthma in children has been increasing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Health Interview Surveys, around 9.2% of US children under 18 years old had asthma in 2001, in comparison with just 4% in 1980. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 8% of the population of Switzerland suffer from asthma today, compared to 1.9% in 1983. Asthma is more common in countries outside North America, but is by no means a problem restricted to location. “WHO” estimates that there are between 15.3 and 20.1 million asthmatics in India. In the U.S., urban residents, African Americans and Hispanics are affected moreso than the population as a whole.

Around the globe, asthma is the cause of approximately 175,000 deaths per year. Asthma and AthleticsAsthma appear to be more common in athletes than in the general population. One particular survey of participants in the 1996 Summer Olympic Games revealed that 16% had asthma, and 10% were on medication for asthma. There seems to be a high number of asthmatics in sports like mountain biking, cycling, and long-distance running, and a somewhat low percentage in weightlifting. It is not clear how much of these cases are results of the effects of training in the sport.

About the Author

Feel free to reprint this article as long as you keep the article, this caption and author biography in tact with all hyperlinks.

Tyler Brooker is the owner and operator of Asthma Area, which is the best site on the internet for all asthma related information.

Written By: Tyler Brooker

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Feb 10
2007

An asthma patient has particularly sensitive air passages, or airways, resulting in difficult breathing for the patient when these air passages are irritated from an introduced substance or atmospheric change.

Asthma medications frequently need to be reviewed by a patient’s physician in order to ensure that the medication continues to be effective for the patient in controlling and preventing the onset of asthma attacks. Yo ur guide to asthma, symptoms, causes, treatment and more.

Many patients will require not just a preventative or reactive medication, but a tailored combination of both types of medications in order to provide them with maximum relief from their illness. Most physicians agree that the desired outcome it to get the maximum relief from the minimum amount of medication.

There is currently no cure available for asthma, however new discoveries in the medical research field are increasing the medications and techniques used to monitor and treat asthma in patients with the disease.

Among both children and adults, asthma is one of the most common chronic illnesses in countries including the United States and much of Europe. Because asthma is considered a chronic illness, treatment regimens for patients must be followed accordingly in order to reduce the affects and ongoing health problems that can result from mismanagement of the condition.

Pregnant women who suffer from asthma need to monitor and reat their asthma correctly, not only for their own health but for that of their unborn child. It is perhaps never more important for a woman asthmatic to stay in touch with their treating physician than when they are pregnant.

Although there is much concern of the safety of medications taken during pregnancy, most of the commonly used asthma medications have been proven to be both safe and effective. Although no new asthma medications (or other medications, for that matter) will ever undergo direct testing on pregnant women due to the serious risks and implications facing the developing company.

Some asthma medications have proven through repeated usage over many years, that they are not only effective in treating asthma and safe for the unborn child, but also that they provide protection of the unborn child from afflictions like oxygen deprivation that might occur as a result of the mother’s asthma condition.

Physicians and researchers agree that it is imperative for pregnant women to continue their treatment plan for their asthma. There is no risk associated with treatment medications that is large enough to counteract the benefits to the unborn baby as a result of keeping its mother healthy.

About the author:

Diana for www.health-care-information.org Complete guide to as thma and asthma treatment.

Written By: Diana Statham

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