Asthma Symptoms

Posted on September 28, 2011 by


Asthma Symptoms
By Mithul Mistry

Asthma is a condition that affects the lungs and eventually your breathing. Asthma symptoms include: chest tightening, pain, pressure, wheezing, coughing (especially at night), and breathlessness. Everybody with Asthma doesn’t have the same symptoms. Some people experience some of the symptoms but not at one time. Asthma symptoms can also change from one episode to the next.

Asthma attacks occur at different times under different circumstances. Exercise may bring about asthma symptoms and sometimes people only experience an episode that coincides with viral infections such as the common cold. Not all, but some individuals are fortunate enough to go for prolonged periods with no symptoms at all, with only periodic severity called Asthma attacks.

Warning signs of Asthma may come about prior to or at the onset of an attack. In most cases, these symptoms are not severe enough to interfere with your daily life. Paying attention to these signs though, can help keep your condition under control. Early warning signs includes: frequent cough, breathlessness, feeling tired/weak when exercising, wheezing or coughing after exercising, feeling tired, easily upset, grouchy, moody, decrease or change in lung function when measured on a peak flow meter, signs of a cold or allergies, and trouble sleeping.

Asthma symptoms in kids usually occur before age five. Asthma occurs when the bronchial tubes become inflamed due to increased secretions within the tubes. Severe chronic coughing may be the only indication of Asthma in kids. Asthma amongst children is steadily increasing due to unknown reasons.

Asthma attacks are produced when the airways tighten. The lining within the airways swell or become inflamed; the cells within the bronchial tubes produce more and thicker secretions than normal. Other symptoms of an Asthma attack includes: coughing that won’t end, rapid breathing, difficulty speaking, chest pain/pressure, and feeling of anxiety. Asthma attacks will worsen with time so seek help immediately! Without immediate medical attention, breathing will become harder, air movement will decrease, and you’ll lose the ability to speak, all of which can lead to death.

Some people do not experience common Asthma symptoms. Some individuals have symptoms that most people wouldn’t attribute to Asthma but they are. These unusual symptoms include: rapid breathing, sighing, and fatigue, inability to exercise properly, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and chronic cough without wheezing. Asthma symptoms can resemble other condition so it’s important to know your body, talk to your doctor and to be educated and aware of both Asthmas common and uncommon symptoms.

Mithul Mistry is writing on behalf of Health Oxygen, a specialist in Breathlessness.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mithul_Mistry

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Asthma Inhalers – Introduction by Masni Rizal Mansor

Posted on September 27, 2011 by

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.

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

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Seeking An Alternative Asthma Medicine

Posted on September 25, 2011 by


Seeking An Alternative Asthma Medicine
By Michelle Bery

Asthma affects millions of people worldwide. A disease of the respiratory system, asthma causes airways to constrict so that breathing is hindered. Sufferers of asthma know how terrifying the disease can be and how dependent they are on medicines such as respiratory inhalers to protect their health and often their lives.

But there is a movement of asthma sufferers who are now turning to alternative asthma medicine to alleviate their symptoms and prevent attacks. While not focused on traditional remedies, alternative asthma medicine can be just as effective in ensuring long lasting health for its patients.

However, bear in mind that no alternative asthma medicine should be used independently. Asthma is a disease and should be treated as such; proper medical supervision by a licensed doctor who specializes in asthma is always recommended. Rather, alternative asthma medicine can be used in conjunction with traditional medicine so that patients can receive the best of both worlds in asthma treatment.

In seeking alternative asthma medicine, asthma sufferers have reported success with a number of different strategies including consistent and dedicated chiropractic treatments, acupuncture, laser treatments, and even yoga.

Each of these alternative asthma medicine treatments requires consistency. They are not quick fixes or one time only procedures. Many asthma patients report a weekly regimen of alternative asthma medicine, along with the care and guidance of a professional medical doctor has gone a long way to increased health.

Logic follows that if you treat the whole body in a preventative way, in many cases symptoms of specific illness are vastly improved. Further, asthma sufferers report an increased feeling of control; they are taking control of their asthma, taking ongoing preventative measures to alleviate symptoms and ward off asthma attacks in the future.

Do your research before you begin experimenting with alternative asthma medicine. Many online forums will offer you a chance to talk to other asthma sufferers; learning what has worked for other people can help you narrow down the options as well as educate you on the experience before you give it a try.

No matter which route you choose in search of alternative asthma medicine, you are likely to find that a combination of several treatments works best for you. No one remedy is likely to completely eradicate asthma. But with research, patience, and ongoing experimentation, you can find your own path to treatment through alternative asthma medicine.

For easy to understand, in depth information about asthma visit our ezGuide 2 Asthma.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_Bery

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Natural Asthma Treatments – Treat Your Asthma the Right Way

Posted on September 23, 2011 by


Natural Asthma Treatments – Treat Your Asthma the Right Way
By Darren McDonald

Treating asthma is no easy task, and because of that everyone is looking for natural asthma treatments. There are various different ways to treat asthma, it can be done naturally, by using medications, or even by using herbal treatments can be used to treat asthma.

Knowing your asthma is a very critical part of beginning natural asthma treatment. You need to know how your asthma reacts to certain things, and exactly what triggers your asthma. Once you figure that out, you should then start taking steps to natural asthma treatments.

Preservatives make it hard to breath, so get rid of the preservatives in your foods when you have asthma. Get rid of the preservatives and white flour, store bought bread, boxed food and most canned foods.

Doing this will allow you to get more airflow through your airways, and making it a lot easier to breathe. Simple things like just changing what you eat, can better your asthma very easily. Removing preservatives is one of the most effective natural asthma treatments, and doing so will improve your asthma.

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables such as apples, tomatoes, carrots, and leafy vegetables is some other natural asthma treatments used, they will aid you in fighting against an asthma attack.

Not only does eating fresh fruits and vegetables help you to protect against severe asthma attacks, but they will also decrease the dependence on medication.

Another popular treatment for asthma is Garlic. The strong odor of garlic cloves also contains chemicals that improve your blood circulation and decrease inflammation. Garlic can be eaten, and can be taken in capsules or liquids.

It is one of the most effective and inexpensive natural asthma treatments. The strong odor of garlic helps you to take deeper breaths, and making it easier for you to breathe.

Once you realize what causes your problems with asthma, decreasing the symptoms and lowering attacks are not as hard as one might think. You will then be able to avoid such things that will irritate your asthma, and be able to live without the worry of your asthma bothering you.

These are just some of the many natural asthma treatments that can be used to deal with your asthma, there are a lot more that is being used everyday.

It’s true that the above does work well with asthma, and will give you some relief. But in reality, it won’t entirely get rid of your asthma. Honestly I didn’t see any great improvement for my asthma, until a friend recommended I visit a site that help him totally put his asthma in his past.

So I went ahead a went to MyAsthmaCure.info, and seriously it was the best decision I ever made in my life PERIOD. To shorten my story, let’s just say if you were to ever run into me, you’ll never know I used to be a former asthmatic with severe asthma.

Also here’s another great site design for people suffering with asthma called Natural Ways to Cure Asthma, this is a very good site made by someone who once had asthma, and now they are giving away the goods on how they did it.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darren_McDonald

http://EzineArticles.com/?Natural-Asthma-Treatments—Treat-Your-Asthma-the-Right-Way&id=1566936


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Asthma Home Remedies for your Asthma Cure by Peter Rodrick

Posted on September 21, 2011 by

Asthma is a constant inflammatory ailment of the respiratory structure that is recognized by attacks of wheezing, restriction in the chest and smallness of breathing. Although the signs are the same but type of asthma varies. Some of these are Child onset asthma, adult onset asthma, exercise onset asthma, cough onset asthma, working asthma, nocturnal asthma.

Many of the long term remedies given for asthma really act as cold preventatives and reduce catarrhal infection, generally improving the mind and body rather than actually curing the problem.

Diet Improve the diet and avoid those things which may be harmful. Chocolate, cheese, tea, coffee and cow’s milk products are though to be detrimental although goat’s milk, and yoghurt and cheese made from it, had long been considered to be of benefit to anyone suffering form chest ailments. Paradoxically, lemons are of great benefit whilst other citrus fruits may cause problems. Take additional vitamins A, E and B6. Keep your weight down but do not diet seriously enough to create problems of anxiety or unhappiness. If there is real difficulty in preventing overweight take professional advice when will put you on the right path without causing stress.

Home Remedies for Asthma

Cabbages, nettles and onions All are of benefit to the body in many ways. A good method of expressing the fresh juice from cabbage is to soak the fresh green leaf in water until well saturated then wring out the liquid and drink it daily.

Garlic Chew 2 garlic cloves daily though this is of less value than the following recipe.

Garlic Cure for Asthma
3 heads garlic
600 ml (1 mint) water
300 ml (1/2 pint) cider vinegar
50g (20z) honey or sugar
Peel the garlic cloves and simmer them gently in the water for 20 minutes. Remove, drain and place in a jar. Add the vinegar and honey or sugar to the garlicky water and boil until syrupy. Discharge over the garlic in the jar and leave to cool before closing. Take one clove with the syrup every day. This remedy is also said to get better the memory.

Irish moss Used in the next recipe this is an expectorant and helps you breathe more easily.
A Honey for Breathlessness
½ onions
2 cloves garlic
600 ml (1pint) Irish moss jelly
½ cup clear honey

Peel and chop the onion and garlic then simmer gently with the Irish moss until soft. Strain and allow cooling then adding ½ cup of honey. Take daily to ensure that chestiness does turn into asthma.
Liquorice root A strong decoction of this reasonably pleasant-tasting root relieves chesty colds if drunk daily. It is certainly an improvement on the old-fashioned cure-all of ½ pint of tar water taken daily.
Carrots Whilst I think that a Spartan diet of plain boiled carrots for two weeks, as advocated in days paste could not be bad for your there is not doubt that a small glass of carrot juice taken daily reduces the risk of an asthma attack.

Castor oil cure Whip 25 g (1oz) of castor oil with 50g (20oz) of clear honey of mix 1 tablespoon of castor oil with 1 tablespoon of cider vinegar. Taken daily either remedy alleviates not only asthma symptoms but also those of catarrh and arthritis.

Vervain This is the sacred flower of the Druids which magicians wear. It is believed to be able to relieve any nervous disorders, so drink a glass of vervain tea–flowers, leaf and stalk–immediately upon rising each morning.

For Immediate Relief

Massage With your patient sitting back to front on the chair, as suggested earlier (page 75), massage the spine with both hands working from the bottom upwards. The relieves stress and the uncomfortable ache in back and shoulders caused by fighting for breath. Also there is a small area in the hollow of the throat which, if massaged with the little finger, in a gentle circular movement without pressure, can bring almost magical relief.

Inhalnts The best inhalant that I know of is Friar’s balsam is boiling water. Another very mild one is the leaves of mullein (verbascum thapsus).
Teas Thyme, marjoram, lavender, hyssop, eucalyptus, coltsfoot and lungwort are all antiseptic and break down mucus.

A special Tea for Asthma

1 part each cayenne, Iceland moss
Thyme, red clover, liquorice and horehound
4 parts Irish moss
Mix together and make a tea using 1 teaspoon of the mixture to 1 cup of boiling water. Take 1 tablespoon four periods every day.

Heart’s ease, honeysuckle or lobelia These are all old-fashioned medicines for asthma. Tinctures, teas and tablets can be brought from herbalists.

Lemon juice Take 1 tablespoon of hot lemon juice, with or without honey, every 15 minutes.
Essential oils of eucalyptus, pine, rosemary and marjoram Blend 2 drops of each into 2 tablespoons of oil and rubs into the chest. After anointing with this aromatic mixture cover with a hot, dry towel to release the full benefit and to keep the patient warm

For more helpful information on asthma home remedies, asthma diet visit http://www.himalayahomeremedies.com – HERBAL HOME REMEDIES and Natural Treatments

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Knowing Your Asthma Treatment Options by Jesse Mooreland

Posted on September 19, 2011 by

Many people know someone that’s dealing with the complicated symptoms of asthma, or they are dealing with it themselves. Respiratory conditions like asthma can be annoying and sometimes, downright scary. Not being able to breathe can cause many people to panic, especially if they are young and don’t really understand what’s happening. It’s important to know that when it comes to asthma treatment, everyone has options for reducing their symptoms to a manageable level. No matter whether you’re interested in emergency asthma treatment or natural asthma treatment, knowing your options can help you feel better.

What Are Signs That Asthma Treatment Is Needed?

Did you know that over twenty million people in the United States alone suffer from regular asthma symptoms? If you include the entire world, that number would be even higher. Of course, not all these people are currently taking advantage of an asthma treatment option, which means that some are suffering needlessly. Although they can easily be confused with the signs of a cold or flu, it’s important to be able to tell which symptoms indicate that emergency asthma treatment may be needed. Be on the lookout for:

- Shortness of breath
- Pain or tightness in the chest
- Trouble sleeping because of coughing or wheezing while lying down
- Audible whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling (especially common in children)
- Coughing or wheezing that becomes worse in the presence of a respiratory virus like a cold or the flu

Some people will only have one of these symptoms while others will experience several at once. The most important thing to remember is that early detection is the best way to ensure that your asthma treatment is successful. Waiting too long to seek emergency asthma treatment could lead to other serious complications.

When Should You Seek Asthma Treatment from a Doctor?

Any trouble with coughing or wheezing that’s not directly related to a temporary illness or allergy should be cause to seek diagnosis and asthma treatment from a doctor right away. One of the key elements of successful asthma treatment is to monitor your symptoms on a daily basis, and to tell your doctor if certain foods, environmental factors, or types of exercise seem to make your asthma worse. Any time your symptoms become aggravated, you should be ready to seek emergency asthma treatment from your doctor or hospital.

Are There Natural Asthma Treatment Options?

After being diagnosed with asthma, many people are encouraged to seek a barrage of pharmaceutical drugs for suppressing their symptoms. Common asthma treatment options include inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting beta agonists (LABAs), and leukotriene modifiers. It’s important to know that these are not your only options, however. Recently, research scientists have discovered that it’s also possible to have success with natural asthma treatment options like probiotics. Probiotics in general can help build and improve the immune system in reducing the symptoms of asthma.

Jesse Mooreland is a researcher of probiotics health and probiotic supplements and regularly contributes to BestProbioticReviews.com. She is a leading authority on nutrition and digestive health.

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Asthma Relief And Prevention

Posted on September 14, 2011 by

by: David Davis

Asthma is a chronic lung condition characterized by breathing difficulties. People with asthma have hyper-responsive, extra sensitive airways. During the course of an asthma attack, irritated airways react by narrowing and constricting. This causes increased resistance to airflow and obstructs the flow of air through the bronchial passages to and from the lungs. 

There are two main types of asthma treatment medicines:

* Long-Term Control Medicines: also called preventers, are taken daily, usually over long periods of time, to control chronic symptoms and to prevent asthma episodes or attacks. The effects of these medicines are generally felt after taking them for a few weeks. Long-term control medicines are necessary for people with persistent asthma.

* Quick Relief Medicines: also called relievers, give rapid, short-term treatment and are taken when you have worsening asthma symptoms that can lead to asthma episodes or attacks. These medications are effective within minutes.

Drugs, such as those resembling two of our hormones, can help alleviate asthma symptoms. These two hormones are adrenaline, called epinephrine in the United States, and the steroid hydrocortisone. There are also other medications that help treat asthma. Though drugs can remove all of the symptoms for a mild asthma sufferer, more severe or long-standing cases of asthma generally do not get such good results.

Adrenaline, also called epinephrine, is pumped into our bloodstream in cases of sudden fright or in an emergency. It is the quick-acting hormone created by the adrenal glands located near our kidneys. It causes a racing pulse, a thumping heart, and readies your body for emergency action. In asthma, these adrenaline-type medicines quickly alleviate symptoms of asthma for a short time, and are called relievers.

Hydrocortisone is manufactured by the outer part of our adrenal glands, called the ‘cortex’. It is also partly an “emergency hormone” but it works much more slowly, in a completely different way to adrenaline, and lasts for a longer duration. Medicines which resembling hydrocortisone gradually allow the lining of air tubes in an asthma sufferer to resemble regular, healthy airways. This results in asthma that is less severe and a lesser likelihood of asthma attacks. Therefore, these steroids medications are called preventers. There are additional asthma ‘preventers’, but the steroids are the most effective. Most asthma sufferers should take both preventers as well as relievers.

Usually the most effective way to administer these medicines is to inhale them. That is, you breath them in, through your nose or mouth.

The reasons you inhale them are:

* the medicine works more rapidly,
* because you need a smaller dose of the medicine, and
* you won’t suffer the same number of side effects.

The speed with which the medicine is effective is particularly important with the adrenaline-like, fast-acting relievers. Quick relief medicines are used only acutely, at the time of an attack or impending attack. One kind of quick relief medicine is a short-acting inhaled bronchodilator. Bronchodilators take effect by relaxing the muscles that have constricted around the airways. They help rapidly open up airways and make breathing easier. Occaisionally, they are called “rescue” or “relief” medicines because they can cease an asthma attack very rapidly. These medicines act fast but their effects only last for a short duration of time. It is recommended that one take quick relief medicines when one initially begins to feel asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. Asthma sufferers should always be in possession of one of these inhalers in case of an attack. In the case of severe attacks, your physician may administer steroids to treat the inflammation.

Long-term control medications include :

* Long-acting beta-agonists are one kind of long-term control medication. They are bronchodilators, not anti-inflammatory drugs. These medicines are used to aid in controlling moderate to severe asthma as well as in preventing night-time symptoms. Long-acting beta-agonists are taken in conjunction with an inhaled corticosteroid medicine.

* Cromolyn and nedocromil are two long-term control medicines utilized in the treatment of mild persistent asthma.

* Leukotriene modifiers (such as zafirlukast, montelukast, and zileuton) are long-term control medicines administered either alone to treat mild persistent asthma or in conjunction with inhaled corticosteroids to treat moderate persistent asthma or severe persistent asthma.

* The most effective, long-term control medication for asthma is an inhaled corticosteroid. The reason for this is that this medicine reduces the swelling of airways that increases the chances of asthma attacks. Inhaled corticosteroids (or steroids for short) 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 to the affected lungs. There are many types of inhalers that are used by different methods. Therefore, it is important to know how to correctly use your inhaler. In some cases, steroid tablets or liquid are used on a short-term basis to rein in asthma symptoms. The liquid or tablet varieties may also be utilized in the treatment of severe asthma.

* Theophylline is a long-term control medication used either alone to treat mild persistent asthma or in conjunction with inhaled corticosteroids to treat moderate persistent asthma. People who take theophylline should have their blood tested regularly checked to ensure proper dosage.

If you cease taking long-term control medicines, your asthma will likely recur. Optimally, one should use the least amount of medicine required to manage asthma symptoms.

 

About The Author 

David Davis contributes to several web sites, most recently http://fozic.com andhttp://great-healthy.com.
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The Signs & Symptoms of An Asthma Attack

Posted on September 4, 2011 by

by: Sarah Labdar

Asthma is an incurable disease that affects the lungs and makes it difficult to breath. The muscles within the bronchi spasm, causing tightening around the airways. As the airway narrows it makes it difficult to breathe especially breathe out. Asthma can affect all ages, from kids all the way to adulthood. There are two types of asthma, which ultimately determines the cause of it. Asthma attacks can occur at anytime, any place and for any reason without any precursor. An asthma attack begins by three changes within the lungs, bronchospasms, inflammation and mucus production. These changes stimulate a chain reaction, which bring about the symptoms of an asthma attack. Everyone who experiences or has experienced an asthma attack have different frequency and severity of their symptoms. 

Every time an asthma attack occurs there are early warning signs that can depict the onset of an attack. People who suffer with asthma for a long time are able to pick up on these signs, however, young children or undiagnosed cases of asthma may not realize these early signs until they are in a full fledged asthma attack. Early warning signs start well before you experience the symptoms of asthma. They may not be severe enough to stop daily activity but should be noticeable enough to realize what is going on. Some early warning symptoms are the same as the symptoms of an actual asthma attack, however they will worsen if left untreated. Frequent coughing especially at night, shortness of breath and wheezing can be early warning signs of an asthma attack and worsen once the actual attack goes into effect. Feeling tired, weakness, moodiness, irritability, trouble sleeping, dark circles under your eyes, sneezing, runny nose, itchy chin, nasal congestion, sore throat and headache are all early signs of an asthma attack. Additionally decreased lung function, reduced peak flow meter readings and inability to exercise due to weakness or fatigue can signify a later asthma attack.

People who suffer with asthma should always keep a peak flow meter on hand. Peak flow meters measure how fast the air is exhaled out of the lungs. Knowing your baseline peak flow is one way to manage your asthma and determine if an asthma attack is impending. If your baseline measurement moves between 50-80% of your personal best then this is a sign an asthma attack is imminent. If your measurement falls below 50% then your ability to breath in sufficient oxygen is greatly impaired and you should consider this an emergency and go to the hospital. Recognizing early changes in your peak flow meter measurement is important to understand and predict when an asthma attack may occur.

If you are unable to assess the early signs, symptoms can develop into an asthma attack. You may experience persistent coughing without the ability to stop, rapid breathing, chest pain or pressure, tightening of the neck and chest where the skin sinks in as you breath (retraction), difficulty talking, and inability to perform daily activities. As symptoms worsen anxiety or panic may set in, skin may become pale and sweaty, lips and fingertips can turn blue due to insufficient oxygen, inhaling and exhaling may become impossible, and the person may have a strained posture as they grasp for air. Eventually if the person doesn’t receive help from medication, inhaler, nebulizer, EMT’s or the ER, they may pass out from the lack of oxygen and could potentially die. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of an asthma attack are vital to both the health and wellness of people who suffer from asthma. Understanding both the early signs as well as the symptoms of an actual asthma attack can determine what type of treatment or medical procedure is necessary to put into action.

 

About The Author 

Sarah Labdar graduated with a BA in exercise science and has worked in the medical field since. Her focus is alternative medicine and how it interacts and works in conjunction with traditional medicine. Check out my health website! 

http://www.universalhealthinfo.com/Asthma_Attack.html

The author invites you to visit:
http://www.universalhealthinfo.com


 

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What Causes Asthma?

Posted on September 1, 2011 by

by: Gray Rollins

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. To learn more about asthma, visithttp://www.asthmadocs.com/a/whatcausesasthma/. To learn more about asthma treatments, visit http://www.asthmadocs.com/a/naturalasthmatreatments/.
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