Alternative Treatment for Asthma

What is asthma?

Asthma is a medical condition that affects many people worldwide. When inflammation in the airway (bronchial tubes) becomes inflamed, it can lead to difficulty breathing. Air is taken in, but because of the production of mucus and swelling in the airway tubes, it is difficult to release the air back out. Many triggers can bring on an asthmatic episode such as: over exertion, cigarette smoke, dust, and many times, allergies. When they are inhaled by an asthmatic these problematic conditions may occur. Some symptoms that could develop are: tightness in the chest, a wheezing or whistling sound when breathing, coughing, or tightness in the chest.

The most important measure that can be done to prevent flare-ups is to avoid the triggers. Many take controller medications on a daily basis to help ward off these problematic episodes. It is necessary to take these medications even when there are no signs or symptoms present. These might include inhalers or pills. Once the asthma has developed into a breathing problem, a stronger type of medication is given to the individual usually by way of a nebulizer. Steroids are taken in by inhaling through a mask to dilate the airways and help to alleviate the breathing problem and allowing oxygen into the patient's airway more easily. If the patient is not improving after this type of treatment they may need to seek emergency assistance quickly.

What are some alternative treatments for asthma?

There are many alternatives for those afflicted with asthma. Some people have the desire to use measures such as herbs and vitamins. They are turning towards a more natural approach to treat the disease rather than the use of steroids and medications with dangerous side effects. Some of those may include vitamin C, ding-chan tang (DCT), or Ma Huang (ephedra.) The United States Food Administration has banned the use of Ephedra in recent years. Yoga is used regularly as a form of controlling breathing by many. By controlled breathing, close attention is paid to the inhalation and exhalation process to ensure that sufficient amounts of oxygen are delivered to the lungs.

Many are seeking acupuncture treatment as a form of treatment. It is not clear how much impact it has on the treatment of asthma but many do believe it produces positive results. Relaxation techniques are being utilized as a way to decrease anxiety, which can trigger an episode of asthma. When changing treatments, it is important, to let the health care professional know because there can be an interaction to certain medications with the use of vitamins and herbs. If a blood thinner is being taken, it is important not to take Gingko biloba-- although it has proven to decrease inflammation in the airway--it also works as a blood thinner. Liquorice root is often used to settle inflammation, but it can elevate blood pressure. Research is important when opting for these types of treatment. Look for scientific backing and speak with the pharmacist or physician about possible interactions with medications you are taking.

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

Original article

How To Create Your Asthma Action Plan

Using an asthma action plan is very important if your child has moderate to severe asthma or has had a serious asthma attack in the earlier period.Maintaining good everyday control is the solution to keeping symptoms under control and preventing attacks. Having a written plan makes it easier for you to determine whether your child's asthma is under control and it lets you know precisely what steps to take when it isn't. Since asthma varies from person to person, you'll have to work with your doctor to build up a plan that's adapted for your youngster. Take your asthma action plan to your doctor at your next visit for help with asthma. Your doctor can fill in the precise medications, amounts, and frequency, depending on your peak flow reading (whether green zone, yellow zone, or red zone).

Your asthma action plan should list your kid's asthma medications and when to take them. Medications usually include daily control medications and as-needed, quick-relief medications such as inhaled albuterol. Make sure you know what medications you have on hand, where they are and how to use them. If your kid has a nebulizer to administer medication in spray form, the asthma action plan should include directions for when to use it.

Asthma action plan should also include a list of triggers that are responsible for asthma symptoms and how to stay away from them. Also it should contain a list of peak flow meter readings and zones based on the person's personal best reading as well as a list of usual asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, and excess mucus production, and what you should do if these symptoms occur.

In addition your asthma action plan should contain the name and amount of the everyday medication that have to be taken even when your kid does not have asthma symptoms and the name and quantity of the quick-acting or rescue medication that must be taken when your child develop asthma symptoms.

Your asthma program should also contain the name and amount of the reliever medication that have to be taken when your child is having an asthma attack, emergency phone numbers and locations of emergency care and directions concerning when to get in touch with the doctor, whom to call if the doctor is unavailable, and a list of where to obtain emergency asthma treatment.

Your asthma action plan has to be reviewed with your doctor at least once a year. Changes in the plan might be desirable because of changes in peak flow numbers or the medications your kid is taking. Always keep your plan where it can be easily found by you or members of your family.

If you want to learn more about asthma, asthma action plan and various asthma treatments please go to:

http://asthmaactionplanreview.com/

Sinisa Janicijevic Author is a specialist in area of various natural and alternative treatments. Please read more about Asthma Action Plan and natural and alternative remedies on his web site:

http://asthmaactionplanreview.com/

Original article

Asthma Myths

About Asthma

I have suffered from asthma for some 10 years now and over that time period have learned a lot about asthma... what triggers it in me, the symptoms which are manifested and my learning curve in discovering how to cope while getting on with living a normal life.

In all that time I have made extensive enquiries into the whole subject and have tried to disentangle the truth from all the hearsay, old wives tales and general disinformation about the subject. Needless to say, I learned a lot about asthma, both from personal experience of it and from my investigations. My asthma is now under control, but it occurred to me that there are millions of people out there who could possibly benefit from what I have discovered.

I suppose to those who first are diagnosed with asthma, it can be a frightening experience. So I have tried in this article to put together some thoughts, separating facts from fiction, truth from doubt, in the hope that this will help everyone afflicted with the disease. To start with I want to set out some basic facts which may explode received wisdom about asthma.

Myth 1... Once your daily medication works, don't change it. Wrong... the aim of treatment is to control airway inflammation and preserve lung function with the lowest level of medication possible. It is important to see your doctor regularly to see whether your control medication can be reduced or stepped down.

Myth 2...Everyone can tell when their asthma is getting worse. Wrong... Some people can but some can't, particularly if the reaction occurs at night when you are asleep. Sometimes an attack occurs quickly, so the regular use of a peak flow meter is a must. This monitors how well air is flowing through the airways and will alert you to any deterioration in function.

Myth 3... Drinking Alcohol does not cause asthma. Wrong... Beer and wine contain a substance called sulfites, which occur naturally or are added as a preservative. These can trigger an attack or lead to a severe allergic reaction in some asthma sufferers.

Myth 4... Exercise is dangerous for asthma sufferers. Wrong... People can only benefit from the improvement in overall health which exercise provides. Proper warming up procedures and choice of the right level of effort helps to prevent symptoms. The use of a short acting dilator before exercise can prevent symptoms.

Myth 5... Asthma improves in a damp, moist environment. Wrong... A moist atmosphere makes asthma worse. Two common triggers such as mold and dust mites thrive in a moist environment. Some studies show that reducing the level of humidity in the home to a level between 30-35% benefits sufferers enormously.

Myth 6... Aspirin does not cause asthma. Wrong... A number of medications, including aspirin are known to trigger an attack. Some people are "aspirin sensitive" and while not common its use can worsen asthma in people who, for example suffer from nasal polyps.

Having said all that, if I were to give any advice to fellow sufferers, it would be in relation to the issue of the bedroom. Pillows and the warm bedroom air that surrounds them are perfect breeding grounds for those undesirable invisible companions making themselves at home in your bed. It has been estimated that a large proportion of the weight of your pillow may be made up of bugs, dead skin, dust mites and their feces.

Bacteria such as flu, chickenpox, M.R.S.A and C.diff feast on these and can be dangerous to people with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly. Tests reveal high levels of "living" contamination on the outside of pillows and where tears or rips occur, those nasty germs can find their way into the filling. Simply changing your pillow case is not enough. You are simply wrapping up something nasty. So the answer is to wash your pillows and cases at least once a month. Replace any damaged pillows, and if possible buy yourself some anti bacterial pillows. Believe me... a great investment.

I hope this article about asthma is useful and improves your life enormously.

Terry Blackburn. Internet Marketing Consultant, living in South Shields in the North-East of England. Author and Producer of http://www.asthmacuretoday.com/

Original article

Tips and Solutions for Working Out With Asthma

Tips and Solutions for Working Out With Asthma

Exercise is an important part of everyone's life, and it is especially important for people with asthma to exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet because being overweight can worsen asthma symptoms. It may be difficult for some people with asthma to get regular exercise without aggravating their asthma symptoms. The solution is for individuals with asthma to figure out what exercise program works best for them and to learn how to manage asthma symptoms if or when they do arise during exercise.

Generally, sports and workouts involving short bursts of activity, such as gymnastics, weight training, softball or baseball, wrestling, diving and volleyball, are well tolerated by people with asthma. Swimming is also generally a good form of exercise for those with asthma because the environment is warm and humid. Activities that have been reported to help people with asthma breathe better, such as yoga and tai chi, are usually not a problem for an asthmatic person. Sports and workouts that involve extended periods of activity or take place in cold environments, such as hockey, snow skiing, ice skating, running, jogging, basketball, soccer or lacrosse, may not be well tolerated well by someone with asthma, although many people with asthma can still participate in those activities with few or no problems and some believe that more intense cardiovascular exercises such as running or playing soccer can help an asthmatic person's lungs to function more efficiently and allow for easier breathing.

It is important for anyone with asthma to take certain precautions both before and during exercise. Using an inhaler prior to working out can help diminish any asthma symptoms that may appear during exercise. If you suffer from asthma, you should learn how to breathe correctly while exercising and should take the time to stretch before exercising. Some asthma sufferers find that stretching their upper body, particularly their chest/pecs is helpful in allowing them to breathe more easily while exercising. If it is cold outside, those who suffer from asthma should consider exercising indoors rather than outside or covering their mouth and nose during exercise. If someone with asthma has a viral infection, such as a cold, he or she should consider restricting exercise until his or her heath improves. After exercising, a cool down period is necessary. Sometimes, asthma symptoms will arise during a workout. If that happens, it is important for the asthma sufferer to remain calm and use his or her inhaler. If the symptoms disappear completely, the person may return to exercise if he or she feels able to. If the symptoms do not go away, the person should use his or her inhaler a second time and call his or her doctor. In some cases, it may be necessary to call 911 or go to the emergency room.

Everyone should consult his or her physician prior to beginning any exercise regimen, either on your own or with a personal trainer. If someone with asthma follows these recommendations, he or she should be able to exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle with minimal problems due to asthma.

For more information on family health and nutrition topics visit http://myfamilyplate.com/

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Technique For Using A Spacer With Albuterol

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death in the US. Sadly, I've treated a number of the people who help to make up this statistic. Despite this achievement, people continue to smoke tobacco products. That just absolutely amazes me. Today, we'll discuss one aspect of COPD (and asthma for that matter), that doesn't get a lot of press; that is, the use of inhaled medications like albuterol.

A rescue inhaler is often prescribed by physicians to patients who suffer from COPD and asthma. What typically happens in these diseases, is the frequent occurrence of bronchospasm in the patient's airways. These airways are made up of smooth muscle with can expand and contract depending on the stimulus or overall health of the tissue. In healthy lungs, a person's airway does not move back and forth like this. It stays fairly static. However, because of inflammatory processes found within the lungs of COPD sufferers and the hair-trigger sensitivity in asthma patients, their airways become, what we call in the respiratory business, floppy. They spasm or constrict, which does not allow for the normal respiration of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

This is what causes many people to become short of breath or dyspnic. Let me tell you something, when you are short of breath, little else matters other than getting that next breath of oxygen. This is where the rescue inhaler comes in. Albuterol is a short acting bronchodilator or beta agonist. This medication is designed to dilate the constricted airway. Many asthmatics are familiar with this medication as well.

This med can be delivered either through an inhaled aerosol or as an inhaler. Many people have their personal preferences. However, inhalers are nice because you can take them with you and quickly deliver medication to where it is needed - directly to the airways. Technique is extremely important when administering the drug with this type of delivery system. In fact, we tell all of our patients to use a spacer device which really does make it idiot proof. I have seen many experienced patients use the inhaler incorrectly and then decide it isn't for them. Well, if they were using it correctly, they would receive the relief they're looking for. This is what makes the spacer so valuable.

Simply shake the inhaler vigorously for about 5 seconds, then insert it into the spacer device. Place your lips around the mouthpiece of the spacer and exhale normally through your nose. Now, begin inhaling and then actuate in inhaler, while maintaining a normally paced, deep inhalation. Once you have completely inhaled as deeply as possible, hold your breath for 10 seconds, before exhaling. Then wait 1 minute before repeating the step.

Many people make several mistakes. They either actuate the inhaler rapidly several times, inhale as quickly as possible, don't hold their breath, or fail to wait the full minute between puffs. All of these mistakes can lead to a failed delivery of the medication.

So if you want to get the most out of your albuterol inhaler, then use a spacer and have proper technique. Using the medication correctly can effectively treat your asthma and COPD symptoms dramatically and help you to live a more productive and active life.

So if you want to get the most out of your albuterol inhaler, then use a spacer and have proper technique. Using the medication correctly can effectively treat your asthma and COPD symptoms and help you to live a more productive and active life.

Tim Frymyer is a licensed respiratory therapist who is dedicated to keeping the public up to date on the latest stop smoking and respiratory information.

Learn ways to stop smoking, tips to stop smoking, the benefits to stop smoking and find out detailed information about the many stop smoking aids available on the market. The information can be accessed on his website at stopsmokinghelper.org or his blog at http://unbiasedstopsmokinginformation.blogspot.com/

Original article

Asthma Relief - How to Feel Relief From Asthma Symptoms

Do you know of someone who has trouble breathing, even on clear days? Or maybe you had a child who is currently taking treatments for the disease of asthma. Asthma affects over 24.6 million Americans; it's a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. While outdoor air quality has greatly improved over the last decade by reducing pollution and tobacco smoke including second hand smoke in restaurants, asthma is still on the increase. No one is really sure what causes asthma; there are so many different things that trigger asthma, so it is very hard to pin point one exclusive cause. Just being aware of what those are and reducing your exposure to them is your first step to managing your asthma.

Some of the most common asthma symptoms are wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. Many common allergies play a big role in asthma; eighty percent of people with asthma also have allergies. Many people who exercise a lot have symptoms similar to asthma, called exercised-induced asthma. Vigorous exercise can cause narrowing of the airways. These symptoms will usually subside shortly after stopping exercising. Smoking will worsen asthma's conditions, and if you haven't been diagnosed of having asthma before you started smoking you have a much greater risk in getting it later in life.

Women who are pregnant that are smokers may deliver children with weakened lung functions many times more than those mothers that don't. Premature babies have a high risk of getting asthma, early childhood colds, influenza, sinusitis and upper repertory infections can all trigger asthma symptoms.

By seeking early professional treatment you will be able to keep your asthma conditions from getting worse and lasting longer. Airway sensitivity which causes airways to narrow may last up to two months. The health condition of having asthma or not, has been proven to be hereditary, if you have one or both parents that have asthma you are three to five times more likely to get it. Asthma can appear at any age. A parent will start seeing early symptoms in their child starting at around 5 years of age, it has also been identified that more boys than girls have asthma. It is the leading cause of illness in children.

To keep your asthma under control know your triggers and take action to lessen you exposure to these irritants at home, outside, work and while in school or closed buildings. Treating asthma is not easy, every person's conditions and tolerance to the disease is different and each person will need an individualized treatment plan. Your treatment will need to be adjusted depending on whatever change in your irritants may be or become.

There are several ways to keep you on track of your asthma treatment plan, so you know that you are getting the best treatment for your asthma. First - keep a daily diary of your symptoms and how much you use your inhaler; second -avoid the things that trigger your asthma; third - take the right medicines (prescription - or OTC) some medications must be taken daily to reduce inflammation while others may be only needed when your conditions worsens; finally - many doctor prescribed medicines such as Albuterol which has been found to be extremely helpful with sudden and an unexpected asthma attacks, these medications come in the form of pills or inhalers.

http://WebMD.com/

For more information on family health and nutrition topics visit http://myfamilyplate.com/

Original article

Choosing the Right Portable Oxygen Concentrator

It is extremely important when choosing a portable oxygen concentrator that you make sure the concentrator chosen meets your need. Most people will be fine with any oxygen concentrator when around the home doing light work that does not lead to strain. However, if you exercise, fly frequently, or have certain disorders including apnea, you will want to be more selective when picking out your oxygen concentrator. Certain concentrators are FFA approved and will be suitable for air travel whereas an oxygen tank would not be. You should also consider your breathing habits beyond your activities.

Everyone's body inhales differently and when choosing your concentrator you will want to consider how much oxygen the machine releases a minute as well as how easy that number is to adjust. A third point of worth is how the portable oxygen concentrator receives and maintains its charge. Portable concentrators come in both battery and electrical cord-dependent models. Before purchasing, you should make sure your power source decision is versatile enough to fit your lifestyle. The best way to determine exactly what your lifestyle demands are is through the use of an oximeter. These devices can detect how much oxygen your body craves during a variety of activities by monitoring your blood and start as low as 20 dollars.

A final point of consideration is your future. If you require an oxygen concentrator because you have a degenerative disease, then you should purchase an oxygen concentrator that will meet both your current and future needs. This means that if you anticipate needing a concentrator with continuous flow, a mode advisable for use when sleeping, (as opposed to pulse flow) you should look at models than can accommodate that future need.

No matter what your situation is, it will be easy to choose the right oxygen concentrator today because most manufacturers and retailers offer warranty coverage in the range of 3 to 5 years. Also, most retailers will allow you to rent out a unit or test it for a short period to determine whether a model is right for you. There are so many concentrators on the market today to meet your needs.

From basic concentrators weighing in at around 6 pounds to more complex continuous flow options with built-in carts to accommodate their size, there is truly an option for everyone in need of oxygen. While expensive, ranging from close to a thousand dollars to many thousands, we should remember that the opportunities to experience life presented by this technology were not available just a few years ago.

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

Original article

Why Oxygen Saturation Levels Are Important

Oxygen saturation levels are the amount of dissolved oxygen that is being carried though the bloodstream. There are several ways to measure how much oxygen the blood is carrying. Using a non-invasive pulse oximetry device is the quickest and easiest way. Drawing an arterial blood sample for testing is the most accurate way. But, why are these levels influential and when would they need to be measured?

Why We Need to Know

many different illnesses put people at risk for not having enough circulation oxygen in the bloodstream. A person experiencing respiratory difficulty may not be exchanging air properly. This could cause them to retain carbon dioxide or fail to take in sufficient oxygen. Being able to check their saturation levels quickly lets the physician know how their body is handling the illness.

Anaemia is when the body has insufficient red blood cells. It is these red blood cells that carry the oxygen through the blood. Thus, people who are anaemic are also at risk for not having sufficient oxygen in the bloodstream. Mechanical problems such as failing to breathe deeply due to pain or being overly sedated can all restrict the amount of oxygen the body has in circulation. Being able to measure these saturation levels helps physicians treat these illnesses effectively.

How we test

the easiest way to test is using the pulse oximetry. This method uses light waves to measure the saturation levels. It is non-invasive and pain free. Pulse oxygenation can be measured on the finger, toe nail beds or the ear lobes. It can be measured in seconds and will change rapidly as the levels change.

Drawing blood and having it analyzed is more accurate, and can tell the physician a number of other things too. However, this method is extremely painful and takes longer. Usually it takes ten to fifteen minutes to have the blood analyzed. Blood is drawn from the femoral or radial artery. This test can also provide information such as PH balance.

What is normal

most people run 97% to 100% oxygenation. Doctors become concerned if it drops and stays below 90%. The most valuable thing to do is identify and correct the cause. The first thing most physicians try is using oxygen by the nose or mask. If anaemia is the culprit, the physician will order a blood transfusion.

The key to rectifying the situation is treating the cause. Whether the patient needs blood, oxygen or pain control the cause must be identified and resolved quickly. If the case is prolonged, or severe enough brain damage will occur. Oxygen saturation levels are extremely serious and tell medical personnel a lot about how the body is functioning.

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

Original article

Asthma and Asthma Action Plan

Asthma is an allergic inflammation of the lungs, which is usually triggered by pollens, molds, dust, animal dander, air pollution, chemicals, exercise, temperature changes or ingestion of certain foods. During an asthma attack the walls of the lungs turn out to be swollen and the mucus membranes fill with fluid and thick, sticky mucus making it hard to breathe. Asthma symptoms can include a scratchy throat, coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing and a tight feeling in the chest. An asthma attack can be mild, moderate or severe and lasting for a few minutes, hours, or even several days. People with asthma should have an asthma action plan. An asthma action plan lets you and your doctor to make a personalized plan for controlling your asthma.

The main key to understanding and controlling asthma is to know yourself. One person might get a severe asthma reaction from a minor whiff of perfume, whilst another asthma sufferer has no reaction at all to the very similar trigger. Everybody who suffers from asthma is unique and is affected differently so the asthma action plan should be tailored plan which helps you manage your asthma.

Knowing when to get emergency help for a severe attack can save your life. If you are experiencing the following, you should look for immediate medical attention:

you have intense difficulty breathing, talking and walking,
your chest feels tight and your ribs are pulled inward as you breathe,
your medication does not control your symptoms
your fingernails or lips are turning blue,
your nostrils flare when you breathe

Very often things that we have eaten, used or are a part of our surroundings for years can unexpectedly become asthma triggers. Because there are so many variables involved that affect getting control of your asthma, the first thing you should do is keep a notebook as a part of your asthma action plan. This will help you identify your triggers. Once you recognize what they are, you can either take away these triggers or reduce them as much as possible.

Some people have both food and environmental triggers or allergies that they are unaware of. This can make determining specific triggers and controlling asthma symptoms much more complex, so keeping a notebook as a part of your asthma action plan is important. If you find that you are feeling asthmatic after consuming some food or drink, one of those stuff could be the culprit, but because you have also eaten quite a few things during the day, it's not always easy to know precisely what it was that caused the difficulty. If you evidence details of everything that was eaten every time you experienced asthma symptoms, you'll see a pattern developing, which will help you to discover exactly what your trigger is. Once you determine your triggers, you can then begin to eliminate them or reduce them as much as possible. This will help bring your asthma under control and help lessen your asthma symptoms.

Combining these measures with a good diet, stress reduction and natural supplements that help eliminate allergy and asthma symptoms as well as creating good asthma action plan will ensure an active, healthy life.

If you want to find out more about asthma, asthma action plan and a variety of asthma treatments please go to: http://asthmaactionplanreview.com/

Sinisa Janicijevic Author is a specialist in area of various natural and alternative treatments. Please read more about Asthma Action Plan and various treatments on his web site.

http://asthmaactionplanreview.com/

Original article

9 Symptoms of Asthma You Need To Know

Asthma is one of those very common conditions that almost everyone has heard of, or knows of somebody who is affected. Asthma can affect everyone - male or female, young or old - and it is a devastating condition which, in its worst form, can prove fatal. In fact, asthma is a disease which is described as being a chronic disease of the lungs which become inflamed and thus breathing becomes increasingly difficult. During an asthma attack the respiratory tract may become blocked or obstructed causing inflammation; and thus hyper responsiveness occurs.

The symptoms of asthma are very similar to those of general respiratory tract infections, bronchitis and emphysema and are therefore often overlooked by doctors when trying to make a diagnosis. It is, therefore, extremely important to tell your doctor if you suffer from any of the following 9 symptoms, so that a correct diagnosis - and thus correct treatment - can be made.

Asthma Symptoms

• Wheezing is one of the most important symptoms in making a diagnosis of asthma, as this whistling sound indicates that the bronchi may be blocked or inflamed.

• Pursed lips and flared nostrils also differentiate asthma from the more common respiratory tract infections, in that these two symptoms indicate the great difficulty the patient is having in trying to get air into their lungs.

• A greyish or bluish tinge to the patient's lips and/or finger nails indicates a lack of oxygen - known as cyanosis - which is another indication of how serious the breathing problem is.

• The need to be seated in an upright position during an attack is another indication of asthma, as in such a position the lungs are not compressed, thus giving them a larger overall area to absorb the scarce amounts of oxygen being able to be drawn into the lungs.

• Perspiring or sweating indicates the huge amount of difficulty and exertion the patient has to put into getting air some at least some air into his or her lungs.

• A rapid pulse rate is a symptom of asthma, again caused by the exertion of breathing, but this is not a symptom of more common respiratory tract infections.

• Having a persistent cough could be a symptom of many diseases or disorders of the respiratory tract, but when combined with all the other symptoms of asthma, it is one of the known pointers.

• The feeling of tightness across the chest area is another symptom which could relate to all kinds of respiratory tract infections but, again, when linked to all the other asthma symptoms, helps to pull the diagnosis together.

• Clearly, difficulty in breathing is one of the clearest indications of asthma, but it is another symptom with widespread connotations.

It is to be noted that people who suffer from allergies, children from the age of five years to adolescents of up to seventeen years, and anyone in the general population who is over the age of sixty five are all at a greater risk of having an asthma attack.

For more information please visit our HAZWOPER Training and JCAHO Training websites.

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Choosing Portable Oxygen

As you get older and experience different health concerns it may become necessary that you use portable oxygen in your daily life. You should be aware that this is one of the most important purchases that you can make. It can affect your daily life greatly if you don't get the oxygen machine that is correct for what you need. Everyone needs to breathe correctly in order to have a happy and productive life. These machines will help you accomplish that when you cannot do it on your own anymore for whatever medical reason. Portable oxygen will help you live an active life much longer if you have a medical need for prescription oxygen.

Choosing the right oxygen is an important decision. You must first decide which style of oxygen machine is right for you. There are basically two types of oxygen machines. These two types are Pulse and Continuous Flow. Pulse delivers the oxygen to the patient in little puffs that are spaced out from each other. Also easy to decipher by the name, Continuous Flow oxygen machines deliver a constant stream of concentrated oxygen to the patient throughout the day.

If you have a more serious need for concentrated oxygen you will probably want to use the continuous flow model than the pulse model. The pulse models are better for those who only need to use their oxygen machines for certain times like when they exercise or if they have breathing issues when they are asleep. The pulse models are also much lighter and easier to carry around because they hold less oxygen and are lighter. The pulse models are also much more beneficial for those who use oxygen who like to travel a lot. These are all factors to consider when purchasing your oxygen machines.

They do make oxygen concentration machines that are continuous flow that are small and light enough for travel. Some of them are a little too cumbersome for travel as when they are full they can weigh up to 18 lbs. That is why people who travel or who are very active and on the go might prefer the pulse models for the concentrated oxygen. It is important to consider what your lifestyle is when purchasing an oxygen machine for your daily use. It is also important to consider how heavy a machine it is that you want to carry around. No one wants to carry around oxygen but choosing the right machine can make it much easier on your daily life in the long run.

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

Original article

Mechanisms of Virus-Induced Asthma Exacerbation

Asthma is characterised by airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness, resulting in reversible;e airway obstruction and paroxysmal coughing. The mechanisms by which viral infections exacerbate asthma are very complex. Recently there have been considerable advances in our understanding of asthma exacerbation at the cellular level and also the mechanisms of airway hyperresponsiveness.

Aggravation of Airway Inflammation and Cytokine Production
Many studies have investigated the mechanisms of virus induced exacerbation in airway inflammation. Eosinophils are very important effector cells in asthma, and are increased in the bronchial mucosa of asthmatic patients. Experimentally induced rhinovirus infection have been found to increase the infiltration of epithelial eosinoplhils. This persists into the convalescent period in subjects with asthma, but not in non asthmatics.Increased eosinophil products have also been observed in induced sputum supernatans from asthmatics subjects. Eosinophils from patients with RSV bronchiolitis produce more ECP in nasopharyngeal samples, supporting the hypothesis that eosinophils play a role in the development of asthma following RSV bronchiolitis. These data suggest that eosinophil infiltration is likely to be a crucial element in the pathology leading to the clinical exacerbation of asthma.

During experimental colds, CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ T-lympho-cyte infiltration was also observed in the airway epithelium and submucosa. In asthmatic subjects, type 2 helper T-cells (Th2 cells) producing IL-4, which promotes isotype swithcing if IgE, are more increased relative to Th1 cells, which orduce IFN-y and IL-2. The Th2 cells producing IL-5, which promote eosinophil differtiation relative to Th1 cells. Cytotoxic CD8+ lymphocytes can be divided into type 1 cytotoxic T-cells (Tc1) cells which produce Th1-like cytokines, and Tc2 cells which produce Th1-like cytokines, and Tc2 cells which produce Th2-like cytokines. Respiratory viral infection normally promote CD4+ Th1 and CD8+ Tc1 responses, resulting in antiviral effects through the activation of Natural Killer cells by IL-2 and IFN-y. However, in atopic patients wit high levels of IL-4, the T-lymphocyte responses to viral infection may be different compared with that of non-atopic subjects. Coyle et al showed that a CD8+ lymphocyte-rich transgenic mouse model sensitised to ovalbumin increased the production if IL-5 but deceased IFN-y. In addition, CD8+ lymphocytes lost their cytotoxicity and increased production of IL-5 when cultured with IL-4 in vitro. These is some evidence that a Th2-like response during rhinovirus injection occurs in atopic subjects. Gern et al also showed that CD8+ lymphocytes from atopic subjects produce a higher amount of IL- than those from normal subjects. In cases of RSV bronchiolitis in infants, there is an imbalance in the immune factors produced in a Th2-like response. The possible roles of Th1/Th2 and Tc1/Tc2 imbalances in virus induced asthma exacerbation are summarised in figure 1. Further investigations area needed to clafiry these hypotheses.

Neutrophils are increased in the airways during viral infections. Nasal aspirates of asthmatic subjects contain increased levels of IL-8, with chemotaxis of neutrophils and myeloperoxidase from neutrophils during virus induced asthma exacerbation. Increased IL-8 levels have been reported in nasal lavage, and levels correlating with airway hyperactivity have been observed during rhinovirus infections. IL-8 from bronchial epithelial cells is also increased in virus induced asthma exacerbation. However, the role of neutrophils in the asthmatic airway is not clearly understood.

The recruitment of inflammatory cells into the airways depends largely on epithelial cells. Epithelial cells are the initial sites of virus entry and replication, and adhesion molecules implicated in cell recruitment in virus induced asthma. the expresion of ICAM-1, the major receptor or rhinoviruses in epothelial cells, is induced by rhinovirus infections both in vitro and in vivo. This results in the recruitment and activation of intraepitelial lymphocytes and eosinophils. RSV alsi increases ICAM-1 expression. RANTES and GM-CSF from epithelial cells may also play an important role in the recruitment and activation of eosinophils, while IL-8 recruits neutropphils. In addition to these, eotaxin and MCP-4 are involved in eosinophil chemotaxis and activation. Epithelial cells also produce IL-11, which induced airway hyperresposiveness.

Adenoviruses, influenza viruses and RSV are well known to involve the lower airway, however it is not yet clear whether rhinoviruses invade the lower airway. Recently it has been reported that rhinoviruses are able to replicate at 37 C in addition to 30 C, their optimum temperature for replication. Virus genomes were also revealed to invade respiratory epithelial cells. This suggests that rhinoviruses may be directly involved in the aggravation of the allergic inflammation associated with brochial asthma.

Aggravation of Airway Hyperresponsiveness
The most common characteristics of asthma is airway hyperresponsiveness. It is wel known that aitrway hyperresponsiveness is aggravated by viral infections, resulting in virus induced exacerbation of airway hyperresponsiveness are as follows.

Alteration of Autonomic Nerveous System Function

Increase of Vagally Mediated Bronchocontriction

During viral infections, the activity of the cholinergic nerve asytem which cause bronchoconstriction is preventable by premedication woth atropine. This suggests that viral infection induces and increases vagally mediated bronchoconstritian. This is mainly due to the dysfunction of M2 muscarinic receptors, caused by various mediators, espercially the major basic protein from eosinophils which infiltrates the area around the vagus nerve. M2 muscarinic receptors are responsible for the feedback inhibiton of cholinergic activity.

Decrease of ß2-Adrenergic Function The ß2-adrenergic nervous system is implicated in the relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle, the decrease in leukocyte inflammatory response, and the inhibiton of mediator release. Leukocytes from patients with virus induced asthma exacerbation exhibit diminished ß2-adrenergic function, suggesting that respiratory viruses can lead to grater inflammatory activity.

Sensory C Fibres and Neouropeptides Additional contributors to airway hyperreactivity are sensory C fibres which locally release sustance-P and neurokinin A, which are impotant meditaors in neurogenic inflammation.

Seto El Kahfi have been blogging since 2008. His interesting in symptoms of asthma and healthy life move him to write this article. Visit his website at http://health-asia.org/

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Asthma and Exercise - The Health Benefits

An asthmatic person has difficulty in breathing. He may feel choked or suffocated during an attack. Consequently, he may be unable to perform regular activities and his work may suffer along with his health. Hence, the primary motive of treatment is to make such a person feel comfortable and to help them to lead a normal life.

Asthma and exercise are, therefore, a very progressive combination. Along with medical aid, physical fitness helps in building stamina and strength. The body is made stronger and fitness is improved.

The general perception is that an individual who has such an inflammatory disease must not indulge in exercising, as it may worsen their condition. However, this is not true.With proper guidance, the health benefits are endless. Moreover, a sedentary lifestyle is not advisable for any individual. Especially in the case of asthmatic people, the condition becomes more severe with weight gain. Hence, a proper BMI is important.

A person can control and balance asthma and exercise, by being aware and keeping few aspects in mind. First and foremost, the patient should consult his physician and try to comprehend his symptoms. One needs to understand the limits to which one can exert the body, in accordance with the disease.

To begin with, one can start exercising at home. Staying indoors helps in controlling the environment and other factors. The inhaler should always be accessible. Even while exercising outdoors or traveling, the medication and respiratory aid must be handy to minimize the adverse effects in case of an attack. A simple initiative that is advocated by all healthcare experts is, to start short distance walking or jogging. The body will slowly become fitter and body weight can be controlled. The regular stretches are helpful for the joints. They keep the body flexible. Future complications like arthritis can be prevented.

Dedicating about 30 minutes of a day, about 5 times a week, can work wonders when one wishes to cope with symptoms of asthma. Other activities like Yoga, swimming, and biking can help build stamina.

People who suffer from respiratory ailments are more susceptible to ill health and other problems as their body does not receive the correct amount of oxygen for bodily functions. Moreover, the excess strain on the lungs makes the person weak. By maintaining an asthma and exercise balance, one can not only live a better life, but also more disease-free life. With little effort and motivation, any individual can overcome the difficulties of his condition.

Exercise-induced Asthma or E.I.A., is a medical condition characterized by shortness of breath induced by sustained aerobic exercise. Find out more about asthma and online medical products visit our website.

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Asthma - Signs, Symptoms and Risk Factors

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung condition. It can affect you at any age but most commonly develops at childhood. When asthma occurs, the airways in your lungs are narrowed down which unfortunately, limits the airflow to your lungs. The narrowing of the airways is caused by inflamed and swelled-up airway lining and is what causes the drastic effects of asthma.

Asthma has many easy to spot symptoms that may start appearing from the early years of childhood. They are well known and can show up in pretty much anyone. These symptoms usually include:

• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Dry coughs

The actual cause of asthma is unknown but there are certain things we know that may increase the risk of asthma. These may include:

• If you have a parent with asthma, this may increase your risks of asthma itself.
• Exposure to certain environments
• Air pollution
• Obesity

There are various treatment options for asthma that usually depends on the severity of the condition. They include:

• Inhaled corticosteroids
• Long-acting beta agonists
• Combination inhalers
• Ipratropium
• Theophylline
• Leukotriene modifiers

Asthma is usually very common in children under the age of 5. If it is not treated from its early stages, children can be limited to all the fun they deserve I their childhood. There are signs you can look for in your children that may be symptoms of asthma. Usually, symptoms start to appear before the child reaches the age of 5 but there have been cases that have proved otherwise. Symptoms may include:

• Wheezing
• Frequent coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Tightness or pain in the chest area
• Laboured breathing
• Re-occurring headaches
• Loss of appetite

If your child ever experiences any of these symptoms, take them to your doctor as soon as possible as the symptoms tend to get worse over time. The doctor will create what's called an asthma action plan. The doctor will prescribe some medications to help decrease the symptoms.

There are many risk factors that can increase the chances of a child getting asthma. Some are listed here but these are not the only risk factors you have to take into consideration. Some of these risk factors may include:

• Exposure to allergens such as air pollution, dust and second-hand smoke
• Family history of asthma or allergies
• Low birth weight
• Exposure to smoke
• Parents who smoke
• Series of lung infections

If asthma is not treated when it is diagnosed, it can lead to disabilities that excludes the sufferer from various activities. for more information on asthma and related lung conditions, visit our site.

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Symptoms of COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common lung diseases. It generally defines the conditions which consist of regular difficulty in expelling or exhaling air from the lungs. There are two major forms of COPD: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Chronic bronchitis consists of a long term cough with mucus. Emphysema is a gradual destruction of the lungs. Most people who have COPD have a combination of these forms because smoking is a major cause of both of them.

The most common symptoms of COPD are a cough with mucus, shortness of breath (dyspnoea) which gets more severe with any mild activity, fatigue, frequently respiratory infections such as colds and influenza, and wheezing. The symptoms of COPD usually develop slowly. This makes it difficult for people to know if they are sick. If people do notice symptoms, they may simply take measures to make their breathing easier, such as taking the elevator instead of the stairs.

For severe forms of COPD, people may experience swelling in their ankles, feet or legs. They may also develop a bluish lip colour due to their low COPD oxygen levels. Other symptoms that sometimes occur in severe forms include weight loss and lower muscle endurance. Weight loss can occur with COPD because of the extra amount of energy that is required for breathing. Additionally, people may develop pulmonary hypertension because the heart muscle is pumping with higher force and pressure to maintain regular blood flow. Some severe forms also result in coughing up blood (haemoptysis), due to the damage of the airways' inner lining and blood vessels. It is important for people to consult their doctors if they have haemoptysis because sometimes this can be a sign of lung cancer.

The amount of lung damage a person has will determine how severe his COPD is. People who continue to smoke after their COPD diagnoses will have increased lung damage and more severe symptoms. If a person has COPD, one of the best things that he can do for his health is stop smoking.

Some severe symptoms may require hospital treatment. People should seek medical attention if they are having a hard time catching their breath or taking, see their lips or fingernails turning blue or gray (which is a sign of low COPD oxygen in their blood), are not mentally alert, or have a very rapid heartbeat. It is also important to seek medical attention when the treatment that has been recommended for a person's symptoms is no longer working.

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

Original article

Living With Bacteria

Bacteria

I have had asthma for a decade and of necessity have been forced to conclude that a bacteria free living environment, as dust free as possible, is an essential element in controlling asthma.

Having reached that conclusion, I proceeded some years ago to take advice as to which areas of my home I should be concentrating on where cleanliness was essential. The more I looked into the problem, the more astonished I was to discover the variety of nooks and crannies I had never considered as places where dirt, germs and bacteria flourished.

When we can visibly see it, dirt can be quickly washed and wiped away. But what about dirt that you can't see? The fact is, 99% of dirt is invisible, has no smell and goes unnoticed. While we clean the most obvious places, such as Bathrooms and Toilets, I soon found that I was only scratching the surface in my quest for a clean living environment.

Whole areas that I had never considered before are in fact awash with bacteria and germs of all kinds...some too horrible to think about. Whole areas I assumed to be blameless turned out to be breeding grounds for all sorts of "nasties."

Believe me, computer keyboards, curtains, rugs, carpets, pillows and mattresses which I assumed to be clean are often breeding grounds for potentially harmful bacteria and parasites. Pillows for example are full of dust mites, allergens, dead skin and bacteria... all of which can trigger asthma attacks and aggravate sinusitis.

In fact, contrary to popular belief, synthetic pillows are far worse than those filled with feathers. Pillow cases should be washed and changed monthly and pillows washed every 3 months. Mattresses should be regularly vacuumed. They act as sponges that absorb bodily fluids of various kinds, kept at the right temperature by body warmth and providing the ideal breeding ground for bacteria.

Even your washing machine, coffee-makers and your dishwasher are not safe. A recent study published in the Journal "Fungal Biology" showed that they are full of potentially lethal germs, such as fungi or mould which can cause conditions such as Dermatitis or Lung Disease. The moulds are heat and salt tolerant and thrive in the creases of the rubber seals around doors. They actually prefer modern washers which operate at lower temperatures and use less water.

The fact is that our homes actually contain more bacteria than you can count in a lifetime. There are huge numbers of human skin cells, dust mites, eggs, spores and the feces of dozens of parasitic and crustacean species. Even the cleanest homes are, in microscopic terms, as dirty as any rubbish dump.

Now the good news is that most of this dirt is harmless to us. It may indeed be a good thing in some ways, helping us to develop effective immune systems when we are children. So while it is wise to keep your house clean, to keep diseases such as asthma under control, the key phrase is "not too clean" (microscopically speaking).

Dirt in moderation is part of every living, but bacteria abound and we should make every attempt to look out for those areas where bad bacteria develop and clean them regularly.

Terry Blackburn. Internet Marketing Consultant, living in South Shields in the North-East of England. Author and Producer of http://www.asthmacuretoday.com/

Original article

Asthma Action Plan And Triggers

People with asthma should have an asthma action plan. An action plan lets you and your doctor to make a personalized plan for controlling your asthma. An asthma action plan is a tactic that you could use to deal with your asthma when it gets out of control. Studies have discovered that having a written plan helps you manage your asthma at home.

Asthma action plan should include a list of triggers that are responsible for asthma symptoms and how to stay away from them. Each person with asthma should know that they have certain triggers that make them wheeze or cough or get tight in the chest. This awareness can supplement and harmonize therapy with drugs. That is why knowing your triggers is very important. In addition, it may open up avenues for additional treatment, such as allergy shots or drops.Nobody knows exactly what causes asthma. It's thought to be a mixture of environmental and genetic factors. A youngster with asthma might have a parent or other close relative who has asthma or had it as a child. Anyway there are few common triggers that should be considered in your asthma action plan:

• Allergy - dust, pollen, cats, dogs, your pet, lots more.
• Bronchial illness or inflammation which means wheezing with colds and flu. An asthma action plan is necessary.
• Cold air and work out could be vital even if asthma is well controlled. There are ways to help manage this difficulty.
• Emotion and stress, usually neglected, but significant
• Foods some foods trigger asthma. Also there are some irritants like cigarette smoke and pollution

Talk about these triggers with your doctor or your respiratory physician and make your asthma action plan.

If your child suffers from asthma, prevention is half the battle. Some actions you should included in your asthma action plan: No smoking, and get rid of all allergy triggers.

• Keep pets out of bedroom -- or even better, out of the house.

• Stay calm. When your kid is having problem during an asthma attack, it's easy to panic. But your losing control just worsens your child's stress response, further contracting his airways. Having a clear asthma action plan for how to respond will help ease some of your concern.

• Get Up and Go. Kids who hang out in front of the TV for two hours a day appear to double their risk of developing asthma. The assumption is that TV watching takes the place of physical activity. Researchers suppose there's a connection between lack of physical activity and a change in the structure and function of the lungs.

• Go swimming. Seems like swimming does an outstanding job of reducing asthma symptoms in kids, even though some children do have reactions to the chlorine.

If you want to find out more about asthma, asthma action plan and a variety of asthma treatments please go to:

http://asthmaactionplanreview.com/

Sinisa Janicijevic Author is a specialist in area of various natural and alternative treatments. Please read more about Asthma Action Plan and natural and alternative remedies on his web site:

http://asthmaactionplanreview.com/

Original article

Beat Asthma With Naturopathy

Asthma is one of the largest causes of illness in Australia and affects both children and adults. There is no medical cure for asthma - if the disease does not resolve itself then medications need to be taken to control the symptoms. So what if there was a solution that could help your own body to rid itself of asthma?

Naturopaths have helped lots of patients to manage their asthma symptoms and reduce the need for steroids and other medications, or even to stop them all together. There are lots of foods, herbs and nutrients that can help to reduce use of puffers and improve quality of life for patients with asthma.

When you see a naturopath they will prescribe you herbal medicines and nutritional supplements to help negate the allergic reaction which causes the airways to narrow. They will also help to improve the health of lungs so that you can breathe easier.

Asthma occurs due to an over reaction by the immune system, usually triggered by something, most commonly being a cold, exercise, change in temperature or weather conditions or dust. These factors lead to inflammation in the airways which causes a narrowing of the airways, leading to difficulty breathing and wheezing. Asthma can debilitating for some with the difficulty breathing leading to shortness of breath, chest pain and fatigue.

Naturopathic treatment of asthma involves using both herbal medicines and nutritional supplements that help to modulate the immune system and reduce the inflammatory response associated with asthmatic attacks. This type of treatment is very effective, and patients usually will report some reduction in symptoms within two weeks. Patients who have had treatment report that they can breathe easier, have more energy and that their sleep is also improved.

Dietary changes can also help. Reducing dairy and sugars can help to reduce asthmatic symptoms, especially where there is chest tightness and congestion. Ensuring that you eat foods which are high in vitamin C and bio-flavonoids such as berries, kiwifruit, pineapple, capsicum, onions, goji berries, chilli, papaya and citrus fruit and peel.

Naturopathic treatment of asthma is safe in children and babies, who respond very well to treatment within a short period of time. Unlike conventional asthma medications a naturopath's treatment rarely has any side effects and can be used over a long period of time without adverse effects.

The long term effects of corticosteroids have been well documented. The use of inhaled preventers and relievers over a long period of time can lead to absorption through the airways and lead to local symptoms such as oral thrush, dryness of the airways and a hoarse voice. Naturopathy can help to reduce the use of inhalant medications and therefore reduce the risk of associated symptoms, leading to a better quality of life.

So what are you waiting for? Feel good again and see a naturopath today to help relieve your asthma symptoms, strengthen your natural immunity and get back to living life to the fullest!

Original article

All About Asthma - Introduction and Info on Asthma

Introduction

Asthma affects more than 5 million people in the United Kingdom and for the majority it is a disease that can be well managed with readily available current therapies. Sadly, in the region of 1,500 patients continue to die from their asthma every year. As well as those patients that suffer a fatal asthma attack (FA), there is a cohort of patients that have suffered from a near fatal asthma attack and are subsequently at higher risk of morbidity and mortality. near fatal asthma attack is defined by the British Thoracic Society (BTS) as an asthma attack associated with a raised PaCO2 and/or requiring mechanical ventilation with raised inflation pressures.Patients with fatal asthma have been hypothesised as representing two distinct subgroups according to the onset of symptoms prior to death. One of the scientist examined the autopsy findings of 37 subjects aged 2 to 34 years dying from asthma and classified them as slow onset (Type 1) (n=21) or rapid onset (Type 2) (n=16). Subjects did not differ by age, race, sex, obesity or use of corticosteroids. Type 1 mortalities were hospitalised more and made more emergency room visits in the year prior to death than type 2 mortalities. Slow onset patients had a predominance of eosinophils and basement membrane thickening along with higher health care utilisation.

Incidence and prevalence of fatal and near fatal asthma

Specific data on FA and near fatal asthma attack in the UK are hampered by the lack of a fatal asthma registry. Two studies have attempted to circumvent this problem in different fashions. Harrison et attempted to analyse all asthma deaths in the Eastern region between 2001 and 2003 by means of a confidential enquiry and compared it with previous Norwich and East Anglian data. Between 1998 and 2003 there was a downward trend in the asthma mortality rate. Misclassification on the death certificate was common. Only 57 of 95 notified deaths (60%) were confirmed as asthma deaths. 311 asthma deaths were studied between 1998 and 2003. In 2001-3 the male: female ratio was 3:2. 53% of patients had severe asthma and 21% moderately severe disease. In 19 cases (33%) at least one significant co-morbid disease was present. Monthly death rates peaked in August, with a smaller peak in April, suggesting a seasonal allergic cause. In 11 cases (20%), mostly males aged under 20, the final attack was sudden and 10/11 occurred between April and August. Therefore in 80% of deaths the final attack was not sudden, and may have been preventable. In 81% of cases there was significant behavioural and/or psychosocial factors such as poor compliance (61%), smoking (46%), denial (37%), depression (20%) and alcohol abuse (20%). The overall medical care was appropriate in only 33% of cases, leading the authors to conclude that 'at-risk' registers in primary care may improve recognition and management of 'at-risk' patients. Watson et analysed data from the CHKS database, which provides data on 70% of inpatient coverage in the UK. Between 2000-2005 the mortality rate was 1063 patients from 250,043 asthma admissions. December and January had the peak number of deaths post asthma admission, which were nearly all in adults. Women and those over 45 years had the highest rate of death. These 2 studies demonstrate that in the UK there is a peak in asthma deaths in young people (aged up to 44 years) in July and August and in December and January in older people.

Risk factors associated with fatal and near fatal asthma

A systematic review of the risk factors associated with near fatal asthma attack and FA has been performed by Alvarez et. Increased use of beta-agonists, oral steroids, theophylline and a history of hospital and/or ICU admissions and mechanical ventilation due to asthma were predictors of near fatal asthma attack and FA. The use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) demonstrated a trend toward a protective effect against FA. Poor compliance with prescribed medication is a key issue; approximately 60% of patients that die from asthma demonstrate evidence of poor compliance to medication, in particular to ICS. Severe asthma and FA may also be associated with fungal sensitization. Many airborne fungi are involved including species of Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Penicillium, and exposure may be indoors, outdoors or both. Prevention of fatal and near fatal asthma What can be done to prevent FA and near fatal asthma attack attacks? The majority of severe asthma attacks develop relatively slowly with more than 80% developing over greater than 48 hours. There are many similarities between patients with FA, near fatal asthma attack and control patients with asthma that are admitted to hospital, indicating that better management of high risk patients including early intervention has the capacity to prevent asthma deaths. Improving patient compliance is of key importance in preventing FA and near fatal asthma attack, but this is never easy in clinical practice. Effective measures to improve compliance include patient-directed consultations and addressing patients' fears of ICS side effects. It is critical that patients do not use long acting bronchodilators (LABA) in the absence of ICS; pragmatically this is best achieved, in those patients who need both drugs, by prescribing combination ICS/LABA inhalers, thus guaranteeing ICS delivery to the patient.

Prabhu is an expert helping people to care their asthma symptoms. Check out all about asthma disease to know everything about asthma. It will help you to know causes, symptoms and treatments for asthma.

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Staying One Step Ahead of Asthma Attacks Through Natural Asthma Relief Methods

Asthma is perhaps one of the most common ailments in the world. In the United States, more than 20 million individuals are affected with asthma. It accounts for one-quarter of all the visits to the emergency rooms all over the country.

Despite its prevalence, many people still have misconceptions regarding this respiratory illness. For many of them, asthma is just a simple ailment. The truth is asthma should not be treated lightly. Asthma is the leading cause of school absences for children 5 to 17 years old. Among adults, asthma is the fourth leading reason for work absenteeism.

That is why it is very essential for asthma patients to take good care of themselves. If not, chances are they are going to spend 3 days of hospitalization annually. Worse, they may even suffer from the fatal effects of asthma. Yes, this is no joke. Asthma and asthma attacks can kill. In fact, it is estimated that 11 Americans die from asthma complications each day.

It is not enough to regularly exercise, observe proper hygiene or install state-of-the-art ventilation systems in your house to prevent potential allergens from causing an asthma attack. The truth is you can never completely get rid of asthma trigger factors. So it is important for you to be ready. Being an asthma patient is like being a soldier. You need to be one step ahead of your enemy so that you can win a battle.

It is always best to keep an asthma remedy by your side just in case you will get asthma attacks. For many patients, they put their trust in inhalers. Asthma inhalers may be effective, but sucking on them may seem sort of discomforting for other people.

Fortunately, there are alternative asthma remedies that are very handy and very easy to apply. Among the trusted reliever for asthma attacks are homeopathic solutions. Most of these homeopathic solutions can be sprayed under the patient's tongue and will not require vigorous sucking.

What is more, homeopathic asthma relievers are made up of 100 percent natural ingredients. You never have to worry about any side-effects rising from them. Before they go out of the market, manufacturers make sure that they go through numerous testing. And the great thing is that they do not only cure asthma symptoms, but they also help improve the patient's overall respiratory health.

Don't make the mistake of not bringing these homeopathic asthma relievers wherever you go. Asthma is treacherous. You never know when it is going to attack. So always think about safety and always arm yourself with homeopathic asthma relievers.

James has been writing articles about health issues for over 5 years. Please visit his latest website reviewing Natural Health Products at Health Information and Knowledge, with help relating to Natural Skin Care, with information and products relating to the achieving healthy skin.

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Causes, Symptoms and Treatment for Exercise-Induced Asthma

Asthma is a disease whose main characteristic is the shortness of breath and we can see most of the patients generally panting and gasping for breath after a moderately rigorous physical exercise. Generally, there is handy equipment which makes them normal again and there are many restrictions for people with asthma. It is helpful for such people to search for online healthcare products which may help them with this medical condition.

One may not know that asthma has many types and one of them is exercise-induced asthma or E.I.A. which is almost similar to the general asthma and induced by sustained aerobic exercise. It also responds to some of the typical asthma medications but it seems it is not caused by the same inflammatory reaction as the other types.

This medical condition may be triggered due to several minutes of vigorous aerobic activity and it requires that the normal nasal breathing may be supplemented by mouth-breathing. The air that has not been humidified and warmed by the nasal passages appears to be increasing the blood flow to the linings of the bronchial tree, causing edema. It results in constriction of these vessels and worsens the level of obstruction of the airflow. This also causes same symptoms like the other forms of asthma but without the inflammatory changes.

The signs of an asthma attack will mainly be shortness of breath and coughing, wheezing or elevated respiratory rate which may be heard even without a stethoscope. In a severe attack, the consciousness level may get altered due to the change in oxygen level in the blood. Mostly, this occurs to somebody with both allergic and E.I.A. in a highly allergen environment and it can prove to be fatal.

The refractory period, in the hour after the attack, mild symptoms may be produced and sometimes, 6-10 hours after the initial attack, a rebound attack with milder symptoms may develop even without any exertion.

The best treatment for asthma is avoiding such situations which trigger an attack. The athletes who are victims of exercise-induced asthma should take preventive measures for asthma attacks, like altered training techniques and medications, in order to continue their involvement in sports. Some sportsmen take an advantage of the refractory period by timing their competition in that period and having the attack during the warm-up time.

The most common medication is to use a beta agonist and some doctors also prescribe inhaled anti-inflammatory such as corticosteroids and mast cell stabilizers have also proven effective. Nebulizers are also a great option for people with asthma. One should always be aware of treatment options of such medical conditions.

Exercise-induced Asthma or E.I.A., is a medical condition characterized by shortness of breath induced by sustained aerobic exercise. Find out more about asthma and online medical products visit our website.

Original article

Looking Out For Asthma Signs And Symptoms

Asthma is a very common condition among adults and children alike. Asthma signs and symptoms can range from the very mild to severe. In fact, most people think that they just have a cold or some allergic reaction to something. What they do not know is that they have asthma, and undiagnosed asthma could lead to very serious complications that could be life-threatening.

Asthma is a condition where the bronchioles swell and narrow, causing a difficulty in breathing. This "swelling and narrowing" may be caused by a variety of triggering factors: pollen, dust, smoke, exercise, and other nonspecific causes. There are a lot of misconceptions that surround asthma, and the best way to clear all those would be to consult with your doctor.

Familiarizing yourself with the signs and symptoms of asthma will be a great way to spot the disease early. The earlier you get treatment, the greater are your chances of controlling the disease. As I have stated earlier - complications can be life-threatening. Outlined below will be some of the most common asthma signs and symptoms:

• Coughing that gets worsens at night. It could also be triggered by exercise and exposure to cold air.

• Shortness of breath when exerting effort.

• Tightness in the chest area. A patient once even likened it to a vise that prevents your chest from fully expanding and taking in a healthy amount of oxygen.

• Wheezing is considered to be the tell-tale sign of asthma. It is a sound that is made when exhaling and is almost like whistling or hissing. In some cases, it can only be detected by listening to the lungs through a stethoscope. In other more serious cases, you can easily hear it.

For some people, they might just exhibit milder forms of the condition, while others would need immediate medical attention. It is important to get diagnosed as early as possible so that you will be given the needed medication to control your symptoms.

In diagnosing asthma, you doctor will be looking into your family history for anybody who is experiencing asthma. It is a hereditary condition, so if one of you family members has asthma, there is a great possibility that you will have one too. On top of that, you will have to undergo a physical exam and a series of lung function tests. The physical exam will involve testing for allergies since allergies can trigger asthma attacks.

As mentioned earlier, asthma complications can be life-threatening. This condition is called status asthmaticus. In the event of status asthmaticus, the patient no longer responds to the usual round of bronchodilators and even steroids. This is considered as a medical emergency and can lead to cardiac or respiratory arrest.

A lot of people seem to think that asthma can be outgrown and that is it a condition limited only to children. This is not only false but also inaccurate. Asthma cannot be outgrown. The symptoms may be controlled for some time but once the medication is stopped, triggering factors and allergens could cause the onset of asthma again.

If you seem to think that you may have asthma, it is very important to have it checked immediately.

For more information on Different Types of Diseases, Symptoms and Diagnoses, Please visit: Asthma Signs and Symptoms and Asthma Diagnosis.

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Humidifier Vs Vaporizer - Consumer Reports and Reviews

The moisture in the air changes with the seasons and this is the time when most people begin to search humidifier vs vaporizer. Which one is best for congestion or allergies? This is actually pretty easy to figure out once you know what you need the product to do. So in searching for humidifier vs vaporizer, here are a few facts to help you out.

A lot of people think that both a humidifier and a vaporizer are the same thing, this couldn't be further from the truth. They are similar in the fact that they both bring more moisture into the air. The major difference is what kind of moisture. If the humidity in your home drops below 30% it can become very uncomfortable to breathe because it will be too dry.

Then people are left with questioning is it better to use a cool mist or to use steam to get the humidity to a normal point in your home. This can depend on a number of factors such as do you or your children have asthma? Do you have seasonal allergies? Are you allergic to mold? Do you have a cold? After you know what you need the machine for then you need to know what each one does.

A Humidifier releases cool moisture into the air. When you are sick and have sinus infections a humidifier should be used. It will make it a lot easier for you to breathe and will make your skin less dry.

A Vaporizer releases warm moisture into the air. This helps relieve congestion. It does this by heating the water and then releasing it into the air. You can also add certain medications to the vaporizer.

The differences between the two are with the humidifier you have to clean it often because if you don't you could get mold and it could be released into the air from the humidifier. Another way to prevent this make sure that the humidity in your home doesn't get too high when using a humidifier. They can tend to be a little noisy.

With the vaporizer boiling the water there is less chance of mold and you don't have to clean it as often. You will have to make sure that no one gets close to it, because it could burn you or your child. You also have to keep an eye on it in case it catches on fire.

The benefits of the humidifier are it is easy to tolerate because of the soothing cool mist it sends into the air. It will be able to help clear up cold and sinus symptoms.

Benefits of the vaporizer are it doesn't need constant cleaning. You can add medications to it to reduce symptoms of a cold.

I hope this answers a few questions about humidifier vs vaporizer. They both can be huge help with clearing up congestion from having a cold. So it will just depend on if you think you would rather have a humidifier which you have to clean often, but it offers you the satisfaction of the cool mist in the air. Or maybe if you are really sick and congested and would like to add some Vicks in the vaporizer to clear it up. It is really up to you to decide humidifier vs vaporizer.

If you are looking for in depth reviews of all the best humidifers-vs-vaproizers just visit http://www.humidifier-vs-vaporizer.org/ website. We also reveal where to purchase for up to 60% off.

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Do I Have Asthma?

What is asthma?

Asthma is a lung disease that affects the airways, It causes obstruction of the airways. Airways plays a very important role as it is responsible for carrying air in and out from lungs. If a person suffering from asthma the muscles surrounding the bronchi constrict, impeding the outward passage of stale air. When your breathing stale air you are not getting oxygenated properly.

What causes asthma? We don't know there is some genetic and environmental factors to cause asthma usually early on in life. These factor include your Parents have asthma, Certain respiratory infections during childhood.

Contact with some airborne allergens or exposure to some viral infections in infancy or in early childhood when the immune system is developing.

What causes an asthma attack well it is causes by what we call triggers and trigger can be from a variety of different things but here are some examples.

1. Animal dander
2. Dust mites
3. Chemical
4. Strong smells (bleach is a huge trigger, also perfume)
5. Tobacco smoke

What happens during an asthma attack?

When you have an asthma attack the airways can close so much that vital organs do not get enough oxygen as needed. An asthma attack is constriction and inflammation process the combination of these two things working against your normal breathing process.

What are signs and symptoms of asthma?

1. Coughing from asthma often is worse at night or early in the morning, making it hard to sleep.
2. Wheezing is a whistling or squeaky sound that occurs when you breathe.
3. Chest tightness, this may feel like something is squeezing or sitting on your chest.
4. Shortness of breath
5. When someone is having an asthma attack their cough is high pitched and they may also vomit up large amount of phlegm due to the inflammation.

How Can Asthma Be Prevented?

Currently, asthma can't be prevented you can take steps to control the disease and prevent its symptoms.

Learn about your asthma and how to control it.
Use medicines as your doctor prescribes.
Identify and try to avoid things that make your asthma worse (asthma triggers).
Get regular checkups for your asthma.

This is a brief description of asthma, If you think you have asthma you should make an appointment with your physician for treatment.

If you are having difficulty breath seek immediate medical services/ visit the Emergency room for diagnosis and treatment.

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The Need For Oxygen Masks on Planes

Air travel has become a lot more common now than ever before. Many people take flights in planes and travel to destinations across the globe. Air transport has been said to be the safest mode of transport when compared to other modes of transport. Airlines across the world always endeavour to adhere to strict safety measures to ensure the safety of the passengers, crew and the aircraft.

One of the most important features of airline safety is the oxygen masks. These have become a standard and mandatory safety feature and are found on all commercial planes. The oxygen masks are essential for the safety of a passenger during flights. As many passengers may not have used one before, flight attendants usually demonstrate how an oxygen mask is used and how to fasten and securely use one during a flight emergency.

This is very important, as there will not be time to teach passengers the correct ways of using an oxygen mask during a flight emergency. This is why the demonstration is mandatory and is repeated in several languages.

During a regular flight, the cabin is usually pressurized. This ensures that passengers can breathe normally. In the event that a window breaks or there is a crack or tear on the body of the plane, then the pressure in the plane decreases rapidly to very low levels. Passengers will be unable to breathe normally. During such occasions, the pilot will press a conveniently located button that will automatically release oxygen facemasks from overhead compartments. Passengers will be expected to secure the masks on their own so as to breathe normally and avert a crisis. When the oxygen is worn, it automatically releases oxygen at the correct pressure, enabling passengers survive a crisis that would otherwise be catastrophic. This indicates that the oxygen mask is a very important safety equipment feature used in aircraft.

Some planes fly at altitudes of below 12000 feet. In such planes, pressure is very low and the masks produce continuous oxygen. They are very common in almost all planes across the world.

Some masks are used for high altitude flights such as in fighter jets. These masks must be worn at all times. They provide oxygen at required pressure on a continuous basis.

It is important that passengers learn the benefits and use of in flight masks as this knowledge may come in handy and may save lives. There are manuals as well as info booklets that provide sufficient information to passengers regarding the correct usage of these important flight safety gadgets.

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

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Hard to Breathe?

Have you ever thought that breathing difficulties may be caused by the invisible germs that inhabit all our homes? In our busy everyday lives I don't suppose that we are even aware of the invisible germ warfare going on all around us in our homes. And the bugs and bacteria are exactly where you don't expect them to be.

I am sure that if you are an asthma sufferer or are finding it hard to breathe at various times, you will be aware of the need to keep your home scrupulously clean. We all know about dust mites in the bedroom for example, but while we all rigorously clean our baths and toilets, I doubt whether many of us pay much heed to those unsuspected areas in our homes which are breeding grounds for bacteria and may be causing breathing problems to us all, particularly those with chest or lung complaints.

Hard to breathe - hidden causes

So where are the areas we should be cleaning? You may be surprised at the list below.

Bath Plughole - the average bath plughole is surrounded by microbes. There are about 8 times more bacteria there, in a soapy slime, than will be found in a typical kitchen sink.

Computer Keyboards - Research has found that the average keyboard is alive with bacteria, more in fact than on a typical toilet seat. In a survey of 33 keyboards 4 carried staphylococcus and E.coli germs and 1 was so filthy it was quarantined. Keyboards are great dust attracters and that fact, combined with people eating at their desks and dropping crumbs or failing to wash their hands makes keyboards a major contributor to breathing problems.

Carpets and Rugs - Carpets provide the perfect home for a whole range of bacteria which vacuum cleaners struggle to pick up. Allergy creating dust mites and their feces, together with human skin cells, can trigger breathing problems.

Vacuum Cleaners-In a University of Arizona study of vacuum cleaner brushes, 50% contained fecal bacteria, and 13% the E.coli bug. Brushes and attachments should be disinfected after each use.

Airing Cupboards - Their warm environment provide the ideal breeding conditions for germs. Make sure that wherever possible you leave laundry to dry outside in the fresh air. Sunlight kills most microbes. Our mother's had it right with their washing lines in the back yard.

Toothbrushes - A study by University of Manchester discovered that the average toothbrush contained 10 million germs including staphylococci and streptococcus. Change your toothbrush every 3 months.

Dishcloths and kitchen sponges - An average dishcloth contains about 130,000 bacteria per square inch according to the U.S. Centre for Disease Control. Most experts believe that contamination from cloths, wipes and sponges is the main cause of food poisoning in the home.

Work Surfaces - The average work surface is the biggest surprise, being actually dirtier than the average toilet seat or rubbish bin.

Chopping Boards - The recent trend from wooden to plastic chopping boards has been a mistake. The idea was that plastic could be cleaned at higher temperatures and were thus safer. Wrong! Recent studies have shown plastic boards harbor more bacteria than wooden ones because they infiltrate the fibers of wooden boards, where, starved of nutrients, they die. Go get yourself a wooden board!

The surprising fact is that toilet seats, toilet bowls, and animal food bowls are extremely clean. Due no doubt to the bleaches and disinfectants which are used to clean them.

Hard to breathe - Quck summary

To sum up then, "Cleanliness is next to Godliness." If you are finding it hard to breathe, you may find that looking closer to home in the areas mentioned in this Article may provide an answer.

Terry Blackburn. Internet Marketing Consultant, living in South Shields in the North-East of England. Author and Publisher of http://www.asthmacuretoday.com/

Original article

Respiratory Viruses and Asthma

Respiratory viral infections are the most important and frequent causes of asthma exacerbation, unfortunately their precise pathophysiological mechanisms remain unclear. This article discusses the epidemiological evidence to suggest viral infections exacerbate asthma that is available to date. An understanding of the probable pathophysiological mechanisms of certain viruses will hopefully provide a theoretical basis for controlling and preventing virus induced asthma exacerbation.

Respiratory Viruses

Viruses cause many respiratory disease, from the common cold to pneumonia, depending on the site and dose of virus inoculation and the degree of host immunity.

Human rhinoviruses represent a large genus-containing more than 100 antigenically distinct serotypes within the class of picornaviruses. Consequently, their detection in clinical samples and effective vaccination against them is difficult. Rhinoviruses are the most common viruses affecting older children and adults. They cause approximately 60% of acute respiratory illness and asthma exacerbation. Respiratory syncythial viruses (RSVs) are most commonly responsible for viral infections in infants in the hospital setting. These cause approximately 50% of all wheezing illness and 80% of bronchiolitis. Influenza viruses usually occur in epidemics due to major and minor antigenic drift.

Responses to influenza viruses can vary from mild upper respiratory infection to severe lung infection. Parainfluenza viruses are particularly related to croup in young children, and corona viruses cause approximately 10 to 15% of all upper respiratory infections. Adenoviruses can cause colds, but are also associated with severe lower respiratory tract infections. All of these viruses are capable of exacerbating asthma to varying degrees.

Asthma Exacerbation and Viruses

Since the reports of asthma exacerbation during the influenza epidemics to 1957, there have been many observations of asthma exacerbation associated with viral infection. The advent of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay has been important in improving our ability to detect the viruses involved.

In 32 asthmatic children aged one to five years, Mclntosh et al found that 139 asthma attacks were related to viral infection which were confirmed by virus cultures or increased serum viral antibody titres, but none were found in association with bacterial infections. In several community-based studies, it has been demonstrated that 85% of asthma attacks in children, and 44% to 80% of those in adults, are associated with respiratory viral infections. The virus that most commonly causes asthma like symptoms and bronchiolitis in infants is RSV; rhinoviruses are the most common viral cause of asthma exacerbations in older children and adults.

Johnston et al reported that viral infections precipitate asthma exacerbation leading to hospital admission. In a time-trend analysis, the seasonal patterns of respiratory infection were found to correlate strongly with hospital admissions for asthma for both children and adults. In children both viral infections and asthma admissions were seen to peak at the beginning of school terms.

In a community based prospective study conducted over one year, a close relationship was also found between viral infection and asthma exacerbation in 9 to 11 year-old children. The children suffered four episodes of lower respiratory symptoms per year and upper respiratory symptoms preceded lower respiratory symptoms and fall in peak flow by 1 or 2 days. These data suggest that viral infection is an important cause of asthma exacerbation, including asthma attacks severe enough to require hospital admission in both children and adults.

Seto El Kahfi have been blogging since 2008. His interesting in airway hyperresponsiveness move him to write this article. Visit Health-Asia.org for more information about health.

Original article

Asthma Action Plan And Peak Flow Meter

An asthma action plan is a written program developed by your doctor or asthma expert to support you or another family member avoid asthma attacks. The plan is developed to inform you or additional family members what to do when there are changes in the severity of asthma signs and in peak flow numbers.

An asthma action plan gives you and your family significant health information that can be used in the occasion that you or other family members with asthma experience an asthma crisis.

Each day contact to asthma triggers could cause airway swelling in children with asthma, even if they're not experiencing breathing difficulties. Airway irritation expands over time, leaving kids at risk for unpredicted flare-ups. They might feel well, even as their airways are becoming inflamed, narrow, and blocked.

Just listening to your kid's breathing might not help you notice irritated or obstructed airways. But a low-cost, portable tool called a peak flow meter can measure lung function, and this information can assist you handle your child's asthma and avoid major flare-ups.Peak flow meter is tiny, hand-held device used to observe a person's capacity to breathe out air and it certainly should be included in your asthma action
plan. It measures the airflow all the way through the bronchi and therefore the level of obstruction in the airways.

For your convenience, asthma action plans are regularly split up into three zones on your peak flow meter: green, yellow, and red. In every zone, your asthma action plan will give you doctor-written directions on how to manage every situation.

• Green Zone: Where you should be each day -- NO asthma signs. You can do usual activities and sleep with no coughing, wheezing, or breathing difficulties. Peak flow is 80% to 100% of personal best.

• Yellow (Caution) Zone: This is NOT where you have to be. Your symptoms might contain coughing, wheezing, and mild shortness of breath. You might have nighttime asthma and daily activities could be troubled. You could be more tired than normal. Peak flow is 50% to 80% of personal best. Call your doctor if you remain into the yellow zone. The green zone plan might need to be changed to avoid this.

• Red Zone: Red zone means you need urgent medical care. Your asthma indications may comprise frequent, severe cough, severe shortness of breath, wheezing, trouble talking, walking, and fast breathing. Peak flow is less than 50% of personal best. If you are gasping for air, have blue lips or fingernails, or are unable to do a peak flow, call emergency.

With your doctor's assistance, you can utilize your peak flow readings to figure out what zone you are in, and after that what action steps to get, if any.

If you want to learn more about asthma, find a variety of treatments and remedies, as well as peak flow meters that best suits your needs and various examples of Asthma Action Plans, please visit:

http://asthmaactionplanreview.com/

Sinisa Janicijevic Author is a specialist in area of various natural and alternative treatments. Please read more about Asthma Action Plan and natural and alternative remedies on his web site.

http://asthmaactionplanreview.com/

Original article

The Facts About Asthma

It seems that these days more and more kids are discovering that they have asthma. For some it is allergy related and for others it may be environmental or hereditary. While in our current society we seem to act as if difficulty breathing is normal, the truth is that it isn't. Everyone should be able to breathe and if they can't there are probably some significant reasons for this difficulty.

Many doctors believe that it is because many children are not given the opportunity to develop fully, and that maybe the timetable that Obstetricians are using to figure out when babies should be born may be off either because the amount of time that it takes a fetus to develop is increasing or because there are so many babies being taken out before they are truly full term. Of course, being that the lungs are one of the final organs to develop this could be a major contributing factor to the increase in asthma in children.

Many factors exist that can add to breathing issues in the young and we ought to be careful not to fail to notice troubles with the atmosphere, problems with cigarette smoke and other pollutants in the atmosphere, in addition to all the other irritants we are exposed to daily. There are even persons who think that the augment in instances of asthma may be due to partially the prenatal examinations performed habitually on the fetus.

A food allergy can also cause asthma flare-ups. Additionally allergens in the air can stop a person from inhalation and leave them out of breath. This can be an extremely scary experience for both kids as well as adults. When a person cannot inhale or exhale it only takes a small number of minutes prior to their color change and they faint which is the reason it is so significant to recognize an asthma attack in the early hours and to bring life-saving medication around with you as backup.

Asthma is considered a very common condition these days and while there are instances of individuals dying from asthma for the most part by using cortico-steroids and a rescue inhaler most people can live a relatively normal life. This does not mean that we should consider not having the ability to breathe freely as a normal facet of life. Everyone should be able to breathe freely and if there are things you can do to avoid those issues that cause asthma flare-ups then that is definitely a better way to manage your asthma.

Asthma flare-ups are most appropriately handled by a decent Medical insurance plan. For info on a bunch of of plans take a quick visit to Go health insurance.

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