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.

When Wine Causes a Skin Rash - Sulfite Allergies

Many common foods we eat daily can cause a whole host of problems for any person sensitive to sulfites. This is because sulfites are used everywhere in the manufacturing industry as a food preservative. Its function is to stop the growth of bacteria, prevent oxidation (browning) and to extend the shelf life of the finished product.

The grape, the major ingredient in all wines, does have a percentage of sulfites in them naturally occurring right from nature. But after growing and harvesting (many farmers do not use any sulfites during this stage), the bottling and packaging process requires the use of some type of food preservative for extended shelf life. This preservative is needed to prevent the ruination of an entire crop of bottled wines. To date, there is no "all-natural or organic" preservative available for use in the wine industry.

Common to the wine collector or the wine dealer, a bottle of wine with an extended shelf life will fetch a better price than the same vintage of just a few years of age. Without sulfites, this extended shelf life is impossible. A bottled wine without sulfites can not last more than a few years.

Common Symptoms Of A Wine-Sulfite Allergy

Several of the reported symptoms of a sulfite reaction from assorted wines include:

• headaches or migraines


• gastro-intestinal symptoms


• skin rash


• respiratory symptoms (especially in asthmatics)

A sulfite allergy is especially hard on asthmatics because they already have a distressed respiratory system, hence major breathing problems. The additional swelling of the mucous membranes can result in troublesome wheezing or a severe asthma attack.

What Else Includes Sulfites

If you are sensitive to sulfites, there is a whole host of other items you may need to avoid other than wines. Some people actually can withstand a small amount of exposure but since it is a food preservative, it is found in many different places:

• grape juice or anywhere you see raisins, these need to be monitored slowly


• sulfites occur naturally in tomatoes so ketchup, spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, tomato paste or vegetable soup etc.


• deli meats, sausages, hot dogs etc.


• frozen pizza, frozen bread doughs, etc.


• almost all dried fruits were preserved with sulfites to prevent browning

Treatments Or A Sulfite Watch

Currently there is no treatment for a sulfite allergy other than avoidance. Sensitivities are so inconsistent between many patients, some individuals have found they can tolerate small amounts. But with over-indulgence or just too many food products reliant on sulfites that day, their allergy symptoms will flare up. Over the counter antihistamines (check these labels carefully though or ask the pharmacist - some of these also use sulfites) will help to reduce the skin rashes and minor swellings.

Asthmatics though must rely on their medications and inhalers for help. Re-opening their airway to further help their labored breathing is the #1 priority in case of accidental ingestion.

Sulfite allergies therefore do not lead to the standard anaphylactic reaction as is common in most allergies, but it does often lead to a fatality. Many asthmatics, without immediate medical intervention, will have an asthma attack and not be able to prevent suffocation.

Fight Asthma With Vitamins

Asthma is a lung disease very common to kids. This disease attacks following a trigger or an allergen. When it does, the small airways in the lungs narrow and swell. Asthma attacks can be anywhere from mild to life threatening. It is very important for people who are suffering from this disease to always take their medications and never ignore their condition once they feel difficulty in breathing.

But more than medical treatment, prevention is the best cure for asthma. While doctors can prescribe millions of drugs to treat this disease, there is a more natural way to combat it. And that would be through vitamins.

Vitamins are the essential substances needed by the body. And of all types of vitamins, Vitamin C is the best candidate to treat this disease.

Cure Asthma with Vitamin C:

Vitamin C is long regarded to be the vitamin that ensures the body of a healthier immune system.
This vitamin is most helpful if the cause of asthma is allergens. But aside from strengthening the body's immune system, Vitamin C is also a good antioxidant.
It helps free the body of harmful toxins that could give rise not only to asthma but to a host of other diseases as well.

Aside from Vitamin C, there are other Vitamins that can be vital in the treatment of asthma. Beta Carotene or Vitamin A for instance, can protect the lungs. It makes sure that the mucus membranes of the lungs are good an intact. The membranes ensure the health of this vital organ.

Vitamin B6 for Asthma:

Intensive research and studies have lead experts to the conclusion that deficiency in this B vitamin could cause asthma.
They have found out that asthmatic patients tend to have high kynurenic acid and xanthurenic acid content in their urines.
These two acids are produced if the metabolism of serotonin and tryptophan are altered, which is a direct result of the deficiency of vitamin B6.

Vitamin B3 To Prevent Asthma Attacks:

Role of vitamin B3 in the body, as far as asthma is concerned, is somehow similar to Vitamin C.
This vitamin is believed to prevent asthma attack caused by allergens.
That is because vitamin B3 produces an antihistamine effect in the body.

Vitamin D and Vitamin E can also be used to cure asthma because they can help in strengthening the body's immune system. Asthma has been a major health problem since the 17the century. Thanks to these two vitamins, people were able to develop stronger bodies that can fight off the detrimental effects of the disease altogether.

Vitamins can be found naturally in the foods that we eat or in specialized chemical supplements. To make sure that your body gets its recommended daily allowance of the essential vitamins, be sure that you eat fruits and vegetables that are rich in them. Citrus fruits are good sources of Vitamin C. Yellow and orange vegetables are rich in Vitamin A. Add these foods to your daily diet and you will be surely cured of asthma in no time.

For vitamins that can't be obtained directly from foods, there are many over-the-counter supplements that are available in the market today. The B complex vitamins are good examples of vitamins that are not readily available from food as the body synthesizes them. For these types of vitamins, you can take the especially formulated pills and capsules to make sure your body don't get deficient with them.

Asthma Treatment Guidelines For the Elderly

Treating asthma in elderly can be more complicated and different from adults and children. One thing for sure is the medication that can be given to them is a bit more limited than adult and children. The elderly are unable to take certain medication as their weak physique can make certain side effects unbearable.

This may be true if the elderly have current long term illness like glaucoma and are taking other medication. Giving asthma medication can only interfere with the other medication and aggravate instead of helping the asthma condition. Taking too much medication at one time can also lead to liver damage in the long run. Not so good news for an already frail elderly body.

The purpose of treatment of asthma in the elderly is similar to other asthma treatment is so that the elderly can lead a normal life as soon as possible. Treatment guidelines are also similar too. Take control of the asthma first then reduce dosage to reduce side effects of medication.

Difficulties Faced by Doctor When Treating Elderly With Asthma

The difficulties that elderly face is that many of them will face problem using MDI (metered dose inhaler) if they are suffering from arthritis and or other joint related illness. They may lack the physical strength to press the canister. Measuring peak flow can prove to be a herculean task for them if they lack the strength for a forceful breath.

Inhaled corticosteroid can be given but however it must be in controlled as elderly are more susceptible side effects bruising of skin and bone damage which leads to faster osteoporosis in the elderly. Corticosteroid taken orally posed even a greater danger elderly people has a weaker digestive system and the medication digest slower. This means that the side effects are more adverse and last longer. Physician will usually reduce the dosage as soon as possible.

Doctors also have noted more adverse side effects when taking beta2 agonist. Symptoms include cardiac arrest if the elderly have already an existing heart condition. Drop in potassium levels is also noted. Elderly that are unable to bear the side effects of beta2 agonist may opt for anti-cholinergic instead.

Elderly may also have to stop beta blocker medication and take a selective agent instead. Beta blocker medications are commonly prescribed for common elderly illness like hypertension, migraine and cardiac arrhythmia. Beta receptors in the lungs calm the muscle layer in the bronchial tubes. These beta blockers impede the beta receptors in the lungs from receiving nerve signals and lead to reverse effect and constriction of the tubes occur instead.

Treating asthma for elderly can be a complicated process as doctors need to weigh in more factors than treatment for the adult and children. A good advice is that elderly have another care person that is preferably a close family member to act as a look out.

Herbal Cures For Asthma

Certainly herbal cures for asthma have long been around and are highly thought of by those who treat people using alternative and natural ways. In this article I will be taking a closer look at certain asthma herbal cures which are effective for curing asthma and which have been tried and tested for decades now.

Garlic

This is meant to be an excellent herbal treatment for asthma and a person should mix some with boiled milk and then drink it when they feel the first signs of asthma attack starting. This kind of treatment provides an effective way of relieving any of the symptoms associated with an asthma attack.

Turmeric

Considered to be extremely valuable for treating asthma. It is most effective if you mix a teaspoon of turmeric with a glass of milk and drink it twice a day.

Mustard Oil

This particular herbal cure for treating asthma is not drunk, but rather it is used as a massage oil. The best way to use this is to mix it with some camphor which you then rub of the chest of the sufferer. This particular herb works by easing a person's breathing as it helps to loosen up the phlegm which has built up in the chest.

Ginger

What you need to do is make some ginger tea which you could buy in any convenience store or supermarket and then you add some crushed garlic and drink it twice a day. Not only it is effective in helping to relief the symptoms associated with the condition, but also helps to keep them under control.

However what is extremely important to remember when you choose to use any type of herbal cures for asthma is to discuss the matter with your doctor first.

Although the ones above are effective you should never actually stop taking the medications that your doctor or health provider has prescribed without getting their permission first.

The Emotional Cause of Asthma

Asthma is also influenced by certain emotions such as laughing, crying, anger, panic, etc. But many in the medical community believe there is no proof people with asthma are any more psychologically disturbed than their non-asthmatic peers. However, it is not possible to have an illness without it having an emotional or trauma component associated with it. Our brain and body is not a split organism where our brain and body work independently of each other.

Having asthma is most likely related to birth traumas where the newborn is being suffocated by the birth process or has a difficulty coming out thus weakening the lungs and the bronchioles. Or, possibly where the parents were over protective or dominating, or demanding to the point of, in a sense, suffocating the child.

And, there are many other asthmatic scenarios that could weaken a persons lungs and bronchioles during childhood. You might know what yours is.

In his book, How to Get Well, 1974, Paavo Airola, Ph.D., says, "Extensive studies show that there are two basic causes of asthma: one, the typical allergic reaction to one or more allergens; two, psychic factors. Doctors agree that many young asthmatics (according to studies, about 25%) have in common a 'deep-seated emotional insecurity and an intense need for parental love and protection'. When emotional causes are suspected, these must be dealt with before biological and nutritional treatments can be effective."

Emotions and feelings, such as apprehension, concern, anxiety, and panic can cause muscular tension and contraction around the bronchioles. Over a long time, these tensions can cause muscle spasms and weakening of the bronchioles, which can then lead to asthma as an adult.

In his book, Cleanse & Purify Thyself, 1998, Richard Anderson, N.D., N.M.D., says,
"Our own research indicates that Love is the great key. When we understand that Love is the natural state of our beings and when Love is not flowing through our beings every moment, than some other emotion or concept is interfering. These interferences are usually emotions of great intensity or some quirk in our point of view, such as the habit of judging conditions, things, or people in negative ways, and most of the time they are unconscious. One of the activities we all need to initiate is to remove these conscious and unconscious negative emotions so that Love may flow through us. Here in lies one of the most important point in this book."

For many healers of the past it was clear that childhood trauma and the lack of love provided an atmosphere where illness could develop. Asthma sufferers need to look for and heal that emotional component that prevents them from healing so that they can start the asthma healing.

How to Prevent Viral Induced Asthma Attacks

Did you know that viral infections can also trigger an asthma attack? In such cases, the type of asthma is called viral induced asthma. For instance, you may have common colds which can lead to asthma symptoms. You may find yourself wheezing, coughing, experiencing shortness of breath and chest pain or tightness. Your common colds, which is caused by Rhinovirus, has now resulted in viral induced asthma.

Different viruses which cause respiratory infections have been established to cause viral induced asthma. These are Rhinovirus for common colds, Influenza A for the flu, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus for respiratory infections.

How can viral infection cause asthma? When you have a viral infection, the body will fight this infection through an inflammatory response. If you have viral respiratory infection, the inflammation will be concentrated on the respiratory system. Thus, your respiratory system will start swelling and there will be increased sensitivity of the cells in the air passages. Mucus production is also increased. During this inflammatory response against viral infection, asthma symptoms may start occurring. This is how viral induced asthma begins.

Diagnosis of viral induced asthma must be accurately done in order to make the proper treatment. Lung function tests will accurately establish if you have asthma symptoms. The lung function tests will identify if there are asthmatic changes.

Treatment of viral induced asthma is through anti-asthma medications like bronchodilators and inhalers. Remember that in asthma, prevention is the key. If you can avoid exposure to the trigger, you will have less asthma attacks. How can you prevent viral induced asthma attacks?

In order to prevent viral induced asthma, you must prevent getting a viral infection. Certain viral infections like influenza have vaccines. You can have yourself vaccinated against certain viral infections to increase your body's immunity against these.

Also, increasing your body's immunity against viruses is the key principle in avoiding infections. Aside from vaccinations, you can increase your body's immunity by having a healthy lifestyle. If you are healthy, your body can effectively fight these viruses. A healthy body can be achieved through regular exercise, proper diet, and enough sleep. Eats lots of vegetables and fruits because these are rich in vitamins and minerals.

Certain infections are also common during specific months in a year. Like winter months are seasons of the common colds and flu. During these months, be extra cautious.

Furthermore, proper hygiene and frequent hand washing are very important to prevent from getting viral infections. If you are outdoors, always have a hand sanitizer or non-toxic wipes with you.

Keep your bodies hydrated as well. Drinking plenty of fluids is not only recommended for sick people. This is also very helpful to combat against infections.

How to Stop An Asthma Attack in Less Than 5 Minutes

For men who love to participate in sports or any strenuous activities, getting diagnosed with exercise induced asthma is probably one of the most devastating or irritating news that they can get. This means limited and monitored activities, regular checkups, medication and constant caution in order to prevent unwanted circumstances.

Exercise induced asthma can occur at any age and is equally common in children and adults. In actuality exercise induced asthma is prevalent in children because of the more active lifestyle that they have. Symptoms include shortness of breath, tightness of the chest, cough, and wheezing caused by the constriction of the bronchial tubes due to inflammation. Typically, most asthmatics do not feel the symptoms during the actual exercise itself, and it is only about 5 to 10 minutes into the exercise and the same time after which exercise induced asthma (EIA) reaches its more severe point and creating distress.

Research has also found that without treatment there are cases where the attack steadily wears over the next 30 to 45 minutes. So does this meant that if you have EIA you should stop exercising? Of course not! The benefits that exercise can bring for asthmatics cannot be punctuated enough. Exercise can strengthen the respiratory as well as the immune system preventing any other ailments from setting in and making things worse.

Taking extra precaution before, during and after exercise can minimize the chances that you will be running into problems anytime during your regimen. But in case your asthma does flare up here are a couple of things which can help you to stop things from getting worse and take care of the problem just within a few minutes:

Rapid-Acting Bronchodilator: Inhalation of a rapid acting bronchodilator (approx. 2 puffs from your albuterol) during attacks can prevent the progress of asthma and give you relief just within a few minutes after inhalation.

Steam: If anytime during your exercise you start to experience the symptoms of asthma and you're without your emergency/rescue medication you can use steam as an alternative in order to get quick relief. Try running the shower the fullest it can go and wait for the steam to rise. Once the room is misty enough get into the shower and start inhaling deeply. You'll find that within a few minutes your symptoms will start to dissipate.

Exercise induced asthma in men, can be very manageable and controllable. As long as you have all the information that you need, you wouldn't need to worry about flaring up or getting any attacks while in the middle of your exercise regimen. Take time to learn more about exercise induced asthma so that no matter what happens you will never be caught off guard.

Asthma - Definition, Cause and Triggering Factors

What is it and who gets it? Asthma is a condition whereby the smaller airways of the lungs constrict (or narrow) from time to time, causing typical symptoms. The duration and extent of narrowing vary and they determine the degree of severity of the disease. Asthma affects people of all ages, however, it tends to starts in childhood and runs in family. Having said that, certain asthma sufferers have no family members who have asthma.

What are the symptoms of asthma? Typical symptoms are a cough, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. The severity of asthma can usually be classified according to the degree of symptoms. Each episode of symptoms may last from a hour to several days if left untreated. Death is a known but uncommon cause of severe untreated asthma.

Symptoms of mild asthma: Episodes of symptoms only during exercise or triggered by a chest or an upper respiratory infection. You are usually symptom- free between episodes.

Symptoms of moderate asthma: You display symptoms from time to time. Symptoms tend to be worst at night and early in the morning. You may be awakened at night with a tight chest and coughing.

Symptoms of severe asthma: You have symptoms on most days. You may find it hard to talk. Frequent hospitalization for asthma is also one of the criteria for severe asthma.

What causes asthma? Asthma occurs as a result of inflammation in the lower, smaller airways. No one is entirely sure why the inflammation occurs. As a consequence of the inflammation, the sensitive airway constricts, making it hard for air to get in and out of the lungs. This leads to symptoms like wheezing, breathless, chest tightness and a cough. Not only that, the inflammation also stimulates the airway to pump out extra mucus, which causes the airway to obstruct further.

What are the exacerbating factors of asthma or what can make it worse? Asthma symptoms may be triggered by certain factors. Occasionally, we do not know why it becomes worse. It is possible to avoid certain triggers to help to reduce symptoms. Identifiable triggers include:

Exercise. Exercise is a known trigger for asthma. Having said that, you should not refrain yourself from doing sports and exercises. They are actually good for your asthma. It is possible to prevent asthma symptoms while exercising by using an inhaler before you exercise.

Pollen and moulds. This is particular evident during season of hay fever.

Infection. Viral respiratory tract infections like flu or common cold are common triggers.

Smoking and air pollution.

Some medicine. Certain medicines are known to constrict smaller airways in the lungs, they include aspirin, beta-blockers and some eye drops for glaucoma.

House dust mites.

Some food. We do not know why certain food can bring up symptoms of asthma. Food like nuts, eggs and fish can sometimes trigger off an asthma attack in people who have known asthma. However, this is not a common trigger.

Emotion. Asthma has nothing to do with your 'nerve'. However, certain emotions like stress, laughing, anxiety can all cause symptoms of asthma.

Bamboo Cotton Sheets For A Healthier Sleep For People With Asthma

The environment is changing drastically and we are surrounded more and more by different lung and skin problem causing microorganisms. For dust sensitive individuals whether it is because of skin asthma or lung asthma, the evolution of bamboo cotton sheets is indeed a milestone in providing healthy living and sleeping. I remember knowing somebody whose room is full of white things. White bed sheets, white pillow cases, white blankets, white bath towels and she only uses white hankies. This was recommended by her doctor to avoid severe asthma. Although the room looked clean, sadly, it was dull.

Dust mites are the most common irritants or causes of asthma attacks. These microscopic creatures feed off from dust itself that contain dead human skin and other small organic matter. It is the fecal matter that produces chemicals which is highly allergenic and may trigger asthma attack.

Fabrics which were produced out of bamboo are the safest and most hypoallergenic material in the market right now since it is made from organic materials. Studies have shown that this fabric is resistant to organisms like dust mites or bed mites. It has also been found that bamboo holds a natural ability to regulate temperature. Thus, especially during hot season, bamboo sheets can produce a natural cooling ability which is most beneficial to people with asthma problems. This fabric provides warmth during cold weather and at the same time produces enough cooling effect during hot season.

One may think that bamboo fiber is less durable than others. Well that is absolutely a wrong impression. Fabrics from bamboo are even more durable than some linen materials. Not only that, it gives a much softer touch when in contact with our skin, some say it is as soft as silk and sometimes even softer. The only downside to this material is sometimes it could shrink depending on how they are manufactured. But we are talking about sheets here not shirts so that is not really a big problem right now.

To maintain the material's hypoallergenic qualities it is best to use organic washing detergents as much as possible. Refrain from using bleaching materials, this is bad for all types of fabric anyway. Replace the bleaching material with baking soda and soaps or washing detergent that is eco-friendly and one that is of neutral PH.

Maybe I should pay my old friend a visit and see if she is now aware of the benefits in using bamboo cotton sheets. Our home is our kingdom and our bedrooms should be our sanctuary. It is just but right to secure our spaces and make them the safest that it can be.

A Finger Pulse Oximeter to Find Out the Right Amount of Arterial Blood Oxygen Levels

It is important that one goes on to find out the right amount of arterial blood oxygen levels in the blood as it is vital to the diagnosis for a physician. Before the advent of a pulse oximeter in western countries, what the physician was forced to do was to resort to falling back on symptoms that were linked with cyanosis. Only then could they be able to diagnosis the concern.

However, with the pulse ox around this can be done in a jiffy. A patient can even lose their life due to the severe respiratory failure that might occur if the blood oxygen level falls beneath 85 to 90%. The worst thing is that until one has the blood oxygen level falls beneath 75% the signs for cyanosis are not visible. Therefore, in order to avoid this something like the finger pulse oximeter was gravely needed.

With the use of the handheld oximeter one need not draw blood in order to be able to record the blood oxygen level of the patient. The drawing of blood can be a real limiting procedure as it will not allow you to take the results anywhere or even several numbers of times. But, with the use of the oximeter one need not worry about any of this. The finger oximeter is small and compact and therefore quite easy to carry around with one. The readings using the finger pulse oximeter can be taken anywhere and at any time as there is no drawing of the blood involved.

Moreover, this form of finger pulse oximeter is a completely non-invasive procedure. Therefore it does not have the inherent hardships of those that are linked with drawing of the blood. Now, the patient's condition can be monitored anywhere, even at home and immediate measures be taken in case of a dangerous dropping of the blood oxygen rather than waiting until it is beneath 75%.

The right use of a finger pulse oximeter at home will enable the patient to be saved so much of hardship and even saved from an untimely death. The moment one has the handy finger pulse oximeter at home the caretaker can take the reading at any time. This can stop an attack that would have happened otherwise. This goes on to save a whole lot of money and effort in the long run.

Even in case of asthma attack and one is not sure, or in case of sleep apnea the oximeter is of great use. It can go on to record the blood oxygen levels throughout the night. Rather than rushing to an emergency hospital room there are so many situations that can be managed at home using the finger pulse oximeter? It can also be used by pilots and athletes who need to be at high levels with depleted oxygen levels. The finger pulse oximeter can certainly be put to several uses.

Stay Healthy With the Asthma Diet

A healthy lifestyle is usually accompanied with a specified diet such that asthmatics also have an exclusive asthma diet for them to commit. A devout asthma diet with an expert advised exercise brings great relief to asthma attack victims. While the causes of asthma remain unclear, a proper weight management is highly recommended to asthma patients. This is supported by the idea that obesity is a precursor to asthma which is a widely accepted hypothesis by asthma experts. The increasing pool of asthma tips in the internet became the popular source for asthma diet guidelines which greatly benefited asthma attack victims quite recently.

The search for the asthma's cure remained a valuable quest for health experts. This prompted them to create an asthma diet which served as the first stepping stone in achieving it. It served as a preemptive guideline in pacifying the deadly asthma attacks, or in this context, avoiding it. The diet describes several asthma triggers that are known to create fatal body reactions and creates a customized guideline that avoids them. A religious commitment to this diet greatly decreases the potentiality of meeting an asthma trigger in your plate.

Asthma diet often avoids processed foods which are known to trigger a spontaneous asthma attack. These food allergies constrict the lungs of its victims which make breathing difficult for them. And when breathing is difficult, an attack can potentially occur, leading to irritating chest pains, a whistling noise while breathing, and an excruciating headache. The effects of these asthma triggers are deadly when left unalleviated. Indeed, commitment to this diet that avoids these types of food would save you from trouble. Asthmatics who benefited from this diet gives out plenty of asthma tips which, when categorized, basically advocates the loyalty to this customized diet.

An ideal body weight which can be acquired through a strong commitment to the asthma diet is vital in overcoming unsuspected asthma attacks. Obesity in itself hampers normal breathing, now, asthma attacks on obese people makes breathing twice harder. An obese person's heart has to work twice or even thrice harder than a person with the ideal body weight. This does not only invite asthma attack, but worse, a deadly heart attack as well. These scenarios all the more give us more reasons why we need to follow the asthma diet.

A religious commitment to asthma diet not only requires desire but also discipline. Hunger pangs will be devastating, and at times, tempting. Counting of calories is a must, because in order to lose weight, the burning of calories must be greater than the calorie intake. Strain is not what's important here, it's important to take the exercise and the food intake into consideration. These will make you lose weight, lose unwanted and excess fats, cease the stress of breathing, and increase oxygen distribution to different body parts. There are no shortcuts in total asthma elimination; however, a disciplined diet accompanied by an exercise can be a great weapon to send shivers to asthma's spine.

Asthma Facts Everybody Ought To Know

Are you aware of the asthma facts that one must take into consideration? One important asthma fact is that it's not only a disease found in children but it is also a respiratory condition in most adults. Some may neglect this asthma fact thinking that one is no longer susceptible to asthma as he gets older. Well, you thought wrong.

As people grow up, they become more open to harmful elements from the environment and the ones with asthma are no exception, they are even more prone to having asthma attacks. The environment is only one factor that people with asthma need to look out for, there are still many and one's lifestyle is one of them. Most people differ on how they live their lives and as one ages, the body's defense decreases which makes it easier for asthma to create more damage to the body. One's lifestyle may be hard to change but if he is trying to get rid of asthma, he must choose a lifestyle that will help relieve his condition and not make it worse. If one does not know how to properly handle asthma, life may be difficult for him and worst, he might not survive at all.

Asthma is common in children, but others get a hold of it at a later stage due to exposure to allergens. Having asthma is not easy so it is essential that people will remember a main asthma fact and that is asthma can develop depending on one's life conditions. Choosing to live life the healthy way may minimize occurrence of asthma attacks. In order to do that, one must be careful in choosing what he eats and drinks. Furthermore, one requires ample rest and sleep. If one refuses to have a healthy lifestyle, then asthma may progress and may cause more negative effects. Most people easily get tired of having to deal with asthma episodes especially when it keeps them from doing things they love to do.

One must also keep in mind that asthma doesn't have a specific treatment. Even though it can be considered as a respiratory disease that one can manage, according to asthma facts, it can be controlled by having the right diet and by making exercise a habit. It will also be wise to have regular visits to the doctor so that the condition will be monitored. One must also take note of foods that may cause allergies. There are times that allergic reactions will further result to serious conditions for those people with asthma so it is necessary for one to be aware of things that he needs to avoid.

A healthy way of life is the perfect solution to asthma attacks. Even with the presence of allergens in the environment, things will be properly dealt with through a healthy lifestyle.

Pet Birds and Asthma Attacks - 5 Ways to Avoid Asthma Attacks in Spite of Your Pet Bird

If you own a bird, you probably didn't count on developing a sensitivity to the feathers, dander and dust that would aggravate your asthma. But now that you have totally bonded with your bird, and giving it up is just not an option, here are 5 ways that you can keep your asthma under control and still enjoy your bird.
 
1. Get a Spouse or Friend to Help with Cleaning-If you find that your asthma flares up when you do the necessary cleaning that comes with owning a bird; ask your spouse or a friend to help. This would make a great part time job for a responsible high school or college student.
 
2. Wear a Mask-If you find you must do the cleaning, wear a mask to cut down on the number of particles to which you are exposed. Cleaning frequently will lessen the amount of particles that need to be cleared away. Using a damp cloth and mop rather than sweeping or dusting will keep the air cleaner while you work.
 
3. Use a HEPA Vacuum-Once particles have fallen out of the air onto the furniture, floors, and other surfaces a high efficiency particle arresting vacuum can take the particles off the floor and trap them so they are not sent back into the air. This is healthier for you and your birds.
 
4. Bathe Your Bird-How much your bird will enjoy a bath depends on the type of bird you have, but all birds need to be given an opportunity to bathe. Some prefer a clean bowl of water in the cage, and others would be adventurous enough to share a shower with you if a shower perch for birds was installed. Regular bathing keeps feathers and skin in good condition, and reduces dander considerably. Check with your avian vet for best frequency for our particular bird and before deciding to use anything for bathing other than water. Taking a shower together is another opportunity for you and your bird to bond, and it will help both of you feel better.
 
5. Filter the Air Continuously-Removing the fine particulates of dander, dust, and feathers from the air before they have a chance to clog your bird's air passages and cause infection and before they can get into your lungs and cause you to have an asthma attack is a proactive way to maintain a clean bird room and a healthy home. Using a purifier with HEPA technology will insure that you are removing the most airborne pollutants from the air.

Asthma Attack Treatment - Don't Let Asthma Beat You

There are many things to do to decrease the chances of having an asthma attack, and increasing the air flow through your airways. The right asthma attack treatment is crucial in dealing with an attack, and you will need to know how it's done.

Here are the basics of an Asthma Attack Treatment:

*Remember when someone is having an attack, they find it easier to breathe while sitting up rather than lying down. Don't make the mistake of having them to lie down, settle them into a sitting position and make them as comfortable as you can.

Be sure to ask if they want you to call for help, before you can continue the asthma attack treatments.

*Here's the most important asthma attack treatment procedure, help them use the inhaler. There's nothing you can do, that will have the same success as getting the person to use an inhaler. If you don't know what an inhaler is, it's a small piece of equipment designed to send specific doses of medication.

Following giving one puff, wait a few seconds before you give another one. Wait until you think they are ready for another puff or, until they show you that they are ready. If you use a spacer it can allow them to breathe in the medication in several breaths, instead of in just one breath.

This is one of the best asthma attack treatments you can provide.

Is there an improvement in their condition, are they getting any relief? Is their breathing easier than before?If you believe the inhaler isn't having an effect on them within 10 minutes or so, it's best to get help. Call an ambulance, continue to give them medication around four puffs every five minutes.

*Still if it look like the medication is not helping, it can stop their attack from getting worse. You are the person taking care of the person, so your manner counts. Make sure you don't panic, it can really make their attack worse, because they will feel it is out of control and respond for that reason.

Stay calm and talk to them in a calm way, this is very important.

The Real Dangers of an Asthma Attack

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect the very young and the very old. It doesn't care what age you are. Asthma goes after those that are weak and susceptible to its hold. No one is safe from this debilitating disease. Every single year this problem is growing so big that it is seemingly out of control especially in our young children. Children are much more vulnerable due to their size and weight. An asthma attack can be a horrible time for a child because most of the time they are unaware of the seriousness of the problem. This awareness comes from experience and age.

Once you have actually experienced an attack, you can realize how dangerous it can be especially someone that isn't ready for it with medications designed to open the airways. The dangers of an asthma attack are the closing off of airways that have filled with mucus where the air flow is almost stopped. What can happen during an attack is the loss of consciousness, which can ultimately lead to premature death. An attack can come upon you at anytime, so be prepared to take immediate action to overcome the attack. Your best bet would be avoiding an attack all together.

A real danger for people with asthma is the medications used to control your symptoms. Inhalers and prescription drugs can have a list of side effects that not every doctor will share with you. Another big problem is the body burden that these drugs can leave behind in your body, called a toxic burden. These chemicals can build up in your body over a long period of time and become a very dangerous problem later on in your life. Our bodies have the natural ability to remove toxins that are inside the body when the exposure to these toxins is introduced in moderation. Our planet has become so toxic and polluted that our body's natural ability to remove these toxins is becoming increasingly difficult to do. There are so many pollutions inside our bodies that it cannot remove them all, so what our bodies are forced to do is absorb them into your organs and tissues.

This is becoming a very severe danger for our bodies because this toxic burden can eventually lead to disease and illness. Pollution is trapped inside all of us. The drugs that are inside inhalers can also add to this burden and has been shown to have some shocking side effects. I found out later on that the drug inside an inhaler can make a person sterile if used over a long period of time. My doctor did not share that with me when my son was put on an inhaler. We realized that something had to be done fast because I wasn't about to have my son's god given gift taken away from him.

We researched ways to help him overcome his dangerous asthma attacks with something that was natural and had zero side effects. I for one didn't want my son's symptoms to just be controlled by these prescription drugs and never realize the hope of eliminating his disease all together. It was not long before we found a natural method. We noticed in just a short period of time that his symptoms were disappearing and his ability to breathe normally was restored. We realized that his body was the cure for this disease and all he needed is the right tool to help his body do what it does best, repair itself.

So, to recap, asthma and prescription drugs are a real danger to someone who has asthma and an even bigger danger is what these drugs are leaving behind to cause problems later on in life when you least expect it. You need a way to remove the environmental pollution from your body and allow it to have the tool to repair itself. Find a natural way to limit the side effects. I believe your body will thank you for it, in ways that won't take long for you to realize.

Living With Asthma - Practical Suggestions For Sufferers

Presently, there is no known medical cure for asthma. In living with asthma, the sufferers need to understand that a combination of factors are needed to help them control the number of attacks they have and the quality of life they live.

Depending on the severity of their asthma some individuals may require specific medicine. Others may be able to employ natural and alternative products that help ease their symptoms and prevent attacks. In both cases there are numerous practical suggestions that can prove to be of benefit as well.

Firstly, it is of primary importance for any sufferer to gain as much understanding of their condition as possible. Knowledge can mean gaining control of their situation. An asthmatic is greatly affected by their environment. By studying the experiences of others, it is possible to gain insight into areas that they may have otherwise overlooked. So the first suggestion to living with asthma is to make oneself an attentive student of the disease. This role entails the need to learn as much as possible about the disease, its causes, medications and other factors necessary to manage it.

Another practical suggestion for living with asthma is to take a close look at your environment. Dust mites, pet dander, strong scents, and chemical fumes can all play a role in irritating the airways of an asthmatic person. Practical efforts must be made to improve the situation in our home. Dust mites, for example, may require a special vacuum cleaner designed to clear them out. There are several brands available at the market today for you to choose from. Alternatively, you may decide to remove all the carpeting from your home or apply an application of a powder known as Benzyl benzoate which was known to help eliminate the mites for up to two or three months. Another environmental issue is mold and it may require a practical search of all areas of the home - such as the basement. Keeping the humidity in the home under 50% is another suggestion that helps certain asthmatics.

And because more and more people are becoming aware of the toxicity of certain everyday chemical products we are now fortunate enough to have a variety of 'green' products that have a natural and non-allergic base. By slowly finding and changing these household items you can go along way to reducing the number of asthma attacks.

Learn to recognize the stress points in your life. A number of asthma support groups are ready to help sufferers in coping with their asthma by learning methods to deal with these stress. Most of us are aware when the pressure may be building. By taking steps to keep calm we eliminate one more trigger from our lives.

Take a careful look at the foods you eat. Certain foods can certainly aggravate an asthmatic condition. If need be, write down what you were eating whenever you experience an uncomfortable reaction. Since it can include an number of items you may over a short period of time be able to pinpoint the culprits by spotting the pattern. Some specific trouble makers have been found to be food additives BHA and BHT. As well, FD&C Yellow No. 5 food dye. For some the amino acid tryptophan can cause a reaction.

Cultivate good communication skills - with your doctor - and with the people you live and work with. By being open with those around you it will help them to work with you in lessening the triggers in your environment which may lead to asthma attacks. By working well with your doctor you can keep a close watch on the progress of your disease and the effectiveness of your medicines. Hence, living with asthma and quality living is definitely possible.

How Doctors Accurately Diagnose Asthma

The diagnosis of an asthma patient can depend on the symptoms presented, a detailed medical history, the physical examination done by the doctor and the laboratory tests done to confirm the diagnosis. For the most part the diagnosis of asthma can be fairly easy once the results come through; however, the diagnosis has an involved process before the eventual results are determined.

For asthmatic patients symptoms can include problems related to breathing such as difficulty taking a breathe, wheezy respiration, labored breathing during activities that require exertion, chest tightness and any obstruction of airflow. A true indicator for asthma can be seen when the person gasps for breath with a wheezy sound, which is a characteristic picture of asthma. In addition, having a detailed medical history that includes any history of allergy, family history of asthma, persistent coughs, cold and seasonal allergies can be contributing factors for asthmatic patient.

After the diagnosis process has begun laboratory tests are usually ordered to confirm that the patient has asthma and can include blood tests for ESR and eosinophil counts that could give indication of any allergic reaction or chest infection, as these are also contributory factors. The chest x-ray confirms the expansion of the lungs as well as any infections or other abnormalities in the lungs that can contribute to asthma. The groups of tests performed to diagnose asthma are Pulmonary Function Tests, otherwise known as Spirometry. In this test the degree and access of airflow obstruction is measured along with the confirmation of its severity. These are otherwise termed FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC. The assessment of the reversibility of asthma can also be done through these tests. Carrying out tests of allergen detection through skin sensitivity tests is also a form of testing. These tests are of prolonged duration by which time the person has a fully established asthma. Still, if the allergens detection is accurate and the person needs to stay away from certain allergic substances, then asthmatic attack is preventable.

One of the most experienced symptoms of asthma is a wheezing sound as air enters the respiratory system. Many other chest diseases can present the same types of breathing problems as asthma; hence an accurate diagnosis is very essential. Spirometry is the confirmatory lung test for asthma. Once the diagnosis is made, the options open to the patient vary in range from no prescription, for very mild cases of asthma, to a full course of asthmatic preventatives to help those patients who have a severe asthmatic problem.

Things to Know for Asthma Sufferers While They Work Out

It's possible for asthma sufferers to be able to carry out an exercise program. But just what will people with asthma have to be watchful of when exercising? The answer is: if you exhibit caution you can and should carry out nearly any exercise program. With appropriate treatment, almost everyone with asthma can enjoy the physical and mental benefits of regular exercise.

Asthma is the chronic inflammation of the air passages that lead to the lungs. Its characteristics are sudden attacks followed by periods of moderate or no symptoms at all. This inflammation will be triggered by external factors, and when a person with asthma becomes exposed to one of these triggers, the breathing passages become inflamed and the symptoms begin.

With exercise induced asthma, symptoms usually appear six to ten minutes after exercise begins, and is often worse in cold, dry conditions. If you have been up the previous night with asthma symptoms, it is best to go easier with your exercise routine the next day. Your doctor should be able to guide you best through your treatment of the condition, but it is imperative that you be proactive and understand the circumstances. You are the first line of defense against an asthma attack, so take your medication and know what you are going to do when you feel symptoms coming on.

Some facts to know when it comes specifically to exercise induced asthma:

1. When exercising, attempt to breathe through the nose. When you breathe through your mouth, air comes into your lungs that are colder and drier. An asthma attack can be triggered when this colder, drier air collides with the warm, moist air in the lungs. Breathing through the nose as much as possible will warm the air and cleanse it prior to hitting your lungs.

People with exercise induced asthma are thought to be more sensitive to changes in humidity and temperature. Bikram Yoga helps to alleviate this by giving you an excellent exercise regimen in conditions that are high in humidity and temperature. After an initial breathing exercise, all breathing is to be done through the nose. You may want to look into it if you suffer from asthma.

2. Exercise induced asthma can attack people who have no other triggers and experience no asthma symptoms under any other circumstances.

3. When asthma is left untreated and inflammation persists, narrowing of the airways on a permanent basis can occur. There are medications that are used to prevent the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

4. Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled by medication. Those with exercise induced asthma and no other symptoms, medication can be taken before exercise to control the symptoms. There are a number of elite athletes who have asthma, which should be inspiration enough for anyone who has asthma to seek ways to control it.

Aerobic training certainly doesn't have to stop is you have asthma. People who have asthma have certain issues that people who are asthma-free do not have to cope with. But with proper medication, assistance from a qualified professional, and plan on how to cope both before any symptoms set in or if emergencies should arise, everyone should be able to partake in their favorite exercise program.

Warning Signs of an Asthma Attack

Asthma is a debilitating condition that affects millions of people around the world. There are so many causes for this condition. Have you ever been cleaning your house and start to feel the onset of an asthma attack? Many chemicals we use to clean with can be taken into our lungs and cause an asthma attack. The first sign is the inability to breathe in deeply, second is shortness of breath, and then comes the inability to breathe. Inhalers are then used to open up the airways to allow more movement of air in the lungs.

Asthma attacks rarely happen without warning. When you feel your chest start to tighten up, or you get dark circles under your eyes, or you get a nagging annoying cough, could be warning signs that you are about to have an attack. Early warning signs can help you get to your medications faster, like an inhaler or a nebulizer treatment in worst case. By learning these warning signs, you can prevent an asthma attack that could possibly send you or someone you love to the emergency room.

Times you need to act fast is when your chest starts to feel tight, you start breathing faster than you normally would, you run out of breath, and you are not doing anything physical, your skin turns bluish gray, or dusky in color, or you are having trouble talking in sentences. Fast heartbeat or pulse can also give you a warning to act fast, the faster you see the signs, the faster you can intervene with medications.

Without some sort of intervention, you may lose consciousness and even die. For some people, attacks can rise very fast, when symptoms become unmanageable in just a very short time, so treatment should always be at hand and taken immediately so you can ward off a full scale asthma attack. They can also vary in how severe each attack can be. Mild asthma flare ups seem to occur more often than severe attacks.

Wheezing and coughing doesn't always mean you are having an attack, those can be just another health condition, such as heart failure, respiratory infection, or a number of other serious problems. The causes of severe asthma attacks are still unknown; we mostly look at people that have a history in their family that have had asthma in the past, and the severity of those attacks. People with histories of asthma have a higher risk of life-threatening asthma attacks.

Diagnosis of asthma and the actual status of an asthmatic can be found by your doctor through a series of tests, such as your level of consciousness, the use of involuntary muscles of breathing, exhaling and inhaling, and the respiratory flow of oxygen absorption, and other physical symptoms. Findings by your doctor can help you find ways to avoid many different kinds of attacks in anyone who has persistent asthma.

A general rule of thumb is if your medication or your reliever is not working properly, after taking it you don't get relief within 5 minutes, you should get help quickly as possible, with symptoms that we have discussed. Have a self management program in place, and a precautionary measure, so you are always ready for whatever problem might come your way.

Natural Asthma Treatment - Sea Salt and Water

One of the most powerful natural asthma treatment may be found in your own kitchen! Sea salt and water intake is a potent alternative for asthma therapy. The next time you have an asthma attack, try putting a pinch of sea salt under your tongue, and drink a large glass of water. If this does not work immediately, do not panic. Try another of salt with another glass of warm water.

Sea salt is a very powerful natural antihistamine. It can also be used in an inhaler, without the harmful side effects of most medical drugs. Taking a pinch of sea salt along with the water helps to break up the mucus plugs in the lungs, get rid of the sticky phlegm and stop that persistent dry cough that mostly accompanies asthma attacks. It is also a natural antiseptic that helps your body to fight off germs and bacteria and helps to keep your body's electrolytes in a healthy balance.

Many people are also unknowingly suffering from dehydration. In today's hectic lifestyle, many people are not drinking enough water. To make matters worse, they routinely drink coffee and tea in place of pure water. Drinks like coffee and tea are diuretics which make your body lose even more water. When you do not drink enough water to properly hydrate your body, your air passages tend to close in an attempt to keep water from escaping as vapor. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated will address this problem.

Begin drinking half of your body weight every day in ounces of water (recommended at least 8 glasses of water a day) and take a little bit of natural sea salt along with the water. Allow your body to get accustomed to this routine by making sure that you do not drink a whole gallon of water in one sitting. Split up the drinking throughout the day so that your body is able to properly absorb the water and you do not flood your system all at one time. This will keep your body hydrated throughout the day, and ward off asthma attacks naturally.

If you have been doing this routine daily, and the asthma condition has not improved, perhaps, it is time to look at other possible causes as well. Work related asthma is a common cause for many people, and warrants further investigation on your part.

Asthma Attack Symptoms and Its Effect on Your Daily Life

Asthma is an irritating and difficult condition to have. Not only that, depending on the severity of your condition, it can set certain limits to your activities affecting your quality of life in general. In order to handle your condition more effectively and achieve long term relief, you will need to follow the action plan that you and your health care provider has developed.

As described in your action plan in order for you to become an effective part of the treatment process you need to be able to recognize the particular symptoms of asthma attack. While most of the symptoms that asthma can show are very visible and easily recognizable there are certain symptoms that are somewhat misleading and minute that chances are, you wont be able to see them. So to give you further ideas about the common and uncommon symptoms associated with asthma attacks here are some of them:

Wheezing: This is one of the most common among the symptoms of asthma attack. While wheezing may not guarantee attacks it is already a clear cut sign that something is wrong and needs to be done. This symptom is mainly characterized by the "whistling sound" asthmatics give off every time they breathe.

Coughing: This is another very common asthma symptom. Coughing is caused by the inflammation and congestion of mucus within the respiratory system making it difficult for air to move around.

Feeling of tightness in the chest: This symptom is also brought about by inflammation of the bronchial tree. As the amount of oxygen which passes through the body gets smaller and smaller, asthmatics start to feel "stuffy" and might counteract by inhaling too quickly and too deeply which can also contribute to the worsening of the condition. While this symptoms does not really tell the severity of the attack experiencing this symptom will likely foretell that an imminent attack is underway and that action should immediately be taken.

Sleep Apnea: The commonality of this symptom is rare and not to mention difficult to determine. Sleep apnea is a condition characterized by pauses in breathing experienced by individuals during sleep. These pauses are caused by obstruction within the airways giving signs to brewing trouble. If you experience sleep apnea, then it would be best to let your doctors know as it may also be a signal for something else.

Chest Pains: Different from feeling tight in the chest, these chest pains resemble something more like a heart attack. The pain can be so severe as to cause panic within the individual. While this symptom might be misleading, it is also not an accurate basis of how severe the oncoming attack will be.

These are just several symptoms of asthma attack, and there are plenty of common as well as uncommon symptoms associated with it as well. If you experience any of the symptoms stated above, take action immediately. Do not wait and see if things will get better, because its more likely to get worse if you leave it alone.

Natural Cures For Asthma - Reduce Your Asthma Attacks

When you're an asthmatic, having an asthma attack is one of your worse fears. You become scared and start to panic sometimes, which is not a good thing. If you knew a way to reduce your asthma attacks, everything would be so much better right?

What if I told you there are actually natural cures for asthma that will help you reduce you asthma attacks problems, would you care to listen? Yeah I thought so, wait no more, below are some great and harmless ways to deal with asthma naturally, so you can decrease them asthma attacks.

If you know what your asthma triggers are, then it will be a lot easier to prevent asthma attacks from happening. If you don't know what your triggers are, then you will find it very difficult to control and manage your asthma. Things like mold, pets, dusts, and others are just some of the known triggers. But everyone have different things that cause their asthma to flare up. Using natural cures for asthma is a great choice for anyone dealing with asthma.

Drinking Green or Dark tea can be used to reduce and lower attacks. The caffeine from the tea will cause your lungs to spasm and you'll find it easier to breath. The more you monitor and stay away from things that irritate your asthma, the greater chance you will be able to control your asthma naturally and lower your dependence on medication. Although it's always best to consult with you doctor before you decide to go an alternate route, regarding the use of medication.

Apple Cider Vinegar is widely known as one of the best natural cures for asthma also. This is so effective many people say they have stopped their inhaler, and or medication they were on after using Apple Cider Vinegar.

What's Good For Asthma?

Asthma is a serious and potentially fatal disease caused by inflammation in the airways. When an asthma attack occurs, the bronchial airways become tight and the lining of the air passages swell. This reduces the amount of air that can pass by, and may be accompanied by tightness in the chest, coughing, or wheezing. Asthma attacks can last from minutes to days. An attack can become dangerous if the airflow becomes too severely restricted.

Most asthma attacks are triggered by breathing in allergy-causing substances such as: pet dander, dust mites, cockroach allergens, molds, or pollens. Asthma symptoms can also be triggered by respiratory infections, exercise, cold air, tobacco smoke and other pollutants, stress, and food or drug allergies.

Some vitamins and herbs are thought to be helpful in preventing or improving asthma. Herbs, and other healing food, considered useful, include: angelica, anise, apple, blackberry, borage, caraway, carrot, cayenne, cocoa, coffee, dandelion, echinacea, eucalyptus, fenugreek, fish, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, grapefruit, green tea, horseradish, hyssop, juniper, lovage, marjoram, mustard, mullein, nuts, olive, onions, rosemary, slippery elm, stinging nettle, sunflower, tea, thyme, turmeric, walnut, watercress, and yogurt.

Vitamins (or foods rich in the vitamins) that may be useful, include: B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyrodoxine), B complex, beta-carotene, C, calcium and magnesium, E, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, and zinc.

Avoid the common triggers for asthma, such as: aspirin, sugar, soy, tobacco smoke, and all food additives, coloring, and preservatives. Also, limit dairy foods and salt in the diet. Fear and stress also seem to worsen asthma.

Consume lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Maintain a healthy weight. Try to drink at least 8-12 cups water daily. Caffeine appears to lessen asthma attacks. It is also said that tabasco sauce, after a meal, will lessen asthma attacks.

Disclaimer: This article is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended for use as diagnosis or treatment of a health problem or as a substitute for consulting a licensed medical professional.

Asthma Attack Symptoms - What You Must Know

Your doctor diagnosed you with asthma a week ago and you are having trouble dealing with it. The chest pains are annoying and the coughing at night drives you crazy. There are ways to identify asthma attack symptoms and the sooner you learn to point them out, the sooner you could rid yourself of the illness.

Your doctor has prescribed you medicines that you can use every time you think an attack is going to ensue. Make sure you have the medication with you at all times. The three basic symptoms are coughing, wheezing and pain or tightness in the chest.

The symptoms usually kick in when you come face to face with a trigger that worsens your condition or when you indulge in some physical activity. If you have not learned yet what the triggers are, you need to keep a close check. It is a great way to avert an attack.

If you are in a situation where a trigger has given way to coughing and you are beginning to feel a slight pain in your chest, you should immediately take the medicine that has been prescribed to you by your doctor. If it doesn't help, it is essential that you seek medical attention immediately.

Living with a respiratory disorder such as asthma can be very painful. But once you learn how to identify asthma attack symptoms and are taught how to tackle them, you can lead a peaceful life and enjoy physical activities like you once used to.

The Bowen Technique For Asthma

The Bowen Technique originated in Australia and is named after its creator Mr. Tom Bowen. Tom Bowen was believed to have trained as an osteopath before inventing the Bowen Technique. Tom Bowen's wife suffered from chronic asthma and was often hospitalised; it was this which led Mr Bowen to develop this part of his therapeutic work, as he searched for some means of helping her. Once he developed the Bowen Technique For Asthma she never had to go to hospital to be treated for this condition again.

How does the Bowen Technique work? The Bowen Technique consists of a series of gentle moves that trigger the body to heal itself. The moves are made on specific parts of the body, such as across muscle on either side of the spine. It is an extremely gentle, simple yet highly effective technique for treating all kinds of conditions and is very successful at treating asthma.

Most of the work can be performed through light clothing, although some therapists prefer to work on skin. Bowen can have very powerful effects on the body and it is extremely important to ensure the body is not bombarded with signals causing confusion and ultimately doing more harm than good. For this reason, the less is more principle is commonly applied when treating clients.

Most patients have positive responses after only one session. Within three sessions even long-standing chronic asthma can be relieved. Some conditions might need to be treated more often, but in either case it is recommended clients return for regular treatments every six to eight weeks to maintain optimum health.

Asthma attacks are usually caused by the breathing muscles and diaphragm going into increasing spasm. The triggers for such an attack range from pollen to respiratory illnesses. As soon as a trigger is detected, the spasm increases. Hence, one of the first signs of the increasing problem can be wheezing, sometimes there all the time.

In an acute asthmatic attack, the patient can breathe in but is unable to breathe out as the diaphragm is in full spasm. This can be illustrated by the fact that the stomach appears to collapse inwards especially in small children and babies. The Bowen Release Move, part of the Bowen Technique for asthma is a highly effective, downwards movement that releases the diaphragm from spasm and an immediate release of air from the lungs is achieved. This move is so simple an easy it is even used by toddlers to relive tightness in their chest.

Asthma Attack - How to Get Immediate and Long Lasting Results

Dealing with asthma attack can mean that it's controlling your life and prevents you to live it to the full. Are you suffering with shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, wheezing, congestion or chronic cough? All these and more are symptoms of asthma and can slow you down to the point that it's controlling your life while you can't control the problem. If you want to take control of your asthma keep reading to find out how.

Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes which causes swelling and narrowing of the airways. The result is difficulty breathing and other symptoms.

Most people who suffer from asthma have come to the realization that over-the-counter inhalers are not the answer for their problem since these are just temporary reliefs and very short live solutions. So, what are the solutions out there for real long-lasting asthma relief?

If you are an active person, asthma can be a real handicap that prevents you to go on with your daily activities and sometimes can really take your life away from you while you have no choice but going through another asthma attack. This is when you've got to grab that inhaler at the bottom of your hand bag no matter where you might be at the moment or run to your emergency pharmacy cabinet. In such cases you really hope that you are not far from your inhaler to get the relief you so badly need.

These episodes, while not life threatening can be very stressful and sometimes embarrassing if they happen in public.

Asthma sufferers have been searching for better solutions to their problem than what the inhaler can provide. More and more people have discovered the benefits of a homeopathic spray that delivers natural ingredients into the bloodstream. Symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing and tightness in the chest are eliminated with just two quick sprays under your tongue three times a day.

Conquer and Defeat Your Asthma With This Simple Breathing Exercise

Most people including asthmatics and non-asthmatics alike take breathing for granted but do you know by learning how to breathe properly, you can reduce asthma symptoms and frequency of asthma attack? It may sounds a bit absurd but it true.

Learning how to breathe properly prevent the bad habit of over breathing. Another word to describe this over breathing effect is hyperventilation. Hyperventilation simply means that air is moving in and out of your body so quickly that your body is unable to take in nutrients from the air fast enough.

Therefore learning good breathing will decrease your probability of bad breathing. This simple breathing exercise focuses on strengthening the diaphragm to improve your breathing. A strengthened diaphragm can help reduce over breathing. This exercise is easy to do with enough practice. It requires only 10 minutes and you need to do it twice a day.

Now the very first thing that you need to do is that you need to find a quiet place where you won't be distracted for the next 10 minutes. Your clothing should be loose and comfortable.

Now lie on your back with one pillow under your head and another pillow under your knees.

Make sure that you relax your jaw and your mouth is wide open when you inhale. This will open your throat.

Begin to inhale deeply and when as you exhale, start counting slowly from 1 to 10 and backwards from 10 to 1 in one slow continuous motion. Now, this part is very important. The counting sounds should be below the audible sounds of a whisper.

Continue your exhaling as long as you can until you feel your lungs is urging you inhale in. So you should be experiencing a brief period of discomfort and breathlessness. Ensure that your jaws are still loose and your mouth is still wide open. Repeat the exhaling process several times with the silent counting for about five minutes.

After the silent counting process, it time to for the counting to be heard. Now what you need to do is when you exhale, start counting at audible levels from 1 to 5. So when you are exhaling, you should be counting out "One, Two, Three, Four, Five", five digits at one time.

Now you don't have to project your voice till someone in another room can hear you. Just maintain it an audible level that is the same when having conversation with someone. Repeat this process for the next five minutes and you are done.

To enhance the training, you may occasionally want to lift your knees to your chest and swing your legs from side to side. Make sure you lift your legs only during the exhaling process.

Once you practice enough and got used to the breathing, you may try doing it standing up or sitting. Soon, you may be able to do it whenever and wherever you like.

Take note that it may take up to several weeks before you will see any significant effect. One more thing to note is that please consult your doctor before commencing with this exercise.

What Triggers Your Asthma?

Asthma is an incurable inflammatory disease that affects the airways in the body. When an asthma attack is triggered the airways constrict, become inflamed which causes narrowing and mucus fills the airways. The symptoms are noticed immediately such as shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, chest pain and sometimes coughing. Due to the unknown cause of asthma it is hard to know why one person is afflicted with this disease and another is not. However, in most asthma cases there are triggers that can be discovered to limit the tendency of an acute asthma attack. Not all triggers effect each person the same way, however if there are specific foods or environmental factors that can trigger an asthma attack, eliminating them from your diet or avoiding them in your surroundings can greatly decrease the likelihood and the severity of your asthma attacks.
Here are some common asthma triggers:

Allergies

Allergies play a role in approximately 80% of people who have asthma. However, it is not a determining factor that causes asthma because not all people with asthma have allergies. An allergy is a hypersensitive disorder of the immune system, which can cause rapid inflammatory response within the body. Allergic reactions are caused by normally harmless environmental substances called allergens. Examples include trees, grass, and weed pollens, mold, animal dander, dust, dust mites, and cockroach particles. Always make sure to keep your house clean. Irritants and allergens are easily masquerading in your carpet, in your bathroom or on your pet. Other irritants in and around the house include tobacco smoke, smoke from wood-burning appliances or fireplaces, strong odors from perfumes, cleaning agents, air pollution and vapors. Always check local weather to determine the quality of air.

Food

Food allergies can cause a life threatening reaction especially in the case of someone who suffers from asthma. Food allergies should be taken seriously and you should always avoid foods that may contain foods you are allergic too. The most common food allergy is peanuts, however there are several others such as eggs, cow milk, soy, wheat, fish, shrimp, shellfish, salads and fresh fruit. In addition some food preservatives can also trigger an asthma attack as well. Sulfites such as bisulfite, potassium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, potassium metabisulfite, and sodium sulfite are all used in the processing and preparation of foods. It is harder to determine an allergy from food preservatives however any allergic reaction is quick and asthma symptoms are readily noticeable.

Exercise

During exercise the breathing rate increases which causes faster and shallower breathing. Most people when exercising breath through their mouth rather than their nose. This can cause drying of the bronchial tissues and narrowing of the airways. Our nose regulates the moisture and temperature of air before it reaches our lungs. When we breathe through our mouth the air is cooler and goes directly to our lungs, which causes constriction in the airways due to the sensitivity to change in air temperature.

In most people who have exercise-induced asthma, difficulty breathing will appear within the first 5-8 minutes of aerobic exercise. Symptoms should subside over the next 20-30 minutes however it is more than likely that another asthma attack will occur over the next 6-10 hours.

Heartburn, Sinusitis, & Infections

All three of these diseases/disorders are correlated with the occurrence of asthma. When heartburn or acid reflux occurs the acid that backs up into the esophagus can reach the airways, which can irritate the lining causing an asthma attack. During sinusitis there is inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the sinuses which causes more mucus production. When the sinuses inflame the airways tend to follow suit causing an asthma attack. Bacterial or viral infections tend to cause airway constriction due to the increased mucus and inflamed airways. This can cause difficulty breathing, chest pain, and coughing.

Smoking

Everyone knows how bad cigarettes are for you, however any type of smoking, cigars, and pipes can do damage to the lungs and trigger an asthma attack. When you inhale smoke irritants settle in the lining of the airways. It damages the cilia (hair like structures that keep the airways clean) causing dirt, dust and mucus to build up and block the airway. Additionally smoke causes increased mucus production within the lungs. This excess of mucus can trigger an attack at any time.

Medications

Sensitivity to specific medications is higher in people who have asthma. Aspirin sensitivity is the most common however susceptibility to other medication sensitivities is likely. Anti-inflammatories and beta-blockers can cause an asthma attack if the person is sensitive to these medications. Always make your doctor and pharmacist aware of your medication sensitivity before they prescribe any medications.

Emotions

An emotional reaction can also cause an acute asthma attack. When we react to something, we tend to put our whole body into the emotion that we are feeling. This physical reaction can be the trigger that causes an asthma attack. Stress, anxiety, nervousness, crying, yelling, anger, and hard laughter can all trigger asthma attacks. Although it is impossible to avoid your emotions and the way they make you react, it is important to be aware that they can trigger your asthma.

Ignoring the Potential of Asthma Can Prove Disastrous

Ever feel short of breath from little physical activity, despite being in decent shape? Does your child suffer from coughing episodes without any perceivable trigger? You or your loved one may be developing asthma, and should seek asthma testing and consultation for this difficult, but manageable respiratory disease.

For a rudimentary understanding of what asthma is, the classic definition is a chronic inflammatory disease that obstructs airflow due to a variety of triggers and causes. Though prognosis is generally positive, asthma can have debilitating consequences and create serious complications when compounded with other illnesses.

If you do not have asthma, there is a simple exercise to get the feel for what it may be like to struggle with a respiratory disease. Try breathing through a straw for a length of time. The restriction of airflow to your lungs is similar to the constriction of airflow caused by an asthma attack. For the asthmatic, an attack can happen at anytime due to one of several common triggers.

While asthma can be genetic, certain environmental factors or irritants can cause asthma attacks. The most common of these triggers are allergies and air quality. Allergic reactions are immune system response to normally harmless substances, usually through the symptoms shortness of breath and inflammation. Environmental factors include presence of allergens, or the quality of air in regards to irritants such as cigarette smoke and pollen. The combination of all of these factors contributes to the prevalence and severity of asthma and asthma attacks.

If you are concerned that you or a loved one may be asthmatic, scheduling an asthma testing should be the immediate first step in treating the disease. With very simple procedures, today's asthma doctors can run tests that will effectively isolate the allergens that can trigger your respiratory problems in under an hour. Treatments are varied and can include anything from steroidal inhalants that halt inflammation, to injections that weaken allergic reactions that induce asthma attacks.

Being proactive and seeking a consultation is the first step to health and wellness. As stated before, asthma isn't a death sentence; but ignoring asthma can lead to serious health complications. Statistics show that nearly a quarter of emergency room visits are asthma related, and asthma has a hand in over 10,000 deaths every year in the United States. Protect yourself and your family by consulting an asthma doctor about allergy and asthma testing, while it's still manageable.