Relief in the Cupboard: Asthma Home Remedies

If you have asthma, you probably have medications to treat it. On the other hand, you might be the type of person who chooses to treat the condition naturally. That is your right. Interestingly enough, there are asthma home remedies that you may not be aware of that can help asthma attacks and reduce symptoms. This article is intended for information purposes only and is not a recommendation for asthma treatment. Proper medical care is needed, and that can only be obtained from a licensed physician. Despite this, these asthma home remedies often work very well.

The Power of Tea

One of the first drugs used to treat asthma was theophylline. It is actually still used, though rarely. Theophylline comes from tea (camelliea sinensis). Both green and black teas contain this compound and can relieve the symptoms of asthma quickly. Many people find fast relief with a large cup of hot green tea. Only high-quality tea contains enough theophylline to make a difference, so generic tea bags won't necessarily work as asthma home remedies.

Coffee Comes to the Rescue

One of the most popular beverages in the world is coffee. It has a high content of caffeine, which is another compound that can relieve the symptoms of asthma. Caffeine is found in certain over-the-counter asthma remedies along with theophylline, which is mentioned above. This is a handy asthma home remedy that most people have on hand at all times.

Herbs and Spices Are Secret Remedies for Asthma

Would you believe that there are asthma home remedies in your spice cabinet? Common herbs and spices used in cooking can relieve asthma symptoms. In fact, they have been used for centuries for this purpose. These herbs and spices include oregano, thyme, basil, ginger, cumin, anise seed, cloves, mustard seed, mint and cardamom. It is best to use these herbs fresh, but dried herbs will do the trick, too. Just steep a tablespoon in boiling water for 10 minutes and drink it. Oregano, thyme and cumin are probably the best. It may not taste wonderful, but it can work in a pinch (not a serious emergency).

Other Asthma Home Remedies

Some people know about standing next to a very hot shower to relieve the symptoms of an asthma attack. If you don't, here is the surprise: If you have nothing else, go into your bathroom, close the door and stuff a towel underneath the door gap. Turn on the shower to the highest heat level and open the curtain. Sit on the edge of the tub or on the toilet (closed) and breathe in the steam that builds up for as long as you can stand it. It works in most cases. If it does not, dial 911.

Another home remedy is to boil mint leaves in a pot of water and breathe in the steam with a towel covering your head down to the top of the pot. The menthol fumes can open up the bronchi. Again, please note that these methods are not recommended as a cure or treatment. If symptoms worsen, seek medical attention.

Celiac Disease & Asthma Appear to Be Linked - Ease Your Breathing Problems by Eating Gluten Free!

The author of this article has written it because their partner is celiac, and they have asthma. Ever woken up in the middle of the night and not been able to breathe? The thing with asthma is that while it is often hereditary, the onset in modern times often occurs earlier than for the preceding generation, again I have personal experience with this. I started experiencing hay-fever and asthma type symptoms about five years before my father did. I only made the celiac (wheat) / asthma connection a few years ago when after eating meat pies and pasties I found an increase in my mucous as well as an accompanying tightened chest.
 
I have read several blog entries where people with more severe forms of asthma have experienced a much greater asthma attack after ingesting gluten. While this is informative I believe that you the reader are more likely to be persuaded that a link exists by positive medical study results. That is why I have included the following information. The link between celiac disease and asthma has been as difficult to prove as finding the reason celiac disease exists. However some tangible evidence (statistical relationships) have been found.

The majority of articles suggest there is no link between celiac disease and asthma, while anecdotal evidence from celiacs suggests that their asthma increases dramatically after the ingestion of any gluten foods.   For instance, an article by Dr Pradeep Bhandari (Ref 1) says that "Celiac disease and Asthma tend to run in families and the tendency to get these diseases is inherited genetically. However, they are not inter-linked. The tendency to get celiac disease is inherited genetically. It mostly affects people of European descent. It is also more common in families with Diabetes or rheumatoid Arthritis. Something in the environment is necessary to trigger the celiac disease in those who are susceptible. Asthma tends to run in families. A person with a parent who has Asthma is three to six times more likely to develop Asthma than someone who doesn't have a parent with Asthma. But no single gene is responsible for Asthma. Instead, you may inherit a general predisposition to Asthma" Ref 1   However a 2005 study was performed on a population of 86 persons residing in the Maltese Islands in the Mediterranean Sea does suggest some correlation:  

MALTESE RESEARCH 2005 (Ref 2: Ellul P, Vassallo M, Montefort S)  

"Patients previously diagnosed to have CD (based on serological tests and duodenal biopsy) and attending a medical out-patient clinic answered a questionnaire designed to determine whether they had previously been diagnosed to have asthma or allergic rhinitis." Ref 2   "All 86 patients (age range 16-69 [median 43] years; 65 female) answered the questionnaire about CD and asthma. They constituted 21% of the 409 patients with CD in the Maltese islands included in a register kept for controlling free prescription of gluten-free foods." Ref 2   Of 86 respondents, 24 (27.8%; 21 female) had asthma, including 22 with known asthma and 2 with previously undiagnosed asthma; the frequency of asthma in CD patients was higher than that reported in the general Maltese population (11.1%; pThey conclude that their findings suggest that asthma and allergic rhinitis are more common in CD patients than in the general population in Malta. In patients with atopic diseases, index of suspicion for CD should be high.  

The above study clearly shows that asthma symptoms are more prevalent among those people who suffer from celiac disease. It looks like my pie story is gaining weight, all puns intended.

FINNISH study in 2001 (Ref 3: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology)  

This study tested the postulate of whether TH1 and TH2 cells could co-exist. A correlation between these would suggest a correlation between celiac disease and asthma. "Background: Asthma is generally regarded as a disease with strong TH2-type cytokine expression, whereas in autoimmune disorders, such as celiac disease (CD), insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), TH1-type expression is seen. According to the cross-regulatory properties of TH1 and TH2 cells, one would assume that these diseases exist in different patient populations." Ref 3   "Objective: We sought to test the hypothesis that asthma could exist in children with TH1-type diseases, such as CD, IDDM, and RA. Methods: Comparison was made of the cumulative incidence of asthma in children with CD, IDDM, or RA by linking Finnish Medical Birth Register data on the whole 1987 birth cohort (n = 60,254 births) with the data of several national health registers to obtain information on the incidences of these diseases during the first 7 years of life." Ref 3   "Results: The cumulative incidence of asthma in children with CD (24.6%) or RA (10.0%) was significantly higher than in children without CD (3.4%) or RA (3.4%; P T

These data indicate that the TH1 and TH2 diseases can coexist, indicating a common environmental denominator behind the disease processes."  

IMPLICATIONS   While these two studies do not show a causal relationship (proof that one disease causes another), they do suggest that there is a strong correlation between the diseases. That means that if you have celiac disease there is a greater likelihood that you will have asthma. The main 'take home' point from this is that for people who are celiac, or gluten intolerant, and have asthma, that the removal of gluten from their diet is likely to decreases the incidence and severity of their asthma.

With global warming extending the hayfever season over the last several years, the last thing I need is gluten intolerance extending difficulty in breathing to all year round. If you are celiac  or gluten intolerant and asthmatic, this article may help you quit gluten.

Asthma and Scuba Diving - Why the Confusion?

Scuba diving is prohibited for asthma sufferers in some countries but not others. Why? Should asthma sufferers risk ignoring this rule? Either scuba diving is dangerous to an asthma sufferer, or it is safe. Why this confusion?

Insurance Companies Make the Rules
Depending on which country you are in, you may scuba dive to your heart's content -- or not. The simple answer is that insurance companies make the rules. Countries with high insurance coverage are less likely to allow scuba diving for asthma sufferers as they will not be covered for the risk: the fact that most asthma sufferers are at no greater risk than any other person while scuba diving is not considered relevant. Insurance policies work on a hypothetical basis, not necessarily on facts. Stats from last year on scuba diving accidents show that only one of the 5,000 reported was attributed to having had an asthma attack in an underwater environment.

Insurance companies have taken advice from doctors. Doctors base their recommendations on the presumption that if one were to have an asthma attack while under water, he wouldn't know how to breathe. They state "The limiting factor for asthmatics is adequate ventilatory capacity underwater." This is a sweeping statement and is certainly not true for all asthma sufferers. It puts everyone who has asthma into the one category, not taking into account that where asthma is concerned, people's needs and abilities vary hugely.

Asthma is Unique to an Individual
It ignores asthma is unique to each individual, affecting people in different ways. Some people get asthma from being near perfume and are perfectly OK in cold water. Some are triggered by dust while being absolutely fine in dry air. It is impossible to generalize what is likely to cause an asthma attack as no two cases are the same.

The perceived problem is the cold air breathed in by the diver. Then there are individuals who are prone to strong emotions -- they may be in a high state of fear or excitement. These emotions are in the general public and can be controlled drug-free with guidance and practice. Asthma sufferers may look for successful alternative methods for controlling their asthma. Breathing methods have been brought into the mainstream in recent years: research done in Russia has brought relief to millions of people world wide: yoga has helped countless people live full lives again. It would be good to see more conventional medical practitioners become aware of these drug-free benefits. How much effort does it take to look up a website with an alternative solution about how to cure asthma the natural way?

Managing Asthma

Many sufferers look for a range of ways of managing asthma. The condition is not a pleasant one, as many can feel like they cannot breathe, especially when having an attack. It can bring on a great deal of anxiety and worry about the lungs closing up. Below are some of the different techniques that can be used to successfully manage an asthma attack.

Yoga and Asthma

Yoga involves the art of body postures and breathing techniques to promote a better physical and mental health.

Many of the techniques performed can benefit asthma sufferers by expanding the lungs, clearing passages, and strengthening the muscles in the chest.

Asthma and Pregnancy

Most pregnant women manage their asthma in ways similar to those who are not expecting a baby. Doctors will monitor the lungs frequently throughout the pregnancy to ensure mother and baby are getting adequate amounts of oxygen.

Triggers should be avoided to prevent the onset of an asthma attack. Fetal movements during an attack need to be monitored carefully to ensure there is no damage or distress to the growing fetus.

Getting a flu vaccination during the winter season is highly recommended for asthma sufferers who are pregnant.

Increase Your Health

Taking up a sport which you enjoy is one of the best ways of managing asthma.

One of my friends has suffered with asthma for many years and refused to exercise, until a severe asthma attack and only then did she take up a sport which she now finds to be of great benefit.

Sports

While some may think that sports are ineffective in treating asthma,there are actually many activities that a sufferer can participate in that can help them to breathe better.

Volleyball, baseball, and wrestling require short periods of exertion, making them less strenuous on the lungs. Also, basketball, soccer, netball and running are recommended, as they are long endurance sports.

Swimming is beneficial to asthma sufferers due to the fact that the sport is conducted in a moist environment acceptable to suffers asthma.

Asthma Medications

Anti-inflammatory drugs are the most common type of medication given to asthma sufferers. These medicines help to alleviate mucus in the airways and reduce swelling of the bronchial tubes. This will help prevent attacks by allowing the lungs to be less susceptible to the triggers that create them.

Asthma inhalers are also used to treat asthma, as they can help to keep the airways from constricting, making it easier to breathe.

Managing asthma can be easily achieved if the proper strategies are used. As I have mentioned earlier, yoga is a great form of exercise that helps strengthen the lungs and prevent asthma attacks.

Knowing the Difference of Asthma and Bronchitis

Bronchitis has some similar symptoms with other lung problems such as asthma. If you don't recognize it accurately you might end up giving the wrong home treatment to your child or even yourself.

When you are out if breath, have a hard time breathing or coughing a lot the first thing you would do is to try out whatever home remedies that you know. The question is, is it the right remedy?

You might think you are experiencing asthma so you may just depend on your inhaler. What you don't know is that you might already be suffering from acute bronchitis and need some cough syrup or other medicine for the relief of your symptoms.

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the air passages that leads to your lungs from your throat. It can either be acute or chronic. These passages are called bronchi or bronchioles.

When these structures are inflamed there is heavy formation of phlegm on the bronchial tubes and air passage is restricted. This means the lungs give out and receive lass air than it should.

Acute bronchitis normally results from a flu or viral infections and is short term. Initial stage is seen as having flu like symptoms such as sore throat, runny nose with only mild fever. Cough is observed after a couple of days.

Asthma however do not present with flu like symptoms at the onset of the illness. Both are observed with wheezing sounds except that it is much worse in an asthma attack. Spasm in the air passages are also noted more in people with asthma.

With bronchitis the chief complaint is regularly wet coughing. Asthma on the other hand is seen with dry cough and not as severe as that of bronchitis. It chief complaint would be wheezing and difficulty breathing.

With an acute bronchitis, symptoms seen for a short period, 10 days or so. Asthma is longer and it is recurrent. Bronchitis do respond to antibiotics unless it is viral while an inhaler is all it takes for an asthma attack.

Bronchitis can be caused by a bacterial or a viral infection. Chronic bronchitis though is brought about by smoking, environmental factors. If it is chronic it is unlikely to be contagious. The acute ones can spread though.

Knowing which illness you have is important. The two may be similar in some form but may require different treatment. Both exhibit inflammation of the airways so diagnosing it accurately is hard.

When not sure the best thing to do is go to your physician. Make sure you are giving the correct symptoms and do not confuse things for an accurate diagnosis.

While bronchitis has two forms, acute and chronic, both are characterized by severe coughing. Asthma on the other hand is by difficulty in breathing and excessive wheezing sound during breathing.

Knowing all these differences can help you give initial treatment to yourself or to your child.

Asthma - Effective Yet Affordable Treatment - 8 Ways to Save Money

Asthma treatment often costs thousands of dollars a year - more than many patients can afford. With brand-name controller drugs costing $200 per month, what's a person to do?

Here are 8 tips for effective yet affordable treatment. Let's begin with a story.

My sister, an asthma sufferer, once got a guinea pig for her son.

Loving mother that she is, she didn't complain when, days later, she found she couldn't breathe. Nor did she grumble when her medications stopped working. Nor did she fuss when her doctor put her on steroids and she gained thirty pounds.

Gasping and groaning, she did what mothers do, and cared for the guinea pig, day in and day out.

At Christmas she came for a visit. "Isn't there anything to make my asthma better?" she implored.

"Get rid of the guinea pig," I replied.

She looked at me as if I'd killed her firstborn. But six months later she put the guinea pig outside and - voila! - her asthma improved.

Yes, she learned a lesson - two in fact. Don't put the guinea pig on the deck in July...

That's #1. Substitute cat, dog, horse, rat, camel, etc. for guinea pig.

#2. Check online for coupons. You're already online anyway. Zip on over to the we site for Proventil HFA, Ventolin HFA, Advair, Symbicort, or Singulair for hundreds of dollars in free samples and savings on refills

#3. Consider Ventolin ReliOn. If you're paying full price for your albuterol, ask your doctor for this $9, 60-dose brand-name albuterol inhaler instead. True, it will take three of these to equal one standard albuterol inhaler, but still that's only $27, half the price of a full-sized inhaler. Even insured patients may find this a savings - easily hundreds of dollars a year. It is currently only available through Wal-Mart and Target pharmacies.

#4. Patient Assistance Programs. If you're uninsured, and make under $45,000 for a single person, or under $90,000 for a family of four, check out the Together Rx Acess program online. Asthma medications covered under this program include Advair, Azmacort, Serevent, and Flovent, for free or reduced cost, with potential savings of hundreds of dollars a year.

#5. Ask for medications on the $4 list. These include albuterol syrup, tablets, and nebulizer solution; ipratropium nebulizer solution, oral corticosteroids, and antibiotics. Discount chain pharmacies offer a long list of generic medications for only $4 a month, or $10 for three months. These could save you hundreds of dollars a year over name-brand drugs.

#6. Consider theophylline. Before inhaled steroids, before Singulair, before ipratropium, there was theophylline, the mainstay of asthma therapy. This medication is still available, is quite inexpensive, and is effective for many patients. There are drawbacks - drug interactions, need for periodic blood monitoring, jitteriness and nausea in some patients, concerns with overdose - BUT for patients on a budget it is a consideration, and can save hundreds of dollars a year over newer therapies.

#7. Have your doctor prescribe a nebulizer. Why would you spend $100 when you want to save money? Because the medication used in a nebulizer is so cheap. Both albuterol and ipratropium nebulizer solutions are on the $4 list, cheaper than hand-held metered-dose inhalers. Your doctor may not be aware of this, so be sure to bring it up. Substituting home nebulizer treatments for some doses of an inhaler may save you hundreds of dollars annually. You will still want to keep a rescue inhaler handy, however, for when you are not near your nebulizer.

#8. Stop at Starbucks. Drink a cup of coffee - not decaf. Caffeine is one of the metabolites of theophylline (#6 above), and has similar, though weaker, bronchodilator action. Caffeinated tea works as well. Many a time a midnight asthma attack has been ameliorated with a little java. This does not mean you shouldn't have a rescue inhaler on hand. But if you're stuck overnight in an airport and don't have one with you, load up on caffeine. Save hundreds of dollars a year by stopping at McDonald's for coffee instead.

No one should have to choose between their next meal or their next breath. Use these ideas to afford medication to keep your asthma symptoms under control. Why not take this article with you to your next doctor appointment? Your physician will want to help you along the path to excellent yet affordable health care.

Copyright 2010 Cynthia J. Koelker, M.D.

How to Treat Asthma Fast, Effectively, and Naturally

There are several methods on how to treat asthma. It's a condition that has concerned parents and children and even adults ever since the dawn of civilization.

In Ancient Egypt they found inscriptions in papyrus detailing at least 700 concoctions of different varieties that they thought could cure asthma. One of these remedies included gathering several herbs, burning them on top of clay bricks and making the person who is suffering from asthma inhale the smoke.

Now, modern technology and science has given us several medications, formulations and even gadgets when it comes to curing asthma. They can be both expensive and the contraptions could be highly hideous.

You've probably seen coworkers, acquaintances and children with these asthma gadgets. In the middle of a conversation they'd suddenly gasp for air, reach in their pockets and bring out a thing which looks like a white pipe and then suck on it like their lives depended on it. It's a rather unappealing and sometimes shocking solution to a problem.

What if there was something that was just as effective in alleviating the same symptoms and practically look more elegant? One could only surmise about the existence of such a solution until you've come across this article. Because there already is.

Before we go to the solution on how to treat asthma, here are some natural and safe ingredients that have been known to alleviate the symptoms induced by asthma:

1. Urtica Urens
2. Sticta Pulmonaria
3. Sambucus Nigra
4. Quebracho
5. Natrum Sulphuricum
6. Mercurius Corrosivus
7. Lung Porcine

These are but a few of the many natural ingredients that alleviate asthma symptoms. These ingredients have been medically proven to alleviate asthma symptoms, bronchitis, constriction of chest, difficulty in breathing, shallow breathing, uncontrollable shaking, dry coughs, inflammation of the larynx, suffocation and even chest pains.

These all natural ingredients when combined together to make a formulation that could be sprayed orally. Now, we're not talking about hideous looking pump action breathalyzers here, we're talking about sprays. By doing so, you reduce the psychological reluctance often associated with gadgets that you have to put in your mouth.

Why is that so important?

Because in treating asthma, we not only treat the symptoms themselves, we also treat the effects of these symptoms which is mainly the lesser quality of life given by the condition. People see asthmatics as physically weak people who rely on gadgets to breathe.

Disc
Now with a natural spray solution that you would take like a breath freshener, you not only address the symptoms, you also treat the psychological effect. The best way on how to treat asthma is a holistic approach that addresses all the ramifications that the condition could give. It's time to go natural and look confident doing it.

Don't Wait - Plan For An Asthma Attack Now!

Learning you have asthma is bad enough, but have you thought about what to do when having an asthma attack?

Asthma usually gives you a warning when it's about effect your breathing. There are several pre-symptoms. Watch for a feeling of tightness in the chest. Unusual wheezing and coughing should get your attention. Even restlessness while trying to sleep is another early signals that an asthma attack may be on its way. If you train yourself to watch for these conditions your will find that you usually have enough time to prepare for or even prevent the asthma attack.

When you feel the attack coming don't just sit there! Swing into action. Here are some "fight back" tips:

1) You must have prepared an asthma attach action plan that you can quickly put into action anytime you feel an attack is coming.

2) An asthma attack is usually a high stress situation, but you should at least try to stay calm and put your plan into action. First of all... Make sure you take the correct medications - do not mistake prevention drug with an asthma reliever remedy. Prevention medications have little or no effect in relieving an attack... or they work much to slowly.

3) The best way to be sure you correctly identify your medications is to mark your inhalers with different colors. For example: A blue inhaler for normal prevention, and red inhaler for emergency-use relief. By making these advanced preparations there is less chance you will grab the wrong treatment at the wrong time. You will be prepared for whatever asthma throws at you.

4) Relax and slow your breathing! This is not an easy task, but with enough training you can concentrate and control your breath even during an asthma attack. Practice your breathing exercises under normal conditions, to make sure you can do them when you're tense during an attack.

What to do when having an asthma attack - relaxed breathing

As mentioned above, during an asthma attack and after taking medication you should begin your relaxation exercises. Start by sitting comfortably in a chair. Then clear you mind and concentrate on relaxing. Visualize the tension leaving your shoulders and neck.

It is important to control your breathing and not to gasp for air. Maintain your concentration and try to slow your breathing a little. A good technique is to inhale through your nose, and exhale through your mouth.

Try using a pursed-lip breathing technique. It can help you control your breathing. Do that until any breathless feeling subsides and finally disappears. It's not uncommon to feel dizzy while doing this. Just try to rest between breaths.

What to do when having an asthma attack - when things going wrong

Now let's cover what to do when you are having an asthma attack and you can't get relief. Despite using the proper medicine and exercises your asthma attack only seems to get worse. If your effort to breathe becomes extremely labored, or if you struggle with an asthma attack for longer than usual and you just don't seem to be getting better, consider the following:

1) Call your doctor. It is wise to have the doctor's phone number written somewhere close at hand or preprogrammed into your telephone's memory. Having your doctor's phone number stored (or even programmed for fast dial) in your cellular phone is also a good idea. Make sure you can call your doctor anywhere you are. Don't worry of all this seems a bit paranoid. You should always hope for the best, but plan for the worst.

2) Your attack may be so severe that there is just not time to try and get in touch with your doctor and then travel to his or her's office. In this situation it is best to immediately head for the nearest hospital emergency room. This should be a part of your asthma attack plan. You should know the exact location of at least one emergency facility and the fastest way to get there. If you don't have a car you should have the number of a friend or taxi company ready to use.

3) Finally... be ready to call for an ambulance. They can get to you in a matter of minutes and they will be ready to give your asthma attack immediate attention. This is another situation that should be included in your plan. You should have done the research to learn if you should call the ambulance directly, or call 911 and let that emergency service arrange for the ambulance.

When you think "What to do when having an asthma attack"... you should be able to immediately turn to your plan and put it into action. Your best defense against an asthma attack is a well prepared plan.

Exercises That Are Good For Asthma

Patients often question doctors about exercise and asthma, wondering if it is safe to perform activities that increase their breathing rate. Whatever activities you might consider undertaking, inform your physician first.

Certain physical conditions may cause your caregiver to limit extensive exercise programs. Your doctor can advise you as to what activities are best suited for your particular situation.

As a general rule, activities that do not require long periods of exertion are fine for asthmatic individuals. Sports like baseball and volleyball are good choices as movements come in short bursts of energy.

Wrestling and gymnastics fall into this form of quick and short exertions. Depending on the stamina of the individual, aerobics, biking, running on a treadmill or walking can be beneficial, too.

Although swimming is a sport that requires high exertion and endurance, it may be okay for asthmatics if the conditions are right. If the swimming environment is warm, the moist air seems to be beneficial.

An asthma sufferer is perfectly capable of belonging to a gym and doing typical bodybuilding exercises, as these can be short bursts of energy and the amount of exertion can be controlled.

Cold weather sports are usually less pursued due to infections that may occur and lead to negative results. Skiing, ice hockey, and ice-skating are not usually good matches for asthma sufferers. Other high endurance activities such as soccer, basketball, field hockey, and distance running should only be attempted sparingly, if at all.

Some concerns that must be addressed whenever asthmatics plan to exert themselves or exercise include use of an asthma inhaler before beginning the activity. If the weather is cold, he or she should wear a mask over the nose and mouth or just perform all the exercises inside a conditioned area. As is important for anyone doing exercises, a warm-up and cool-down session should be implemented each time a workout program is attempted.

Those who have allergic asthma should not exercise outside during periods when the pollen count is high or if there are high levels of air pollution. Anytime a person has a viral infection, he or she should not exercise or overly exert. Additionally, no one should overexert himself or herself by attempting to reach a level that is above their current abilities.

If an attack occurs during an exercise, you should stop and repeat the use of the inhaler. When the attack subsides, a second attempt at the activity can be attempted. A repeat of the attack should be an indication to stop the exercise and contact your physician before attempting the activity again.

Exercise should be part of everyone's life, whether he or she is asthmatic or not. The amount and intensity of exercise must be adjusted to capability and stamina. Exercise and asthma can co-exist if certain protective measures are implemented in the overall plan.

Different Types Of Asthma, The Causes And Remedies

Asthma is an illness where irritants cause inflammation of the bronchial tubes, as they become very sensitive, and thus making it difficult to breath. Contraction of the muscles around the wind pipe can be a result of this inflammation. The inflammation can also cause excessive mucus in the air passage as well as swelling of the lining may occur if its an airway inflammation.

Age is not a factor as far as asthma is concerned though it's notable that around 50 percent of the cases initiate in children below the age of 10. And among these children around 65 percent are boys compared to only 35 percent girls. It is one of the chief culprits as far as respiratory illness among teenagers and children are concerned. Though its observed that the condition may improve with age. 17 million American citizens are asthma patients according to estimation.

Asthma is a lung disease which can be reversed either with treatment or it may heal spontaneously. Obstruction or constriction of the airway is the characteristics of Asthma. Lack of breathe called dyspnea and mild wheezing constitute the moderate symptoms of asthma while fatal respiratory failures are the grave symptom. The mild symptoms may occur before a serious attack.

People suffering from asthma face difficulty breathing out but can breathe in without any problem. During inhalation the diaphragm lowers pushing the ribs out and thus enlarging the lungs to let air around any blockage. But during exhalation when the rib cage closes in, the diaphragm moves up obstructing the air from moving around the blockage.

Two types of asthma

Intrinsic asthma and extrinsic asthma are the two types of asthma. When allergy to some kind of external material causes asthma its called extrinsic. And when an obvious external agent is not identifiable it is called intrinsic asthma.

Substances like dust, pollens, dander, food, molds, feather pillows, some types of food additives etc may cause spontaneous allergic reaction in some children which may be a beginning of extrinsic asthma. It is a hereditary disorder called atopy where the body has an inclination for allergic reactions.

An intrinsic asthma usually follows a serious respiratory infection to which no external allergen can be associated. An intrinsic asthma condition may worsen due to emotional stress, changes in temperature or humidity, fatigue, irritants, exposure to fumes and gases etc. some people may be patients of intrinsic as well as extrinsic asthma.

All asthma attacks are not of the same degree. The oxygen supply to the critical organs may get severely affected due to closing of the airways in a serious asthma attack. This may lead to a medical emergency condition. Severe asthma attacks are known to be the reason for many deaths. An asthma attack gives a person a sensation similar to drowning.
Actions like medication or other remedies can be used to prevent an asthma attack if the asthma symptoms and its warning signs are learnt.

There may be long phases of time when an asthma patient either shows very few and feeble symptoms of asthma or doesn't show any at all. But asthma attacks can also be seen to last for prolonged periods.

The cough may sound dry and stretched during a severe attack. A a thick mucus is expectorated as the attack abates. Small children don't produce the mucus after an attack. The breathing is normal between severe attacks.

In symptomatic asthma it is typical for the breathing sound to get reduced. Also forced exhalation for long periods is typical of air passage blockage. Lung hyperinflation is usually very common in children. Tachypnea, tachycardia and diaphoresis may coincide with severe attack. The patient may not be able to speak without pausing to catch a breath after every few words. Initial signs of respiratory failure are lethargy, confusion and darkening (purple or blue) of the skin due to lack of oxygen called as Cyanosis.

Possible asthma remedies

Various drugs like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin may initiate an asthma attack. Even chemicals like Tartazine (yellow food dye) can cause an asthma attack. Heavy work and exercise may cause huge loss of moisture and heat in the upper airways. This may be followed by bronchospasm leading to exercise induced attack. Even exercise can be an attack initiator.

When treating severe asthma patients the target is to address the symptoms like coughing, wheezing, inflammation, airway swelling, lack of breath and lower them while an attempt is made to increase the pulmonary ventilation. Following a severe attack the treatment usually is focused on addressing the initiating factors like the irritants or the allergens in the environment.

In a process similar to vaccination, asthma may be treated by injecting the patient with limited amount of the antigen causing the attack when the cause of the asthma is identified as a particular toxin, bacterium, virus or other substance foreign to the body. This way the response of the immune system to the antigen is brought under control.

Got Asthma? A Whole House Air Cleaner May Help

Studies have shown that the air in most homes loaded is loaded with pollutants like dust, mold spores, bacteria, chemical vapors from cleaning products and more-and there is a connection between these pollutants and the increase in asthma symptoms we've been seeing over the past few years. Buying an deluxe air purifier for every room, however, can be very expensive. Is there a way to reduce asthma symptoms and make sure you're breathing clean air and wherever you are in your house? Yes, there is. It's called a whole house air cleaning system.

The best whole house air filtration systems are those that attach directly to your home air conditioner or furnace ducts, and include both HEPA filters and a good amount of activated carbon. The HEPA filter removes particles 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns, and the carbon filter removes chemical vapors, gases, and odors, leaving the air coming out of the vents in your whole house clean and free of pollutants. Cleaning the air in your whole house can really make a difference for those with asthma, help them sleep better, and greatly reduce the risk of going into a room or area of the house where the air is not filtered and having an asthma attack. Deluxe whole house air purification systems are usually priced around $1200-1500, which is a lot cheaper than buying a top rated portable air purifier at $600-700 each for 5 or 6 rooms. And with a whole house system, you won't have to drag an air cleaner from room to room to make sure the air is filtered.

All full home air purification systems are not the same, however, and there are several things to watch out for. First, make sure the unit is from a manufacturer with good ratings, testimonials, and warranties, a company you can trust, such as Aller Air for example. Aller Air is top rated in every category, especially for those with asthma or other respiratory issues. Second, make sure the unit does have a true HEPA filter, not 'HEPA style'. HEPA style filters do not fully remove particles from the air and it's often those particles that cause an asthma attack. Third, make sure the air cleaner has an activated carbon filter, with several pounds of quality carbon. Fourth, don't buy a full house system with electronic pollutant sensors that turn the unit on or off-you want your whole house air purifier working any time the air conditioner is on. There are a lot more vapors and gases in your home than you think, and this type of carbon filtration can easily remove them. Most people notice is a big difference in breathing ability, sleeping comfort and overall reduction in asthma symptoms in as little as 24-48 hours after installing a whole house air cleaner. If you have asthma, do yourself a favor and try a full home air filtration system. It may even reduce trips to the doctor and medication costs.

Treatment And Solutions For Asthma

Asthma is now becoming one of the major health problems affecting people around the world. Asthma is a chronic, treatable disease that causes narrowing of airways in the lungs in response to allergens, making it difficult to breathe at times. When not treated properly it can interfere with the daily life of the patient and cause breathing complications and even lead to death. Assessing and monitoring the condition is the first important step towards treating asthma.

The specific medical treatment for asthma depends on the severity of the condition and the frequency of symptoms. Specific treatments for asthma are broadly classified as relief medications, preventive medications and emergency treatment. Bronchodilators are recommended for short-term relief for all patients. Patients with mild occasional attacks need no other medication. For people with mild persistent attacks, low-dose glucocorticoids, a mastcell stabilizer or leukotriene modifiers are to be taken in addition to relievers. In severe asthmatics oral glucocorticoids may be added to these treatments during attacks.

Asthmatics must also identify the triggers that cause the allergic reaction in them and find ways to reduce or eliminate them. Asthma is very strongly associated with air pollution, which causes the condition to worsen in asthmatics.

While the medications can sometimes help control the symptoms of asthma, it is often a temporary measure only and does not address the root cause. Besides these prescription drugs can cause side effects such as fatigue, dizziness, depression, impotence, liver damage and more. That is why more and more patients now are choosing natural medicines that address the root cause, over pharmaceutical drugs that trick the body's immune response system. The task in case of asthma is to strengthen the weak body systems and soothe and calm the hyperactive systems. This is done by substances called catalysts.

Natural medications provide natural organic catalysts to the body that restore balance in the system and thereby eliminate all the symptoms without any side effects. Breathing techniques such as pranayam, buteyko and yoga practices also are helpful as they naturally help the breathing and the general well-being of patients. Nutritional supplements and good diet will help improve the immune response and the overall health of the patients. Asthma sufferers should try to manage their condition as much as possible with complementary therapies to avoid further stressing their immune system with drug residues.

Asthma, Anxiety, Dust Allergy, Snoring, and Hayfever - What Do They Have in Common?

All these conditions tend to have one thing in common: Overbreathing. Over-breathing is sometimes so severe, it is generally recognized as hyperventilation.

The Russian Dr Buteyko carried out very thorough scientific research and made some very interesting findings.

Basically, this is how it works. We are designed to breathe in and out through our nose and using our diaphragm (lower down near your tummy). When we breathe in or out through our mouth and using the upper part of our chest, then we get too much oxygen in our airways. Dr Buteyko found that we need a certain amount of carbon dioxide in our airways.

When we have too much oxygen, we have too little carbon dioxide. As a result, the whole of our body chemistry changes. We also get far more trapped particles (like pollen or dust) in our airways; and those of us who are sensitive will react accordingly.

The volume of air a normal healthy person breathes in one minute is between three and six litres of air. Dr Buteyko's 40-years of scientific research, plus scientific trials at the Mater Hospital in Brisbane and the Gisborne Hospital in New Zealand, discovered that an asthmatic breathes each minute about ten to twenty litres! And when having an asthma attack, an asthmatic can breathe over twenty litres. That is more than three times as much as the most that a normal healthy person breathes!

And anyone going through an anxiety or panic attack can identify with the following symptoms caused by over-breathing. These include chest pain and palpitations in the heart (often mistaken for a heart attack when an adult gets a big panic attack for the first time), light-headedness, a feeling that something terrible is about to happen, a headache or migraine, numbness of the hands and feet, and sweaty palms.

And notice how anyone simulating snoring deliberately opens their mouth. That is because an open mouth is typical when someone snores. But an open mouth exacerbates over-breathing and so exacerbates snoring. Anyone who sleeps with a partner that snores can do with lower decibels. When the partner's snoring is at a minimum, a blissful night's sleep is possible for both people concerned.

One simple way of correcting the over-breathing and body's biochemistry is to train in the correct breathing. You can see a Buteyko practitioner, or if budget or travel gets in the way, you can learn the Buteyko method from a good book, eBook or DVD.

Asthma Information - Special Types Of Asthma

A few types of asthma are special because they are caused due to certain special conditions. There are mainly four such special conditions that are well recognised by doctors. These can be described as:

Exercise Induced Asthma: As the name suggests this is the difficulty in breathing and asthma like situation induced after heavy exercise. The intensity and duration of any exercise depends upon the endurance and the physical conditioning of an individual. Many asthmatics are capable of exercising for longer durations of time as well as even during an attack. But others must stop immediately at the onset of the attack. This would therefore depend completely on individual discretion.

During the normal exercise routine the bronchial tubes open or dilate to improve the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. This is mainly attributed to release of adrenalin into the system because of the exercise. This is because during exercise a person mainly needs more oxygen, but when a person suffering with asthma exercises exactly the opposite situation manifests.

The bronchial tubes tighten and constrict instead of dilating. So within a very short span of exercising the asthmatic person starts to cough and wheeze. In some cases it is seen the person develops the symptoms of coughing and wheezing only after several hours of exercising. This is called delayed exercise induced asthma. It is seen that most of the exercise induced asthma attacks subside within a few minutes even if they are left untreated. The maximum duration of an attack lasting is generally not more than thirty to sixty minutes.

Several factors influence exercise induced asthma. These may be the type of exercise and also the type of weather conditions that are there. It is seen that the disease troubles people more when they exercise in cold and dry climates. Running may be a more troublesome activity than swimming and bicycling.

Hidden Asthma: Everyone who suffers with asthma may not have more obvious symptoms of coughing and wheezing. Sometimes people only have shortness of breath, tightness of chest or just a nagging cough. Many people suffer with undiagnosed cough and it is seen that one in three of them has undiagnosed asthma.

This is called cough variant asthma. This kind of cough is different from normal cough. It is usually more irritating. It gets triggered off with cold weather and exertion due to exercise. It is very nagging in nature and can wake a person from deep sleep. Most people with hidden asthma sooner or later develop symptoms of full blown asthma.

Patients of hidden asthma may have difficulty in getting their condition diagnosed and treated properly. Very often they are treated with antihistamines, cough medicines, decongestants and antibiotics. This is mainly because their cough is not accompanied with wheezing. Patients with hidden asthma usually respond quite well to the basic asthma medications. Usually the most important symptom here is coughing during sleep and exercise. Wheezing may not be a symptom at all. So if someone coughs repeatedly during sleep and upon exertion it is best for him to get himself checked for hidden asthma.

Aspirin Sensitive Asthma: Some adult patients of asthma react badly to the most frequently taken drug in the world that is aspirin. They have ten times more possibility of developing an allergic reaction to it. The patients with aspirin sensitive asthma generally have a situation of runny nose at the start of the disease. The nasal discharge is generally very heavy and continues for about one or two years.

Thereafter patients lose the sense of smell or taste and develop grape like growths called the nasal polyps in the nose. In due course of time they develop full blown asthma and most of them experience a very serious attack just after taking aspirin. The patients who are diagnosed with nasal polyps should therefore be very careful and avoid the use of aspirin completely. They should not wait for their body to react before they take measures to avoid aspirin. Aspirin sensitivity is very rare in children.

Drugs that are similar to aspirin in nature or function are also best avoided by such patients. These drugs are generally termed as non steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). These are non steroidal drugs that reduce pain and inflammation. These are widely used to treat musculo-skeletal disorders. If a patient does need them they have to be first desensitized by taking very small monitored doses of aspirin. This has to be done under the supervision of doctors.

Occupational Asthma: Asthma that is caused by substances that are present in one's workplace is called occupational asthma. It is a disease that is a by-product of development of industry and modern sciences. The triggers of occupational asthma are of both allergic and non-allergic types. Some factory workers develop the disease soon after reporting to work on a Monday morning. They may often start coughing and wheezing and may also develop flu like situations. This condition is often termed as Monday morning blues. Some workers may develop symptoms only after a few days of the week pass or towards the end of the week.

Best HEPA Air Purifiers For Children With Asthma Revealed

No parent wants to see their child suffering. Asthma and the risk of asthma attacks is a great source of worry for many people. Removing the triggers in the home that can cause an attack is the best thing a parent can do for a child suffering with asthma. An air purifier can remove all sorts of allergens and particles from the air in the home and a HEPA air filter is ideal for asthma sufferers as it removes 99.97% of all particles. In this article we will see the types of air cleaners that serve the purpose best to help to choose the best HEPA air purifier for children with asthma.

An air purifier is a device that basically does one thing: draw air from a room, clean it and send it back into circulation. It sucks the air in using a fan and removes contaminants such as dust, pollen, dust mites, and other allergens, which trigger asthma in children.

One type of purifier that uses the filter method is the High Efficiency Particulate Absorbing or HEPA air purifier. HEPA filters are basically made of fiberglass fibers that are arranged randomly. All HEPA filters must meet the HEPA standard which states that it requires the removal of at least 99.97% of pollutants or particles that are as small as 0.3 microns in size. Purifiers that meet the HEPA standard are labelled as 'true HEPA'. Any appliance labelled 'HEPA-like', '99% HEPA' or 'HEPA-type' does not meet this standard and would not be the best purifier for children with asthma.

The Hunter QuietFlo and HEPAtech models are both popular true HEPA filters that offer superb air filtration of allergens and other particles.

IQAir is one of the leading manufacturers of air purifiers and their HealthPro Compact and HealthPro Plus models are amongst the best HEPA air purifiers for children with asthma.

The majority of children with asthma are allergic to pet dander, pollen, mold and dust mites. By eliminating these in your home, you remove the possible asthma triggers so that your child can relax, play and sleep in their own home without the risk of another terrifying asthma attack.

Common Asthma Attack Symptoms - Learn to Identify Common Asthma Symptoms

Asthma attack symptoms may vary according to individuals. With the proper guidance from health professionals, these symptoms, if not avoided, can be prevented. As soon as early signs of these symptoms are detected, action plans should be taken early so needful treatments can be applied.

Asthma attack symptoms are easily recognized. Among these symptoms include the increase in urination, thirstiness, and irritation of the throat and nose. These symptoms commonly occur before asthma attacks. However, not all asthmatic persons would experience similar severity of symptoms. Just the same, it may always vary depending on the peculiar pattern of the early signs of symptoms. If not properly treated, these symptoms can lead to severe distress of the respiratory system.

Among the common asthma attack symptoms that are identified, are shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing. Exhaling and wheezing are the actual symptoms seen during an asthma attack. These symptoms begin with rapid breathing whereas the respiratory airways of the person are tightened and constricted. During the attack, all the breathing muscles inside the body will become visibly active.

Chest pain or tightness is usually the first asthma attack symptoms experienced by an asthmatic person. It normally happens to about 75% of the asthmatic population. Its intensity may depend on the kind of asthma that the person has.

A cough is usually marked at the end of every asthma attack where the cough is producing stringy and thick mucus. If the asthma attack is acute, then the inflammation inside the respiratory airways can only persist for about a few days or even several weeks.

Lethargy is also one of those common asthma attack symptoms. It refers to the feeling of tiredness, which is quite usual for asthmatic persons. It is the result of some sleep patterns that are interrupted, availability of oxygen to the blood and body tissues, and building up of muscular lactic acid, which then result in generalized fatigue of the muscles.

Asthma - Status Asthmaticus

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder in which a person experiences difficulty in breathing, accompanied by wheezing and a "tight" chest. Additional symptoms can be a dry cough and vomiting (usually in children). An asthma attack may start suddenly; the fear and worry that this causes can prolong the attack.

Question: What causes asthma attacks?

Asthma attacks are caused by a narrowing of the small bronchial tubes in the lungs. The most common kind of asthma (allergic bronchial asthma) is caused by an allergic reaction. Many pollens, molds, dusts (especially dust containing the house mite), and animal hair and dander can cause allergic-type asthma attacks.

Asthmatic symptoms are sometimes associated with hay fever. Infection in the respiratory system, exposure to cold, exercise, fatigue, irritating fumes, and certain emotional and psychological states can all trigger an asthma attack. These conditions may also serve as secondary factors that increase the severity or frequency of attacks. Asthma from these causes may occur in people who have no history of allergic reactions, as well as in those who do.

Question: How does asthma interfere with breathing?

Air passes through the lungs via tubes (called bronchi) and smaller vessels (bronchioles). With asthma, the smaller bronchi and bronchioles become swollen and clogged with mucus, and the muscles surrounding the bronchioles contract so that the air that should pass through is unable to do so. The body reacts to the lack of oxygen, and the patient forces more and more air into the lungs. But, because of the blockages, there is difficulty in exhaling it. The wheezing noise is caused by air being forcibly exhaled through the narrowed bronchi.

Question: How long does an asthma attack last?

An attack of asthma may last for a few minutes, but most go on for several hours. A severe, prolonged attack (a form of asthma known as status asthmaticus) may last for a number of hours or even days. A person with status asthmaticus requires hospitalization.

Question: What immediate help can be given to a person suffering from asthma?

With more severe attacks it is important that the patient sit up-right, either in a chair or in bed, propped up by pillows. A table in front of the patient is useful; this can be grasped and the arm muscles used to assist breathing. A patient is rarely hungry, but should be encouraged to drink large amounts of liquids. Bronchial dilator inhalants from aerosol cans may be helpful in relaxing the muscles of the bronchioles. These are available by prescription and must be used according to a physician's direction. Severe episodes of asthma require immediate medical attention.

Question: How does a physician treat asthma between attacks?

The goal is to prevent an attack by keeping the bronchi and bronchioles from becoming narrowed. Theophylline, or such adrenergic drugs as epinephrine and isoproterenol, can relieve bronchospasms and, thus, help to prevent bronchial obstruction. (These drugs can also be used during an asthma attack.) Corticosteroids may be useful for short-term relief in severe cases. A new type of inhalant drug, cromolyn sodium (disodium cromoglycate or DSCG), has also proven successful in preventing asthmatic attacks in some persons. The proper drug or combination of drugs will depend upon the prescribing physician as well as the course of the disorder.

Question: What is the treatment for severe asthma (status asthmaticus)?

An attack of status asthmaticus requires hospitalization and urgent treatment. Some drug treatments are best administered as a mist through a breathing apparatus. Strong bronchodilators can relieve the attack by relaxing the spasms in the bronchioles. In this situation the patient may be attached to a mechanical respirator to aid breathing.

Question: Apart from taking the appropriate drugs, what other precautions can be taken to prevent an asthma attack?

Several simple measures can reduce the risk of attack. The appropriate medication should be taken prior to events known to trigger an episode-before exercise, for example. A person with allergic asthma should sleep in a room without carpets or rugs. Blankets and pillows of synthetic fiber reduce the risk of house dust and mites. In dry climates, a humidifier can be used to increase the moisture content of the air in the room.

For patients in whom asthma is caused by respiratory infection, breathing exercises may be of value. A respiratory therapist can teach the patient the most appropriate ones. These exercises are not only a psychological help in preventing an attack, but when a minor respiratory infection does occur, the lungs should function more efficiently. An asthmatic patient should seek medical advice promptly when suffering from a respiratory infection.

Question: Are there any complications involved with chronic asthma?

Because so much air is held in the lungs during an asthma attack, the air sacs (alveoli) can become so stretched that the cell walls may tear. This damage causes a gradual loss of elasticity in the lungs and can lead to the condition known as emphysema. If the patient coughs too much, the surface of a lung may burst, causing the air to escape into the cavity that encloses the lung (pleural cavity). This condition is known as a pneumothorax.

Other complications can arise from the mucous secretions that do not drain properly during an asthma attack. This can lead to bronchitis and sometimes bronchial pneumonia. Frequent attacks may result in chronic bronchitis.

Question: What other disorders might be confused with asthma?

A disorder mistakenly known as cardiac asthma has symptoms similar to asthma (gasping for breath, a "tight" chest), but is actually a type of heart disease. Immediate medical attention is required.

Question: Can asthma be cured completely?

Asthma cannot be cured. The possibility of future attacks can, however, be minimized by drugs and other preventives, but if a person is disposed to asthma, there is always a chance that an attack will occur.

Question: Is asthma common in children?

Asthma is fairly common in childhood, usually first occurring between the ages of three and eight. Most attacks are an allergic reaction to airborne pollen, certain foods, animal hair, and some other substances. The majority of children with asthma are from families with a history of the illness. Before puberty, asthma occurs more often among boys than girls; after puberty, the incidence is fairly equal between the sexes. Medical treatment includes teaching a child and his or her parents how to detect symptoms of an attack and how to use prescribed medications. Emotional stress can often trigger an asthma attack; children with emotional problems may thus require some form of psychological support.

Factors That Influence Asthma - Keys to Effective Asthma Treatment

Asthma is a kind of respiratory disorder in which the air passage of an individual's lungs periodically narrows, causing cough, and shortness of breath. The narrowing of the air passage is usually temporary and is reversible, but in sever asthma attacks, and incorrect asthma treatment, this disorder can be very fatal, and can cause death.

Asthma which is commonly referred as bronchial asthma is caused by an inflammation of the airways. More than 17.5 million Americans suffer from asthma nowadays, 5 million of which are children below 18 years old, and 5,500 of these asthma patients die in America each year. Truly these numbers is quite alarming

There are various reasons why people seem to acquire this respiratory order, and it is very important to understand the cause of each asthma case to know the right asthma treatment for it. Below are the two most popular factors causes asthma.

Genetics play a big role in human's lives, not just in looks, body frame and intellect, but also in the disorders that each genes caries to its offspring. Asthma's heredity factors can come from mother or father and rate of occurrence doubles of both parents have history of asthma. If the family's history repeatedly shows asthma cases, it is more likely that their generation will acquire this respiratory disorder. Some people develop asthma through exposure to various allergens, it can be contagious or non-contagious.

Asthma can also be acquired from certain infections. Respiratory and bronchial infections like bad cold, whooping cough, chest congestion and pneumonia can sometimes leads to similar symptoms of asthma. Children who have weak immune systems than adults are very susceptible to other related respiratory disorders too. A person that is highly sensitive to allergens, like those who have allergic rhinitis or repeated sneezing, are prone to develop bronchial infections and can develop asthma fast on their system as the nose and lungs became breeding grounds conducive for micro organisms to live and multiply. The asthma treatment for this kind of asthma should be both for the infection and allergy to guarantee full recovery.

Curing Asthma Naturally

Are you looking for a method of curing asthma naturally that does not involve the use of steroids and drugs? More and more asthmatics are turning away from the use of pharmaceutical drugs to control their asthma and are looking for more natural alternatives. This article lists some remedies that aim to cure asthma the natural way.

Asthma is a condition that can have a serious impact on your quality of life. Many children who suffer from asthma are pulled out of school for long periods of time and are not able to take part in school sports and activities. This can have a huge psychological effect on a child and can lead to depression and worsening of health problems.

Here is a list of some natural remedies that you may find helpful in treating and controlling your asthma. They are divided into herbal remedies for consumption, breathing techniques and holistic approaches to treating asthma.

Herbal remedies - The most popular herb being used for treating asthma is Adhatoda also known as the Malabar Nut which works as a bronchodilator. It increases airflow in the lungs and is also a mild expectorant to get rid of excess mucus and phlegm. Another herbal remedy is Anise seed tea. This tea is an antihistamine that reduces inflammation and helps to open air passages and relieve wheezing.
A less well-known herb is Asclepias Tuberosa. Known as a vasodilator, it relaxes the muscles surrounding the bronchial passage and is very soothing.

Breathing Techniques - Pranayama is a breathing technique used in yoga. These exercises should be practiced depending on what usually triggers the asthma attack. Another popular method is the Buteyko method. This method believes that hyperventilation is the reason for asthma. Buteyko is based on techniques to normalise breathing patterns and reduce the extent of hyperventilation.

Holistic Treatments - Acupuncture is a whole body treatment that aims to unblock any meridians (energy lines) that are contributing to asthma. This method involves the use of acupuncture needles and may not be for everyone! Another method that is gaining in popularity is the Bowen Technique. This is a very gentle technique that aims to treat the cause of asthma. It re balances the nervous system thereby reducing the reaction to triggers and allergies. It is also very effective at relaxing the breathing muscles surrounding the chest making it easier to breathe during an asthma attack as well as reducing the symptoms of asthma such as wheezing and coughing.

How to Cure Asthma Naturally - The Best Diet to Treat Inflammation in Asthma

Basically there are two categories of asthma conventional medications. The first one prevents asthma symptoms from developing and the second one alleviates them once they have started. Are you looking for a natural way to relieve your symptoms of asthma? Have you recently heard about the amazing health benefits of broccoli sprouts? It would be the best diet to treat inflammation in asthma. Let's see how this vegetable can play this great role?

Broccoli Sprouts and Active Component

A natural active component in broccoli called sulforaphane was discovered in 1992. Since its discovery, a large number of studies have explained its active role in cancer prevention as an indirect antioxidant. Recent studies have demonstrated that sulforaphane activates a few antioxidants enzymes which are able to protect damage cells from inflammation. Sulforaphane would be able to prevent respiratory tract cells from reacting to allergens. The other cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, kale, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts contain also sulforaphane but in lesser quantity.

Broccoli and Asthma

Because broccoli sprouts contain a large amount of sulforaphane compound (250 mg per 100 g of broccoli), people with asthma are encouraged to add this vegetable to their diet in order to prevent airways inflammation. How much broccoli would a patient with asthma have to eat to benefit from its medicinal properties? Scientists don't know yet! More research is necessary. But if someone with asthma eat broccoli regularly, he would be able to breathe easier.

Asthma and Other Natural Remedies

Are there other effective natural remedies to help you or your child to get rid of asthma? Of course, there are! Mary, 40 years old, had her first asthma attack when she was still a child. During all these years, she never would  have thought possible to get rid of the albuterol inhaler so easily! But thanks to a natural and new strategy that usually work within just 1 week, Mary was definitively cured!

Feel free to read Marie' story in the Natural Asthma Cure review!  

Asthma Attack Symptoms

During an asthma attack a series of things happen in your lungs and airways that all contribute to the symptoms of an asthma attack. The cells that line your airways create and excrete more mucus that they normally do. This creates an excess that clogs the airways and makes breathing more difficult. This mucus can also settle in the lungs creating breathing problems by filling the air pockets that would normally hold the air you breath.

The muscles in your airways tighten. These muscles are wrapped around the airways and when they tighten they constrict the airways and cause them to narrow. This has a two-fold negative effect in an asthma attack. It lessens the amount of air that can travel in them and also hinders in the ability to cough up and out the excess mucus that is being produced in the airways. Both of these combined have the effect of inhibiting the ability to inhale end exhale air comfortably.

Another thing that happens is the airways themselves begin to swell. This swelling takes place in the tissue lining the airways, closing off the inside of the airways. All three things combined cause and contribute to the symptoms of an asthma attack. Excess mucus that fills the airways and lungs. Swelling on the inside of the airways resulting in lesser volume of air capacity. Tightening and constricting of the muscles wrapped around the airways all bring on an asthma attack.

Asthma attacks may be severe, moderate or mild. They can come on suddenly or take days in developing. A severe asthma attack can be deadly. It can cause the person to literally suffocate. In the severe asthma attack the person become so breathless that they may be unable to talk. The person suffering the attack may feel their neck and chest muscles tightening. Due to the lack of oxygen in the blood, lips and fingernails may begin to turn bluish in color.

It is important for the person suffering a severe asthma attack to get immediate help. Delaying treatment in any way can have catastrophic consequences. The first thing that should be done is to take your prescribed medication to help stop the attack and relieve the symptoms. Contact emergency medical services and handle it as such, a medical emergency. If someone is with you have them get you to the hospital immediately. Time is of essence in the event of a severe asthma attack.

A mild asthma attack has the same causes and the same symptoms, they are just not as extreme and are not deadly. There should be a plan in place for the person who suffers a mild asthma attack. If they are treated promptly with prescribed medication, while uncomfortable, they will pass. Keep your medication available and ready to use at all time and never run out. Replace medications before they run out A quick response is the key to stopping an asthma attack.

An asthma attack can be a traumatic experience, but there are some things you can do that will help ease the situation.

Asthma Symptoms And Prevention

The term 'asthma' is actually the Greek word for 'panting'. Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory disease which attacks the respiratory system that is indicated by the tightening of the airway. People suffering from this condition often feel that his/her airway is inflamed and filled with mucus. Common asthma symptoms include wheezing, coughing during nighttime, shortness of breath, as well as pressure, pain, and the feeling of tightness around the chest area. However, the severity of these symptoms varies from time to time, one sufferer to another. They can be mild now, but they can get more severe in the future. Asthma attacks can be caused by genetic and external factors. Some people suffer an attack when they are in cold climates, while some others might get it after doing heavy workouts or sports. Mild asthma usually lasts for a while and subsides within a matter of minutes. On the other hand, more severe condition might need serious treatment.

If not treated immediately, early symptoms can lead to acute asthma. Therefore it is essential to have the knowledge about asthma symptoms in order to prevent an attack from happening. Early symptoms among others are frequent coughing during nighttime, wheezing and coughing especially after doing exercises, trouble sleeping, and shortness of breath. Other warning signs include the feeling of tiredness or weakness even when you are doing light activities, and decreased lung function (which can be checked using a peak flow meter). Common cold and allergy symptoms such as cough, headache, sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sore throat also indicate that a person is prone to asthma.

Do not wait until too late to treat these early symptoms of asthma. Given that this condition cannot be cured, you need to learn how to prevent it from reoccurring too often. The very basic step of asthma symptom treatment is by controlling the environment. Healthy environment makes healthy people. You can prevent the accumulation of dust and other asthma-triggering agents by not keeping furry or feathery pets, keeping the humidity of the house low, replacing upholstery and carpets with non-fabric materials, and using air conditioner instead of fan. You should also wash your bed sheets, pillow cases, and mattress pad using hot water at least once a week. Also consider replacing conventional bedding materials such as foam rubber, kapok, or down feathers with synthetic ones. Covering mattress, box springs, and pillows with dust-proof wrap will also effective to prevent dust from accumulating.

What Are the Asthma Causes in Babies?

Asthma is a chronic disease wherein the air passages to the lungs become inflamed which causes certain symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and others. Even babies can have the said disease. In fact, the family's medical history is a good indicator if your baby has the possibility of developing asthma. If one or both of the baby's parents has a history of asthma or allergies, the baby will most likely have it as well.

There are different triggers which are known to be asthma causes in babies. One of these causes in babies is allergy to dust and animal dander. Some babies, when exposed to dust or animal dander, start feeling the symptoms of an attack. Remember that babies still have rather small organ systems that a short exposure to the triggers can already set off an attack.

Environmental pollutants are also asthma causes in babies. The most common environmental pollutant that has been linked to the disease is cigarette smoke. This is why parents are advised to stop smoking while pregnant and when the child is born. If your baby has asthma, you must really avoid getting him or her exposed to cigarette smoke if that triggers an attack.

Other asthma causes in babies can be cold air, viral infections, and bacterial infections. Yes, even cold air can start an asthma attack in your baby. And if your baby has colds, that can also lead to an asthma attack. And when babies start to grow, you may even observe him or her experiencing an asthma attack after playing or running. This is because there is also a type of asthma known as exercise-induced asthma. Simply running around can cause an asthma attack.

All of these are the usual asthma causes in babies. If you know what triggers the asthma attack, avoiding that trigger is the best way to prevent an attack. This is the reason why it is very important for parents to observe the time and conditions when the baby has an attack. These details can be very helpful in identifying the asthma trigger.

Asthma diagnosis in babies can be more challenging. First, the asthma symptoms can also be symptoms of a different disease. The doctor will have to rule out all other possible diseases before an asthma diagnosis is established. Furthermore, lung function tests cannot be performed on babies since they cannot follow instructions yet. The best way to help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis is to take note of the time and conditions when an asthma attack occurs.

Treating asthma in babies can be started once diagnosis is made. Your doctor will prescribe anti-asthma medications and will teach you how to determine if your baby's symptoms are getting worse or not. If the asthma symptoms worsen, immediately consult your doctor.

Asthma - Why Breathing Through Your Nose is So Important

We all have one, some of us like them, some not, but they all provide the same function.

But do you use yours?

As time has moved on a lot of people have moved away from using their nose to breathe through in favor of using our mouths.

Big mistake!!

Why? You may say "But the air is still going to my lungs...so no harm done, right?"

Actually yes, you can damage your lungs by not using your nose, the reason being that you're bypassing the natural protection of the nose.

The 3 functions of the nose.

The nose provides a 3 different functions.

o Warming the air.

The air should be warm on entering the lungs as the lungs can work better with warm air than cold air. Try going out on a cold morning and gulp down a few mouthfuls of air into your lungs and you'll soon find a tightening and sore sensation in your lungs.

If you have ever seen any pictures of ancient Stone Age man you'll have noticed that he had a very wide and flat nose. The reason for this being that he had a bigger surface area so he could heat up the cold air of those times before they entered his lungs.

o Filtering the air.

We all know the importance of reducing the amount of dirt and debris entering the airways, especially if you have asthma. Any foreign bodies entering the airway can irritate your lungs and airways and could trigger an attack so the less entering the better.

The inside of the nose is covered in thousands of both visible and invisible hairs who's function is to catch any small pieces of dirt or anything else that it comes in contact with. To back up this system the nose also produces a coating of mucus to catch any debris that the hairs haven't caught.

o Regulating the intake of oxygen.

Because of the difference in size of the openings in the nose compared to the mouth it's also very important to breathe through the nose, as mouth breathing can cause an uncontrolled level of oxygen to enter into the body, compared to the level of carbon dioxide. The levels have to be kept in the balance or a feeling of nausea and dizziness can happen.

We may think of Carbon dioxide as just a waste gas that's expelled after breathing and that it has no other purpose other than for plants and trees.

But because people with asthma usually a bad breathing technique and have a tendency to breathe shallowly and very rapidly (up to 12 breaths in one minute) this actually causes the levels of carbon dioxide to drop.

The body then responds by narrowing the blood vessels and airways to try to cling onto any carbon dioxide that's left and thus making it harder to breathe which then could bring on an asthma attack.

Childhood Asthma - How To Use Air Humidifiers To Soothe Your Child's Wheezing

During the last 15 years, there has been an alarming 160% increase in the rate of asthma in children under the age of five. Sadly many of these children could have been prevented from ever developing asthma. If asthma is confirmed for your young one, you need to educate yourself on treating and managing this chronic disease. According to the experts knowledge is the best prescription.

Asthma occurs when the bronchial tubes become inflamed, creating extra mucus and causing airways to narrow. The end result could range from a frequent tendency to cough to minor wheezing to severe difficulty breathing.

It's a well-known fact that asthma symptoms are set off or triggered by certain environmental substances. For unknown reasons, your child's body "sees" these triggers as threats, even though most kids are not bothered by them. The lungs typically overreact by triggering an asthma attack.

Air humidifiers are an excellent way to add humidity to your home and hopefully relax the stressed-out bronchial tubes of the lungs. Sometimes it is the cold, dry air that agitates the lungs and causes them to constrict and narrow. You can improve this condition by making small changes to your home environment.

If you add warm, humidified air, this may relax the lungs and allow more air in. These easy steps can add humidity to your home without adding more stress to your life:

Step 1: Determine the humidity in your home. Prior to choosing any humidifier, try to select one that will suit your home. If you are not sure that you really need a humidifier, you may want to measure the humidity level in your home with a hygrometer. It is inexpensive and easy to operate. Once you have a humidity level that you are comfortable with, the humidistat feature in the humidifier can help you to keep a constant level of humidity at home.

Step 2: You should measure the area. Whether you choose a warm mist humidifier or cool mist humidifier, look for a model that fits the room. A humidifier that is too large will produce too much moisture and one that is too small will not do the right job. Too much humidity will cause more bacteria to grow and this will lead to additional problems.

Step 3: Find a model that is resistant to bacterial growth. Bacteria are nasty little creatures that like to live where there is moisture. You can make sure that they won't grow in your humidifier by choosing one that is resistant to the growth of mold and bacteria. Your other choice is to clean it on a regular basis.

Step 4: Look for a quiet model. Humidifiers can be quite noisy when they are in use. Cool mist humidifiers have a fan that is constantly going and warm mist humidifiers tend to make a bubbling noise. When it comes to noise level, your best option is to look for a model that has a 'silent' feature.

Step 5: Check for ease of use. When shopping for an air humidifier, you should check each model to see if it is easy to use and easy to refill. The better air humidifiers operate longer on one filling and won't interrupt your daily activities. Models with the reservoir capacity of one litres to five gallons are easier to use and keep the humidity for a longer time.

The first and most important step is to take charge of your child's asthma. Parents of asthmatic children suffer a range of contradictory feelings. It is natural for them to be concerned about medications and look for alternative treatments. While an air humidifier cannot medically treat asthma attacks, it can provide a warm, moist environment so that your little one can sleep at night.

Asthma Home Remedies - Start Smart With These Top 6 Natural Remedies For Asthma

Millions and millions of people around the globe have asthma. The numbers of adults and children with asthma and other respiratory issues are increasing considerably by the day. Asthma drugs (pills, inhalers, steroids) are expensive, have dangerous side-effects, and won't cure your asthma. They may help you breathe, but they will not heal your lungs. They mask the symptoms and can even make your asthma worse over time, possibly leading to life-threatening attacks.

Are there ways to get asthma relief from natural means?

Sure! There are dozens of things you can do for your wheezing that would fall under the Asthma Home Remedies category.

Below is a brief overview of some of the most important asthma home remedies people use to:

• decrease the frequency of asthma attacks


• reduce the severity of attacks


• eliminate asthma attacks


• possibly even live asthma-free forever

#1 Asthma Home Remedy: Hydration

Price: Inexpensive to free.

Drink pure water. Most children and adults are chronically dehydrated. Dehydration can manifest itself as headaches/migraines, depression, high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, allergies, ASTHMA, and other immune diseases. There is no substitute for pure water - not juice, sports drinks, coffee, tea, alcoholic beverages, sodas... nothing. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink. Do not allow yourself to become thirsty. The average person needs to drink at least 2 quarts of water throughout the day. Your urine should be colorless. It is that simple.

A Plea: Do not participate in the transportation of water. Do not buy water in plastic bottles. These two actions are destroying our planet. Instead, filter your water at home. Many people cannot afford a fancy water filtration system for the home (including me). I use a simple counter-top water pitcher to filter the water my family drinks every day. I recommend the BestWater Perfect Pitcher from Shaklee, but do your own research and buy the right filtration system for you, your family, and your budget.

#2 Asthma Home Remedy: Change Your Diet - Throw Out Food!

Price: You will probably save money.

Remove dairy, wheat, sugar, processed foods, and trans-fats from your diet, immediately. Sounds harsh, but it's true. The typical American diet causes malnutrition and illness. These foods cause inflammation and excess mucus, and people with asthma should not eat these foods, period. Many health and behavioral issues can be improved and even permanently solved by following this new (old) diet alone. People who have asthma, allergies, and other respiratory issues simply cannot get away with eating these foods. Get over it. Move on. Throw them out.

Tip: Buy locally grown, organic produce or grow your own.

#3 Asthma Home Remedy: Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements

Price: Relatively moderate to expensive (you get what you pay for...). Usually cheaper than meds and actually nutritious for every cell of your body.

Vitamins and supplements are an essential part of healing and health for people with asthma. Many people think that you can get all the nutrition you need from the food you eat. That may have been true quite a few decades ago, however, this may no longer be so. Soil depletion, genetic modification, pesticide use, early harvesting and artificially ripening fruits and vegetables, and lengthy storage and transportation of foods all play a role in the significantly reduced quality of the food we all eat everyday.

High quality, pure, 100% natural vitamins and supplements can assist the asthmatic greatly on their journey towards vibrant health. Vitamin C, D, E, Calcium, Magnesium, Probiotics, and Omega 3s are just a few of the vitamins and supplements that, when taken at the right dosage, can significantly help ease your asthmatic symptoms. The highest quality vitamins and supplements are the only ones that will help you. I personally use Shaklee products because they are proven safe, effective, and guaranteed. Please do your own research though, to find the best vitamins and supplements for yourself and your family. (Hint: They cannot be found in any store. The best products can really only be found in multi-level marketing companies.)

#4 Asthma Home Remedy: Add Herbs to your Everyday Natural Health Plan

Price: Free (grow your own herbs or ethically wild-harvest), to very inexpensive for organic bulk herbs, to moderate prices for high-quality tinctures.

Asthma herbal remedies are an effective way to nourish your body, support many body systems, heal respiratory issues, and more. Some herbs, like stinging nettle, oat straw, and alfalfa can be used safely every day to strengthen your overall health. They are loaded with vitamins and minerals which many asthmatics need. Other herbs like mullein, echinacea, osha, elecampane, thyme, and coltsfoot, just to name a very few, can be used as directed by a professional herbalist for different types of asthma. Healing herbal infusions, decoctions, and tinctures have been helping people with lung problems feel better for 1000's of years.

Different herbs may be recommended depending on contributing factors of the asthma or wheezing, such as:

• bacterial or viral infections


• allergies


• weakened immune system


• associated type of coughing


• environmental pollution


• age


• weight


• other medications or herbs being used


• pregnancy or breastfeeding

#5 Asthma Home Remedy: Aromatherapy for Asthma

Price: Inexpensive to expensive, depending on the oils.

Pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils can be used along-side other asthma treatments to address the emotional components of asthma such as fear, panic, anxiety, and depression. Many pure essential oils also have proven anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, mucolytic, and anti-histamine actions. Medicinal aromatherapists may use pure, highest-quality essential oils from the conifer family, eucalyptus, lavender, hyssop, cedarwood, opopanax, niaouli, rosemary, cypress, myrtle, and even chamomile, thyme, and oregano successfully with asthma patients, young and old. Aromatherapy techniques might include inhalation, suppositories, various types of skin application, and/or diffused essential oils in the air.

# 6 Asthma Home Remedy: Clean Up Your Home Environment

Price: Inexpensive and priceless. You are basically eliminating or switching products in your home.

Sadly, most homes today are toxic environments. Laundry detergents, soaps, fumes from paint and carpeting, kitchen and bathroom cleaners, furniture polish, glass cleaners, room deodorizers, scented candles... are all made from chemicals. And, to make matters worse, the chemicals are toxic to humans; grown-ups, babies, kids, your children. Throw them all away! You and the people you love are breathing in the fumes from these common household products everyday. Switch to 100% safe, natural, bio-degradable cleaning products like Shaklee, or use plain ol' white vinegar, baking soda, and pure essential oils to clean and deodorize your home. Everyone in your home, and especially people with asthma or other lung conditions, will greatly benefit! Remember: Clean doesn't have a "smell".

What Causes Wine Allergies?

Although not as common as food allergies, people affected by wine allergies have as severe reactions as with any allergy. Sometimes people are even unaware that they may have these allergies, chalking up symptoms to "something they ate" or even being "hung over". The symptoms can be hives, severe headaches after just a small consumption of wine, itchy eyes, skin rashes and this can even trigger an asthma attack.

What Causes It

Even though, the first thought when someone has this allergy, could it be the alcohol? There are many more ingredients that are the probable culprit in this type of allergic reaction. The production of wine is somewhat complicated, using a method to produce the wine; and then, one to preserve it. In both processes there are many additives used to complete the entire wine making process. A common element found naturally in wine is sulphur dioxide. This compound is found on growing plants, including grapes. It is additionally added by winemakers because it helps to prevent organisms from growing in the wine. In addition, it keeps the wine from turning to vinegar by slowing yeast growth. There are limits to how much sulphur dioxide can be added to wine. For many, this ingredient may be the cause of their condition. Sweeter wines contain more sulphur dioxide; these are more likely to be white wines.

Red wines contain a larger variety of ingredients, and people allergic to wine may have more reactions when drinking red wine. Histamines can be found in red wine, and this could be a trigger for some with wine allergies. The reaction seen from histamines is usually like a hay fever attack, with sneezing and itchy eyes.

To discover exactly which component is causing the allergic reaction, a patient can through a skin-prick test. If there is no skin reaction to any of the ingredients, than the patient has a wine intolerance, not wine allergies. With diagnoses of intolerance, further steps can be taken to learn how to eliminate that ingredient from your diet.

Organic wines are becoming more popular, enabling people with wine allergies to still enjoy a favorite beverage. There are several organic vineyards that can be located through internet searches. These vineyards are kept to strict standards to maintain the integrity of the organic label.

Learning what ingredients causes and possible ways to avoid the ingredients can enable people to enjoy a glass of wine.

Relaxation Techniques May Help Asthma

Several people say they took the easy way out of an asthma attack by learning relaxation techniques and controlled breathing. When you are at home and have an asthma attack coming on, use inhaler and then lie down in a dark, quiet room.

But can quiet moments yield big asthma beating benefits? You better believe it says a doctor. When you are short of breath, there is a natural tendency to try to breathe faster to get more air. But faster breathing requires more energy and effort at a time when you are already under stress, making the problem even worse.

On the other hand, slowing their breathing rate can make some asthmatics feel better almost immediately but not all the time.

One technique: controlled breathing. While lying on your back, first fill your belly with air,then allow your chest to expand and fill. Exhale, and repeat. To practice and make sure you are doing the technique properly, rest your right hand on your stomach and your left hand on your chest. Your right hand should rise before the left one does.

Listening to soothing music, even self hypnosis, have all been used effectively against asthma. All these things have some potential benefit, but its like telling someone that they wont get hurt as much if they can keep from getting tense when they are involved in an automobile accident. It is hard to relax when you feel like you are struggling for breath but it can be done.

Asthma Treatment Review - Find The Right Solution For You

I remember my school days that I was allergic to chalk dust. I had sneezing, running nose almost every day and had to take anti allergens that gave me temporary relief. It was after two years that I experienced asthma with the progression of chronic allergy. I was not aware of when I would experience an asthma attack. It was unpredictable. I tried many medicines, even herbal ones that made no change to my asthma. Later through an advertisement I came to know about Respitrol and though to give a try. In the beginning, I had a normal attitude as I had with all the medicines, but time proved that there was a cure for my respiratory problems.

I have gone through a number of breathing therapies, inhalations etc. I experienced a good breath after two week use of this medicine. I started taking Respitrol not as the only cure but along with my routine medications and puffs. Respitrol does no harm to you as it is composed of natural ingredients. Then as my asthma was moderately controlled, I consulted my physician who advised me to stop all other medications slowly. The doctor too wanted to know what was working, the medicines he gave or Respitrol.

Respitrol is friendlier to my body than my former medications as it does not contain any fillers, chemicals, or steroids. However, my physician commented that I have gained a bit weight. I too was anxious about my slight weight gain, which I thought was due to some hidden steroids in this supplement. Then I myself found that it was a steady weight gain and it might be due to my happiness on the cure of asthma that had tortured me all these years. Formerly when I was prone allergic asthma the pills I ad to take made me constantly dizzy and depressed. I never felt like even going for work. Respitrol has made my life better than I ever expected. I was scared when I came to know one of my neighbors' died due to asthma. Actually, that event made me think about changing to a reliable supplement.

I started with a single bottle, but as you have a sever attack you should consume two tablets per day. As I prolonged this medicine for more than one month I noticed a fair amount of reduction on the symptoms of asthma.

An Over View Of Asthma - How To Naturally Stop An Asthma Attack

Each Year, more than 5,500 asthma-related deaths occur in the United States and about 500,000 Americans are hospitalized because of asthma. If an asthma attack is left untreated, at the very least, it may lengthen the amount of time an asthmatic person feels miserable. At the very worst, it progresses to a severe asthma attack.

A severe attack begins with the typical asthma symptoms. As it progresses, the person under attack becomes extremely anxious and apprehensive. Flaring nostrils and bulging neck muscles are signs that breathing has become hard work. The person sweats, his breath becomes shallow, his heart beats rapidly and his blood pressure may surge up and down. Shallow inhalations become more rapid - a situation called hyperventilation - as air gets trapped in the lungs. The lungs may become overinflated.

Eventually, too much air is trapped in the lungs, and carbon dioxide begins to build up there. The person develops cyanoiss - a bluish-purplish tint to the skin, particularly around the lips - which indicates insufficient oxygen in the blood. Lung function deteriorates, wheezing diminishes and the person becomes speechless, exhausted and confused.

What is broncites asthma?

Broncites asthma is an inflammation of the bronchi resulting in coughing and excessive mucus production.

How to naturally stop an asthma attack?

No matter if you want to know how to naturally stop an asthma attack or if you are seeking asthma attack naturist treatment, chances are you've tried a whole host of natural cures. Most of these medications have probably been in the form of some type of drugs that your doctor prescribed for you. However, there are several asthma natural cures that maybe you have not tried such as choosing the foods for asthma, breathing techniques and seeking the best asthma recovery climate USA. Also, you may want to know whether caffeine makes asthma worse or not.

Asthma Treatment - A Common Sense Approach

We usually assume that we need medical intervention to cure any serious illness. So do many doctors, on whom we depend, as well. But the cure may not always be medical. Sometimes, it can be simple common sense that works.

This is what happened to a friend of mine when I was in Bangalore. Mahadevan was over fifty years then and he used suffer from frequent attacks of Asthma. He has become a very regular visitor to doctors and always kept a small stock of medicines and inhalers. He also tried homeopathy, ayurvedic and other herbal remedies in the hope of finding a permanent cure. But the attacks continued. To an extent, it is the air in Bangalore that causes and aggravates respiratory illnesses, people say.

One day, a friend of his, a medical doctor came to see him. This doctor settled abroad and occasionally came to India. Upon Mahadevan's request, he traveled to Bangalore, hoping that he could hit upon some relief to his friend's problem. And he did that too.

After sharing his medical and treatment history, Mahadevan took his doctor friend around the house. Bingo! The doctor noticed something that did wonders to Mahadevan. He pointed that the water storage tank is right above Mahadevan's bedroom. That was keeping the bedroom very humid which could probably be aggravating the Asthmatic condition.

Mahadevan promptly shifted his bedroom from under the water tank. Within a few months, his condition has improved dramatically. I was a tenant in his house in Bangalore and he shared this story with me one evening over drinks. It was seven years back and I hardly knew that I will become an entrepreneur in health industry then. But Mahadevan's experience forced me to think hard.

Our body works as a system. All things matter: the body, the mind or thinking, the food we take, the place we live in, the habits we have, and more. But unfortunately, our medical system is fragmented among different schools of medicine such as allopathy, ayurveda and so on. Moreover, our allopathic system of medicine is micro-fragmented among different sub or super specializations, whichever way you may want to call them. Because of this, we do not look at a health problem holistically.

But I suggest just one thing! When we have a problem, before assuming anything else, we should do a simple common sense check about the daily routine, physical activity, diet, mental factors such as stress, environment we live in, and the habits we practice. We analyze all other problems we may have. For example, if our performance is poor at work, we analyze that. If we fare poorly in exams, we analyze that. More so, if India looses a cricket match, we not only analyze but almost have sure ways of success for Tendulkar on our lips. Then why do not we at least try when we are ill?

We may think that health and medicine are too specialized and too risky. That is true! But we cannot harm ourselves by being more pro-active and involved in understanding and treating ourselves. And sometimes, we may find very simple solutions to the path towards healthy living. Doctor, or medicine, or God comes later in that order. But the best person you can depend upon to take care of your health is You!