First Aid Treatment For Asthma

Asthma affects many people and nothing is scarier than when you feel the power of an asthma attack. You might come across a person who is having an asthma attack as there are many things that can cause this. When you see a person who needs first aid treatment for asthma, you might find them trying to get some air. They might be wheezing as well. The first thing that you should do is to help the person to sit down in an upright position. You need to try not to panic. When you panic, you increase their breathing because they start panicking.

The next thing you need to do is to see if they have an inhaler. There are people who have asthma and have an emergency inhaler. If they don't have one, then you need to help them get their breathing under control. If they do have an inhaler, you need to get it for them and help them to get the puffs they need to help ease the hardships of breathing. Get them warm water and call 911 if you cannot get their asthma under control. The reason that warm water is considered as a part of first aid treatment for asthma is because of the fact that it won't shock the lungs. Cold water might shock the lungs and make it even harder for the person going through the asthma attack to breathe. The warm water will calm your lungs and soothe them so they can breathe easier.

You need to remove them from the thing that might have caused the initial trigger in the first place. If it was over exertion or something for the matter then this is all that you need to do as the trigger is over with and they are no longer in danger. While you are waiting for help to arrive, you need to keep the person who's in trouble calm. You need to watch that they don't go unconscious. If they do happen to go unconscious, then you need to feel for a pulse and check to see if they are breathing. If they aren't then you need to be ready to perform CPR.

Knowing what to do at a time like this can be very helpful. As we said, there are many people who have this. You never know when an asthma attack might hit. It's a very scary thing to go through so understanding first aid treatment for asthma might be a big thing for you as this disease becomes more and more popular among the nation. Just remember these things that we have taught you about first aid treatment for asthma and you should be fine.

Asthma isn't something that you want to play with. If it goes untreated, a person can die. While there are many people who use inhalers, many times, they forget them or they fail to get them refilled once they run out. This is why you really need to be ready for whatever comes about and you can be prepared by learning how to help with giving first aid treatment for asthma.

Help Your Cat Cope With Cat Asthma

Asthma is a common problem for people nowadays, especially since the air we breath is filled with pollutants from cars, factories and fires. Pollutants such as these can cause chronic breathing problems and asthma attacks. Although it is often thought of to only affect humans, asthma can also affect cats. Cat asthma is usually caused by allergic bronchitis which is an allergic reaction in the lungs to things like germs or dust.

Asthma can cause your cat to have asthma attacks and they will start to have a hard time breathing and their tongue and gums may even turn blue. Don't try to give your cat CPR or mouth-to-mouth if you notice it having an asthma attack. Usually they will start having an asthma attack when they breathe heavily and wheeze.

If you find your cat having an asthma attack that is heavy, then you should bring your cat to a veterinarian. If your cat collapses or starts to have a blue mouth or gasps heavily for air, bring them to the animal hospital. Milder attacks like a few coughs or a little labored breathing don't require a vet's attention, but it is still important to be careful.

Other than having asthma attacks, most cats with asthma live normally and are relatively healthy. A way to tell that your cat has asthma is if they start to cough deeply for a while every so often. This may either be a sign of asthma or allergic bronchitis. Either way, you should have your cat checked by the veterinarian so that it can be diagnosed.

Bringing your cat to the vet early can help keep your cat from developing asthma and having permanently damaged lungs. Though, there are times when the lungs will already have been damaged and your cat will have asthma for its whole life.

If your cat has asthma then it is very important to create an environment in the house that will help lessen the pains of having asthma for your cat. One thing that you definitely need to stop right away is the cigarette smoke in your house. Secondhand smoke does not only cause problems for humans, but for pets as well. Secondhand smoke can cause an asthma attack for an asthmatic cat.

Other things can also cause asthma in cats such as perfumes and room fresheners. The extra chemicals in the air and all the new scents can be uncomfortable for your cat. Other things like paints and carpeting can also cause allergic reactions for your cat. If you want to make your house smell better, it is best to use natural ways like through flowers or potpourri.

A humidifier can also help make the air more humid and keep your cat's asthma down. Dry air can make your cat's air passages dry and cause it to cough and get an infection in their lungs. It is best to keep a humidifier going, especially when it is winter when the air can get quite dry.

By taking these precautions, you can easily help your cat suffering from cat asthma have a longer and more comfortable life.

How to Tell If Your Having an Asthma Attack!

An Asthma Attack has developed if you are experiencing a rapid loss of breath, difficulty breathing, and wheezing when performing an everyday activity or athletic event.

The following are more signs of an Asthma attack:
-Panic
-Chest pain
-Unstoppable coughing
-Unable to speak

Asthma attacks are not something to be taken lightly. There are two categories of Asthma attacks: mild and severe. Mild ones occur much more often and for no reason at all. You will suffer a short loss of breath and experience minor wheezing while trying to retain air. Severe attacks bring along a much longer loss of breath, chest pain, and drawn out wheezing. While suffering a server asthma attack the person could turn pale, blue, or fall to the ground as the lungs try to acquire air but there is none to use.

Are there any signs to look out for before Asthma attack occurs?
Any person with asthma that is starting to experience a loss of breath, abnormal sweating, signs of illness, or an abrupt feeling of weakness should be closely watched over and monitored incase of a sudden attack.

How do I treat Asthma to prevent an attack?
Doctors and prescription medications while effective are very costly and contain multiple harmful side effects. It is recommended when diagnosed to start taking natural remedies for Asthma as they commonly solve asthma symptoms before more drastic measures have to be taken. Natural asthma treatments are cost effective and side effect free compared to the artificial counterparts.

Can Milk Induce Asthma?

A question that I've heard a lot is "can milk induce asthma?"

The answer is that yes, milk can cause asthma problems in some people. I know this from research, as well as from first hand experience. On days when I'm having asthma problems a glass of cold milk or even a bowl of cereal can worsen my breathing problems.

The reason why milk causes asthma problems isn't so clear. Asthma experts have to possible theories. The first is that milk causes the creation of excess mucus in a person's airway. So someone with asthma, who already has problems breathing, milk can make the problem worse. The other theory is that many people have dairy allergies, so it's therefore a trigger of asthma attacks. Or it could be a mix of both for some people.

The problems don't stop with milk. They include other foods in the dairy group like butter, cheeses and yogurts.

If you have problems with milk and asthma, you have to be careful with what you eat and where you get it. Many restaurants put butter on their steaks. Many butchers slice meat and cheese on the same machine, so even if you're not getting cheese, you might have problems. It comes down to knowing what's on your food and what you're putting in your mouth.

The best solution is to no longer eat or drink the food item that's causing your problems. Of course, this is easier said than done, but in the long run it's worth it. On days when I'm having asthma problems, I switch to soy milk, which seems to not cause any problems for me.

You can also prevent the problems by taking allergy medicine.

Other Foods That Cause Asthma Problems

The bad news is that problems for asthmatics can extend throughout the whole grocery store.

Peanuts can be one of the most dangerous foods when it comes to causing breathing problems. Even a small bite can trigger a serious attack in some people.

Even foods made of wheat like certain breads and cereals can cause asthma problems in some people.

Another common problem food is fish. And even people with egg allergies can have problems with asthma.

The easiest solution is to find out what your allergic to and to avoid it as much as possible.

Extrinsic and Intrinsic Causes of Asthma

Before discussing what causes asthma, I would like to first define what asthma is.

Bronchial asthma is a usually reversible disease of the lungs. This chronic and inflammatory disease involves the air passages in the lungs and affects about 25 million people in the United States. Intermittent episodes of wheezing (bronchospasm) can be alleviated by therapy (bronchodilators, corticosteroids). At times, the wheezing stops spontaneously without therapy. Asthma can be caused by extrinsic factors and internal factors (see below). It usually occurs in children and younger adults but can be seen in persons of any age.

Airway inflammation arises due to interaction of a multitude of cells, including:

• lymphocytes


• mast cells


• eosinophils


• neutrophils


• macrophages


• epithelial cells


• dendritic cells

and various mediators, including:

• chemokines


• cytokines


• leukotrienes


• nitric oxide


• immunoglobulins

The methods by which these factors interact with each other to activate inflammation and cause an asthma attack is presently under investigation and is partially, but not completely, understood. The results of this inflammation are constriction of bronchial smooth muscle, swelling or edema of the airways (including mucus in the airways), and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. The results of this situation are patient symptoms of wheezing, cough and shortness of breath.

Extrinsic (external) factors include:

• Allergies (allergens) are common in children and adults and are a common cause of asthma. These allergic reactions are often associated with IgE-related immunologic mechanisms. Some examples of allergens include inhaled materials (e.g. pollens), ingested materials (e.g. foods), and materials that cause problems when they contact the skin. Inhaled (environmental) allergens are some of the most common causes of asthma (e.g. aspirin).


• Occupational asthma occurs in about 10% of asthmatics and results fromexposure to offending dusts, gases, fumes, and vapors that are present in the workplace. These materials are high molecular-weight compounds and low molecular-weight compounds.

Examples of high molecular-weight compounds that cause asthma include animal products (e.g. veterinarians), seafood (e.g. oyster farmers), insects (e.g. entomologists), plants (e.g. bakers), biological enzymes (e.g. detergent industry workers), gums (e.g. printers), and latex (e.g. health care workers). Examples of low molecular-weight compounds that cause asthma include drugs (e.g. antibiotics), wood dust (e.g. saw-mill workers), diisocyanates (e.g. workers with polyurethane), epoxy compounds (e.g. epoxy resin workers), fluxes (e.g. aluminum solderers), and fixatives (e.g. hospital workers).

• Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause asthma in sensitive patients. This problem usually takes time to develop and is characterized by aspirin sensitivity, nasal polyps, and asthma.

What causes asthma: Intrinsic (internal) factors include:

• Respiratory infections, especially viral infections, are very common causes of exacerbations of asthma.


• Exercise can induce an asthmatic attack and is called exercise-induced asthma (EIA). Exercise usually induces an increase in respiratory rate and depth of breathing and increases the inhalation of atmospheric air which is cooler than the body temperature air in the lungs. This cooler air appears to stimulate receptors in the lung in susceptible patients to induce bronchospasm and an asthmatic attack.


• Genetic factors have been proposed as causes of asthma. The ADAM-33 gene sets on the short arm of chromosome 20 and has been significantly associated with asthma, being called the asthma gene. Four other asthma genes or gene complexes have been identified with the use of positional cloning.


• Emotional factors and in particular stress have been suspected to cause asthma, but the data to support this is not complete.

New Treatment For Asthma

Asthma is a common disease in which the airways in the lung become inflamed and then narrow when muscles within the airway walls contract. Conventional therapies use two type of drugs viz short- term relievers and long-term controllers. While the relievers as the name suggests, treat the symptoms and eliminate them, giving short term relief, during an attack controllers are aimed at suppressing the inflammation in the airways. But this therapy may not be effective in treating severe or persistent conditions.

Bronchial themoplasty is a potential new asthma treatment currently undergoing clinical testing. Developed by a medical device company called Asthmatx Inc, this procedure has the potential to provide relief to asthma patients who do not respond to conventional treatment. A clinical trial was conducted on sixteen adults with mild to moderate asthma that did not respond to current asthma treatments. The results of the study are encouraging as 75 percent of the participants reported that the new treatment allowed to function better in daily activities and reduced peak expiratory flow readings.

Bronchioplasty is a new procedure, designed to reduce the tendency of narrowing of asthmatic airways. In this new procedure, the airways are treated in half-hour treatment sessions and may require up to three sessions to fully treat both lungs. The treatment, like any other endoscopy, is delivered through a bronchoscope. The procedure uses radio frequency energy to the airway to alter the ability of the muscles in the airway walls to constrict. When the constriction is reduced, it results in a reduction in the frequency as well as severity of asthma attacks in patients. Radio frequency energy is sent through a catheter inserted through the bronchoscope that heats the smooth muscle walls to approximately 149 º F.

The Blockbuster Herbal Formulation for Asthma http://www.healasthma.com

This procedure is expected to have an impact on the treatment of asthma in future. It is hoped that this procedure could be useful in reducing the severity and frequency of asthma attacks and be an alternative to the conventional asthma treatments although it is not intended to cure asthma.

NEW TREATMENT FOR ASTHMA

Stop Asthma Attacks Without Drugs - 3 Crucial Aspects to Safely Overcoming Asthma

You can conquer your asthma beginning immediately. You will have to fight a battle on 3 fronts, but in this technological age everything you need to know is at your fingertips. Plan your campaign of attack and begin today, and in a very short time you could be experiencing life-long freedom from asthma symptoms.

1. Triggers of asthma and allergies

If you suffer from asthma, chances are that your attacks are triggered by something in your environment. either at work or at home. More and more information about asthma triggers is now available via the internet.

2. Breath re-training

But even where triggers are present, breath re-training has been proven to be highly effective for the prevention and control of asthma symptoms. Scientific tests have shown that by re-training your habitual breathing patterns, you can control the onset of an attack, and with further practice, eliminate attacks altogether using the simple method described in this article (Read on).

3. Nutritional supplements and herbal remedies

Over the past century, the march of Western Medicine has enabled us to control the symptoms of a variety of illnesses. Meanwhile, age-old herbal treatments have been forgotten or relegated to the status of "snake-oil" and quackery, but evidence shows that our ancestors new more than most of us realize about freely available herbs and natural remedies that can be highly effective.

The fact is that many of the expensive drugs on the market today are synthetic versions of traditional herbal remedies. It stands to reason - if modern Western medicine were the only way to really control illness, human beings would have become extinct thousands of years ago.

Many of us already know that certain plants have profoundly beneficial effects on the respiratory system, but few know the exact amounts and proportions of the ingredients needed to maximize effectiveness.

If you suffer from severe, life-threatening asthma attacks as I did many years ago, you will need to develop your health and wellness campaign to tackle all three of the above-mentioned areas, and the best place to start is with your breathing.

The Buteyko Method

During the 1950s, a young Russian doctor - Konstantin Pavlovich Buteyko - discovered that what he called "the asthma response" was not, as commonly believed, oxygen starvation caused by blocked or restricted bronchial tubes, but carbon dioxide starvation due to hyperventilation. His theory, like most radical ideas in history, was initially rejected by the authorities, but he was not deterred, and the Buteyko Method has since been proven effective in several scientific tests around the world.

Perhaps it would be cynical to suggest that the only reason his method has not gained the universal recognition and acceptance it deserves is the profitability for pharmaceutical companies of keeping countless millions of sufferers dependent on drugs known to have serous side-effects.

Thankfully you can begin to test and train yourself in the Buteyko Method quite simply as follows:

Take 2 normal breaths, then breathe out. How long can you hold your breath? This is called the "Control Pause Experiment". The average person manages around 20-25 seconds. Less than that is a sign of breathing dysfunction.

Now breathe through your nose for about 5 minutes. Keep your mouth shut and breath quietly and gently, in the mid-range of your lung capacity. Avoid over-inhaling and over-exhaling. Now repeat the "control pause" and see if you can hod your breath for longer.

Repeat the cycle of holding your breath, breathing gently for 5 minutes and holding again 4 or 5 times in all.

Repeat this sequence 3 or 4 times daily, every day for a week.

Increasing your 'control pause' test result is the goal. Your target is 60 seconds or more. If you can achieve this within one week, there's a good chance that you will have your asthma symptoms under control.

Warning: Never discontinue prescribed medication without proper consultation with a qualified medical professional.

Asthma Treatment Options For Mild Asthma

There are different types of severity of asthma and each requires a different treatment approach. In the case of mild asthma attacks, there are two known types: Severe Persistent and Moderate Asthma. Therefore, it is important to determine an efficient asthma treatment to relieve symptoms and prevent it from worsening.

Your most essential first step towards treating mild asthma is to consult your doctor. It enables you to enjoy a personalized mild asthma treatment action plan since your condition is unique. They can also prescribe you with specific medications that you can take to facilitate in controlling this condition.

Mild Intermittent Asthma

This is one of the more common types of mild asthma. Symptoms for intermittent asthma include wheezing, cough, and tightness of chest, which is experienced at two times a week on average. When you have this type of asthma, the best peak flow meter reading is usually recorded at 80%. Since it is considered as a minor case of asthma, doctors normally do not prescribe the intake of medications. However, you need to be wary of potential risks of exacerbation, which is why corticosteroids are often recommended as part of this mild asthma treatment.

Mild Persistent Asthma

This type of mild asthma is far more severe than the intermittent cases. Hence, a more effective and definitive asthma treatment approach has to be taken in order to control the symptoms and reduce its frequency.

For those with mild persistent asthma, the symptoms might be exhibited quite often during the span of one week. Since the manifestation of symptoms are far more common, there is a greater risk of suffering from exacerbation. Due to this reason, medication is an integral part of your asthma treatment but that in itself depends on the severity of the condition. Some of the common medications prescribed in cases of mild persistent asthma include leukotriene modifiers, sustained release theophylline, and inhaled corticosteroids. One important advice: take the following prescriptions at low doses only.

Exacerbation Prevention

Along with your effort at providing relief from symptoms of asthma, it is important to prevent exacerbation. This can be done by taking medications in the right dosage and frequency as prescribe by your doctor. At all times, never try to take more than the required dosage or adjusting the frequency of taking the medicine since it could be potentially fatal. To produce better results, avoid environmental triggers like dust, insects, pollen, smokes, fumes, among others.

Early detection of acute asthma during its inception is vital in producing an effective asthma treatment. Your ability to reduce the frequency of the attacks is very important. In any case the individual does not show improvement within six hours since administering the medications prescribed by the doctor, it is best to seek further medical attention to receive thorough asthma treatment. Even a mild case of asthma can develop into something more serious and even life-threatening.

As with anything, always work together with a health expert in treating your asthma so you can enjoy better quality of life.

Signs and Symptoms of Asthma

Most people with asthma have warning signs before symptoms ever appear. The warning signs are not the same for everyone. Even your own warning signs may differ from time to time. By learning what your warning signs are, you can start treatment sooner. This may keep you from having a serious asthma attack. Some of the warning signs of asthma or signs of an asthma attack are listed below.

• Abnormal Breathing – This includes breathing faster than normal, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing. • Persistent coughing – This coughing may be worse at night or early morning. • Tightness in the chest. • Fatigue, of a feeling of always being tired. • Wheezing, head congestion, and/or scratchy or sore throat • Rapid heartbeat. • Head congestion

There are many things that can cause an asthma attack. Below are some of the most common triggers.

• Air pollution. • Animals. • Cold weather. • Dust. • Exercise. • Foods. • Lung infections. • Molds. • Pollens. • Smoke. • Stress.

Asthma is divided into 4 broad categories or “levels”

•Intermittent Level: This is the least serious level of asthma. A person is considered to be in this level when they exhibit asthma symptoms no more than 2 times a week and are not awakened at night with asthma symptoms more than twice a month. At this level, an asthma attack may last from a few hours to a few days, but there are no symptoms between asthma attacks. Between asthma attacks the peak expiratory flow or "PEF" is normal or varies less than 20%. The PEF is a measure of airflow to your lungs. A peak flow meter is used to get a PEF reading.

•Mild persistent: A person at this level has asthma symptoms more than 2 times a week but not on a daily basis, and will have nighttime asthma symptoms more than twice monthly. At this level, asthma attacks may slow daily activities. The PEF reading will vary by 20% to 30%.

•Moderate persistent: A person at this level has asthma symptoms every day and has nighttime asthma symptoms about once a week. Asthma attacks may occur at least 2 times a week and last for several days. At this stage, a person will use a short-acting inhaled asthma medicine every day. Asthma attacks do not just slow down daily activities but may actually prevent some of them. The PEF reading may vary by more than 30%.

•Severe persistent: This is the most serious level of asthma. A person at this level displays asthma symptoms all the time both day and night. Asthma symptoms severely limit a person's physical activity, and asthma attacks are common

You and your doctor will develop a plan to treat your asthma. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may or may not need medication to control your asthma. Generally, asthma medicines fall into 2 categories; long term control and quick relief medicines

1) Long-term control medicines are taken every day to control persistent asthma by decreasing inflammation in the airways. This group of medicines keeps airway swelling from starting.. This medicine is put into an inhaler through which you breathe.

2) Quick-relief medicines are taken to quickly open your airways and to treat symptoms such as cough, chest tightness, wheezing, or shortness of breath. This class of medicine is known as bronchodilators. Bronchodilators relax muscles that have tightened around the airways. Once these muscles relax, the airways open to help you breathe easier.

In summary, educating yourself is crucial. You need to learn to watch for signs that your asthma is worsening as well as what to do to stop an asthma attack. You can usually care for yourself at home during an asthma attack. However, if your breathing does not improve with medicine or treatments, you should contact your doctor as alternative treatments may be necessary.

If you have asthma, you may feel frightened or anxious. Some people blame themselves and think they have done something wrong. These are normal feelings and should be discussed with your doctor or with someone close to you. Ask your doctor about support groups for people with asthma. Such a group can give you support and information Call or write the following groups for more information:

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology 611 East Wells Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 Phone: 1-800-822-ASMA Web Address: http://www.aaaai.org

American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology 85 West Algonquin Road, Suite 550 Arlington Heights, IL 60005 Phone: 1-800-842-7777 Web Address: [http://allergy.mcg.edu]

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America 1233 20th Street NW, Suite 402 Washington,, DC 20036 Phone: 1-800-727-8462 Web Address: http://aafa.org

National Asthma Education and Prevention Program National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute National Asthma Education and Prevention Program P.O. Box 30105 Bethesda, MD 20824-0105 Phone: 1-301-592-8573 Web Address: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/infoctr/index.htm

Anoxic Brain Injury

Anoxic brain injury is a type of brain damage brought about by the absence of oxygen distributed to the brain. It is a condition wherein there is no or little oxygen introduced into the tissues of the brain even if blood flow is sufficient. This condition is usually caused by an interruption of the respiratory. These interruptions in breathing may result from various situations such as drowning, choking, applying undue pressure to the chest and the abdomen, asthma and strangulation.

Lack of oxygen supply to the brain even for only a few minutes can lead to serious damage of the brain tissues. Such damage can affect those areas in the brain that are responsible for conscious behavior and speech. It also is very dangerous when the brain suffers from a severely deficient supply of oxygen, because aside from brain damage, unconsciousness or even death can happen.

Obstructions in the lung passages are not only the causes of anoxic brain damage. When people enter environments that are lacking oxygen and have excess levels of carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide, anoxia can result. For example, being stranded for hours in an elevator full of people can cause difficulty in breathing. Other factors that affect respiration are drug overdose, contact with a pulmonary agent or cyanogenic compound and seizures that could stop a person's breathing, including heart attacks and strokes. Problems during pregnancy and labor can also affect oxygen circulation, causing a baby to suffer from brain damage. Still births are also a big possibility.

Anoxic brain injury can be remedied at once in some cases. For instance, in cases of drowning and severe asthma attacks, applying artificial respiration and giving the patient sufficient breathing space can prevent brain injury. When proper action is not done at once, the patient could lose consciousness or even die.

Asthma Treatment Using Honey & Cinnamon

Did you ever know about the asthma treatment using honey and cinnamon?

People inflicted by asthma suffer from symptoms such as repeated episodes of cough, chest congestion, wheezing, sinus irritation, and shortness of breaths. This chronic illness is characterized by inflammation, swelling, and constriction of the air passage and the increased production of mucous in the passage. Often triggered by viral illnesses (eg, the common cold), pollen, foods, intense exercise or environmental conditions (e.g extreme hot and cold air, dust), asthma affects 5-10% of the global population and occurs more frequently in boys before puberty and in girls after puberty. It is not a contagious disease. Studies have also showed that those who are obese run a greater risk of developing the illness. It is believed that heredity can be a risk factor. A child would have a higher chance of having asthma if one or both parents have the condition.

Asthma control includes proper medication, avoiding stimulants, and keeping away dusty or smoky areas.The most common treatments prescribed for asthma come in the form of liquid, pills, or hand-held inhalers, such as Albuterol. Steroids are also used in order to reduce inflammation in the lungs and hence, asthma flare-ups. Exercise regimes are also often recommended to build lung capacity.

Honey and cinnamon is a well-known home remedy for asthmatic symptoms. Mix one teaspoon of honey with half teaspoon of cinnamon powder and take the concoction just before going to sleep at night and first thing in the morning. It is not meant to be a rescue or quick-relief medication, but with repeated dosage, many have found to be an effective asthma treatment. So, if you know if anyone who is looking alternative medicine for asthma, tell them about it.

Article: http://www.benefits-of-honey.com/asthma-treatment.html

Dental Care and Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder that manifest in episodes of chest tightness, coughing, wheezing and labored breathing. It is caused by bronchiole inflammation and it leaves a person feeling like they can not get enough air. In fact asthma kills 5,000 people a year and many more than that suffer from asthma some have mild controllable asthma and other people have chronic, aggressive and uncontrolled asthma. Ironically, if it weren't bad enough to suffer from this disorder, asthmatics also have an increased rate of cavities, bad breath and gum disease. Researchers believe the increased dental problems are due to the side effects from prolonged inhaler use, especially in young children.

To counter act the increased risk for dental problems it is a good idea to increase your preventive dental visits and use fluoride.

Your dentist will be proactive in your care by getting a complete oral history of your illness including how many attacks you generally have and how severe they are. Your dentist will also need to know what medications you use and what you're known triggers are that cause an attack. You also need to make your dentist aware of any changes in your asthma medication and any complications or triggers from your asthma attacks. You should also bring your medication with you to every visit just in case they are needed.

Researchers have found that some dental materials can aggravate asthma including dentifrices, which is a liquid, paste or powder used to clean teeth. Other triggers include fissure sealants, which are generally applied to children's teeth to prevent tooth decay. The tooth enamel dust from having a tooth drilled for a cavity for example can also be a trigger as can a combination of fluoride trays and cotton rolls. Methyl methactylate is a chemical compound used to make resins and plastics and is found in some dental products and can aggravate breathing in even those who are not asthmatic.

Dental treatment can cause a decrease of up to 15% of lung capacity in asthmatics usually after a local anesthesia is given or during a tooth extraction. If your asthma is not under control or you are having an asthma attack you should not under go any elective dental procedures or surgeries. If your asthma is not under control you may need to consider having any dental work done in a hospital setting as a preventive measure since most dental offices are not equipped to deal with a life threatening asthmatic attack.

But again preventive dental care can be the key to avoiding any dental procedures so make sure if you have asthma you see your dentist regularly, practice good oral hygiene and keep your dentist up to date on your asthma condition.

Allergy Asthma Treatment - How to Deal With It?

Allergy asthma is that type of asthma which is primarily triggered by an allergy or any other external element which causes an allergic reaction the result of which is an asthma attack. The truth is that asthma is not really categorized in to various categories but it just seems appropriate to set aside the type of asthma which is triggered by an allergy which can either be airborne allergens or by food. 

A recent research has concluded that around 80% of all asthma cases in the United States is caused by allergies. There are various studies which show that asthma and allergies often go hand in hand especially for those people who have an existing asthma condition or chronic inflammation of their respiratory airways. So what activates your allergies is probably the same thing which is causing your asthma attack. 

So how do you go about determining if your asthma is caused by an allergy or not. The most common tell tale sign of an allergy caused asthma is the inflammation of your airways, tightness of your chest, shortness of breath and wheezing. In seventy five percent of the cases the asthma attack is set off by airborne allergens. 

The most common of airborne allergens that cause asthma are dust mites, pet dander, pollen etc. There are a also a few foods that can cause asthma such as chicken, eggs, preservatives, seafood, and artificial flavoring. The average person cannot really comprehend how an allergic reaction can lead to a situation such as an asthma attack. The fact is that the throat and the airways are effected the most when airborne substances enter the respiratory tract via the nose or mouth. This affects the inner lining of the passage ways and causes asthma symptoms which are actually the result of the response of the antibodies in your blood. 

The skin reaction and the nasal congestion along with itchy eyes is all the result of antibodies getting to in to action. This is what primarily causes allergy asthma. So for instance if you were allergic to animal fur and it went into your body via your nose the body releases a chemical as soon as it enters your body. The reaction of your body is what causes an asthma attack. 

In order to effectively deal will allergic asthma you need to understand it. Understanding it is the first step towards curing it.  

Curing Asthma - How to Completely Remove Dust Mites

Nobody wants to have mites in their homes just like nobody wants to have dust inside their houses. Yet, sometimes it just happens that the small mites get inside and you cannot make them leave. If for a normal person mites are just annoying, for asthma sufferers they are quite dangerous, as they are one of the most powerful allergens which trigger asthma attacks.

Thus, if you are an asthmatic or have inside your house someone who is, it is absolutely necessary to get rid of all the dust mites as soon as possible and keep them away from your home for ever. In order to achieve this task, you will have to follow some simple routines, which you will find listed below.

The first thing on the "must do" list in order to get rid of dust mites is to reduce the humidity from inside the house. You can do that by using a dehumidifier. Also, make sure that you keep all the rooms ventilated, so that you avoid the accumulation of excessive humidity.

After that, you should purchase a vacuum cleaner with extra filtration and start vacuuming all your furniture and carpets. The items which cannot be washed or which is recommended that you wash only once or twice a year are the once which retain most of the dust mites and their eggs, so make sure that you vacuum them at least once a week.

Then, wash the beddings, the curtains, the blankets and duvet covers at a high temperature. It is recommended that you do not wash them below 60 degrees Celsius, otherwise the dust mites and their eggs may survive the washing process and this is something that you do not want to happen.

If you have children, sterilize all their toys by washing them in hot water. If the toys are not washable, you can put them in the refrigerator and leave them there at least one night. Dust mites cannot make it in low temperatures.

The mattress can also be a good place for mites, so take it out at least once in a month and let it air. Do not avoid that in the cold days of winter. Moreover, it is highly recommended to take it out in the cool air, as dust mites and their eggs will die at low temperatures, as mentioned previously.

These measures will make your house a safer environment, both for you and for the asthma sufferers as they will keep the dust mites away for good.

How Do Asthma Inhalers Work?

The dramatic symptoms of asthma including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing are caused by three events in the airways:

1. the lining of the airways beginning to swell


2. mucus being secreted


3. the muscles that surround the airway going into spasm

There are two types of asthma inhalers called bronchodilators that counteract all three of these events and open (dilate) your airways (bronchi).

Controller Inhalers

Sometimes called preventers, these inhalers are used every day to reduce inflammation. If you have been diagnosed with asthma, your airways will always be more swollen than those of somebody without the condition. By using an asthma controller each morning and evening, you can reduce that baseline swelling in your airways. If you now come across an asthma trigger causing your airways to swell even more, the resulting inflammation will not be as severe. Controller inhalers can also make you less reactive to those triggers.

The most effective controller inhalers use low doses of steroids called corticosteroids. They should be used every day even if you are feeling well; otherwise the asthma symptoms can come back. There also exist combination inhalers which include steroid prevention medication along with a long-lasting reliever medication.

Reliever Inhalers

These emergency inhalers are often referred to as rescue inhalers. They are to be used only when you feel your airways tighten and it is hard to breathe. Your symptoms will go away fast and you will feel instant relief. These inhalers work by relaxing the muscles around the airways making the airways wider. They do not however, have an effect on inflammation or build up of mucus; so you must continue to take your controller medication for those. You can use a rescue inhaler up to four times a day until your symptoms subside. You may also be advised by your doctor to use the inhaler before sports or other activities.

MDI

Of the more popular types of inhalers are MDI's, or metered dose inhalers. The medicine is in the form of a mist and comes out when you press down the inhaler. You may want to use a spacer, sometimes referred to as a holding chamber with your metered device which enables the medicine to reach deep into your airways with less remaining in your mouth. A spacer helps reduce the risk of side effects of bronchodilators including hoarseness or irritation of the throat or tongue.

Controller and reliever inhalers work the same way though the medicine inside is for different purposes. To make distinguishing between the two easier, rescue inhalers are blue while controller inhalers come most often in orange and brown but are available in purple and red.

Cough Variant Asthma is a Unique Form of Asthma

Cough Variant Asthma is a type of asthma that gets its name from its only symptom. With other types of asthma there is a set of asthma symptoms that are very typical. The difference with all asthma types is not usually in what symptoms you have, but what causes those symptoms. However, there is no typical list of causes, even for the same type of asthma.

Cough Variant Asthma Is Different

Instead of the usual four symptoms, with cough variant asthma coughing is the only symptom. And instead of the usual asthma cough, this cough is a very dry cough with no mucus being expelled. This cough can also last for a long time, perhaps for many weeks. It can also be a loud cough, what is called a barking cough. Since there are no other symptoms like wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath, this type of asthma often goes undiagnosed.

What is Asthma

Having any type of asthma, such as cough variant asthma, means that your airways or breathing tubes going to your lungs are very sensitive to specific things. These things are called your asthma triggers. Coming into contact with any of these things will cause your airways to get really upset. And when the airways of a person with asthma get upset, there is a very predictable list of things that usually happen.

• There is swelling on the inside of your airways which makes them smaller.


• The muscles on the outside of your airways try to squeeze the airways shut, making them even smaller.


• The inside of your airways create gunk (plegm or mucus are other words used) which clogs up the airways even more.

With cough variant asthma, your airways do get irritated but not with the same results. They don't become so small so that you have trouble breathing and the muscles around the airways don't appear to tighten up so you don't feel the tightness in the chest. There is also no gunk being produced inside of the airways. The only symptom is the very persistent cough.

Asthma Triggers

If you have cough variant asthma, your asthma causes or triggers responsible for your chronic cough are similar to the triggers for other types of asthma. If you have asthma, you will have your own personal list of things that your airways really hate. If you come in contact with or do any of those things on your list, your airways will get really irritated. In the case of cough variant asthma, the result will be your chronic cough. The following things are a partial list of possible asthma triggers that might be on your list:

• Specific foods - could pretty much be anything


• Different types of air pollution


• Aerosol sprays - like hair spray or deodorants, etc


• Pet dander - all pets give off dander


• Cockroach droppings


• Dust mites - in your bedding, carpets, etc


• Allergens - like grass or pollen, etc


• Mold - both indoor and outdoor


• Smoke - all types


• Weather - could be certain types of weather or changes in the weather


• Stress - or other strong emotions


• and the list goes on

Anything on the above list could could be one of your asthma triggers. In fact, you could have any number of those things on your list. You might even have a trigger that is not on that list. Everybody has their own list and the way that you are affected by something on the list will be different from the way that it affects somebody else. Some people with asthma have their airways get irritated all the time while others only see the problem every once in awhile.

Relieve Your Asthma With Cod Liver Oil

It's been shown that there is an association between cod liver oil and asthma. A lack of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet is believed by many experts to be one of the causes of asthma. Babies who were bottle fed and children who don't eat a sufficiently nutritional diet appear to be at higher risk for this ailment.

Research has found that cod liver oil is a rich source of vitamins and omega-3. Among its many benefits are the prevention of dry skin, relief for arthritis sufferers, and improved heart health. And now it seems to hold the promise of curtailing asthma symptoms.

It seems that asthma attacks can be treated by including an adequate amount of essential fatty acids in the diet, particularly the omega-3 fatty acids found in this form of fish oil. Researchers report that omega-6 is the most widely consumed of the fatty acids, whereas omega-3 is the least consumed.

Asthma is an inflammatory disorder and we know that omega-3 fatty acids help to relieve such medical conditions. So it seems logical to suppose that cod liver oil can be a useful option for treating this disease.

It's been revealed in studies that children are more liable to develop asthma when they don't eat enough foods containing Vitamins C, E, and B12, as well as zinc, selenium, magnesium and beta-carotene. A first step in treating asthma should be to include these important nutrients in the diet, supplemented by cod liver oil.

Since it's difficult to get enough omega-3 fatty acids through diet alone, supplementing your food intake with fish oil will help to maintain sufficient levels of the vitamins and fatty acids that are found in this nutritional product.

Anecdotal evidence shows that one individual experiencing an asthma attack took the product and the symptoms stopped. After some time, she stopped using the oil, and the wheezing started up again. It seems, then, that it can help to eliminate asthma attacks.

The first thing you need to do if you suspect that you or your child has asthma is to visit your doctor. He or she can tell you if cod liver oil is right for you, particularly if you already have a medical condition or are taking medication which might interfere with the oil. Based on the research, it appears that it can offer some relief to those who suffer from asthma, and could be an effective supplemental treatment.

Asthma Exercises and Other Tips For Asthma Sufferers

Asthma exercise is actually important in easing the symptoms of this chronic respiratory inflammation problem. But since strenuous activities and even some types of exercise can induce flare-ups of asthma, many people think that asthma and exercise do not mix altogether.

However, if you have this respiratory illness, you cannot simply be a couch potato all your life. Remember that lack of exercise and physical activities may protect you from exercise-triggered inflammation of your air passageway, but it won't prevent obesity and the other problems that come with lack of exercise. Here are some tips that you might want to follow if you are planning to start an exercise regimen for asthmatics.

The first thing that you need to consider about asthma exercise is that you should start slow. You do not need to perform 100 push-ups or crunches in one sitting. According to research, people suffering from this respiratory condition can increase asthma exercise or aerobic activity over time. But for starters, perform simple and easy steps first before you go to extreme activities. The slow approach will help minimize asthma attacks that are induced by strenuous exercise. Even if you have asthma, you can probably go mountain climbing or do extreme sports, just make sure that you do not overexert yourself and do heavy stuff all of a sudden without prepping up your body.

Another important asthma exercise consideration is consistency and regularity. Intermittent extreme exercises will not prevent you from having severe flare-ups. Instead, start with a leisurely walk all around the park for thirty minutes. The next day, you can either increase your speed or walk for a longer distance. After a few weeks of adding intensity or workout hours, you can probably start strenuous asthma exercise without getting a single asthma attack. However, it is important that you regularly monitor your body's reaction to certain changes in your asthma exercise because you would not know when you will be having sudden attacks.

Managing asthma is actually easier than it looks. In fact, there are even famous athletes who have asthma problems but were still able to win Olympic medals, take the case of Jackie-Joyner Kersee. You just have to make sure that you make necessary precautions when doing asthma exercise. Be sure to always bring your asthma medications or inhaler with you whenever you plan to go to the gym or run around the park. Alongside asthma exercise, you can also reduce your asthma attacks by minimizing stress, getting better sleep, and eating right.

Indoor Asthma Irritants - 5 Indoor Pollutants To Eliminate

Managing asthma effectively means reducing the triggers that cause flare ups. You can raise air quality and your quality of life by reducing these top 5 irritants in your indoor air.

Dust Mites - The presence of these little bugs can lead to the onset of asthma as well as exacerbate an existing condition. No one escapes these little bugs in their home regardless of how good a housekeeper you are.

They thrive in warm, moist, and dark places which makes the bedroom ideal, and more specifically every bed in your home, a perfect target.

Dust - This collection of particles is distinct to each home but generally includes dirt, minute pieces of paper from mail, magazines and other paper products, outdoor particles that get blown in such as pollen and mold and mildew spores, pet dander, and on it goes.

Airborne Chemicals - Unfortunately, these are becoming more prevalent in the products we use for everyday living. Scents from cleaning and personal products, formaldehyde used in building materials, chemicals that off gas from pressed wood furniture, and those used to fire-proof draperies and clothing can really pollute indoor air.

Being vigilant about the products you select to bring into your home can improve your air quality. But often it's difficult to figure out which fumes or combinations are causing the problem.

Smoke - The banning of smoking in public places has resulted in major improvement of air quality in restaurants. But if you live with a smoker who can't stop smoking, or your apartment situation makes you vulnerable to second-hand smoke, you're in a tough spot.

The chemicals, smoke and particles that burning of any kind naturally produce can really cause havoc with asthma. Wood burning stoves and fireplaces can also prove to be irritants and can often push irritant levels to the point of a flare up.

Spores - A natural part of nature, mold and mildew spores as well as seasonal pollens are constantly hitching a ride into your home as doors open and clothes, on packages, in hair, and on pets.

Regardless of how many precautions you take, there is no way to stop some outside air, and all that it contains, from coming indoors.

In fact, the only way to keep all of these airborne triggers continually under control is to filter the air continually with an air purifier that contains filters capable of eliminating both gaseous and particulate irritants.

24 hour filtration is an effective yet non-invasive way to maintain clean air 24 hours every day. And just knowing that the air in your home is not going to sabotage your health provides a physical and emotional haven that you can look forward to enjoying.

Natural Asthma Remedies You Can Use at Home

There are many things you can do at home to help control your asthma. You should never treat asthma without the advice of a medical professional as asthma can be serious, even fatal. However, it is possible to use many home remedies to improve your comfort level, ease your symptoms and reduce the frequency of your asthma attacks.

The best way to improve your asthma symptoms or lessen the occurrence of asthma attacks is to understand asthma as much as possible. The better you understand what triggers your asthma, the more capable you will feel about controlling your asthma symptoms. Triggers such as dust particles, chemical pollutants and fumes, allergens and cigarette smoke can cause asthma.

Some people experience asthma when they exercise or when they breathe in cold air. Keeping a journal of your asthma attacks and what triggered them can show you a pattern of what causes you to experience asthma symptoms. Show the journal to your doctor so triggers can be identified. Once identified you can try to avoid what triggers your asthma or lessen your exposure to what triggers your attacks. This can be difficult to do at work but easier at home where you are more in control over the environment.

Once identified you can remove triggers from your home, triggers such as pet dander, cigarette smoke, and dust are usually easy to remove. You should also stop using harsh chemicals when cleaning if this triggers an asthma attack.

Home Remedies:

If your lungs are congested with mucus try improving your symptoms by taking a hot, steamy shower or sitting in a sauna.

Many people have found honey to be beneficial in relieving an asthma attack. When experiencing symptoms such as chest tightness or coughing, open a jar of honey and breathe deeply over the opening. You can also mix 1 teaspoon of honey in a full glass of water and drink this mixture 3 times a day as a home remedy for asthma related symptoms.

Another known home remedy for asthma is to boil garlic cloves in thirty grams of milk and drink it 3 times a day. You can also put minced garlic cloves in a steaming cup of ginger tea and drink this mixture once in the morning and once in the evening.

People have also found drinking a glass of milk 2 to 3 times a day containing one teaspoon of turmeric powder relieves asthma symptoms

Chest rubs have been used for centuries to relieve coughing and chest congestion, the same can benefit an asthma attack when mustard oil and camphor is mixed together and massaged over the back of the chest.

Another simple but effective asthma home remedy is to boil water mixed with caraway seeds and breathe in the steam created by the boiling water.

Mixing radish, honey and lemon juice in a blender until well blended and then cook in a small pan over low heat for 20 minutes can make another home remedy for asthma. This mixture should be cooled and then the person with the asthma should take a teaspoonful each morning.

Lifestyle changes such as spending time in fresh air and sunshine on a daily basis, living in a dust-free environment free of any triggers such as pet dander, chemical pollutants and cigarette smoke can lead to less frequent asthma symptoms. It is also important to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day because staying well hydrated can help thin out or loosen mucus.

Using home remedies are a cost-effective way to help control and combat asthma symptoms. It is vital asthma is recognized as a serious condition and that signs and symptoms of asthma not ignored. If treatment does not relieve the symptoms and the signs of asthma worsen, you should always seek emergency medical help immediately.

If you would like to know more about Asthma and its remedies click on ASTHMA AND TREATMENT below

Chiropractic Treatment Can Improve Asthma Symptoms

When it comes to asthma, the numbers speak for themselves: Asthma cases have seen an increase by over 60 percent since the 1980s. Asthma-related deaths amount to 5,000 cases per year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that roughly 20 million people in the United States presently have asthma. In some cases, those who have the condition do not even know it, attributing their symptoms to other maladies.

Unlike twenty years ago, asthma and the use of inhalers are now widespread. It is no longer unusual to find many children in a single classroom experiencing breathing difficulties. In the present climate, researchers are left to speculate why asthma cases have seen such a marked increase. Genetics and environmental exposure to possible allergens are likely culprits. Nowadays, people are exposed to a vast amount of potential allergens such as cleaning products, and formaldehyde preservatives that go into carpets and furniture.

Air quality also plays a factor. Drafty houses that bring in fresh air to dry and freshen up the space also clear out mold and other allergens. Unfortunately, many modern houses are too insulated; basements, for example, are known for increasing mold exposure. Those who spend a lot of time in them are likely to have regular contact with mold and other allergens.

Another source of allergen exposure comes in the form of food, especially manufactured foods with preservatives. Vaccinations and antibiotics may also figure in, contributing to the overall picture.

Since asthma is a chronic condition, it can't be cured. It can, however, be managed. Consulting with both primary care physicians and asthma specialists such as an allergist, are recommended for solid treatment results. Experts advise asthma patients to identify specific allergens and to seek ways to reduce exposure to substances that provoke aggravated episodes. This is in addition to any medication taken.

Allergens, however, is just one of the factors that affect asthma symptoms and attacks. Stress also plays a role. Moving to a new town, divorce, a new school, and challenging situations may trigger asthma attacks. Moreover, strong emotional outbursts such as anger, fear, and even laughter, can provoke an attack.

In order to address the patient's stress level and improve the asthma patient's quality of life, alternative treatment methods should be considered. Relaxation techniques employed by the likes of meditation, yoga, massage, acupuncture, and breathing exercises can be very beneficial. Clinical evidence has also shown that chiropractic care and manipulation help asthma patients.

A clinical trial showed that asthma patients treated with chiropractic treatment experienced significant improvement of bronchial hyper-reactivity and saw a decrease of asthma severity. Another comprehensive clinical trial reported that the patient group that was treated with spinal manipulation showed significant improvement in asthma symptoms.

Doctors of chiropractic offer a thorough evaluation of asthma patients, examining their overall physical and neurological data, as well as their diet, lifestyle and potential stressors. In this way, chiropractic care can offer invaluable support to the asthma treatment team. They work with patients to improve their motor coordination, respiratory and stomach muscles, as well as look into their overall quality of life.

To alleviate symptoms, here are few tips suggested by experts:
• Get checked for viral respiratory infections and other conditions. Once these conditions are treated, asthma symptoms are also likely to improve.
• Be aware that endocrine factors, such as pregnancy and thyroid disease, may also worsen asthma symptoms.
• Use hypoallergenic bedding to lessen exposure to dust mites.
• If exercising provokes attacks, consider getting an individualized program prescribed for your needs. Your chiropractic care doctor can assist you with this.
• Medications such as beta-blockers (eye drops, for instance), aspirin, and anti-inflammatory drugs, can also induce or exacerbate symptoms.
• Watch out for foods with sulfites or monosodium glutamate (MSG). These additives are uses in a many foods, so be sure to carefully scan labels, and eat in restaurants that are conscious of MSG.
• Aim to eat less meat. Animal proteins include arachidonic acid, which may aggravate inflammation.
• Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as fish and fish oil.
• Consider taking vitamin C supplements. They help counteract allergic reactions and wheezing.
• Look for ways to reduce possible sources of stress for your children.
• Take inventory of your child's lifestyle, quality time spent with family, and exposure to television and computer programs.
• Employ air filters at home.
• Cover pillows and mattresses with dust covers.

How To Prevent Exercise Induced Asthma

Exercise and asthmatic symptoms for many asthma sufferers cannot be separated. All types of exertion such as playing sport, exercising or even brisk walking or running can trigger asthma. The medical community has even coined the name Exercise Induced Asthma to describe it.

Exercise is very important for everybody especially asthmatics. Sufferers will often find that their asthma is often improved when they are regularly undertaking exercise.

When partaking in exercise, carbon dioxide levels increase along with hydrogen ions which stimulates your breathing rate to expel the excess CO2. It is not a lack of oxygen that creates the increase in breathing rate rather the increase in CO2. When CO2 levels decrease so does the breathing rate. It's normal for this chain of events to occur, more oxygen is required by our muscles during exercise. But this is when many asthmatic sufferers experience problems. Problems occur because often breathing becomes out of control and hyperventilation can easily occur.

The reason why you will experience an asthma attack whilst exercising is because you are hyperventilating. Therefore the key is to control your breathing, more specifically control your carbon dioxide levels.

It 's a good idea to important to warm up your breathing before you exercise and gradually build up intensity. Let your body build up carbon dioxide levels slowly and don't go all out from the start will ensure you don't have an asthma attack when exercising.

The Second Wind

Asthma sufferers won't have high levels of carbon dioxide within their lungs to cope for very long exercising. Because their levels are so low to begin, when their level of CO2 is further decreased as in when over-breathing and expelling it, the lungs will start to narrow in defence.

If they can go through the first stages of exercise, your body will start to produce and store more CO2 and consequently open up your airways. The Second Windas it is often called. That is when about 15 minutes after beginning exercise, the body is producing enough carbon dioxide to keep airways open allowing for much easier breathing. You can exercise as if you are on steroids, and technically you are and it's your body's natural one.

Another important thing to remember is to breathe through your nose when exercising just as you should at any time. The nose is acts like a filter and an air-con for your lungs and makes hyperventilation much harder.

Asthma Remedies

Over 300 million people suffer from asthma attacks every year and they are often looking for asthma remedies alternatives to the steroids and drugs they have been prescribed.

Asthma is a chronic breathing condition which can affect anyone of any age; you can have it in a very mild form or have severe asthma.

You will experience certain symptoms with the condition and these can include shortness of breath, wheezing,and tightness in your chest.

Many things can trigger an asthma attack, even very simple things like the surroundings or even a household pet. You have to understand the triggers before you can use remedies that will suit you and your lifestyle.

Although people often think they have to take drugs to help with their asthma, simple steps can help ensure that you don't have an attack.

Make sure that you drink plenty of water every day;dehydration can cause many problems including headaches and a dry throat.

By ensuring you don't have a dry throat will cut down the risk of it becoming irritated and bringing on an attack. You should also look at your diet. Some foods can trigger asthma, and by eliminating these you will be able to feel and look better.

Processed foods, dairy, and wheat can all cause your throat and digestive system to become inflamed. For you to be healthier you may need to eliminate these foods entirely.

This will help with your asthma and your overall health. Most remedies contain herbs that give you a natural alternative to drugs.

You also need to ensure that you are taking vitamins and minerals to keep your body in the best condition it can be.

If you are healthy and fit then there is less chance of you having an asthma attack. People often claim that exercise is bad if you have asthma, but that simply isn't true.

The more air you can take into your body the better your lungs will feel. You will also need to have a good spring clean in your home to ensure that all of the dust mites and dust have been removed.

All of these things can bring on an asthma attack. By having a very clean home you are providing a healthier environment to live in.

Learning how to relax and breathe properly are great ways to control your asthma. If you can remain very calm when having an attack you should be able to breathe through it.

Taking time to relax at the end of the day will help with the way that you feel, and less stress will help with your asthma. Every small thing really can help and if it stops you relying on steroids and drugs, then that is a bonus.

Asthma Attack Medicinal Plants

There are two types of asthma, intrinsic asthma and extrinsic asthma. Internal factors like stress, air pollution, respiratory infection and exercise cause intrinsic asthma. Animals' dander, pollens, trees, molds, dust mites' etc causes' extrinsic asthma.

There is no proper means to prevent intrinsic asthma however people choose to utilize medicinal plants. There are no side-effects caused due to the use of medicinal plants for controlling asthma attacks. But it should be used sparingly.

Garlic is one of the medicinal plant which curbs asthma attack. Mixing garlic with boiled milk and drinking gives instant relief from attacks. Turmeric is also has therapeutic properties to relieve attacks. It should also be consumed with hot milk twice a day.

A mixture of camphor and mustard oil when applied on the chest can give instantaneous relief. It eases the pattern of breathing and loosens the phlegm from the chest.

Ginger also is an excellent means of keeps asthma conditions under control. Some of the herbs like sanctm, inula helenium, emblica, verbascum, chebulic, shilajit, glychyrrhiza glabra when missed in various medicinal proportions helps in controlling the symptoms of asthma and making the flow of air in the air tubes easier.

Although medicinal plants that are used for controlling asthma attacks do not have adverse effect it is better to consult your physician before switching over to it.

A bronchodilator which is prepared from aloe Vera, banana stalk and a flower belong to the family of hibiscus is being used by many asthmatics and has shown positive results. People have begun opting for medicinal plant for asthma attacks in different part of the world. Uses of medicinal plants have become an integral part of much ancient civilization. The healing properties of medicinal plants have successfully cured human illness till the development of science took place.

However some doctors warn against the use of medicinal plants in curing asthma because of the possible toxic effects present in some of them. Some of the medicinal herbs have been used since age old times and passed on traditionally from generation to generation.

Thus curing asthma attack through medicinal plants and herbs rather than by manmade drugs is always healthy option. Medicinal plants today have a new role to play. Besides decorating and being used in various cuisines, if used in appropriate doses can be converted into an effective drug for curing illnesses. Medicinal plants are used as medications in the form of oils, tinctures, syrups and decoctions. Today it is synthesized and manipulated in new forms by the pharmaceutical industry.

Asthma: Why You Need to Use a Peak Flow Meter

Key Asthma Symptoms

The key symptoms of asthma are also common in other major illnesses and so self diagnosing is not recommended. Only a doctor can diagnose asthma and then only after several tests have been taken.

The most common identifiers of asthma are:

• Wheezing

• Chronic cough.

• Tightness in the chest

• Shortness of breath

Having said that, these symptoms are also common with some heart ailments, cystic fibrosis, bronchitis, allergies and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Sometimes, a person with severe asthma can have a debilitating illness; they are so impacted by the symptoms that they are not able to function normally on a day to day basis. Fortunately, the vast number of asthma sufferers have symptoms that are much more mild. For these sufferers an asthma attack my occur infrequently and the use of Ventolin HFA is all they need.

For some sufferers, their asthma may be too severe to be controlled with the use of an inhaler or nebulizer and their symptoms continue to get worse; the throat muscles can become so inflamed that they have serious difficulty breathing, they wheeze, have a tightness in their chest, and, develop a chronic cough. When this happens, going about their daily lives is impossible.

If your regular medication does not relieve the symptoms then your progress to a severe attack and medical intervention is usually necessary. As the symptoms get worse your ability to breathe is reduced and your body takes in less oxygen than it needs. Without immediate help this can be fatal.

Some people suffer infrequent mild asthma attacks and they are able to manage their symptoms by using an inhaler, or, nebulizer. On the onset of an attack a puff or spray of asthma medication is all they need.

With regular use of a Peak Flow Monitor it is possible to know in advance if you are going to have an asthma attack.

Without knowing what your regular lung capacity is, it is not easy to know if you are having a severe asthma attack, A Peak Flow Meter, properly used, will let you stay on top of your regular measure of breathing capacity; during an asthma attack using the flow meter will give you a measure of your of breathing ability, and hence your level of oxygen intake.

If your oxygen intake is low you should go to the hospital immediately. Let's look at this in more detail;

What is a Peak Flow Meter

A hand held device, a peak flow meter measures the speed of your breath (air) coming from your lungs after you have exhaled forcefully immediately after fully inhaling. Peak flow meters are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Portable and affordable, these devices are easy to take with you wherever you go.

Keeping records of the results - your peak expiratory flow (PEF) is part of an asthma management plan. If your asthma is under control your readings will be consistent, if they are not, your asthma may be getting worse.

How do I find out my best peak expiratory flow

When you start using a Peak Flow Meter you need to record each of your readings two or three times a day for at least 2-3 weeks. Always take your tests at the same time each day and always take your test prior to using your Ventolin HFA inhaler. Follow the instructions that come with your meter on how to take the breath tests. The highest number you have recorded over the test period is your peak expiratory flow.

Sometimes, during a severe asthma attack it may seem that your symptoms have eased because you are not wheezing, when instead, your lung capacity has become too low to let you wheeze. By taking your flow rate and comparing it to your recorded peak rate, you will know if you should be going immediately to the hospital. Failure to do so could be fatal.

Regular use of your meter can assist you in identifying when an asthma attack may be due. An asthma attack may present symptoms up to a week before it actually occurs; knowing when to use your Ventolin HFA ahead of an attack can prevent an attack from occurring.

Talk with your doctor about how a Peak Flow Meter may help you manage your symptoms.

Asthma Management and the Importance of Having an Asthma Action Plan

Overview

Asthma is when your airways become inflamed and swollen making it difficult for you to breath. For some people this can be a chronic condition that needs to be controlled with an Asthma management plan. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, asthma affects 1 out of every 4 people. It is estimated that in America nearly 60 million people suffer from Asthma. Knowing what triggers an attack and how to manage their asthma has greatly improved the quality of life for many suffers.

Symptoms

Asthma symptoms can be different with each attack. Also not everyone that has asthma will have the same symptoms. The symptoms to look out for are wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, tightness or pain in the chest, an increased heart rate, and sometimes sweating occurs.

Diagnosis

Asthma is normally classified as mild, moderate, or severe. The classification based on the assessment of your symptoms by your doctor. Depending on your situation, your doctor may use a peek flow meter to see how well you are breathing in and out. Also a pulse oximeter will be used to measure the amount of oxygen is in your blood. Sometimes a chest x-ray is taken to rule out any other problems that may be causing your breathing problems.

Treatment

There is not a cure for Asthma at this time but it can be treated. The prognosis is most often good because of the medical advances. Doctors have many options when treating asthma. There are oral medications that can be taken to prevent an attack from occurring. They are referred to as anti-inflammatory drugs. Some people have to use a bronchodilator to help release the tightening of the airways muscle. Additionally quick relief inhalers are used by most asthma suffers and older adults and children mainly use a nebulizer to help treat their asthma symptoms. Your doctor will help you with an asthma management plan to help get your asthma under control.

Conclusion

Asthma doesn't have to dictate your quality of life. Medical research has come a long way in understanding asthma and how to treat it. There are many treatment options available that can help you lead an active lifestyle and satisfying life.

Asthma: The Effect of Diet On Your Breathing Health

The key point to remember here is that everything you eat will make you breathe more deeply. Some foods will make you breathe more than other foods. Plus there is some individual variation in how much people respond do different foods.

With this issue please realize that you will need to eat something to stay alive. As all foods increase your breathing depth [because of the digestive process], your breathing is going to be affected, there is no avoiding it. The strategy is simply when your breathing is poor, and you are having symptoms, eat as little as possible and eat the foods that have least effect on your breathing.

Remember that the problem is to do with your breathing, that is where the most important focus of your recovery should be. It is your shallow breathing practice that is more important than anything else, including diet.

The foods which tend to increase breathing the most are animal proteins, animal fats and refined sugars. This includes chicken, beef and other meats, and milk products. Plant proteins and fats are less harmful. Nuts, beans, berries and other fruits can have strong impact on some individuals breathing.

The rule is to reduce animal protein as much as possible, and observe your breathing after eating. Always reduce your breathing after food to reduce the impact of the food. Once your breathing has been conditioned to maintain a higher CO2 level, you will be less affected by what you eat.

Until then, minimise or stop your meat intake, along with all dairy foods. [Note: Soy milk is very high in protein, and only slightly less harmful than animal milk in breathing terms.]

Another notable food that increases your breathing very strongly is alcohol. If you have symptoms of asthma do not drink alcohol. If you doubt this, simply measure your pause before a few drinks, then measure it afterwards.

Major Rule of Food

If you are not hungry, do not eat. If you do not feel hunger, your body is not ready for food, and will not digest it efficiently. If you are not sure if your are hungry, wait for a while.

During the first week of training your breathing, especially if you have symptoms, follow this rule rigidly. If you do not eat for several days, fine. Wait until you are hungry.

The less you eat, the faster your breathing will improve.

Stepwise Treatment For Asthma

Step wise treatment for asthma helps to maintain uniformity in treating patients. In addition this kind of approach is helpful to get highest possible symptom relief by using least possible medications. Also it is easy to understand and gives a freedom of either stepping up or stepping down according to the severity of symptoms.

Step 1 -Mild intermittent asthma

For those whose symptoms are mild and getting attacks occasionally, short acting beta agonists (salbutamol, terbutaline) are helpful. These medications relieve the symptoms almost immediately by relaxing the muscles of the wind pipe. Hence they are called relievers.

Step 2 - Regular preventer therapy

In those patients, whose symptoms are not relieved properly by relievers alone, corticosteroid inhalers will be given in addition to the existing relievers. Corticosteroid prevents inflammation occurring in the wind pipe. Hence they are called preventers. Normally Preventers will be needed for those patients who have

o asthma symptoms more than twice a week,
o Waking up during sleep at least once a week due to asthma,
o Those had an asthma attack in the last two years, or
o Those who use short-acting beta2-agonist inhaler (salbutamol, terbutaline) more than twice a week.

Step 3 - Add-on therapy

If symptoms are not getting controlled using corticosteroid inhalers, the next step is to add long acting relievers (long acting b-agonists) like salmetrol or formetrol. The effect of long acting relievers may stay up to 12 hours. Long active relievers should always be combined with corticosteroid inhalers, as one study showed using long active relievers alone may increase the asthma attack. To prevent this problem, it is better to use combined inhalers which contain a corticosteroid and long acting beta2 agonists that are available in the market. Also it is easy for the patients to have one inhaler rather than two.
Patients are tried initially with lowest dose. If symptoms are still worse, the doses of long acting relievers and corticosteroids could be increased.

Step 4 - Persistent poor control

If patient sill has symptoms, doctor would try other medication like leukotriene receptor antagonists or theophyllins to get adequate asthma control. If treatment is still not successful, the amount of inhaled corticosteroids may be increased to its maximum safe dose, and additional preventer medicines will be tried.

Step 5

For some patients in whom symptoms can't be controlled by above steps, powerful drugs will tried to get adequate asthma control. These include corticosteroid tablets or methortrexate. As they have many side effects, patient should be monitored frequently by an expert.

This is final of seven parts "Walking with a Doc Series - Asthma".

Asthma Attack - Learn What is Happening to You Before and During an Attack

An asthma attack is experienced by approximately 30,000 people every single day in the United States. What many people don't realize is that an average of eleven people die every day from asthma. The number of asthma cases continues to rise despite the billions of dollars being spent on asthma prescription medications.

What is asthma and what can cause you to have an asthma attack? Having asthma means that your airways or breathing tubes going to your lungs are extremely sensitive to one or more things. These things are known as your asthma triggers. They could be things like animal dander, smoke, paint fumes, dust mites, molds, pollen, certain foods, weather, weather changes, or other things like exercising, getting emotional, having a cold, gerd, etc.

Coming into contact with or even doing any of these triggers can cause some very nasty things to happen to your airways. This is the first step toward having an asthma attack. Here are the three nasty things that can happen:

• The insides of your airways begin to swell up and become very sensitive. This leaves less room for air to get back and forth to your lungs when you breathe. It also causes you to cough.



• The muscles around the outsides of your airways start to get real tight. They are trying real hard to squeeze your airways shut. This makes your airways smaller, which means that there is even less room for air to get through to your lungs.



• The insides of your airways start to fill with what I call gunk or what others might call mucus or phlegm. This begins to plug up your already small airways which makes it even harder to breathe. Every time you cough, some of this gunk comes out.

Every asthma attack you have can be different. So sometimes those bad things happening to your airways can be very mild and other times they can be quite severe. They might also happen very slowly one time and then very quickly the next.

How long those things last can also be different every time. They might stop when you are no longer exposed to your triggers or they might last several days.

Once those things reach a certain severity you will then start to have what are called your typical asthma symptoms. These symptoms are the things that we associate with having an asthma attack and they are listed below:

• Coughing - with your now irritated and sensitive airways, you will be coughing quite a bit. And there will be gunk coming up when you do.



• Wheezing - this is sort of a whistling sound, usually when you breathe out. This is from your airways being much smaller than normal.



• Tightness in the chest - this can sometimes be painful also. It is from the muscles around your airways getting so tight.



• Shortness of breath - you just can't take a normal breath with your irritated airways.

When those 3 things happening to your airways are bad, then these asthma symptoms will also get bad. It is not unusual for them to get so bad that you can't breathe. If you have an inhaler, the medication will try to reduce the problems with our airways so that you can breathe more normally again.

Asthma symptoms are pretty much the same for all asthma types except for cough variant asthma. With this type of asthma, your only symptom will be a very bad cough. And this cough will be a dry cough with none of the gunk being present.

It can also be a very loud cough that is sometimes referred to as a barking cough. And the worst thing is that this cough can sometimes last for weeks. Because there are no other asthma symptoms present, this type of asthma often goes undiagnosed.

Knowing what is happening during an asthma attack should help you to keep from panicking. Getting stressed out can make your symptoms even worse. It is also important to do what you can to help someone else who is having an attack to try and stay as relaxed as possible.

In those rare cases when your inhaler isn't working like it usually does, you might be having an acute asthma attack. If that happens, then it is very important that you seek immediate medical attention. Don't wait and hope that it will get better. An acute asthma attack can be a life and death situation.

Asthma Affects Children and Adults

Children and adults who suffer from Asthma are becoming more and more common. Children are smaller and are more prone to many different types of diseases. The most prominent one for small children is asthma. As they grow older the symptoms of Asthma seems to lesson but it never goes away fully. Treatment and a good diagnoses from your doctor can help you determine if your child or you suffer from asthma. Out of 20 million people suffering from Asthma, 9 million of those are children. The scary part is that this number keeps getting bigger and bigger every year. It is something that should be watched for mostly in children and diagnosed early if possible.

Treatments can vary depending on the age of the person. We are all so different that the treatments have to be made specific to your needs. Allergy induced Asthma is the most common among adults, so if you or your child has bad allergies you may want to watch the pollen counts closely. You or your child could end up developing Asthma symptoms due to pollen. Since there is no good explanation of why Asthma continues to rise so fast, the best thing you can do is be aware of your surroundings. It is best to be watchful and alert to possible asthma triggers in your areas. Children are more likely to get Asthma than adults because of their small bodies and how vulnerable they are to pollens, air pollution and even insect bites. Adults have a larger body that gives them an advantage to help overcome many things. By having a bigger body mass, our bodies can absorb more pollutants that unfortunately our children cannot.

Between 70% and 80% of adults and children suffer from seasonal allergies. That number continues to rise every year due to many different factors. One factor is our world's air pollution. Take diesel exhaust for example. Many of the particle emissions from diesel exhaust have been found to cause cancer. When the drugs were made for inhalers, scientists tested many particulate sizes to find out what would be the best size for the inhalers to use, so the medications could reach into the deepest parts of your lungs. The size they found to be the most effective was 2.5 microns. The size of particulates that come from diesel engine exhaust as you can guess is exactly 2.5 microns. What this means is the particles from diesel exhaust is going to the deepest parts of your lungs. With so many toxins and chemicals on our planet, our bodies are in a constant state of battle to clean up and get rid of these toxins. The bad part is that our bodies are losing this battle.

We are bombarded daily with many different types of chemicals and toxins. These toxins play a large role in the contributing factors surrounding who gets Asthma. If there was a way to remove these toxins and metals from our bodies would you take it? I believe with the removal of these toxins, the problems of asthma affecting more and more young children could start to lower, instead of the constant rising asthma statistic problem we have today. The problems we face today are only going to get worse because we continue to manufacture products and chemicals that pollute the air we breath and the water we drink. There are ways we can fight this growing problem and that is to take something natural that can take out all the bad that we take in each day. Then and only then can our bodies heal themselves.

How Asthma Attack is Provoked?

Most attacks of asthma, though frightening and uncomfortable, are usually mild and subside within a few minutes with simple treatment. At times though, they can go on for hours. Some attacks are serious - and the sufferer may feel that he is suffocating. Struggling to expel air only makes it more difficult to breathe, and the panic that can seize a patient who is fighting to breathe only makes things worse. In an effort to take in more air, the asthma sufferer may sit upright, or stand. His labored breathing can often be heard some distance away.

The majority of those suffering from episodes of asthma are children. The condition can begin as early as the first year of life. Both boys and girls can suffer from the disease. Most asthmatics can have their ailment controlled by medication. They can participate in normal activities and sports, taking a dose of their treatment just before beginning a game or a period of physical exercise to prevent an attack. The unlucky ones are those who do not get proper treatment and support: Their asthma may be allowed to become magnified into a physical and mental burden, even hindering their normal development.

It is interesting to consider exactly how an attack is provoked. People with asthma are said to have "sensitive" bronchi. Their lung tissues react far more than they should to various stimuli. The stimulus may be an allergen (a name given to any substance that excites an allergic reaction). On the other hand, it may be a non-allergic factor such as an infection, physical exercise or even a blast of cold air. An episode of asthma can be triggered off by a cat, by cigarette smoke or even by air that has been polluted by dust or aerosol spray. Sensitivity to animal fur and similar allergens is more likely to show up in those who have inherited an allergic tendency.

Worry and fear of an attack can contribute to bringing one on; so can undue excitement and emotion. But it is certainly not correct to label asthma an emotional or psychological disorder.

Does Asthma and Exercise Help to Reduce Attacks

Asthma is such a common condition that I think most of know someone or know of someone who suffers from this awful condition. I remember one lad back from my high school days that used to have asthma attacks during physical education. I often used to wonder why they had him exercise if it was only going to make him suffer. I've since found out that contrary to popular belief, a careful exercise plan is actually recognized as a beneficial part of any asthma treatment plan. Let me explain.

Asthma and exercise actually have a unique relationship but it's very important to understand this relationship and how the two relate. It's true, asthma and exercise don't always go cap in hand which is why it is crucial to understand why it is that physical activity can bring on an attack. Whenever we physically exert ourselves, we increase our body's need for more oxygen and consequently this makes our breathing considerably harder and faster. We've all overexerted ourselves at one time or another and therefore know those awful feelings of breathlessness, tightening of the chest, and in some cases, heavy panting. All of these are symptoms of a typical asthma attack.

After reading the above you may still be wondering what possible benefits there are for the asthma sufferer to exercise at all. Well, it's a known fact that the asthma sufferer who exercises frequently actually reports having fewer attacks than when they did not exercise. The reason for this is simple. Physical exercise improves overall physical health and whenever we're in good physical shape, out body's cope much better with any complaints and illnesses that challenge us, including asthma.

This doesn't mean that the asthma sufferer should fly out the door after reading this and attempt a 4 minute mile, as asthma and exercise require the correct planning. Remember, we're all different so it's unwise to generalize here. Any asthma sufferer that wants to include regular exercise into their treatment plan should first consult their doctor about the various types of exercise. Also, and this is very important, before embarking on any new exercise regime, an asthma sufferer should be certain that they are already managing their asthma in the correct way on a daily basis.

It probably goes without saying but it's crucial that when getting into an asthma and exercise program of action that the sufferer has the appropriate medical equipment at hand at all times, including their inhalers. It's a good idea to have a simply check list so that you are certain to pack what you need prior to your workout.

It's always a good idea to be mindful of how you are feeling during the workout and it's also important to stop the moment you feel any symptoms coming on. Taking care or yourself is paramount when doing any asthma and exercise fitness plan, and an understanding how 'your' asthma and exercise work together is a must.

Remember, fit and healthy sufferers of asthma have less attacks generally than those that do little or no regular exercise, but as mentioned earlier, consult your doctor first so that you can work out a plan specifically for you.

How to Treat Someone Having an Asthma Attack

Most people try to be totally free of asthma signs or symptoms the majority of the time, most people can achieve this, provided they follow the right medical advice.

Asthma is one of the worst conditions anyone could ever have, it effects your number one tool that enable you to survive and that is your breathing. Asthma attacks can happen at anytime due to a number of reasons, such as environmental conditions, stress and general asthma triggers.

You could be out with your friends when one of their children have an attack. Are you aware of how to deal with these situations? If you are able to provide the right asthma treatment, it might possibly save someone's life.

Here are key points you should know.

The worst thing you could do is put someone on their back during an asthma attack. You should always make the person feel as comfortable as possible when they are having an asthma attack. Try calm the persons breathing down while they are having an asthma attack.

Most asthma patients know what they need to do to deal with an attack. You should always take the time and ask them how they feel. Ask if they have an inhaler on them and if they know where it is.

If they don't have an asthma inhaler on them, calm them down and ask if you should call anyone they know. Most asthmatics will have an inhaler on them as well as a card on what you should do in case they have an attack.

An asthma attack can temporarily prevent the patient from being able to talk to you. This is the primary reason why asthma cards are so important to carry around with you. If there is such a card, just do as it says.

Aid them in using their inhaler. An inhaler is designed to deliver the right specific dose of asthma medication. These inhalers are created to help anyone feel better a lot faster. Medication is so important during an asthma attack, if the patient doesn't have his or her inhaler available, most doctors say that it is OK to use someone else's inhaler or asthma medication. You should always try your best to use the right medication

Always wait a few minutes before you use the inhaler again. Position the mouthpiece of the inhaler between the patient's lips. You should have him or her breathe in when they are about to take in the medication. Wait for several seconds before you deliver another puff. Let the person tell you they need more medication. A spacer helps the person take the medication in a different form. This device will fit in between the asthma inhaler and the persons mouth.

If there is no spacer, then simply design your own one, take a magazine and roll it up. You should never leave a person after giving them their medication, always sit with them and help them out. Try notice if you see their breathing improve. If it appears that they are not responding to the medication within ten minutes, call an ambulance.

While you await medical help, try give them some more medication. The treatment will be there to help the person breathe better. Stay as calm as possible. If you stay calm then the person having the attack will remain calm. If he panics, it will worsen the asthma attack and make it far more difficult for him to breathe.

Always make the person feel calm. This is the most important aspect. Learning these asthma treatment solutions concepts will let you deal more effectively with many emergency situations.

How to Deal With an Asthma Attack

Experiencing a severe asthma attack can be scary for anyone. If you have been experiencing them or you know someone who is, the best course of action is to call for medical assistance immediately. There are several ways in which you can prepare for such an occasion in case you find yourself in that situation. The following should not be taken as actual medical advice.

Having relief medication on hand is critical if you or someone around you is experiencing an asthma attack. Should the asthma sufferer have a reliever, find it and give it to the him or her to use. They will know how many puffs to take. The victim should be positioned so nothing will affect their breathing while having an asthma attack. They should not be lying down and it helps to loosen their clothes.

To be further prepared for the possibility of an attack, it's important to know what the symptoms of one are. Being able to identify them will signal what is supposed to be done and how the treatment should be given. Some of the symptoms include breathing problems while exercising, excess coughing during the night, short breath and congestion, and severe wheezing following exercise.

An asthma attack has several stages that will occur. First, there are pre-attack preparations involving medical consultations. The medical expert will know the specific asthma condition to care for and how to manage it.

The post attack stage is about what medication worked and what didn't. When another asthma attack occurs, the necessary adjustments will be made to treat it better. Because the symptoms and triggers will vary from case to case, extensive study is required for asthma diagnosis. Attacks range from manageable to fatal. Knowing the diagnosis, symptoms, and triggers will allow you to deal with asthma attacks the right way.