Asthma Medical Measures and Homeopathy

Qigong

Turn away from symptoms. At Life College in Marietta, Georgia, sports medicine researchers measured the respiratory efficiency of 10 people before the group learned a 20-minute qigong routine. After performing the routine, the participants had their respiratory efficiency measured again. It improved by an average of 20 percent suggesting that qigong may help prevent asthma attacks.

Bodywork

Consult a Trager work practitioner. For one study, physical therapists enrolled people with asthma in a 2-week course on Trager psychophysical integration, a gentle movement-based form of bodywork. Before­and-after tests showed that Trager work significantly improved the participants' lung functions.

Homeopathy

Give triggers a taste of their own medicine. Researchers in Glasgow, Scotland, recruited 28 volunteers with asthma­most of whom also had allergies to dust mites. Some of the volunteers received homeopathic medicines specific to their individual symptoms, while the rest received a placebo (a fake pill). Everyone continued their usual treatment programs. Within a week, the group given homeopathic preparations reported significantly greater relief from their asthma symptoms.

According to homeopath Dana Ullman, a number of homeopathic medicines help reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks. He often prescribes Aconitum, Arsenicum album, Ipecacuanha, Natrum sulfuricum, Pulsatilla, or Spongia to his asthma patients. To fmd out which of these medicines would work best for you, consult a homeopath.

Medical Measures

Pharmaceutical companies have developed a dizzying array of asthma medications. Most of these drugs fall into one of three categories: bronchodilators, anti-in­flammatories, or leukotriene modifiers.

These drugs can be taken either orally or as puffs of aerosol spray from an inhaler. Most physicians prefer inhalers because they deliver the medication directly to the respiratory tract, which minimizes side effects. "The problem is that too many doctors simply hand out inhalers without explaining how to use them," Dr. Firshein says. "About half the people who come to me for treatment aren't using their inhalers properly."

Perhaps the most common mistake is putting the inhaler inside the mouth. It should be held an inch away from the lips to give the particles of medication room to separate. Then the particles can travel deep into the lungs. If you use an inhaler, Dr. Firshein recommends having it fitted with a spacer. The spacer is a small tube that attaches to the mouthpiece of the inhaler. The spray hangs like a cloud inside the spacer, giving you more time to inhale and absorb the vapor-and increasing the effectiveness of the medication.

Asthma Treatment - Drugs Used In Bronchial Asthma

Who is More Likely to Suffer from Asthma?

Asthma is a worldwide disease, more common in urban than rural areas and accounts for about 25 per cent of all non-tuberculous chest diseases. It may occur at any age, but in 50 per cent of the patients, it starts before the age often. It is more common in boys than in girls, but at the age of 30 years, the incidence is equal. About 25 to 30 per cent of asthmatic children spontaneously recover during adolescence, while a few recover several years later. Asthma occurring during adult life is more serious. The attacks are more frequent and prolonged.

Treatment

With the advancement in the methodology of treatment, the life expectancy of asthmatics have been considerably increased than in the past. The management of bronchial asthma includes specific treatment aimed at removal of the cause and symptomatic treatment.

Specific Treatment

If the cause of the asthma can be discovered, every effort should be made towards its removal to provide complete and permanent relief. If the patient develops symptoms of allergy, such as skin rashes, itching and pruritus and running nose the possible allergen (substance causing allergy) should be identified. Its removal is the most effective way of controlling allergic asthma. If this is not possible, desensitization by using an extract of specific allergen should be attempted. In many cases of allergic asthma, the specific allergen is not identifiable and anti­allergic drugs are tried. A few patients of seasonal asthma are benefited by temporarily moving to another town before the onset of a particular season, but this is not always feasible.

If infection is the cause, the person should protect himself from stress and strain due to extremes of weather. Frequent attacks of common cold may lead to asthma. Intensive treatment with a specific antibiotic must be instituted immediately. The most common offending organisms are Pneumococci and Haemophilus influenzae. In these infections, broad-spectrum antibiotics like amoxycillin, cefuroxime or ampicillin are usually effective.

Symptomatic Treatment

The drugs used for providing symptomatic relief are those which prevent bronchospasms or cause broncho-dilatation. These can be divided into two groups: 1) for treatment during acute attack; and 2) for prevention and heatment of chronic asthma.

For Acute Attack

Adrenergic Beta:-Receptor Simulants: Salbutamol (Asthalin, Bronkotab, Ventrolin), Terbutaline (Bricanyl), Adrenaline

Stimulation of the adrenergic beta-receptors of the lungs causes relaxation of the bronchioles and opens up the respiratory airway. Salbutamol and terbutaline are most effective.

Salbutamol (Albuterol)

It is the most commonly used drug to produce dilatation of narrowed airways in asthma. For acute attack it is given by inhalation (patient inhales the drug by a deep inspiration with nose pinched; training is needed for optimal results). Two types of inhalers are available.

Adrenaline

It has been the time tested' gold standard' for the termination of acute attack of bronchial asthma. However, because it disturbs the heart rhythm it is now used rarely and its use should be avoided. For the same reason Isoprenaline is not used today.

Direct-Acting Drugs: Theophylline, Aminophylline, Deriphylline

Theophylline and its preparation, aminophylline, cause dilatation of bronchioles by direct action. Aminophylline which contains theophylline and ethylenediamine as a dissolving agent, is very frequently used for providing immediate relief during an acute attack of bronchial asthma. In this condition, aminophylline is given in a well-diluted solution by the intravenous route. Theophylline is also given by the oral route along with ephedrine and other drugs, for prevention of recurrence of asthmatic attacks. These are discussed at the end of this chapter. Theophylline is more effective when given at night to prevent occurrence of night time attacks.

Dosage: The average oral daily dose of theophylline is 100 to 200 mg given 3 to 4 times a day. This is generally not tolerated by most patients. To provide immediate relief, aminophylline, containing 250 mg of theophylline, is diluted in 20 ml of5% glucose and injected intravenously, very slowly, over a period of 5 to 10 minutes. Deriphylline causes less gastric irritation and is better absorbed.

Adverse Effects and Precautions: Theophylline is irregularly absorbed and an effective dose given by mouth causes irritation in the gastro-intestinal tract. So it should never be taken on an empty stomach. The most common adverse effects are nausea, anorexia, and vomiting. A very quick intravenous injection of undiluted theophylline may cause a sudden fall in blood pressure, and irregular beating of heart.

Why Do Children Get Asthma?

Asthma is one of the most common respiratory diseases which affect people of all ages and gender. It is defined as a chronic disorder of the lungs wherein the airways or the bronchi become narrowed. This condition can be distinguished by chronic symptoms such as obstruction of the airflow, inflammation and bronchospasm or bronchial hyper sensitivity. Although the signs and symptoms often resemble that of COPD or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic bronchitis, inflammation with this disorder is irreversible. Alarmingly, to date asthma affects over 12% of the US population and more than 300 million around the world. In the United States alone, asthma causes around 4000 deaths annually.

Especially disturbing is the fact that the number of children with asthma has also increased over the years. As a matter of fact, it is the chief cause of chronic disorder in kids. According to statistics, there's approximately 10% to 12% of children in America that are affected by this respiratory condition and it is progressively increasing. Asthma can start at any age but most patients experience their first symptoms no later than 5 years of age.

Some of the known risk factors for developing childhood asthma include the presence of allergies in kids. Children with asthma often have family members or relatives affected by the disorder as well. It can also develop if the child suffers from recurring respiratory infections. Children exposed to smoke during conception and after birth plus those who have a low birth weight are most likely to have asthma. Studies have also shown that kids raised in impoverished environments are affected by this respiratory ailment more so than those living in a high-income environment. Recent studies show exposure to pollutants increases the susceptibility of kids to become asthmatic. Those who were born by Caesarean section are more likely to have the disorder as well since they were exposed to more bacteria during birth compared with those who are born through a vaginal delivery.

Symptoms of an impending asthma attack include severe coughing at night and during play or even while laughing. A child may also become less energetic especially during play and might complain of chest pains or tightness in that area. Parents can also note rapid breathing or wheezing when inhaling or exhaling. More labored breathing can be detected due to retractions in the chest area as well as a tightened chest and neck muscles while breathing. For kids under 5 years old, upper respiratory infections such as the common cold usually trigger asthma attacks.

Aside from keeping a record of the each attack, the best way to treat this disorder is by bringing children with asthma to a specialist so the condition can be managed. For immediate relief, especially for infants, bronchodilator medications should be given. Most doctors also recommend the use of anti-inflammatory medicines. Just make sure that the dosage of the medicine corresponds to your child's weight and age. Also, since younger kids are not able to manage their breathing suitably to use ordinary inhalers, inhaled medications can be given in a different manner.

In order to reduce the risk of your child developing asthma or having an asthma attack it would be wise to keep them away from smoke, pollutants and other allergens that could trigger an attack.

Asthma Natural Treatment Tips - Healing and Harmful Foods Upshot

For those with asthma, the walls of their airways that carry air to the lungs are inflamed. Allergies play an important role in asthma. The airways are very sensitive and react strongly to any inhaled allergen. If asthma is not treated properly it tends to recur and become chronic.

Are you looking for a natural treatment to cure asthma? Many foods have great healing powers. What to include in an asthmatic person's diet? What foods to avoid? First, let me give you a few examples of foods that should be introduced into your daily asthma diet.

Asthma Natural Treatment by means of Healing Foods

1) Broccoli is part of the potent healing foods that treat asthma naturally. All the cruciferous vegetables contain a natural chemical compound called sulforaphane which is able to trigger long-lasting antioxidant activity through several antioxidant enzymes stimulation. As a result, diet rich in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli sprouts, cabbage, kale, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, kohlrabi and watercress can help to reduce significantly lung inflammation in asthma.

2) Curcuma Longa known as turmeric has great therapeutic benefits. Active compounds in turmeric roots play an anti-inflammatory role and may help asthmatic person to breathe more easily.

3) Guayaba, kiwi, strawberry, papaya are fruits that contain high levels of vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant able to prevent lung damage from several air pollutants. If you are suffering from asthma or allergies, introduce into your daily diet foods that contain high levels of vitamin C.

4) Spinach is good source of magnesium and is also part of the curative foods able to treat asthma without drugs! Studies have revealed that a deficiency of magnesium increases the amount of histamine released into the blood. Histamine is involved in many allergic reactions that eventually lead to asthma symptoms (increase of mucus secretion and constriction of the bronchial smooth muscle).

Harmful Foods to Avoid in order to Cure Asthma Naturally

1) Meat, egg yolks and shellfish are foods rich in arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid (AA) is a polyunsaturated fatty acid able to trigger several inflammatory responses in the organism. Arachidonic acid is also produced naturally in our bodies. Part of the asthma natural treatment, it is recommended to avoid overconsumption of foods high in AA in order to reduce asthma attacks.

2) Nuts and peanuts can cause severe allergic reactions. Nuts products are known to be among the most powerful allergens that lead to asthma.

3) Sulfites (sulfur dioxide) in foods can aggravate asthma symptoms. Sulfite is a preservative commonly used in many processed foods as well as win and other drinks. If you want to avoid drinks and foods with sulfites, look for: E 220, E 221, E 222, E 223, E 224, E 225, E 226, E 227, E 228 on the label!

4) According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, cow's milk is the most common food allergies in children. Dairy products such as ice cream, yogurt, and milk can be a cause of an asthma attack.

New Strategy to Cure Asthma

More and more doctors agree that a good diet is an important part of an effective asthma natural treatment plan.

Discover in the Asthma Relief Report the way to prepare at home a natural supplement able to eliminate asthma and allergy symptoms. This natural supplement therapeutic properties will allow you to breathe free and enjoy an active life again without any drugs!

Asthma Attack Natural Treatment

There are many different types of asthma attacks, the severity will depend on the symptoms and level of your asthma. Generally speaking, the severity will have an effect on the asthma attack natural treatment such as using herbal remedies etc.

Asthma attacks can become more severe if you suffer from a cold or the flu, and certain medicines may be able to treat the air flow through your passageways, making it easier for you to sustain a certain amount of oxygen when having the attack. Herbal and homeopathic asthma attack natural treatments can be the most effective type of treatment. These herbs clear passageways and loosen muscles around them to help increase the air flow through your lungs - the most effective if you're suffering from an asthma attack and need something that's fast and efficient

The most common medicine is one called BioVent, which contains many different herbal remedies and other ingredients that may open up air tubes inside of your throat and clear it out to make it easier for you to breathe. BioVent, when used daily, can increase respiratory functioning and health.

Other asthma attack natural treatments may vary from medicines or certain types of remedies, in which in most cases are used sometimes in a mixture with other components inside of an inhaler. Depending on the asthma inhaler type, some may be a natural way to decrease asthma attacks within your lifetime, and after awhile may decrease the overall symptoms of your asthma.

There have been asthma clinical trials to discover new ways of treating asthma, or try and prevent asthma attacks, but few have seemed to work well with certain individuals. Although asthma attack natural treatments can help to control asthma attacks, prevention is still the better treatment. Examples could be identifying the allergen you could be sensitive to and reducing extra-curricular activities.

Asthma Attack - What to Do When it Comes

An asthma attack can be severe and it can happen when you least expect it. For people who are caring for children or older folks, knowing what to do in case of an asthma attack, especially at night is of utmost importance. Although majority of asthma flare-ups are mild, there are also some attacks that are quite severe, turning patients blue due to the difficulty of getting proper amount of oxygen into the body.

The first thing that you need to keep in mind if you or your kid has asthma is to be always prepared. Make sure that you teach your child what to do during an asthma attack. Also, you have to make sure that an inhaler is always available. It is hard to predict when an asthma attack will take place so it is better to be sure than sorry. Aside from carrying an inhaler with you all the time, you also need to make sure that the inhaler you have has not expired yet or that it still has enough contents. An inhaler that is empty (or expired) will not be able to help in easing the tightening of the muscles around your air passageways.

Another important step to do, if you are having an asthma attack is to sit down and loosen the parts of your clothes that are tight around your neck area. Make sure to loosen neckties and scarves and unbutton your shirt or blouse. Sometimes, one puff of inhaler cannot allay a severe attack. If you did not experience relief with one puff, do not be afraid to continue taking one more puff per minute for the next five minutes until you find some relief. If you find that your symptoms are not improving after five minutes, then it is time for you to dial 911 or call your physician immediately. It is important that you continue to take a puff at your inhaler every minute until the doctor or emergency specialists arrive.

In most cases, an inhaler is just what you need to relieve an  attack. However, there are also some instances when asthma flare-ups are a matter of life and death.  If you think that your symptoms, which include breathlessness, tightening of the chest, wheezing, and coughing, are getting worse do not be afraid to go to the doctor or a hospital, even during the wee hours in the morning. Also, once you have an asthma attack, be prepared for another bout of flare-ups to come in the next hours or days.

Asthma Management with Natural Remedies

Asthma is a type of airway obstruction characterized by a narrowing of the air passages in the lungs and is caused by muscle spasm and mucus secretion. It is important to differentiate between reversible and irreversible forms of respiratory problems - between reactive airways disease and asthma. If you have bronchial spasm and constriction only upon exposure to an allergen (such as to pollen or foods) then you have reactive airways disease (RAD). If treated early enough with appropriate alternative therapies it can frequently be cured. However, chronic episodes of reactive airways disease puts a high pressure load on your lungs leading to damage to the tissue. This damage leads to asthma - a chronic, degenerative and generally irreversible condition. The secretions and bronchial obstructions are not longer solely triggered by allergens - but also to exercise, strong emotions and other events.

Managing asthma requires a along term strategy - often also incorporating medical drugs. In this article we combine our discussion of reactive airways disease (RAD) and asthma. It is important, however, that if you are on medication for asthma that you do not cease that medication and that you discuss any of the approaches mentioned here with your health professional.

More than 15 million Americans have asthma - a 33% increase from 1990 and a 66% increase from 1980. In 1997 more than 5,400 people died from severe asthma attack - more than double the asthma death rate in 1980. 5 million children under the age of 18 suffer from asthma - this makes it the leading cause of hospitalization and school absenteeism in children.

The main symptoms of asthma or are:

· breathlessness,

· wheezing, and

· tightness in the chest.

During an asthma attack the bronchial tubes become partially obstructed making breathing difficult. During asthma histamines and other chemicals are released and these trigger the bronchial tubes to become inflamed and flooded with mucus. The bronchioles smooth muscles contract - narrowing and obstructing the airways.

Attacks may be triggered by:

· allergens, such as pollen, dust and other pollution including cigarette smoke, fur or dandruff, latex, cleaning chemicals, newsprint, fabric dyes, sprays and polishes, personal hygiene products.

· food allergies or intolerances, such as aspirin, food additives (especially sulfites), yeast or moulds on foods. Common food triggers include: cow's milk, eggs, fish, tree nuts, peanuts, seeds, soy, wheat, corn and citrus fruit.

· deficiencies, such as selenium, and vitamin B6.

· strenuous exercise.

· temperature changes - especially sudden exposure to cold air.

· stress and anxiety.

What you can do to treat asthma

The first place to start is removing any know source of allergen - so that your body is not forced to keep reacting to its triggers. Then the diet and nutritional status need attention and this is then followed by specific herbal treatment to cleanse the lungs and clearing mucus secretions. You want to aim at keeping the immune system healthy, supporting and healing damage to the lungs.

· Try to remove the source of the allergen if this is possible. Keep dust and pollen levels under control and avoid possible ingested allergens.

· Don't smoke and do avoid air pollutants.

· Eat a healthy diet that contains plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Onions are believed to have anti-asthmatic properties and it is suggested that you have at least one cooked onion each day. It is best to avoid sugar and to eat a diet low in animal fats. Follow a healthy diet - this will also assist the immune system.

· Use a good multivitamin and mineral supplement. Additional vitamin C (specifically calcium ascorbate) may be taken for its antihistamine qualities. Magnesium is thought to dilate the bronchial tubes, preventing a spasm and it also works to encourage a normal response to allergens. Vitamin B6 has been shown to reduce the number of asthma attacks in a group of patients. Vitamins A (as beta-carotene) C and E as well as selenium should encourage recovery and help prevent attacks.

· Engage in exercise. Exercise precipitates asthma in some individuals, but regular physical exercise may actually reduce asthma tendencies. Swimming classes for children seem to be particularly worthwhile, especially in a warm, indoor pool.

Herbal remedies for asthma

Asthma will respond well to herbal remedies but it is impossible to give a herbal remedy that is appropriate to all cases. The various factors involved must be identified and remedies are chosen accordingly.

Herbs that can reduce the spasm and ease breathing include:

· grindelia,

· lobelia,

· mouse ear,

· pill bearing spurge,

· sundew and

· wild cherry.

If there is sputum to be removed then expectorant herbs such as the following are useful.

· aniseed,

· blood root,

· coltsfoot,

· comfrey root,

· licorice and

· senega.

If the attacks sap the strength of the heart then the herb motherwort will be beneficial.

If any hypertension (high blood pressure) is involved then hawthorn and lime (linden) blossom will be useful.

If anxiety and tension are involved then also use hops, skullcap or valerian.

NOTE: If you have asthma never discontinue your pharmaceutical drug treatment unless you are under the supervision of a health professional.

Managing asthma requires a along term strategy - often also incorporating medical drugs. However, there are many things that you can do to help in managing asthma and improving the health of the lungs. This will include removal of asthma triggers, improving the diet, taking nutritional supplements, using appropriate herbal remedies, exercise and generally cleansing the body. These factors will improve overall health as well as the health of the immune system and the lungs.

Five Basic Asthma Signs and Symptoms You Should Know

Tim is on his second year high school's track team. He is the best runner in the conference at 200 meter and 400 meter. He is going to get a track scholarship to college next year. However, one day after the practice, Tim coughs and wheezes. He does the same on the bus after track meets. His coach thinks Tim might have asthma and suggested that Tim see a doctor.

Tim has asthma sign and symptom. He coughs hard after exercising, and he makes a wheezing sound when he breathes. Other physical asthma sign and symptom include shortness of breathing, tightness in the chest, excess mucus, coughing attacks after laughing or crying, and coughing attacks during the night. People with asthma might have one or more of these sign and symptom. Asthma sign and symptom vary from person to person. It may appear suddenly, or they may occur regularly.

1. 
   Shortness of breath, an early asthma sign and symptom, appears as a sensation of breathlessness or choking, as labored breathing or as panting or gasping for air. Known as dyspnea in medical lingo, shortness of breath is thought to be caused by bronchospasms.


2. 
   Chest tightness is a feeling of pressure in the front of the chest, in the area around the sternum, or breastbone. This is also a result of bronchospasms.


3. 
   Wheezing is the result of air being forced through narrowed or constricted airways. It may be loud enough to be heard by bystanders or audible only through a doctor's stethoscope. Best described as a whistling or rasping sound, wheezing is initially heard on exhalation. But as asthma worsens there is wheezing during inhalation as well.


4. 
   Excess mucus is produced during an asthma attack, and this thick, sticky matter obstructs or clogs the airways. Excess mucus is a symptom of asthma, but it is also cause of the next symptom.


5. 
   Coughing occurs as the body tries to clear obstructions from the lungs. The cough may be a deep and loose cough that brings up mucus. A cough that fails to bring up mucus may eventually irritate the lungs and in itself produce bronchospasm.

There are other sign and symptom of asthma as well. People with asthma may be irritable because of the discomfort. They may dislike playing sports or doing exercise because they get winded too easily. They may avoid going places where they must climb many stairs or walk long distance. Certain signals generally appear before an asthma attack. They warn the person that an attack is coming. The signals can be seen, heard, and felt. Some examples of signals include runny nose, sleeplessness, slight changes in breathing, coughing, and sneezing.

How to Get Relief From Viral Induced Asthma

Asthma is a condition that can be triggered by just about anything. Exercise and allergies have always been well known common triggers, but did you also know about viral induced asthma? Yes, viruses are not just for causing colds, flu, and a couple of other diseases anymore, but it can also set off an asthma attack.

However, what you should know is that this type of asthma is not caused by a specific kind of virus. Viral induced asthma is mostly characterized of asthma that has been brought upon by simple cold or flu virus. This means that asthma attacks in this condition are consequences of having hit by the cold or flu bugs.

However, before you get any treatment or relief method for viral induced asthma, it would be best if you know some basic things about it. For example, the fact that there are two kinds of this condition: the one that manifests on people who have no asthma history, and the other that affects people who already got asthma and the virus is only making matters worse.

Once you already know which of the two types of this condition it is that you're suffering from, you can now try some of the possible treatment listed below:

1. Use of bronchodilators and corticosteroids. Since asthma is still asthma, it would be a great help to know that the wheezing and coughing you're experiencing with your flu is due to another condition that can be easily handled with the help of these two drugs.

2. Asthma action plan. Since you'll mostly need to monitor your situation in order to better handle it, what better way to do that than by having an actual plan, right?

3. Take preventer drugs like beta agonists, cromolyns, controlled release theophylline, and leukotriene receptor antagonists.

4. Stop cigarette smoking.

5. Oral corticosteroids to deal with moderate to severe conditions.

6. Meds to deal with the cold or flu virus.

Seeking your doctor's help is also very helpful if you really want to deal with viral induced asthma. This way, you'll be sure that you can take the right means to deal with your condition without putting yourself at any risk. Keep in mind that this condition is a very tricky one and it can lead to further complications when not properly managed, so make sure to take the right actions to help yourself fully handle this disorder before it overwhelms you.

Acupuncture For Asthma - Fact Or Fiction?

Acupuncture for asthma may sound like an odd combination. One is a common disease that affects approximately 20 million Americans; the other is a mysterious, esoteric, alternative medicine technique. Lots of people have asthma, but not many people have tried acupuncture.

But if you are an asthma sufferer, it can seem at times that anything - even something as mysterious as acupuncture - is worth trying. Breathing is something that most us never think about. It's an unconscious process and unless we're ill, we easily get the oxygen we need. But for people with asthma, breathing is always on their minds. There is always the chance that an asthma attack will leave them gasping for air. Sometime these attacks are predictable and sometimes they are not, sometimes they are minor and easily handled at home, and sometimes asthma suffers end up in an emergency room. It's no wonder that some asthma sufferers have turned to acupuncture for asthma.

Asthma is a chronic disease with no cure. There are different types of asthma, but they all produce the same signs and symptoms: rapid breathing, sweating, rapid heartbeat, and the uncomfortable sensation of suffocation. The exact cause of asthma is not known (there may be a genetic factor at work), but there is no doubt that environmental factors - cold, dust, pollution, etc - trigger the attacks. During the attacks, inflammation and constriction of the respiratory passages limit the amount of air that can be inhaled, the attacks can last for minutes or hours and as mentioned earlier, there is no cure. But although there is no cure, there are constant efforts to find new methods of treatment, and there are practitioners and patients who believe that acupuncture for asthma is the answer.

Acupuncture (the word comes from the Latin words acus, meaning needle, and pungere, meaning to puncture) is a very old system of medicine. It is not clear where acupuncture originates from, but it has been most closely associated with China. In acupuncture, very narrow needles are inserted into the skin (just barely penetrating the surface) at certain key points in the body. The needles are said to correct a disharmony in the flow of energy through the body, a disharmony that is said to be the cause of disease. Traditional, Western medicine has several theories about how acupuncture works (e.g., it may stimulate the release of natural pain relievers, endorphins) but has not yet completely explained how acupuncture.

Of course, the big question is, does acupuncture work? And can acupuncture successfully treat asthma? Well, not unlike the search for an explanation for how asthma works, the answers are not clear - and they depend on whom you ask. According to traditional acupuncturists, yes, acupuncture for asthma is an effective treatment, especially with asthma in young children. There are dozens of websites and thousands of testimonials that all attest to the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for asthma. Acupuncture, they say, has worked where nothing else has.

But ask the same question - does acupuncture for asthma work - of doctors and scientists who have been trained in traditional, Western medicine and scientific methodology, and the answer will be quite different. Acupuncture, they say, is as interesting phenomenon, but the question of how it works is less important than the question does it work, and their answer to that is no. There is no conclusive evidence that acupuncture for asthma works, and a review of the scientific studies that have attempted to answer this question have not proven acupuncture to be a viable technique for treating asthma. If there are reports that it works, these can be explained by the placebo effect (The placebo effect states that medications or medical techniques/ procedures may be perceived by the patient as effective because they believe they are effective, but there is no measurable effect).

So can acupuncture truly help someone who suffers from asthma? That seems to depend on your point of view. If you feel that illness is caused by disruption in energy flow and you are convinced by anecdotal reports, the only reasonable answer is: try it and find out. Acupuncture for asthma is very safe; serious adverse effects are very rare. But if you are the type of person who needs proof in the traditional sense, it may make more sense to stick with the medications/therapies you are taking and wait for solid evidence that acupuncture can help treat your asthma.

Early Warning Signs Of Deteriorating Asthma

The people who suffer with asthma generally exhibit a lot of different signs that are indicative of their having an attack. The other symptoms are also there to see like weight loss in children and elderly patients, loss of appetite, general feeling of exhaustion and lethargy, wheezing, frequent coughs and colds and many more such external symptoms.

Normally asthma is not considered to be very serious by the doctors perhaps because of the frequency with which the human population suffers with it. But the possibility that it can turn fatal also leaves us with no option but to identify the early warning signs so that they can be detected early and dealt with efficacy.

Like all other diseases an asthmatic attack also shows several signs before attacking a person in its full fury. The problem lies with the fact that these signs are so often confused with so many other diseases. It is important to understand them to reduce the impact of a full blown attack. Also if the attack has to be avoided altogether these early warning signs have to be taken seriously. All this is well understood by any reasonable person. Then why is it so that so many people fall prey to asthma and they do not even realize it in time?

The main reason attributed to this is that asthma is a disease that can attack anyone at any time. It is true that certain hereditary factors do play an important role in the manifestation of the disease but still many people fall prey to the disease without even having any known history of the disease. So understanding the fact that actually all the people in this world can be potentially at risk is the most important key factor here.

Once when someone knows that he has developed the disease certain precautions can make him lead a near normal life without many complications. The importance of proper treatment cannot be ruled out at all but with proper treatment and certain guidelines for a healthy lifestyle lot of control can be obtained over the frequency and severity of the attacks, most of the times asthma patients develop minor complications only which can be very easily managed with following the usual guidelines and treatments.

But when during the attacks a person starts to feel serious difficulty in breathing or he feels that the level of difficulty has risen while breathing he should immediately pay attention to the warning signs that the body is trying to offer. This is serious matter because many-a-times the patients tend to neglect this till they reach a stage where the attacks can no longer be controlled with normal medications and other precautions. Sometimes the attacks become so serious that the patient needs to be admitted in acute emergency care before they can be controlled. Sometimes admittance to the intensive care unit remains to the only option.

It is a well recognized fact that a human being cannot survive without oxygen for more than just a few minutes. If the difficulty in breathing and feeling of choking persist during an asthma attack for longer durations of time a person may even suffocate to death. Although the incidents of fatality are not very common, still the possibility cannot be ruled out. Each and every sufferer of asthma always has a dagger hanging over his head of this kind of thing happening to him. The good thing is that this is a condition that can be easily avoided if the mind remains open for identifying some early warning signs which go about indicating the worsening of the condition. These can be described as:

1. Cough or wheezing that does not respond to medications: This is a situation that needs serious attention. This is a sure sign of the asthmatic condition of the patient becoming serious. A persistent cough or wheezing may be resultant of excessive work related pressures or may be a resultant of some allergic reactions. But when the medications start to fail it should be taken as an early warning bell. Sometimes the wheezing is so much that the person has difficulty in speaking too.

2. Increased need for inhalers: When the frequency of use of inhalers is noticeably increased it is a sign of worsening of the situations. Some people get addicted to the inhalers and tend to use them more often without even serious difficulty. This situation therefore needs to be identified with discretion.

3. Constant wheezing during sleep: When there is constant noticeable wheezing during sleep it is indicative of worsening of the disease.

4. Persistent high fever or even low grade fever: When there is persistence of fever which either remains unresponsive to the medication or comes back after the effect of medication wears off, it may be an early warning sign of condition deteriorating.

5. Severe pain in the neck or chest: When after just a bit of exertion there seems to be pain in the neck and chest the condition should be reported and checked immediately.

6. Persistent vomiting: This may be because of many reasons but it should not go unchecked.

7. Cyanosis: This is indicative of blue color of the lips and hands. It is mainly an indication of asthma becoming worse.

Natural Allergy Asthma - Symptoms and Diagnosis of Asthma

Asthma has a number of symptoms that are quite similar to other respiratory problems. You may not have experienced the problem before, but there are several factors that can trigger it. Most people, however, develop asthma when they were only kids. To properly determine if it is really the problem, you have to distinguish the signs and symptoms and get a clear diagnosis from the right people and using the right tests.

1. Common Signs and Symptoms

Individuals who have asthma usually develop symptoms as soon as the airway becomes inflamed, filled with mucus or tightened. Some of the common symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing at night, chest pain, chest pressure or tightness and difficulty breathing. People with asthma present the symptoms differently. Some will present different symptoms during different times of the day. The frequency and severity will also change between people. One episode can be very severe, and the next, very mild.

2. Relapse Periods

A number of affected individuals can go for long periods without presenting any symptoms. These rest periods can also be interrupted by exacerbation of the symptoms, also known as asthma attacks. Others can also have asthma symptoms each day. A number of people may only have the problem during viral infections and physical activity or exercise.

Mild asthma attacks are usually very common. The airways open up in a few minutes or hours. Severe attacks are not common but are usually longer and will need quick medical attention. It is vital to distinguish and treat the mild symptoms to get rid of severe episodes and maintain asthma properly.

3. Before the Attack

Early warning signs of an impending asthma attack are usually presented by small changes that occur just before or at the start of an asthma attack. The signs can start before the more popular symptoms of the condition present themselves. These signs are usually not very severe so you do not have to cease your plans for the day.

4. Finding the Symptoms

However, once you recognize the signs, you should stop the attack or keep it from becoming worse. Some of the early warning signs include losing your breath quickly while doing physical activity, coughing or wheezing after exercise, feeling upset, moody or tired, feeling tired or weak, minimized lung function, difficulty sleeping and minimal changes in lung function.

5. Symptoms in Children

Chronic coughing among kids is the most obvious sign of an impending attack. It also helps parents recognize whether or not their child really has the problem. Asthma symptoms can start at any age, but the most common usually starts at 5 years old. You also need to watch out for unusual symptoms such as sleep apnea, late reaction to asthma triggers during the day, postnasal drip, sinusitis and changes in hormone levels like epinephrine, histamine and cortisol at night.

You should consult your doctor if you think that you or your child has nocturnal asthma. Nocturnal asthma is described as presentation or exacerbation of the symptoms especially during night time. Quick medical attention is needed.

OTC Asthma Medications - Asthma Relief Without A Prescription

A very common respiratory tract disease, asthma is accompanied by several symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and difficulty in breathing. To counteract this disease, OTC asthma medications are recommended. How do OTC asthma medications work? It works in two ways: one, it blocks asthma attacks by fending the onset of triggers and second, it provides quick comfort by clearing the air passages.

The first category of OTC medications includes loratadine, diphenhydramine, or chlorpheniramine that comes in either oral or liquid form. Most asthma allergies are due to histamines. Therefore, an antihistamine prevents asthma attacks by stopping the histamines from entering your system. This type of medications for asthma is the same as those prescribed for the sickness. For example, Claritin which was originally available for prescription, is currently ready for use as an over-the-counter medication.

Be careful though when choosing an antihistamine because there are those that are combined with other ingredients in one single medicine. Always read the packaging. One prevalent effect of antihistamine is drowsiness and even recent medications still has this effect. Take, for example, benadryl. This medication is actually consumed as a sleeping aid. Another kind of OTC medication is inhaled medicines. Primatene mist is such an example where it contains epinephrine, which is classified as a bronchodilator. The active ingredient epinephrine is a stimulant so an overdosage of any medication containing this ingredient can cause an elevation of blood pressure as well as jittery feeling.

Although OTC asthma medications are perceived to be dangerous and not so effective in treating the sickness, it's been proven to work efficiently for the random and delicate asthma attacks that a person suffers. Plus, it's reasonably priced than the prescription drugs. An OTC medication is very beneficial to almost all types of attacks in asthma. However, it is best to use prescription drugs as indicated. However, is severe cases of asthma attacks, a prescription inhaler with a relatively strong effect such as Proventil is really needed. Aside from this prescription inhaler, the doctor will also recommend an inhaler like Flovent for maintenance purposes so that lung inflammation is avoided, and future attacks are minimized.

Catch Your Breath and Manage Your Asthma

You have a nasty dream that you are drowning and can't get to the surface to catch your breath. Problem is, you wake up and still can't seem to catch your breath. You sit up and you still can't seem to breathe normally; your breath, such as it is, is coming in the squeaks and whistles that resemble a dying person's last gasp of life. It is possible to catch your breath and manage your asthma. Below are some frequent asthma triggers and some ways to manage your attacks.

Examples of things that can trigger an asthma attack:

• Perfumes


• Cold or dry air


• Flour, coffee, or tea


• Exercise


• Enzymes, such as those found in laundry detergents


• Alcoholic drinks


• Sulfating agents such as those found in salads, fruit juice, fresh and dried fruits, and seafood.


• Metal salts like chrome, nickel, and platinum


• Pollutants in the air


• Stress or an emotional time


• Allergens like pollens, animal dander, feathers, and molds


• Some wood dust such as western red cedar, and oak

So, you have encountered one or more of these asthma triggers, or come in contact with one not listed here, what can you do?

If you are new to having asthma, an attack can be pretty scary; even after years of having asthma, an unexpected attack can be unsettling.

The first thing you need to do is relax...yes, I know, easier said than done, so try this: sit down and have a glass of water or another flavored drink. You can't drink if you are freaking out, so drink something and your breathing will slow down.

Try this breathing exercise: Sit down and place your folded hands on your upper abdomen. Take deep breaths (as deep as you can) and then exhale through pursed lips to slowly let the air escape from your lungs. Once your breathing has become calmer, if you use an inhaler, it will work more effectively.

Once you learn to control an asthma attack, you need to get your life free of as many of your asthma triggers as you can. This starts in your home. Here are some tips:

Wipe down all hard surfaces with a diluted bleach solution to clean away any microscopic molds and any mildew. Be sure to wear a breathing mask while you do this so you don't irritate your lungs! Do this at least once a week.

Use a built in vacuum cleaner system or one that releases the least amount of dust back into your house, and use it often.

Keep your windows closed during pollen season. This is typically during the fall and spring; but be aware of when the pollens that trigger your asthma attacks are most apt to be in the air. Use your air conditioner and change the filter at least once per season to keep allergens from getting into your home and to keep your air conditioner working at its peak effectiveness.

During the times of the year that you can open your windows, use an air filterer in the room where you are. It will help to filter out any asthma-triggering agents that make it into your home.

5 Easy Ways to Prevent Asthma Attacks

The trouble with dealing with various illnesses is not having the knowledge of being more effective for the person suffering. If we have some idea of how to be more helpful, it would provide better support and comfort to the sufferer, and make us more adapt at being of some assistance in serious circumstances.

Asthma happens to be one of the most common respiratory diseases that affect a large portion of the world population. It is basically a medical condition diagnosed as a chronic lung disease, where the passage way to the lung becomes narrower than normal, thus causing less air to enter the lungs and making it harder to breathe.

While it would be better for a medical practitioner to make a better diagnosis of whether someone is suffering from an asthma attack or not, a few common symptoms can help you identify the asthma attack from any other form of illness are wheezing sounds when breathing, shortness of breathes under normal circumstances and coughing excessively.

There are many ways for a person to prevent asthma attacks. When it is quite severe, the following five tips might be effective in helping sub-side asthma attacks:

• Avoid locations that have poor air quality. Asthma sufferers should try being in fresh air as much as possible
• Avoid exercising to extremes as this causes significant strain on the lungs. Asthma sufferers should be wary of this in order to not further worsen their health.
• Efforts should be made to avoid any known causes of allergies, as allergies can cause reactions that affect the respiratory system
• Asthma sufferers should maintain a strong diet, with attention to taking additional vitamins and supplements to restore health in the body
• For those who have been prescribed medication, this must be taken without excuse, as it is specifically designed to help your body repair itself

Asthma sufferers should take their condition seriously and avoid making any crucial changes to a healthy lifestyle. Should you feel that you have symptoms which point to asthma, have yourself checked as soon as possible from a medical practitioner, who will be able to diagnose your condition to a better degree.

In recent years, there has been medication developed that can help prevent asthma. This medication is designed to be taken daily by asthma sufferers and those who may be developing symptoms of asthma. The special attribute of this medication is that it has been created to work as effectively when taken with other allergy medication, as when taken on its own.

So, if you are an asthma sufferer, make sure you follow the steps described above. If you know someone who suffers from asthma; do your bit and let them know of the few ways in which they can avoid an attack of asthma. After all, we all can pitch in to the best of our knowledge and abilities.

You Can Cure Asthma Naturally

Asthma is a lung disease that causes obstruction of the airways. During an asthma attack spasms in the muscles surrounding the bronchi (small airways in the lungs) constrict, impeding the outward passage of stale air. Asthma provoking allergens include animal dander, chemicals, drugs, dust mites, environmental pollutants, fumes, mold and tobacco smoke. The bronchial tubes then swell and become plugged with mucus in order to isolate the offending allergen or toxins. The swelling of the bronchial tubes further irritates the airways resulting in even greater sensitivity. Symptoms:

Symptoms include difficulty in breathing, coughing, wheezing, feeling tightness in the chest.

Recommendations:

• Correcting nutritional deficiencies may significantly affect people with asthma. People with asthma may be nutrient deficient in Vitamin B6- supplementation led to significant improvement in children suffering from bronchial asthma. Allergy, 35(2), August 1975, p. 93-97, Vitamin C- Asthma symptoms in adults have been shown to decrease following vitamin C supplementation. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 61(17), April 23, 1983, p. 649-652, magnesium, manganese, selenium, and the enzyme glutathione peroxidase. We suggest a high quality whole food supplement, like VITAFORCE that is complete and made from whole foods. Make sure you know what you are getting from the nutritional label.


• Flax seed oil (essential fatty acids needed for production of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins - hormone-like chemicals that are important in regulating the inflammatory response),


• Eat a diet of foods that heal, primarily consisting of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, oatmeal, brown rice and whole grains, include garlic and onions (these contain quercetin and mustard oils which have been shown to inhibit an enzyme that aids in releasing inflammatory chemicals).


• Drink 8 glasses of distilled water, not at meals, but throughout the day. This helps eliminate toxins and decreases the amount of mucous in the body.


• Drink organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar 2-4 times a day. This helps cut down on mucous.


• Keep your home clean using all natural cleaning products. Vacuum regularly and use a wet cloth to remove dust. Look into high quality air filters.

Things to Avoid:

• All dairy products (milk, cheese, butter, ice cream, etc...) as they are a major contributor of toxins and the formation of mucus in the body.


• All meat (fish, turkey, and chicken too). Major contributors to asthma.


• All processed and junk foods; loaded food additives and preservatives like sodium bisulfite, potassium metabisulfite, and sulfur dioxide which have caused severe attacks in asthmatics.

References:

1) James F. Balch, M.D, Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C, "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," (1997)

2) P.J. Collipp, et. al., "Pyridoxine Treatment of Childhood Bronchial Asthma," Ann Allergy, 35(2), August 1975, p. 93-97

3) G.E. Hatch, "Asthma, Inhaled Oxidants, and Dietary Antioxidants," American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 61(17), April 23, 1983, p. 649-652

Living With Asthma - Daily Routine to Avoid Asthma Triggers

Asthma is one of the most common diseases in the world. It's quite true that today it plagues both children and adults. Today, anyone can get asthma irrespective of his/her lifestyle. The reason why these attacks occur is because mucus accumulates inside the lungs. The mucus membrane present inside the respiratory tract swells. This swelling causes generation of the histamine chemical that produces a further inflammation inside the respiratory tract accompanied by a difficulty in breathing.

Asthma is very problematic for anyone because a loss of breathing even for a few seconds in an asthma attack can cause death. Asthma patients have to carry the pumps with wherever they go so that breathing is restored on time through their use.

Asthma implies a problem in breathing due to a constriction in the air passage. There are many kinds of asthma triggers. An asthmatic patient may get an asthmatic fit due to allergic reactions to objects like pet hairs, dust and insects. Stress is also one of the causes of the attack. Even season change is one of the triggers of this disease. The ways to control asthma are yoga, swimming and keeping the home clean. Make sure that you don't ingest heavy meals in the night. Also, refrain from smoking which can worsen the causes of this disease.

Asthma attacks normally happen in the night. Other ways to combat this disease are eating a lot of vegetables and fruits. Keep stress and anxiety at bay. Also, consume a large amount of fatty fishes like mackerel and sardines. Even consuming a lot of water can be a way to reduce the intensity of this disease. An asthma patient is supposed to avoid all those foods that can increase production of mucous inside the nose. Therefore, he should abstain from ingestion of items like cheese, soy sauce, mushrooms and synthetic additives. Some people use instant soup mixes, but they should not be taken at all by patients of this disorder.

Taking a cup of coffee or tea sometimes can also prevent an attack of this disease. Drinking check soup can also ensure that you do not suffer from any attacks. Potted plants can also cause asthma attacks. The pollen of plants induces such attacks. Even the dust present in them can lead to a paucity of breath. Children who get asthma have weak immune systems. Make sure that if your child has a weak immune system he does not get asthma because then this disease will continue forever. Even stress is a huge cause of asthma.

Extrinsic asthma is more short-lived as compared to chronic asthma because it is, caused by some external factors. Once it happens, you are forever restricted to visiting doctors and using breathing pumps. So, try to avoid causes of extrinsic asthma like pollen and dust.

Not much research has, been done about asthma and its causes. However, by taking some precautions you can ensure that you are able to free a disease-free life.

Asthma and Bed Bugs - The Silent Enemies in Your Bed

Bed bugs can wreak havoc on an asthma sufferer. Does the bug in your bed set off your asthma attack? Would you believe there is an army of thousands minute insects in your bed? Yep, that is a fact.

But just who (or what) is it that shares your bed with you? They are called dust mites. The reason you have never seen one is because they are so tiny you need a microscope to see them. In fact, they are so minute that a speck of dust can house over 100 of them.

So why worry about something so small and insignificant? Well, believe it or not, they are a health hazard. This is especially so for an asthma sufferer.

It is not the dust mite itself that is the problem, but its poo! The poo contains a protein that can trigger an asthma attack and when you consider that each mite makes about 200 times its own body weight of this protein rich poo - well; let's just say that is quite a lot of the stuff! And, dust mites are in virtually every house on the planet, churning out more of this stuff.

While dust mites live all over your house, their favourite room is the bedroom, preferably in the bed. They get their name as they live off dust, especially our dead skin cells. To a large extent, skin sheds these cells through the night, accumulating in the bed. (Not a great image to have in mind during romantic moments). If you are prone to asthma, here are some simple steps to help you control this common asthma trigger.

Obviously, it is not possible to make your home completely clear of dust mites, but you can reduce their numbers to a level where they are less likely to produce relevant quantities of protein.

Begin by clearing away anything you store under the bed. This is a breeding ground for dust mites as it is probably not frequently cleaned. Cleaning is the main priority. Use a damp cloth, going into all nooks and crannies, making sure all dust is removed. Do not use a feather duster as it just unsettles dust that will soon settle again, complete with its dust-mite passengers. With a frequently rinsed damp cloth, wipe all surfaces such as wardrobe tops, drape rods, head boards, skirting boards, lamp shades, laundry basket, etc.

Wash the bed linen at least once a week at 60 degrees to kill off the parasites. Dry outside in sunshine when possible. Vacuum the mattress and pillows. Buy an anti-mite mattress cover. Clothes hanging in the wardrobe should have plastic covers. If you have carpets, be aware they harbor dust mites. A powerful vacuum cleaner may be sufficient, but a wooden floor with washable rugs is the better solution.

These simple steps are sensible precautions to reduce the dust mite population. They are a common asthma trigger and may well be one of, if not the major trigger in your case. Try it out and see if it makes a significant difference. Or, look up a website with an alternative solution about how to cure asthma to ensure the dust mites don't bother you any more.

Infectious Diseases in Cats

Infectious diseases in cats are caused by viruses, fungi, parasites or bacteria that your cat has picked up somewhere. The infection can be spread by bites from fleas and ticks or by a protozoan such as giardia or toxoplasmosis. They can be spread through direct or indirect contact or through airborne pathogens.

Cats rarely cough so if you do notice your cat coughing, it could be an inflammation of the respiratory tracts or bronchitis. Bronchitis may be caused by an infection caused by a virus or allergy or even an allergic reaction. Cats with bronchitis could have a mucus discharge from the nose. A simple cough may be alleviated with a teaspoon of honey but if this doesn't work, or if your cat is running a temperature, a visit to the vet is advised. Keep your cat warm and away from drafts, the same as you would for a child. Pneumonia is when the lungs become inflamed, and is usually caused by an infection. This can lead to pronounced difficulty in breathing and must be treated as serious.

Another serious respiratory disease is feline asthma. This is caused by allergies to common substances such as pollen, mould, dust, smoke, chemical cleaning products used in the home or even things such as cat litter or moist air. In feline asthma, bronchial spasms make the bronchi tighten. This in turn causes swelling of the tissue surrounding the area which then turns into an asthmatic attack. And just like in humans, cats can have an exercise induced asthma attack. If you notice your cat wheezing after exercise or having trouble catching its breath, a visit to the vet is a good idea to either confirm or rule out feline asthma.

Another problem to be aware of is feline infectious anaemia. This is more common in male cats between one and three years old. The disease is caused by a micro-organism called hemobartonella felis which attaches to the surface of red blood cells and destroys them. As the red blood cells are destroyed, the cat then becomes anaemic. It is thought that this is transmitted during contact, usually a fight. Around one third of untreated cats will die. Symptoms can include a high temperature and pale gums, and the under-lid of the eye can be pale as well. Your vet can do a blood test to diagnose this.

Feline infectious peritonitis is the biggest cause of death in cats after panleukopenia. It can be very hard to diagnose as the signs can be non-specific. White blood cells are infected with the virus and the infected blood moves the virus throughout the cat's body. The disease is almost always fatal.

Feline leukaemia virus is transmitted by transfer of saliva or nasal secretions from an infected cat to other cats. This can happen if cats share a water or feed bowl. If the newly infected animal is normally healthy, his immune system can kill the virus. However, it can be fatal. The feline leukaemia virus is not a cancer despite the 'leukaemia' name.

Cat flu is really a misnomer as cats don't catch colds or flu the way we humans do. Cat flu is a general term used to describe problems with the upper respiratory tract. The most common cause is the feline herpes virus (FHV) or feline calicivirus (FCV). Generally, feline herpes virus is more severe than FCV. Cat flu is usually passed through an eye, nasal or mouth discharge. It can also be transmitted through contaminated feeding dishes or even contaminated bedding. FCV can live in the environment for a long time and is resistant to many popular disinfectants. As there are no drugs for viral infections, home care is the only way to treat them. Make sure your cat eats and drinks regularly to prevent dehydration. Cleaning the discharge with a soft cloth soaked in water is also necessary. Your vet may prescribe antibiotics to prevent any secondary infection occurring.

Some infectious cat diseases are preventable. Talk to your vet about vaccinating your cat or kitten. These vaccinations not only guard your cat against diseases, they also help stop the spread of these diseases to other cats. If your cat is kept indoors, it has less chance of becoming infected.

Effects of Lifestyle and Exercise Changes on Asthma

Although medications often do have a place for asthmatics, in our usual zeal to reach for the pill first we have neglected other interventions that may play an equal or even greater role in the treatment and prevention of asthma. Inhalers are not as invasive as many oral asthma medications, and steroids, over the short term, can be helpful during a severe attack.

Drugs are often pushed while lifestyle interventions like exercise (which are equally effective based on scientific studies) are ignored and in some cases discouraged. As proof of this the website of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (www.aafa.org) states that, "Exercise-frequently in cold air-is a frequent asthma trigger." Although the site notes that children can exercise with appropriate management, nowhere does it mention the beneficial effects of exercise. All of the treatments listed are medications, and under prevention it lists "take your medication as prescribed" and "identify and minimize contact with your asthma triggers" (one of which is "running, playing, or exercising"!) Why such an emphasis on drugs instead of viable alternatives? The fact that 72% of this particular non-profit foundation's revenue comes from pharmaceutical companies might have something to do with it.

Sean Lucas MD MPH and Thomas Platts-Mills MD PhD from the University of Virginia Asthma and Allergic Diseases Center wrote "...the overwhelming majority of studies demonstrated the capacity for asthmatic subjects to exercise safely and significantly improve their cardiovascular fitness and quality of life...the allergy community has placed emphasis on medical therapy and allergen avoidance...It is our belief that an exercise prescription should be part of the treatment for all cases of asthma."

I believe it is important to encourage outdoor play in children as a preventive measure for asthma. As Lucas and Platts-Mills write, "The real question is whether prolonged physical activity and, in particular, outdoor play of children plays a role in prophylaxis against persistent wheezing. If so the decrease in physical activity might have played a major role in recent increases in asthma prevalence and severity."

Allergic asthma can also be treated via avoidance of triggers in the home and environment such as pet dander, mold, dust mites, cockroaches, tree and plant pollen in spring, second hand smoke, perfumes, and chemicals, including those found in standard household cleaning products. Wash bedding on a regular basis, decrease humidity, check air conditioning units for mold, minimize dust, keep pets outside (or don't have one), use an air conditioner (but clean its filter on a regular basis), shower before bed to remove pollen, keep food sealed to decrease insects, and change filters in blown air cooling and heating systems.

Your doctor can test you and identify your triggers. This involves exposure to a number of potential allergens and then measuring the inflammatory response. Once you have identified the plants, foods, molds, chemicals or animals you are allergic to you can avoid them. In addition, your doctor can perform tests to determine how much of the immunoglobulin IgE you have that is specifically oriented to different potential allergens. These tests are low risk and can provide useful information for deciding on treatment and lifestyle changes.

A number of studies have shown a relationship between psychological stress and asthma. Using relaxation techniques, like deep breath, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation, can be useful in preventing asthma attacks. Still, for many individuals with chronic asthma, medication is a requirement.

Lucas SR, Platts-Mills TAE (2005): Physical activity and exercise in asthma: Relevance to etiology and treatment. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 115:928-934.

What Causes Asthma in Kids?

Asthma is one of the most common diseases in kids. In fact, around 6.5 million kids in the United States today have asthma. The usual symptoms of asthma are wheezing, coughing, chest tightness or pain, and shortness of breath. If your kid experiences any of these, you must consult your doctor for the proper diagnosis.

To properly diagnose asthma, the doctor will perform lung function tests on your kid. This will measure the amount of air that is inhaled and exhaled. This will show if there are asthmatic changes in the kid's lungs. The doctor may also ask for blood tests to be done since asthma symptoms can also be symptoms of other diseases. To come up with an accurate diagnosis, the doctor will have to rule out other possible diseases that may be causing the symptoms.

Furthermore, the doctor will definitely ask the parents if they have a family history of allergies or asthma. And if they have, there is an increased risk that the kid can develop asthma. There is a strong link between allergy and asthma since the latter can be an allergic reaction to the different triggers.

Asthma triggers, simply put, are asthma causes. And there are different asthma causes in kids. First, viral or bacterial infections can be asthma causes in kids. If your kid catches colds, he or she may develop asthma.

Air pollutants are also asthma causes in kids. Examples of the common air pollutants are tobacco smoke, perfume, chemical fumes, and others. If your kid is exposed to these air pollutants and you see him or her exhibiting asthma symptoms, air pollutants are the triggers of his or her asthma.

Allergies to pollen, cockroaches, dust mites, and animal dander are also asthma causes in kids. Even certain food allergies can start an asthma attack.

There is also exercise-induced asthma. In this case, simply running around or playing can be asthma causes in kids. Even cold air can induce an asthma attack.

These are the different asthma causes in kids. And to better manage the disease, it is best to identify the specific asthma trigger that induces an attack in your kid. How do you do that? Just observe the time and pattern when your kid has an attack. Is it usually at night? Is it whenever he or she plays with the cat or dog? What did your child do before the attack? Knowing the different possible triggers will help you and your kid in avoiding an asthma attack.

Treating asthma in kids is not hard at all. The doctor will prescribe the right kinds of anti-asthma medications for your kid. And the doctor will teach you and your kid how to use an inhaler or nebulizer. All you and your kid have to do is to follow doctor's orders to stop an asthma attack from happening again.

Top 10 Sweet Pick Up Lines to Attract Your Girl

What makes a girl attracted to a man is when she sees he is being real and confident whenever they are together. What are the sweetest words that you can say to attract a girl? How can you let a girl like you? You can utter all the best things to catch her attention, but the best thing is that you mean what you say and you can put your words into actions. What do sweet pickup lines do? How to say the best pickup lines to interest your girl on a date:

What are sweet pick up lines?

For some reason, it is not easy to court a girl or be with the girl you've been dreaming of for so long. No matter how difficult it takes, you need to give your best to win her heart. Sweet Pick up lines are unique cute words that can tickle the girl you really like. If you run out of words to say then think of the best sweet pickup lines that will put a smile on her face. You can create your own sweet pick up lines as well depending on the situation you are in. There are thousands of words to think of and romantic idioms to say when you are with her. You will surely grab her attention and make her closer to you.

Here are some of the Top 10 Sweet Pick Up Lines that can win your girl at an instant.

"I'm having an asthma attack, because you take my breath away".

"Do you own the Crayola factory? You definitely color my world".

"You are like a denture, because I can't smile without you".

"To me you are a bee, because I want you to be my honey".

"What is your bank account? I am saving all my love for you"

"Are a dictionary? You give meaning into my life".

"Do you own a driver's license? Because you drive me crazy"?

"Being without you is like being stuck in a traffic jam, because I can't move on".

"You look familiar, you like my future girlfriend".

"I thought you were a camera, because you always make me smile".

How to say your sweet pickup lines?

When saying any of those mentioned sweet pickup lines, you should always mean what you say. It would sound unreal if you simply memorize those sentences without putting meaning to what you say. Besides, a girl can surely notice if your words are real or not. If she notices that you sound monotonous and lifeless, then it would mean that this is end of your meeting. But if she finds you real and sincere, then you are off to more meetings. Just make sure that everything you say comes out naturally. Do not speak as if you are reading a line from a book or delivering a speech. This will surely bore your girl and might cut your date in a shorter time. Stay natural and confident. Being real to the other person is what makes you more interesting and worth entertaining.

Allergic Asthma Treatment - How to Prevent Allergic Asthma

Allergic asthma is very common in children and young adults. It normally starts during childhood and sometimes after the adolescence period. Nevertheless, it may still occur at different ages. Because of this, one should be ready with allergy asthma treatment and prevention.

Some allergic asthma conditions may run in the family. It can be related to other disease conditions, such as hay fever and eczema. It can also be associated with aspirin sensitivity or any forms of allergy based on the person, such as mould spores, pollen, house dust mites, dogs, cats and many more.

Generally, allergic asthma cannot be cured, but attacks can be prevented by keeping it under control. As part of the allergy asthma treatment, the asthmatic person should engage himself in kinds of sports or physical activities.

For every asthma case, there is an absolute match of treatment. Generally, in the case of allergic asthma, there are two types of allergy asthma treatment, namely the reliever and preventive medications. These medications are usually accompanied with atomized form of inhaler devices and some additional usage of plastic spacers for the increase of penetration into the lungs.

With the preventive medication as allergy asthma treatment, it uses medicines that help guard any asthma attacks caused by swelling and inflammation of the lining of the mucous membrane. Preventive medication does not give instant relief to the person. Instead, relief should be built up for a longer period of time with continuous usage.

The reliever medication as an allergy asthma treatment focuses more on the assistance to the patients with breathing difficulties during asthma attacks. It helps relax the muscles that surround the bronchial tubes, and gives instant relief of the asthma symptoms. In any case that the asthma condition is indicated with poor control, then the dosage of the preventive medication should be increased.

Asthma Statistics And How They Are Affected By The Use Of A Nebulizer

Asthma is one of the most common health conditions that exist in our country. The difficult aspect of this health condition is that you truly do not know when an asthma attack will occur. There is really no predicting factor to help anticipate an attack and prepare for it. In general, for this type of respiratory condition there does not even exist a method of curing it. However, there does exist a way of controlling the symptoms and help treating the condition. The most effective way thus far is through using medication such as Albuterol. The current statistics point to close to 20 million individuals in the U.S. who live with one form or another of asthma. Of this amount there are over 9 million children who have been diagnosed with this health condition. It is well known and agreed to in the medical arena that this respiratory condition is the leading chronic health illness in children. However, there have been recent developments in health technology that has in fact played a key part in reversing these ever increasing statistics. Such technology is known as a nebulizer and its use is now in the millions by individuals all over the world.

Nebulizer technology works in a very simple way but serves a very important function for anyone that is suffering from this health condition. Essentially what happens is that the patient receives a prescription from their physician for a specific asthma medication. Once this medication is received then they place the medicine inside the device and at that point the device will automatically transform it into vapor form. This has helped a great deal in not reducing the number of cases of asthma but in actually reducing the number of cases of attacks and even ones that have led to the emergency room. On a yearly basis this health condition causes over 2 million emergency room visits and for those that have actually experienced this they know how devastatingly difficult and frightening it can be. By using a nebulizer on a continuous basis and taking it with them wherever they go they can rest assured that they have quick and easy access to their medicine in order to quickly reduce their symptoms. By taking these steps the statistics regarding emergency room visits has actually reduced dramatically and will even continue to do so as more and more individuals learn about this method of treatment and prevention.

Asthma Herbal Inhaler

Asthma inhaler is often a life saver for many asthma sufferers. These devices provide an asthma sufferer with a safety net and can be used when they feel an asthma attack is about to start. Most asthma inhalers you find today are prescribed by a doctor and will contain steroids which help to reduce the inflammation to a person's lung tissue. However, nowadays you can instead try a more natural approach and use an asthma herbal inhaler instead that does not have any side effects.

Certainly the most common type of inhaler available for asthma sufferers to use today are those that deliver the medication through a nebulizer in the form of a mist. The user needs to direct the asthma nebulizer into their mouth. However there are other versions available which are suitable for using with small children and babies as they have a face mask which fits around the mouth and nose. Using this type of inhaler on such small children will ensure that sufficient amounts of the medication actually can gain access to the windpipe and then to the lungs.

Although inhalers have been around for more than a hundred years now, they still use the same basic principles that the first ones used. But the improvements that have taken place mainly relate to how much of the medication is actually absorbed by the asthmatic person and how potent the medication is. If you were using an asthma herbal inhaler, the ingredients used are just as potent as those that are found within those inhalers that use conventional medications, but they do not come with any of the side effects.

You may find it difficult to use either an asthma herbal inhaler or one which contains steroids if you are using it for the first time. Even though they look simple to use, you need to get your timing right. As with all asthma inhalers you place the mouthpiece in to your mouth and then as you press the button which then ejects the mist medication in to your mouth you will need to breath in really hard as you do this. By breathing in hard as you press the button this will ensure that more of the medication actually gains access to your lungs and helps to reduce the amount of inflammation in them.

The ingredients contained within an asthma herbal inhaler have been specifically used in order to help reduce the amount of inflammation within the lungs and their tissue and which will often cause an attack to develop. Certainly if you are someone who prefers a more natural approach to treating any type of disease or condition then using an asthma herbal inhaler may be what you need.

Estrogen, Asthma and Black Cohosh

Some of this is not exactly news; it's been known for a long time that there is a direct link between hormone replacement therapy and asthma. This is supported by the number, ages and gender of those most likely to develop it. As children, boys prior to puberty have the highest rates. After puberty, girls and women of child bearing years are more likely. After menopause, the risks level off...unless HRT is used.

Front page health news today introduces us to a French study that suggests it is not all hormones, but primarily estrogen that causes the increased risk. It's not a little risk, either. Women taking estrogen are fifty-four percent more likely to develop asthma than those who have never used any HRT.

Aside from the risk factor, there is a good reason these studies are being done on post menopausal women. Fluctuations of these hormones has ceased, so the basis for the study is neutral.

What does this have to do with black cohosh? That herb is one of the main supplements suggested to women to ease the problems menopause causes. No one likes hot flashes, mood swings and the other symptoms this process causes. Black cohosh contains a phyto-estrogen, which could be as dangerous as prescription medications in causing asthma.

Black cohosh is not the only one. Soy isoflavones do as well. That's why there are warnings about not giving them to boys and teens who are still developing, and why pregnant women are told not to use them. The estrogen levels are too high.

If you wish to take these supplements anyway, I have two recommendations. One is that you make sure your doctor knows, so you can be monitored. Asthma is a potentially life threatening condition. The doctor can help you with the second recommendation; that you have what you need available should an asthma attack begin. Asthma doesn't always have warning signs.

Here are a few symptoms to look for; shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing sounds when breathing and blueness on the lips and fingernails. If these symptoms develop, get medical help immediately. Your life could be at risk.

Symptoms of Viral Asthma

Viral asthma is disease that can be often misleading during diagnosis. So, one must be careful enough to find out the symptoms of it before starting on medication. Asthma is often caused when viruses which cause common cold or the flu attacks the respiratory system of a person and causes asthmatic symptoms such as coughing and wheezing. Viral illness can also attack children and adults who are already suffering from asthma.

To understand the symptoms of viral asthma, one has to track the symptoms over time as asthma come in a wide range from barely recognizable to acute distress and life threatening.

The first signs of asthma are allergy around the throats, sometimes resulting in itchy throats or runny nose. Secondly, the person affected starts coughing repeatedly and in short bouts and during night the coughs increases manifold.

Cough or wheezing with physical activity is another symptom of viral asthma. This results in tiredness and decreases the person's daily activity. Restless sleep is also a common phenomenon while one suffers from asthma. Lastly, inflamed skin and dark circles around the eyes are the final signs of a person suffering from the virulent disease.

Viral asthma can be cured by medication and you need not panic if you are suffering from it. Once you have diagnosed the symptoms you must consult a recognized doctor and start on the medication immediately. The symptoms may often be subdued but you must take precaution beforehand and consult a doctor if there is any chance of suffering from asthma.

An Introduction To Asthma

Asthma is a respiratory disease that narrows the airways. The condition is usually caused by a person's exposure to allergens, cold air, emotional stress or exercise. A person who suffers from the disease experiences wheezing, shortness of breath, tightening of the chest, and coughing. The disorder causes the airways to hyperactively produce mucus in reaction to various stimuli. The symptoms can be mild or life-threatening. Taking medications or changing one's lifestyle can help control the problem.

Symptoms

When the problem of asthma arises, it is referred to as an asthma attack. Whenever a patient suffers from an attack, he displays a number of symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing. A cough, which may be accompanied by clear sputum, may also be present during the attack. Attacks usually come without warning. They may be accompanied by a pain in the chest and breathing becomes very difficult.

Whenever a person experiences an asthma attack, there is an alarming increase in heart rate. Audible lung sounds are heard through the stethoscope, too, caused by rapid breathing and an over-inflation of the chest. During an asthma attack, there is a tightening of the muscles in the respiratory area and the ribs, which causes the body to struggle for more air. The patient may even lose consciousness during this time

Diagnosis

The first step in diagnosing an asthmatic patient is to check on his medical history. Having a family history of asthma puts a person at high risk for asthma attacks as well. Testing someone with a peak flow meter, which measures the restriction of the airways, can determine if he is suffering from asthma. If a clear diagnosis cannot be determined through this test, a formal lung function test may be conducted.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Asthma?

Asthma is a health problem that affects millions of Americans.

It can appear in anyone at anytime, however the symptoms do vary as does the severity and how often or how frequently they affect the asthmatic.

People under the age of forty, especially children, are most likely to get asthma, and those people usually have other health issues such as being a smoker or living with a smoker, having allergies, or having a family history of health issues of asthma or related health problems.

Asthma is a chronic health problem, and it cannot be cured. While it is not cured and people do have asthma their entire lives, some people seem to be able to manage it better than others, some even to the point that no one knows they have it.

Asthma is a disease of the bronchial tubes or a disease of the airways of the lungs. When a person has an asthma attack, the muscles in their airways tighten, the lining of their airways swell, and they produce thick mucus that also interferes with their breathing.

People with asthma have more sensitive airways than other healthy people, and this contributes to having asthma.

While a sensitive airway may lead to nothing more than mild coughing and wheezing occasionally asthma can be a serious health problem, and often causes difficulty breathing, wheezing, non-stop coughing, shortness of breath, and often people with asthma have a hard time with even daily activities.

The signs of an asthma attack are varied. Some people have more of these health issues when having an asthma attack, and others have less of these health issues when having an asthma attack.

Symptoms of an asthma attack include rapid breathing, a tightening of the neck and chest muscles which sometimes causes chest pain or pressure, often people in the throes of an asthma attack have trouble talking, and can have anxiety or panic attacks along with the other health symptoms of an asthma attack. They can also have a pale and sweaty face, and blue lips or fingernails.

There are many things that can trigger an asthma attack in an otherwise healthy person.

The most common triggers for asthma include:

Allergens

o The skin, hair, or feathers of animals, such as cats, dogs, etc.

o Dust mites found in house dust.

o Cockroaches.

o Tree and grass pollen.

o Mold.

Irritants

o Cigarette smoke.

o Air pollution .

o Drastic weather changes

o Changes in air temperature, for example, if you move from warm indoor air to cold air outdoors.

o Cooking or paint oders

o Scented products, candles, air fresheners, etc.

o Allergens that you are exposed to at your place of work such as chemicals, dusts, smells, etc.

Also some medications, and food additives, even things that are supposed to be healthy for a person such as exercise can trigger an asthma attack. Even things like weather or strong emotions can set off an asthma attack.

Luckily, there are many treatments of asthma, and most people live a healthy life and learn to manage their asthma is healthy ways.

Sources:
webmd.com

How to Use a Nebulizer

If you are an asthmatic or someone who knows an asthmatic, it is beneficial to know how to use nebulizer. Nebulizers can save lives in dire consequences of sudden asthma attacks. This article will tackle how to use a nebulizer.

Firstly, what are nebulizers, and what are they for?

Nebulizers are devices that transform liquid medicine into mist. The mist is inspired to treat respiratory disorders and ailments, like cystic fibrosis, COPD, but usually asthma. nebulizers are also sometimes used for aromatherapy treatments.

There are two kinds of nebulizers, one is the ultrasonic nebulizer and the other is the compressor nebulizer. Both are as effective as one another. Compressor nebulizers use air to transform the liquid medication into mist, while the ultrasonic nebulizer use vibration to turn the medication into mist. That pretty much is the difference between them, aside from the fact that ultrasonic nebulizers are usually more portable.

Below are the usual procedures on how to use a nebulizer that will surely be helpful for first time asthma patients or for people who have loved ones with asthma.

1. Before using a nebulizer, make sure you wash your hands and keep them clean. Make sure the nebulizer is clean.
2. Open the cup and place the medication inside the cup. Close the nebulizer cup.
3. Connect the tubing into the nebulizer and attach the mask (usually for infants and younger children) or mouthpiece (usually for older children and adults) to the nebulizer cup.
4. Turn the nebulizer on and make sure mist is coming out of the mouthpiece or mask.
5a. If you are using a mouthpiece, hold the mouthpiece with your mouth and gently bite onto it. Gently breathe in and out using your mouth. Keep holding the nebulizer cup in an upright position.
5b. If you are using a mask, place the mask over the mouth and nose. Keep holding the cup in an upright position.
6. If the nebulizer starts to sputter, that means that most of the medication is gone. Tapping the nebulizer cup can help the remaining medicine to drop to where it can be turned into mist.
7. Clean and dry the nebulizer and the nebulizer parts after use. Make sure the nebulizer is completely dry before storing it in a cool, dry place. This way, you can keep the apparatus from hosting germs that can cause infections and make the patient's condition worse.

Keep this in mind: nebulisers are used only during an asthma attack and not prior. Therefore, a stock of the prescribed medicine should be kept in a cool dry place where little kids can't reach.

How to Get Rid of House Dust Mites

Did you know that dust mites are actually living creatures? They are very small, eight-legged creatures known as arachnids. (This is the same animal family to which spiders and ticks, those other household pests, belong). They germinate in places that are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, with 75-80 percent relative humidity, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology website. They can wreak havoc on a person predisposed to asthma and allergies, producing symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and sneezing. Asthma, left untreated and uncontrolled, can lead to death. Therefore, it is the purpose of this post to offer tips on how to rid your home of dust mites.

Dehumidifier/Air Conditioner

Buy a dehumidifier, or if you prefer, an air conditioner. Both of these machines reduce the relative humidity of a room. According to the MedicineNet website, you should keep your home's relative humidity at 50 percent or below.

Air Ducts

Keep your air ducts clean. Because many people don't pay attention to the air ducts that are in their rooms, they don't realize that dust becomes trapped in them, and, as a result, they begin to breathe in the dust. While you may not know how to do this yourself, you can find a professional who is skilled in this kind of work. Some companies charge upwards of $300, but it is worth every penny to have air free from dust mites.

Cover Your Pillows/Mattresses

Place dustproof, allergen-impenetrable covers on your pillows and mattresses. Ask for them at stores where bedding is sold. This will protect your linen from these creatures that fly around at night and get into the sheets and blankets on which you sleep.

Do Laundry Regularly

Wash all sheets, blankets and pillowcases in hot water. Use the highest temperature possible, so that all the dust mites that have accumulated throughout the week may be put to death. Now if you have the type of bedding that is unwashable, you should freeze your bedding material.

Strip All Bedroom Floors

You should your floor keep bare. Carpet attracts dust mites, and if you have allergies, you should not have neither carpet in your room nor fabric curtains or upholstered furniture. These can add to the problem, for these creatures love to live on all of the above surfaces.

Vacuum Carpeted Floors Regularly

You should keep your floors vacuumed at least once a week. Don't choose any vacuum, use the right one for the job given your breathing condition. For best results for dust mite removal, use a double-layered, micro filter bag or HEPA filter. According to MedicineNet, these are capable of trapping the allergens that would otherwise pass through the vacuum's exhaust system, thus placing the dust mites back into the atmosphere.

If you are prone to allergies, wear a mask if you must do it yourself, in order to keep from breathing the dust particles into your lungs. For best results, commission one of your friends who aren't susceptible to allergies to do the job for you, if at all possible. My wife learned this lesson the hard way. She has a history of allergies, and she once cleaned a vacuum at work. In the middle of the night, she woke up with an asthma attack.

Mop Your Carpet

Place a wet broom in a pail of water. Pour disinfectant into the water, and gently sweep the floor with the broom, with the disinfectant on the tip of the broom. Dust mites easily succumb to the disinfectant. Do this to the whole floor, being careful not to use too much of this water.

Dust Your Whole House

Take a cloth, and place disinfectant on it. Gently rub down all window seals and wooden surfaces. Wipe down the computer, TV, any shelves and window sills. These are places where dust accumulates over time.

Conclusion

Making sure everything in the house is clean, and leaving the most difficult, dust-intensive tasks to others more capable of handling it is a wise way to prevent suffering from the effects of dust mites. Proper home care should be done weekly. If these fail to alleviate the symptoms after a week, then you should see a doctor because you may be allergic to something else of which you are unaware.

Eucalyptus Plant As an Alternative Asthma Treatment

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory system. The causes could be environmental or genetic. Symptoms of asthma include wheezing, cough, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. This condition has no permanent cure. Using medication, the severity of the attack can be reduced and temporary relief can be obtained.

Asthma attack can occur at anytime or anywhere. It can only get aggravated or triggered more often depending on the allergens in the environment around us. It is advisable to keep medication for immediate relief handy. But if one has no stock left and faces an attack, it is worthwhile to have eucalyptus for temporary relief till medical help arrives.

This is an alternate medicine for temporary relief only. Many medicinal products like cough drops, liniments, vaporizers and steam inhalators use eucalyptus as its ingredient.

Planting a eucalyptus tree in your yard will definitely come handy at times of an asthmatic attack. Pluck a bunch of leaves crush them with your fingers and put them in a tub filled with hot water. Now, inhale the steam from this tub for immediate relief.

If one has oil made from the extracts of the tree, put few drops of the oil on a towel and let the ailing person inhale the fumes of the oil. This is also found to be equally effective. Given that many of us may not have the place to plant a tree buying eucalyptus oil from a store would be a better option.

Eucalyptus is considered to be an alternate treatment for asthma when the attack is mild or as a first aid.

Allergies - Living With Asthma

More and more children in developed countries suffer from asthma. In fact many doctors consider asthma to be a new epidemic. More than 10 million Americans suffer from asthma and most of them blame the condition on worsening environmental pollution and increased exposure to toxic chemicals in the air. Deaths from asthma continue to rise at an alarming rate largely because many people do not recognize the warning signs in time.

Asthma is a condition that causes the lung airways to swell, secrete thick mucus and eventually spasm. The swelling narrows the airways and makes breathing difficult and sometimes impossible. The first asthma attack can include wheezing (a sign that the airways are already constricted), congestion or pain in the chest, shortness of breath, dryness of mouth, coughing and a feverish feeling.

Almost anything can cause asthma. The most common triggers are an allergy, respiratory infection, emotional stress, strenuous exercise, or nutritional deficiency. Allergies tend to be the most common trigger off them all. Most asthma attacks follow exposure to environmental allergens like pesticides, pollen, cigarette smoke, natural gas odors and car exhaust. Foods that most likely trigger asthma are chocolate, peanuts, corn and dairy products. Waxes, artificial smoke, emulsifiers, thickeners, sulfites and artificial sweeteners in food are also more subtle asthma triggers. Asthma is also prompted by taking tranquilizers, hormones, or antibiotics.

You can take a number of vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements to help treat asthma. Vitamin B complex is probably the most important supplement to take. It is necessary for maintaining biochemical balance in the body and can reduce the frequency and severity of an asthma attack. Vitamins A and E worked together to protect lungs against air pollution. A large dose of vitamin C, preferably 500 mg three times daily, is effective in preventing exercise-induced asthma attacks. Gingko biloba enhances breathing and lessens sensitive bronchial reactivity. 400 mg of magnesium taken daily helps the lung muscles relax. Omega-3 can improve breathing, while selenium protects against free radical damage inside the lungs. Odorless garlic is a strong anti-inflammatory agent that can reduce the possibility of an attack. And Indian herb called tylophora asthmatica is frequently used in Ayurvedic medicine that blocks the release of histamines and other inflammatories. Licorice root taken three times a day also loosens phlegm once an attack has begun.

If you suspect that you have asthma, go to your physician and asked to be tested for food and environmental allergies as soon as possible. Avoid allergens known to trigger asthma attacks and eat a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet that includes plenty of vegetables and fresh fruits. Try to avoid sugar, artificial sweeteners and other refined carbohydrates. Try to eat five or six small meals throughout the day rather than three traditional large meals. Make sure you warm up slowly before beginning all physical exercise. Minimize stress and avoid situations that trigger emotional disturbance. Use aspirin sparingly if you must. It would even be better if you would eliminate aspirin entirely from your regular medication because aspirin has been shown to trigger asthma attacks. Your physician will prescribe a bronchodilator that you can bring around in case you have a sudden asthma attack. If you don't have it with you while you have an attack, drink two cups of coffee quickly. Coffee acts in the same way and usually provides enough protection for you to go to the nearest hospital for treatment.