Asthma Symptoms And Prevention

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

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

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

What Are the Asthma Causes in Babies?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Asthma - Why Breathing Through Your Nose is So Important

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

But do you use yours?

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

Big mistake!!

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

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

The 3 functions of the nose.

The nose provides a 3 different functions.

o Warming the air.

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

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

o Filtering the air.

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

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

o Regulating the intake of oxygen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are there ways to get asthma relief from natural means?

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

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

• decrease the frequency of asthma attacks


• reduce the severity of attacks


• eliminate asthma attacks


• possibly even live asthma-free forever

#1 Asthma Home Remedy: Hydration

Price: Inexpensive to free.

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

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

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

Price: You will probably save money.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• bacterial or viral infections


• allergies


• weakened immune system


• associated type of coughing


• environmental pollution


• age


• weight


• other medications or herbs being used


• pregnancy or breastfeeding

#5 Asthma Home Remedy: Aromatherapy for Asthma

Price: Inexpensive to expensive, depending on the oils.

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

# 6 Asthma Home Remedy: Clean Up Your Home Environment

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

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

What Causes Wine Allergies?

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

What Causes It

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

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

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

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

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

Relaxation Techniques May Help Asthma

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

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

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

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

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