Showing posts with label Asthma Drugs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Asthma Drugs. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Understanding Asthma Medicine

Asthma medicine helps prevent the symptoms of asthma that inhibit the possibility of doing activities that you want to when you want to do them. Symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing can be prevented completely or to some degree by using the correct asthma medication. There are generally two types of asthma medicine - controllers and relievers.

Controllers are typically used every day, sometimes twice a day. Controllers prevent asthma symptoms, asthma attacks, and lung damage by relaxing and widening the airways in the body. Some also reduce swelling of the airways. Controllers should not be used to relieve asthma symptoms. Controller medication is most often inhaled and side effects may include fast heartbeat, nervousness, headaches, and hoarseness or coughing.

Relievers are not taken on a daily basis like controllers and are used as needed typically during asthma attacks or as preventative to them. Relievers work to quickly open the narrowed airways of a person suffering from an asthma attack. A majority of relievers are a type of medicine called bronchodilators. Bronchodilators are inhaled and quickly relax and open airways. Side effects of relievers may include fast heartbeat, nervousness or restlessness, dry mouth, or shaky hands.

Since reliever medicine quickly reduces asthma symptoms, people with asthma sometimes tend to use them too often. Often overuse is from using the relievers as preventatives before activities that may not necessarily cause asthma symptoms. However, this overuse of relievers can cause problems. Using a reliever too much can actually make your asthma symptoms worse or cause your heart to beat too fast or in an odd rhythm.

If you suffer from asthma, it is always a good idea to have at least a 30-day supply of both your controller medicine and your reliever medicine. It is important to understand how your asthma medicine works and what the possible side effects are. If you are unsure, talk to your doctor to get all the information you need on asthma medication and do your own research to learn all you can about asthma and asthma medication.



About the Author
Daniel Lanicek is an life long sufferer of asthma on a mission to heighten world awareness of asthma. Over 14 million people in the United States alone suffer from asthma and there are ways you can help. Learn more about asthma at http://www.asthmaexplained.com

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Asthma Treatment

More than 17 million people in the US alone suffer from asthma, a serious lung ailment, resulting in 5,000 asthma deaths a year. Asthma is an allergic inflammation of the lungs, which is generally triggered by pollens, molds, dust, animal dander, air pollution, chemicals, exercise, temperature changes or ingestion of certain foods. Asthma drugs, which are traditionally used to control asthma symptoms can have very serious side effects, plus they are also quite expensive.

Fortunately there are alternative asthma treatments which are quite effective, relatively inexpensive compared to drugs and best of all they are without negative side effects. However, it is best to prevent the development of asthma in the first place.

Asthma Prevention - Measures You Can Take to Prevent the Devlopment of Asthma

Doctors and researchers agree that the single most important thing that parents can do to prevent their child from developing asthma in the first place is to eliminate or significantly reduce dust mite allergens or asthma triggers in the home.

"Clinical studies have revealed that avoidance of dust mite allergens in early childhood can prevent the onset of asthma..." Michael LeNoir Md

Dust mite allergens are known to play a major role in it's development. Researchers have determined that other important allergens (after dust mites) that also need to be eliminated from the home are cats, certain types of mold, dogs, cockroaches and tobacco smoke. It is a popular misconception that children will "outgrow" asthma. It is a severe and potentially life-threatening illness that should be taken seriously. Long term use of steroid drugs is not recommended by doctors and has serious side effects. Making these preventative environmental changes is a much more viable, healthy and preferable alternative. If you or your child are already suffering from asthma or allergies these measures will certainly help.

What are Dust Mites?
Dust mites are microscopic insects and live in bedding, pillows, mattresses, blankets, upholstery, carpets etc. They thrive particularly in humid climates. They live off of dead skin cells and produce an allergen from their excrement, which is inhaled.

All Homes Contain Dust Mites No Matter How Clean They Are.
Studies have shown that dust mite allergens in the home must be reduced to at least 2mcg/g dust or mite populations decreased to 100/g dust to have any significant benefit. There are several things that can be done to accomplish this.

What Can Be Done To Eliminate or Reduce Dust Mites?
Researchers have found through numerous studies that these are the most effective measures:
Changing the relative humidity and temperature of the home:

-Keeping relative humidity less than 50% is proven to greatly reduce the dust mite population. (Portable dehumidifiers were not shown to significantly reduce humidity).

-Mechanical ventilation with a heat recovery unit has proved to be the most effective to reduce humidity in the home.

-Using air cleaners that have HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, which will also eliminate other allergens such as pollen and animal dander.

-Cleaning using a vacuum with a HEPA filter and steam cleaning rugs and upholstery regularly.

-Washing all bedding in hot water (60 degrees C, 130 degrees F) on a weekly basis is known to kill dust mites. Drying bedding in a hot dryer.

-Dry cleaning quilts and blankets weekly will also kill dust mites.

-Placing plastic casings specifically made for dust mite control on pillows and mattresses.

-Chemicals used on carpets and upholstery which are known to kill dust mites include benzyl benzoate, permethrin, pirimiphos methyl, phenyl salicylate, tannic acid, common household disinfectants, combinations of these, and insect growth regulators. (please note: some chemicals can also trigger asthma and allergy reactions, therefore research them carefully before using).

Author of this article is Susan Millar.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Facts on Asthma

Asthma is a condition where the airway in humans constricts, gets inflamed and is lined with mucus. The condition though generally associated with humans, is also being controversially diagnosed in house pets.

Asthma attacks are triggered by exposure to environmental stimulants like cold or warm or moist air, perfume or exertion/emotional stress. In the case of children, it is observed that the common triggers are viral illnesses.

The airway narrowing condition in asthma causes breathlessness, wheezing and coughing. This airway constriction is eased with the help of bronchodilators. It is common between episodes for the patients to feel well or exhibit mild symptoms.

The symptoms of mild to life threatening asthma can be controlled with a combination of medication and a change in the immediate environment. Research reveals that in the developed world, this killer is affecting up to one in four urban children!
Asthma is characterized by chronic respiratory impairment, episodic symptoms triggered by upper respiratory infection, stress, airborne allergens and air pollutants.

An acute exacerbation exhibits clinical hallmarks such as shortness of breath and wheezing and in the late stages of an asthma attack, the air motion may be so impaired that no wheezing may even be heard. If the patient coughs, clear sputum is produced.

The signs of an asthmatic episode include prolonged expiration, a rapid heart rate, lung sounds that are audible only through a stethoscope, pulse that is weaker during inhalation and stronger during exhalation and over-inflation of the chest cavity.

During a serious asthma attack, the sternocleidomastoid and scalene muscles of the neck are exerted causing the asthma sufferer to turn blue due to the lack of oxygen. The patient can also suffer the loss of consciousness and just before the loss of consciousness, the patient feels numbness in the limbs and experiences sweaty palms.

Asthma is caused by the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. The interaction of these factors influences how severe a person’s asthma is and the probability of how well the patient is likely to respond to medication.

It is observed that asthma prevalence has increased in developed countries with the increase in the use of antibiotics, c-sections and cleaning products. All of these negatively affect exposure to beneficial bacteria and other immune system modulators.

There are a number of environmental risk factors associated with asthma. These include traffic pollution, high ozone levels, tobacco smoke and maternal cigarette smoking, viral respiratory infections at an early age, use of antibiotics early in life, caesarean sections and psychological stress.

Many genes are related to the immune system and modulating inflammation. However, research results have not been consistent among all of the populations and hence, it is deduced that the genes are not associated with asthma under every condition.

Inflamed airways and bronchoconstriction in asthma as a result of the inflammatory response cause wheezing. During an asthma episode, the inflamed airways react to environmental triggers and produce excess mucus, which makes it difficult to breathe.

Stimulus to a trigger include waste from household pests, pollen and spores, indoor air pollutants like perfumed products, soap, dishwashing and laundry detergent, fabric softener, paper tissues and towels, hairspray and gel, cosmetics, facial sun cream, air freshener and products such as oil-based paint, medication like asprin and beta blockers, food allergies, presence of nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide etc.

Hormonal changes in women associated with the menstrual cycle can worsen asthma. Some women experience their asthma improving during pregnancy. Emotional stress can also affect breathing temporarily and so can cold weather and high altitude.

It is recognized that patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea and bronchial asthma, often improve when the former is diagnosed and treated.

Asthma is cured with the reversibility of the condition that occurs either spontaneously or with treatment. A physician diagnoses asthma on the basis of the patient's clinical history and examination. The measurement of the airway function is possible for adults. Diagnosis in children is based on analysis of the medical history and subsequent improvement.

With the proper use of prevention drugs, asthmatics can avoid the complications. However, it is observed that asthmatics stop taking preventive medication when they feel fine and this then results in further attacks.

Article By Gaynor Borade

Sunday, June 29, 2008

How to cure Asthma at home

Asthma is a chronic disease of the respiratory system in which the airway occasionally constricts, becomes inflamed, and is lined with excessive amounts of mucus, often in response to one or more triggers. It is a disease of the airways or branches of the lung (bronchial tubes) that carry air in and out of the lungs. Asthma causes the airways to narrow, the lining of the airways to swell and the cells that line the airways to produce more mucus.

A chronic disease in which the bronchial airways in the lungs become narrowed and swollen, making it difficult to breathe. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, and rapid breathing. Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory lung disease characterized by recurrent breathing problems. People with asthma have acute episodes or when the air passages in their lungs get narrower, and breathing becomes more difficult. Condition characterized by sudden, recurring attacks of coughing, chest constriction, labored breathing, lung congestion and wheezing.

Asthma involves over reactivity by the parasympathetic vagus nerve. Constriction of the airways (bronchial tubes) to the lungs, producing symptoms of cough and shortness of breath. It may be an allergic response.

Any drug that is constantly used , stops working.Then the medication has to be changed and or dose increased. At last, a stage comes when all drugs in maximum doses become ineffective. But Asthma stays. Treatment for asthma varies, depending on severity. You could use an inhaler for individual attacks, take a pill daily to keep attacks from happening, or even take breathing treatments regularly to keep your airways open. Check with you Doctor for the best treatment for your asthma! Asthma is always related to a sudden, unexplained difficulty of breathing with accompanying wheezing and controlled only with bronchodilators (drugs). Emotions trigger the release of some hormones that tighten airways. When the emotion is controlled, problem is corrected.

The best non-medication treatment for asthma is to learn your triggers and avoid them. Asthma is an allergy. Allergies are triggered by irritants. If its pets, don't let the pet in the house or at least not in the bedroom. If its smoke, don't smoke or go places that are smoky. If you are unable to figure out your triggers, you will need prescription medications. Natural remedies just don't work most of the time.

Some tips and suggestion for asthma patients:

Avoid smoke, especially cigarette smoke, vapours and chemical fumes.
Stay indoors during the humid season or the change of seasons especially when the pollen count is high.
Do not use fans in closed and dusty places.
Cover mattresses and pillows with plastic covers. Wash the bedding in hot water every week.
Do not use a vaporizer or humidifier unless it is thoroughly cleaned.
Do not have close contact with pets. Pet owners should bathe their pet weekly.
The cleaning of the house or the surroundings should be done by wet mopping rather than sweeping, wherever possible. This avoids the generation of allergen aerosols which could act as a triggering factor.


Author Bio - Sander Bel writes articles for weight loss. He also writes for natural herbs and womens health.

Monday, April 7, 2008

Asthma Herbal Remedy

If you feel that you are suffering from asthma, then the first thing you should be doing is making an appointment with your doctor so that they can provide a proper diagnosis.
However once you have been diagnosed with asthma, then normally your doctor will prescribe medication which can help to control rather than cure the condition. However, if you are looking for an alternative then why not try asthma herbal remedy.

In this article we will be taking a closer look at certain asthma herbal remedy treatments that people who suffer from this condition may want to consider using alongside the medication prescribed by their doctor.

Butterbur

This shrub which grows perennially and can be found in not just the USA, but also Europe and Asia can be quite effective. It contains active ingredients called petasin and isopetasin which are believed to help reduce muscle spasms as well as having an anti inflammatory property to it.

However there are some side effects associated with this particular type of herbal remedy. Namely it can cause indigestion problems, headaches, fatigue, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea and constipation in some people. Plus this particular herbal treatment should not be used by women who are either pregnant or those people who suffer from either liver or kidney disease.

Boswellia

This is more commonly referred to as Salai Guggal in Indian Ayurvedic medicine and in studies that have been carried out, it has been found to restrict the production of leukotrienes in the body. Leukotrienes is the compound when able to be released in to the lungs will cause the airways to become narrowed and so a person’s breathing becomes much more difficult and labored.

Currently it is not clear as to just how safe or effective this particular asthma herbal remedy is and just how it reacts when used with other kinds of asthma treatments. However again there are some side effects associated with using this particular herb and these include nausea, acid reflux, diarrhea and may cause problems to a person’s digestive system.

Certainly, there are lots of asthma herbal remedy and supplements available for being to use in order to treat the symptoms associated with asthma. However more studies need to be carried out before anything firm can be established. Asthma sufferers seeking an alternative such as asthma herbal remedy should discuss matters with their doctor first before taking any asthma herbal remedies.

Ricky is the online editor of an asthma homeopathy website. Visit his site today for more information on which herbal supplements for asthma are effective in treating asthma.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

What Asthma Relief Drugs Are Actually Doing To You!

One of the things that you should recognize is that the closing of your airpipes is basically your bodys defense against the lowering CO2 levels caused by you breathing more than is appropriate for the amount of physical work you are doing. It is your defense against your releasing more CO2 than you produce.

So when you suck the Asthma Relief chemicals into your airpipes, their powerful effect over-rides your defense, and allows you to breathe as deeply as your breathostat wants you to. It is a great feeling of relief when the airpipes are pushed open again, and you are able to go back to breathing many times more air than you need. Aaaahhhhhhhh.

If you use a drug with a long action, you can breathe as much as you want all day. Almost no restriction at all. The only problem is that after a while, it may be days, weeks or years, your defenses will start to get a bit more serious about stopping the CO2 loss [which it knows is fatal].

An Example of the Development of Severe Asthma

Let us follow the development of a typical asthmatic. Let us say the young boy had a cough [bronchitis] during childhood, and probably some hay fever. As a teenager, the cough reduced, but was replaced by a restriction in his breathing, usually very early in the morning, or when he exercised.

A worried parent took him to the doctor, who did various measurenotments, and the doctor diagnosed, "Asthma!" The shame of this was hidden, and the teenager instructed on the use of a puffer [let us say "relief-puffer"]. At the start, all it took was two puffs, every now and then, say twice a week, and the wheeze disappeared like magic. Not too bad.

Later in the same year, the winter was quite nasty. He found he needed to use the puffer more and more. His mother, having read about the increased death rate associated with high use of puffers returned him to the doctor. "Ahh" said the doctor wisely, "we will need to introduce a .preventative puffer", as this has been shown to reduce the death rate that had apparently risen because of the increased use of the relief-type puffer.

He had to take the preventative puffer every morning and night. "Is this for the rest of his life?" asked his mother. "Very likely, but we will see," said the doctor.

Despite the new puffer, he began to get more and more tighter, more and more often. The two puffs of relief puffer no longer worked well enough, so they bought a machine that sprayed the chemical out of a mask he wore on his face. This gave pretty good relief, but on some days he needed it 3 or 4 times. He was a large teenager, so he received the full adult dose, and made sure he used all of it. [Note: .1 puff of relief puffer is 1/ 10,000th of a gram. A full nebule of relief puffer is 50/10,000th of a gram. So one nebule is equal to 50 puffs, but a lot gets out of the sides so let us say it is equal to 25 puffs from the relief puffer.]

Mother is getting very worried now, has been back to the doctor, who has doubled the dose of preventative puffer and referred them to a "pulmonologist." This doctor sees mostly asthma, and is considered the best in the area. He immediately does more tests involving mostly huffing and puffing, and puts our lad onto 50mg of oral steroids per day, for 6 days, then on a reducing amount. This reduces the asthma, and two weeks later, only puffers are needed. A few weeks later, it all starts again.

The family learn to live with it, and have some periods of good health. Their pulmonologist sees them every month, and gets hold of new drugs earlier for them to try. Which work for a while, but then seem to fail, a trip to the emergency ward is made about twice a year.

Then, after 8 years, the family moves to a different area near the beach. The lad takes up surfing, and within 1 week the asthma has stopped. A call to their pulmonologist gets the reply that this happens quite often, .they seem to just grow out of it.

This story illustrates how the amount of relief medication needed usually increases with time in many people. Others never need much more that a couple of puffs a day.

What is really happening? Your overbreathing pattern is causing you to lose more and more CO2 from your lungs. When it gets low enough, your body acts to trap more in. When you feel this restriction, it feels unpleasant and you feel you are not getting enough air. The bronchodilator you take tells the air pipes to open up. [Turns off your defense, and stops it for about 4 hours.] This means that you can return to the breathing that caused your need for the defense in the first place. If your breathing has not improved when the drug wears off, your defense will start again. You will want more drugs, to improve your airflow again.

Over a period of time, this will cause you to need more and more of the drug, as your body becomes more resistant to it. Where one puff per day was enough before, you may start to need many more puffs, plus the addition of other drugs. If this loop continues without an improvement [decrease] in your breathing, your body will work harder and harder to stop the CO2 loss, until the point where hospitalization is needed because your airpipes no longer respond at all to your drugs.

One technique that has been shown to help people with this issue is the Buteyko Breathing Method. The Buteyko Breathing Method teaches you to use your breathing to trap in more CO2 at the first sign of asthma, and after a short time use your fast acting, short acting drugs then only if needed.


For more information on Asthma Signs and Symptoms (Butekyo Breathing Method) or for information on an Asthma Test. If you are looking for music to help you meditate and control your asthma Meditation Music (Baroque Music)

Friday, February 15, 2008

How To Treat Asthma And Is Choosing Natural As Well As Non-Toxic Methods Recommended?

Treating asthma today is far more effective than at any time in the past, and with a number of alternative methods of treating asthma available, results have proved to be much more positive as well.

One of the good things about treating asthma today is that there is less emphasis on using drugs since there are many alternative methods of treating asthma that are in fact walking a path different to the allopathic one, and thus there is less toxicity as well as side effects involved.

More Deaths After The Introduction Of Bronchodilators

Also, when you read the mainstream health journals today, you will not have failed to have realized that there is high level of toxicity in the pharmaceuticals used to treat asthma, and this is borne out by facts that show that after bronchodilators were introduced, the otherwise low rate of deaths related to asthma suddenly began to increase. And, according to the New England Journal of Medicine, drugs such as Albuterol and some other asthma medications made the lungs deteriorate after constant use, which only shows that seeking out alternatives for treating asthma is a wise decision after all.

The way that alternative medications treat the problem of asthma is different to the allopathic means, and the aim of such treatment methods is to bring the balance back as well as provide the whole body with more strength, and also to give support to lungs as well as the immune and even hormonal systems. And, the best part about choosing alternative methods for treating asthma is that there are virtually no side effects, and the cost of such treatment is pretty low, and it also promotes self-treatment being very convenient as well. What’s more, if you want, you can use these alternative methods for treating asthma alongside allopathic treatment methods and thus get even more effective results, and it will also help reduce the unwanted side effects of allopathic treatment drugs.

It is especially useful to consider choosing alternative methods of treating asthma since allopathic drugs such as Theophylline which is a drug often used for treating asthma, and which has been shown to even change the patient’s personality are certainly not what you would wish for, because these side effects are most undesirable indeed.

It is therefore easy to see that using natural as well as non-toxic treatment methods in preference to allopathic drugs is a better course of action, even though you will need drugs in case you have an especially severe case of asthma and they are also very effective in emergency situations.



Article by Hartmann Tony.
How to cure asthma? What is the best medicine for asthma? What do you need to be aware of when having asthma? This and much much more can be found on our Asthma Health Blog. http://www.asthma.voople.com Also feel free to ask questions and to leave a comment!

Monday, February 11, 2008

Asthma - Home Remedies to Cure Asthma

Asthma is a disease that affects the breathing passages of the lungs (bronchioles). The muscles of the bronchial walls tighten, and cells in the lungs produce extra mucus further narrowing your airways. This can cause minor wheezing to severe difficulty in breathing. Periodic attacks are caused by an oversensitivity of the lungs and airways, which overreact to certain "triggers" and become inflamed and clogged. Asthma is Greek for "panting". Asthmatics pant during an asthma attack because their air passages, which start in the throat and end in the lungs, become narrowed and sometimes almost completely obstructed. Asthma is very common. These episodes may be triggered by such things as exposure to an environmental stimulant (or allergen ), cold air, exercise or exertion, or emotional stress . In children, the most common triggers are viral illnesses such as those that cause the common cold. This airway narrowing causes symptoms such as wheezing , shortness of breath , chest tightness, and coughing , which respond to bronchodilators . Between episodes, most patients feel mostly all right but can have a slight problem feeling out of breath for longer periods of time. The symptoms of asthma, which can range from mild to life threatening, can usually be controlled with a combination of drugs and environmental changes. Public attention in the developed world has recently focused on asthma because of its rapidly increasing prevalence , affecting up to one in four urban children.

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects your airways. The airways are the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. If you have asthma, the inside walls of your airways are inflamed (swollen). For most kids, breathing is simple: They breathe in through their noses or mouths and the air goes into the windpipe. From there, it travels through the airways and into the lungs. But for kids with asthma, breathing can be a lot more difficult because their airways are very sensitive. In most people with asthma, the difficulty breathing happens periodically. When it does happen, it is known as an asthma flare-up also known as an asthma attack, flare, episode, or exacerbation. Many people with asthma compare a flare-up to the sensation of trying to breathe through a straw - it feels extremely hard to get air in and out of their lungs. An asthma flare-up can last for several hours or longer if a person doesn't use asthma medication. When an asthma flare-up is over, the person usually feels better. Between flare-ups, a person's breathing can seem completely normal, or a person may continue to have some symptoms, such as coughing. Some people with asthma feel as if they are always short of breath.

Home Remedies to Cure Asthma

1. Take 1 tsp honey and 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder and mix them well before consuming.

2. Take 2 tablespoonful of fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoonful of water. Repeat day and night.

3. In 1 cup of water soak 1 tsp of Fenugreek seeds overnight. Strain. Add 1 tsp of Ginger juice and 1 tsp of honey to this. It has to be consumed twice during morning as well as evening.

4. For people who are in their early stages of asthma, a perfect home remedy is to boil 8-10 cloves of garlic in 1/2 cup of milk and consume it during nighttime.

5. Drink one glass of milk to help with the asthma .

6. Cook fresh cranberries in water then mash. Take 2-3 teaspoons a day.

7. Boil water in a pot. Cool, Lean towards the pot with a big towel over your head and inhale the steam for 20 minutes.

8. Air, sun and water are also great healing agents. The patient should sit in fresh air for sometime daily. Try to avoid dusty places, exposure to cold, mental worries and tensions.

9. Regular chewing of fennel helps expel infected mucous from the chest. Thus, helps in preventing asthma attacks.

10. Take fresh dry grapes with seeds and soak them in 150 grams of water at night. Remove the seeds in the morning and chew them slowly, one by one. In the remaining water add a little sugar and drink it. In a month the lungs will be strengthened and poisonous wastes will be removed from the body.

Juliet Cohen writes articles for http://www.makeup-care.info/ and http://www.healthatoz.info/

Thursday, January 31, 2008

How To Cope With An Asthma Attack

Even if you have asthma, you can learn to keep it under control. Most people with asthma can lead normal lives. However, if you have an asthma attack, this can be terrifying. If not taken care of properly, it can be serious and even fatal. An asthma attack can be terrifying for both children and adults.

Additionally, emergency room visits for asthma sufferers, both young and old, are very common. Even worse, thousands die every year as a direct or indirect result of an asthma attack. Most of these deaths could be avoided with proper treatment. In the United Kingdom, for example, approximately 1400 people every year die from an asthma attack. That's about four people a day.

In short, people are dying needlessly. If you learn to deal with your asthma, you can not only live a normal life, but you may very well save your own life. If you're an adult and have recently been diagnosed with asthma, make sure you talk to your doctor and get proper information. The Internet is also a fine resource to find information on treatment. However, you should take care that that the sites you get information from are endorsed by the proper professionals and not simply "quack" treatments. Remember that information is power, and if you have the proper information, you're well armed to deal with an asthma attack, should it occur.

To find out what your triggers are, keep a log for a few days and note when asthma attacks occur. It is a trigger dust? Animal hair? By keeping track of your symptoms and when they occur, you can learn which substances trigger asthma attacks. Or perhaps it's situational, wherein you have an asthma attack triggered when you breathe in cold air, for example. In that case, it would be advised to limit your outdoor exposure during winter months, or wear a scarf over your mouth to help warm the air that you breathe in.

Your doctor may mention a peak flow meter. This is an instrument you use daily to measure your lungs' strength and efficiency. It can help you predict when an asthma attack is going to happen. Should you have an attack, remember to keep calm.

This may be difficult for you if you've just been diagnosed with asthma, but once you become experienced at this, you will be able to do this easily. Place your hands palms down in your lap and focus on breathing in slowly. Try not to take big gulps of air. The attack should subside in 5 to 10 minutes. However, if symptoms don't go away, go to the hospital or call an ambulance immediately, so that you get medical intervention right away.


Gaetane Ross is a Certified Natural Health Consultant who has spent over 4 years focusing on Nutrition and Health. She also specializes in Alternative Medicine, Spiritual Healing and Healthy Lifestyle. For her FREE report on Asthma http://NewTreatmentBreakthroughForAsthma.com

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Asthma Cure - Breathe Deeply and Naturally

Many of us try to be free of asthma symptoms and reduced side effects. Been able to breathe deeply and naturally filling the lungs with pure, fresh air. Be free of asthma drugs and strengthen your entire respiratory system helping to enhance natural immunity and to support proper functioning. When you can enjoy an active healthy lifestyle is very important for the maintenance of health.

Some people get severe asthma attacks requiring admission to an intensive care unit. Looking for asthma treatment information is the key to eliminating asthma and allergy symptoms effectively and safely. To truly have a significant, lasting change in your health and quality of your life is bought about by the quality of your thinking. So what are the facts and information you need to help you take the right steps to reduce your asthma attacks and improve your quality of life.

To become healed of your asthma and asthma illness, to breathe well, calmly and in a natural and relaxed way.

Become as free of the dependency on your asthma medication and its side effects.

Sleep all night and wake up feeling great and zest for living.

Have the power to make these positive changes in your health and body.

Not having to watch your child struggling for breath , which has escalated 72 percent in the last 12 years .

This is you aim go and locate the data you need and get moving. There are many website out there that may give advice and information on asthma, go get you research done and help yourself or loved one.

Mary Jane Holmes gets results. Find out how thousands of people have been helped with the advice and information. Visit this link for details: Asthma Information

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

How to Stop Your Child's Asthma Attacks

Don't underestimate childhood asthma. Although it's very common, it's not something to take lightly. It's not a minor disease that can be treated casually like a cold. It doesn't go away by itself and its effects can include permanent lung damage. Unfortunately, the damage isn't always obvious, because it's silent and happens gradually over time.
By the time a parent realizes that their child is having trouble breathing, it can be too late. The damage is done and even if the child never has another major attack, her airways may be scarred, which can lead to emphysema and other lung problems in adulthood.

One of the best ways to prevent this damage is to know what triggers your child's asthma attacks. Is it dogs? Cats? Cold air? Certain foods or drinks? Wood smoke? Cigarette smoke? Or is there no clearcut trigger that you can see?

If so, you may have to be do some hard work to discover what's causing the attacks. This can involve keeping a diary of exactly where your child was in the hours before the latest asthma flare. What was he doing? What possible allergens were in the environment? Was it cold or hot where she was? Did he eat something different, highly flavored or with artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors? These can be significant triggers for asthma, especially in children. My son reacts strongly to yellow and red dye and avoids it by reading labels.

If your child is old enough, get them to help you track down their triggers. Perhaps with the help of their doctor, explain that finding their triggers can help them avoid the discomfort and treatments that they have to have when their asthma flares up. Most children hate having asthma attacks and sometimes try to avoid treatment by not telling their parent that they're having trouble breathing.

Over 4,000 people die from asthma attacks every year in this country, so getting your child to be honest about their symptoms is very important. Along with regular doctor's visits and having their rescue inhalers on them at all times, telling school personnel and friends' parents about their asthma is also very important.

If they were to have an attack at a friend's house or at school, it's crucial that someone is able to make sure that they use their inhalers and then get emergency medical aid for them. Many people who don't have asthma in their families don't understand how quickly asthmatics can go from "a little trouble breathing" to needing oxygen and injected epinephrine. A medic alert bracelet or necklace is a very good idea for asthma sufferers.

No one wants their child to suffer and watching your child struggle for breath is one of the worst experiences a parent can have. If your child has asthma, be sure that he or she has a good doctor. A pediatric pulmonologist, a children's lung specialist, is an excellent choice. Along with a good doctor, there are things you can do to help your child reduce or even eliminate asthma flares. Good nutrition, enough sleep, eliminating triggers and reducing stress are all important too.



Free report tells you how to stop asthma attacks naturally. Here's the stop free asthma report that reveals how my son went from daily nebulizer treatments with steroids and albuterol to one maintenance medication and natural supplements available everywhere.

Accolate Side Effects - It pays to know before you pop the pill

Accolate is a popular brand name for the generic family of drugs known as Zafirlukast. It is commonly used for the prevention and treatment of chronic asthma. However, Accolate is not intended to treat acute attacks. Other uses of Accolate include using it to minimize breathing problems caused by exercising or sensitivity to aspirin.
As with most prescribed drugs, Accolate too has a few side effects that one should know about before starting on a course. Accolate is a prescription drug and it is in one’s best interest to follow the doctor’s instructions and the prescribed dosage as closely as possible. Accolate is taken as directed, usually twice daily, one hour before or two hours after a meal on a regular basis. It is important to bear in mind that while the drug should continue to be taken during an asthma attack, it will not stop the attack. It is meant to lessen the number and severity of attacks.

Accolate is generally regarded as a safe drug. Zafirlukast is widely prescribed by doctors worldwide to people with asthma and related breathing troubles. However, Accolate side effects are not entirely absent. Of all the observed Accolate side effects, headache, nausea and diarrhea are the most frequent ones. If these continue to persist, or get bothersome, one is advised to consult one’s doctor promptly.

In some rare cases, serious liver diseases may occur. If you notice any side effects such as persistent nausea, stomach pain, dark-colored urine, fatigue, yellowing eyes or skin, seek immediate medical attention. These Accolate side effects are extremely rare but very serious. If you experience any of the side effects mentioned above, use of this drug may need to be stopped. If treatment is stopped due to those effects, one should never take this drug again. Women carry a larger risk of getting liver problems from Accolate. Other rare but potentially dangerous Accolate side effects that need prompt medical attention are sore throat, bleeding, bruising, muscle aches and unusual weight loss.

Allergic reaction to Accolate is highly unlikely. However, should one develop an allergic reaction to the drug, medical attention should be sought without delay. Symptoms of an allergic reaction typically include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness and trouble in breathing.

It is impossible to enlist all the possible Accolate side effects within the brief scope of this article. One is, therefore, well-advised to contact one’s doctor or pharmacist as soon as any irregularity is noticed in one’s health after starting on a course of Zafirlukast.

Accolate comes with a few warnings. The more important ones are that it should not be administered to children less than 12 years of age or to anybody with a known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient, with a liver disease or with moderately decreased kidney function.

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Monday, January 21, 2008

The Secret "Mineral Weapon" in Natural Asthma Treatment

As cases of asthma have been on the rise, so too have searches for new asthma treatments. Some experts say that rather than by medicating, it is best to control asthma through diet and exercise. Is medication necessary? Perhaps a natural asthma treatment, along with lifestyle changes, is the answer.

3-Step Asthma Treatment

Asthma attacks happen when spasms and inflammation of the bronchial passages restrict the flow of air in and out of the lungs. Asthma is a condition of the lungs, and asthma attacks are usually brought on by allergies. Treatment of asthma is usually focused on the following three areas:

1. Minimize: risk of asthma attack

2. Treat: spasms and inflammation that are the cause of the asthma attack

3. Increase: the ability of the lungs to deal with an asthma attack

Certain steps can be taken in order to minimize the risk of asthma attacks, and therefore the need for asthma treatment. Precautions such as keeping a dust- and pet-free home can be helpful. Closing windows and doors during pollen season can also prevent asthma attacks.

Of course, precautions cannot always prevent asthma. What can be used to treat asthma? Here we may introduce a "secret mineral", which can increase the lungs' ability to cope with an attack and which is useful for asthma treatment.

Natural Asthma Treatment

Besides allergens, the cause of asthma's has also been linked to diet. Through research, a natural vitamin supplement has been found which can be used for asthma treatment: magnesium.

Magnesium is an essential mineral of the body, used for energy metabolism and protein synthesis. It also maintains the body's muscles, nerves, and bones. According to the USDA, the ratio of calcium to magnesium in the body is more important than the absolute levels of magnesium. This ratio should be 2:1 (calcium to magnesium), which would mean an intake of 600mg of magnesium per day. According to recent studies, however, an average of only 300 mg of magnesium is taken in daily per person in the U.S. Research also suggests that the occurrence of asthma attacks is connected to low levels of magnesium in the blood. Therefore, magnesium has been put into use as a natural treatment of asthma.

Reports dating back to 1938 have mentioned magnesium in the treatment of asthma. Since that time, studies on animals showing the effectiveness of magnesium in asthma treatment have been conducted. A Britton & Hill study indicated that asthma treatment with magnesium showed improved lung function in patients. Wheezing, on of the main symptoms of asthma, was also shown to be reduced with the supplementation of magnesium. Magnesium therefore can be used to both treat lung spasms and inflammation, and increase the lung's ability to deal with an asthma attack (steps 2 and 3 in the asthma treatment plan.)

Author of this article is Mitamins Team

Monday, January 14, 2008

Asthma Natural Cure

Asthma is generally common with people who are very sensitive to a few allergens that cause chronic inflammation of airways in lungs. There are various effective medications that are available for the treatment of asthma, but considering their side effects many people refrain from taking them. For such people, asthma natural cure is another alternative treatment method.

These asthma natural cure remedies have no side effects and are non-toxic. The basic aim of these natural medications is to strengthen the immune system of an individual thereby giving him strength to fight his diseases. Furthermore, these are also not very expensive when compared with other medications. But before taking any asthma natural cure remedies or treatment, it is important to consult a doctor to ensure that these will not create any further complication if taken with your existing medicines.

Also, no matter which medicines you are taking, it is essential to carry an emergency inhaler along with you for any serious asthma attack.

Some of the asthma natural cures are:

o Magnesium supplements – they helps muscles to relax and avert their tightening near air passageways.
o Products made from fish oil – these act as anti-inflammatory. They are available in both capsule and liquid form. These are not advisable if you have any food allergies as it may cause harmful reactions.
o Rosemary, thyme, spearmint, cloves and chamomile have many antioxidants. These help to induce sleep and muscles to relax.
o Antioxidants are also very effective. They include selenium, supplements of green tea, Vitamin E and various other products that were made to reduce the liberated radicals existing in the human body. Liberated radicals are mainly because of cough, cold and other such respiratory problems that adds to the irritation.
o Licorice and ginseng are the herbs that are also very effective.

All these asthma natural cure remedies when taken for a long period of time along with the precautions such as avoiding smoke, high-sugar and high-fat food items from your diet would together be really helpful for the treatment of asthma.



Ricky highly recommend using asthma homeopathy if you or your family members have asthma. Visit his website at www.asthmahomeopathy.net for more information.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Online Pharmacy Aiding Asthma Treatments

Asthma is a chronic disease of the respiratory system. In Asthmatic conditions, the air passage occasionally constricts, becomes inflamed and is lined with excessive amount of mucus, often in response to various triggers. Environmental stimulants such as cold, warm or moist air, exercise or exertion and emotional stress often act as triggers in this case. Viral illness such as common cold is the most common triggers in case of children. The two main reasons for the narrowing of the airways are the inside lining of the airways becoming red and swollen causing extra mucus to produce and tightening of the muscles around the airways. These conditions are known as inflammation and bronchoconstriction respectively.
The exact causes of Asthma are not known. However, it is observed that there is often a history of asthma, eczema or hay fever in the family of the patient. The disease can begin at any age and change over time. Childhood asthma often develops due to pregnant mothers smoking during pregnancy and due to early exposure to smoke.

The most common symptoms of Asthma are shortness of breath, wheezing, stridor i.e. a high pitched sound resulting due to turbulent gas flow in the upper airways, coughing and inability for physical exertion. In some individuals, asthma is characterized by chronic respiratory impairment while in others, it is marked by episodic symptoms that may result from a number of triggering events. Some individuals might show signs of all the symptoms while others might only have a wheeze or cough.

The triggers of Asthma vary from person to person. However, the most common ones are exercise, cold and flu, cigarette smokes, allergens like pollens, moulds, animal hairs and dust mites, aspirin and some blood pressure medications, chemicals and strong smells, temperature and weather changes, food preservatives, food colorings and flavorings, stress, air pollutions etc.

In most cases, physicians diagnose Asthma on the basis of findings in the patient’s medical history. If the patient has suffered from eczema or other allergic conditions in the past, or has a family history of Asthma, then the disease is suspected. In case of adults, measurements of airway functions are possible. A peak flow meter which tests airway restriction is used for looking at both the diurnal variation and any reversibility following inhaled bronchodilator medication in adults. But it is not possible in case of children and hence diagnosis is primarily done on the basis of a careful compilation and analysis of the patient's medical history and subsequent improvement with an inhaled bronchodilator medication.

Asthma is non-curable. But it can be controlled effectively so that the patients can carry out their daily routine without the symptoms causing trouble. It can be effectively controlled in a number of ways. Taking Asthma medications as directed, monitoring the disease, staying active and healthy, avoiding the triggers whenever possible, and regular visits to the doctor help to exert control over this non-curable disease. There are three types of Asthma medications- Preventers, Relievers and Symptom Controllers or long-acting Relievers. Preventers make the airways less sensitive; reduce the redness and swelling and dries up the mucus. These Preventers need a few weeks to prevent the symptoms and need to be continued daily, even when the patient is feeling better. Relievers relax the muscles around the airways, making the airways wider and breathing easier, thus instantly relieving the Asthma symptoms. Symptom controllers or long-acting Relievers help to relax the muscles around the airways for up to 12 hours. These medications are not normally used in asthma first aid treatment.

These Asthma medications can be quite expensive. The disease is non-curable as mentioned earlier and hence it requires a continuous usage of these medications specially Preventers. The best way to obtain these Asthma medications is through a trusted online pharmacy. These pharmacies are not only famous for being cost effective but also for their quality. It is simple to order. Thus it can be concluded that online pharmacy helps the patients to forget worrying about the symptoms and get back to their daily lives.

This article is written by Ronn Jones, a marketing expert with years of experience in branding and internet marketing. Check out more information on online pharmacy aiding Asthma treatments.

Friday, January 11, 2008

10 Paths to Conquer Asthma

Asthma is a condition where due to certain stimuli a person experiences narrowing of air passages and difficulty in breathing. Treatment for asthma should be done under the guidance of a doctor and should be planned carefully.


Asthma is a condition where due to certain stimuli a person experiences narrowing of air passages and difficulty in breathing. Treatment for asthma should be done under the guidance of a doctor and should be planned carefully. The key lies in recognizing the causes and managing the condition such that you are in control of the situation.

Treatments include:

1. Preventive action where you avoid situations that triggers off symptoms.

2. Practice meditation and breathing exercises to strengthen the air passages and lungs.

3. Exercise regularly to keep fit and to strengthen your heart as well as lungs.

4. Use air conditioning this will reduce your exposure to air born pollen and other triggers.

5. Keep your environment free of dust mites, pet dander, fur and feathers by regularly vacuuming and decontaminating your mattresses, pillows, sofas, throws, carpets, as well as curtains and covers.

6. Use inhalers which are of three types: aerosol inhalers; breath-actuated inhalers; and dry powder inhalers. These contain medication in aerosol form to provide immediate relief.

7. Drugs like short acting beta agonist namely salbutamol and terbutaline are first prescribed. The alternative medications are long acting beta2 agnostics like salmeterol or formoterol or antimuscarinics like ipratropium or oxitropium. In layman terms asthma medication is of two kinds anti-inflammatory medicines and bronchodilators. Common medicines are Albuterol, Altrovent, Pulmocort Respules.

8. Combination therapies where a steroid along with long acting medication are prescribed. Alternately, a combination of antimuscarinic and short acting beta 2 agnostic is used.

9. Use of special equipments like a peak flow meter which will warn you of an impeding attack and an inhaler spacer which will ensure efficient disbursement of medication.

10. Allergen Immunotherapy where the patient is desensitized to asthma causing allergens like smoke, weed, grass, pollen, dust, mold and so on. Similarly the patient is tested for food allergies that trigger off attacks and treated for them.

Research indicates that the best option for patients is to maintain a dairy and record when and why attacks occur. This will give a clear understanding of triggers. Then the next step is to create an asthma management plan with the help of your doctor. To strengthen the mind and spirit patients are often asked to join therapy groups that talk about fears, problems faced by asthmatics, personal experiences, and work together at breathing exercises and other regimens to strengthen their bodies.



Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for http://www.1888discuss.com/health/, the premier REVENUE SHARING discussion forum for Health Forum, including topics on health care, Children's Health Issues, addiction, Cancer, fitness equipment, Burns & Injuries and more. He also freelances for submit free press release http://www.1888pressrelease.com.

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Top 7 Tune-Up Tips For Asthma And Hay Fever

Asthma is an allergic disorder characterized by spasm of the bronchi, which is branched air passageways that connect the trachea to the lungs, swelling of the mucous lining of the lungs, and excessive production of a thick, viscous mucus. The major concern with asthma is that it can lead to respiratory failure – the inability to breathe. Hay fever, seasonal allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction of the nasal passages characterized by a watery nasal discharge, sneezing, itchy eyes and nose. It shares many common features with asthma. Here are some tune-up tips for asthma and hay fever.
1. Increase The Intake Of Flavonoids

Flavonoids appear to be key antioxidants in the treatment of asthma. To increase flavonoid consumption, take quercetin or flavoured-rich extracts such as grape seed, pine bark, green tea, or Ginkgo biloba.

2. Take extra Vitamin C

The major antioxidant for the lungs is vitamin C. The rate of asthma is high if vitamin C intake is low. It is recommended to supplement your diet with 1,000 to 2,000 mg of vitamin C per day and you would able to see significant improvements in respiratory measures and asthma symptoms.

3. Take Multiple Vitamin And Mineral

Take a high-potency multiple vitamin and mineral formula. Higher intakes of vitamin B6, selenium, magnesium, and possibly other nutrients are associated with improvements in asthma and allergies.

4. Reduce Exposure To Airborne Allergens

Airborne allergens that can trigger asthma, such as pollen, dander, and dust mites, are often difficult to avoid entirely, but measures can be taken to reduce exposure. A great first step is keeping pets outside and removing carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and other surfaces where allergens can collect. If this can’t be done entirely, make sure at least the bedroom is as allergy-proof as possible. Encase the mattress in an allergen-proof plastic; wash sheets, blankets, pillowcases, and mattress pads every week in hot water with additive- and fragrance-free detergent.

5. Eat More Fish If It Is Not An Allergen

Children who eat fish more than once a week have one-third the risk of getting asthma as children who do not eat fish regularly. Increasing the intake of omega-3 fatty acids offers significant benefits in treating asthma. In particular, improvements in airway responsiveness to allergens as well as improvements in respiratory function.

6. Identify And Eliminate Food Allergies And Synthetic Food Additives

Food allergies and food additives play an important role in asthma. Adverse reactions to food or food additives may be immediate or delayed. Double-blind food challenges in children have shown that immediate-onset allergies are usually due to eggs, fish, shellfish, nuts, and peanuts. Foods most commonly associated with delayed-onset sensitivities include milk, chocolate, wheat, citrus, and food colorings. Elimination diets have been successful in identifying allergens and treating asthma and are a particularly valuable diagnostic and therapeutic tool in infants. Elimination of common allergens during infancy has been shown to reduce allergic tendencies in children with a strong familial history of asthma.

7. Eliminate Or Reduce The Intake Of Animal Products

A long-term trial of a vegan diet provided significant improvement in 92 percent of subjects in one study. Improvement was noted in lung capacity, the maximum amount of air expired in one second, physical working capacity, and laboratory assessments. People with asthma conditions was significantly improved or entirely relieved within four months.

Raymond Lee is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry and is the Founder of Bodyfixes Group specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. He is currently the author of the latest edition of "Neck Exercises and Workouts." Visit http://www.bodyfixes.com for more information.