Showing posts with label Asthma Patients Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Asthma Patients Tips. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

An Apple Juice A Day May Keep Asthma Away In Texas

Researchers have discovered that kids in Dallas, Houston and the rest of Texas who drink lots of apple juice may be less likely to develop asthma symptoms. The National Heart and Lung Institute research is the latest to issue a study linking apples and individual human health.

The study found that children who drank apple juice daily were half as likely to suffer from wheezing as those who drank it less than once a month. The study concluded that eating fresh apples themselves gave no apparent benefits to children.

Researchers studied five to 10-year-old schoolchildren in the Greenwich area of London, asking parents about their child's fruit intake and any symptoms the children suffered. While there was no link found between apple juice consumption and a reduced chance of an actual asthma diagnosis, there was a strong link between wheezing and drinking the juice.

The appearance of wheezing symptoms is one of the most important signs that a child is at risk for asthma, although many children with the symptoms may not be diagnosed with the illness. There was a similar, but not as strong a benefit found for children eating bananas at least once a day, compared with less than once a month. The apple juice involved in the study was not fresh apple juice. Long-life juices made from apple juice concentrate were equally as effective.

Dr Peter Burney, who led the study, said that it was possible that "phytochemicals" in apples, such as flavanoids and phenolic acids, helped to calm the inflammation in the airways, which is a key feature of both wheezing and asthma.

He said it currently isn't clear why a link between eating apples themselves and reduced asthma symptoms -- already spotted in adult studies -- didn't appear among the children in this study. "Further studies are needed to confirm the protective effects of apple juice and bananas," he said.

Dr Mike Thomas, an Asthma researcher at the University of Aberdeen, said that the study was further evidence of the protective effect of apples.

Recent research from the university suggested that women who ate a diet heavy in apples during pregnancy were protecting their unborn children against asthma. "There is some evidence that a healthy diet rich in anti-oxidants and vitamins is good for asthma," Thomas said. "It is yet another reason why we should be encouraging a healthy diet."

Other recent studies suggest that apple consumption can help control weight gain, lower the risk of heart disease and fight cancer. And though most people think the flesh of the apple is the most delicious part, the skin is actually the most nutritious.

Apple skin contains 4 milligrams of quercetin, an anti-oxident compound that prevents oxygen molecules from damaging individual cells, which can prevent cell changes that could lead to cancer. A Finnish study recently showed that men who had a high intake of quercetin lowered their risk of heart disease by 20 percent. This compound has also been shown to inhibit the growth of tumors and keep cancer cells from spreading.

The insoluble fiber found in apples has a host of other benefits. The apple skin is considered roughage and is a great remedy for constipation. Insoluble fiber also helps the digestive tract run smoothly, helping prevent diverticulosis, which is a condition that can lead to colon cancer. Another benefit of apple's insoluble fiber is its filling effect, which is an appetite suppressant.

Apples also contain soluble fiber, which forms a gel-like material in the digestive tract that can help lower cholesterol, as well as stroke and heart disease risk. One of an apple's more well-known soluble fibers is pectin. Pectin reduces the amount of cholesterol produced in the liver, slows both digestion and the rise of blood sugar, making it ideal for diabetics.

As you'll discover, what you put into your body will affect your health. And your health, good or bad, will eventually affect your bank account as well.

Pat Carpenter writes for Precedent Insurance Company. Precedent puts a new spin on health insurance. Learn more at Precedent.com

Friday, July 4, 2008

If You Think Allergies Are Not a Big Deal, Think Again

There's always seemed to be a suspicion of a link between asthma and allergies. Asthma, is a chronic illness characterized by inflammation of respiratory tubes that result in wheezing, a choking sensation and shortness of breath. A better understanding of asthma will result in an appreciation of the importance to address allergies quickly. Simply stated, continued research is suggesting that allergies are a main cause of the development of asthma.

The case concerning the connection between allergies and asthma is so strong that it has led Dr. James T. Li, an allergy specialist at the www.mayoclinic.com/health/allergies-and-asthma/ to suggest that it's many as 60% of the people with asthma have a form of allergy induced asthma. If correct, this makes allergies one of the leading causes of asthma. Given the high number and type of asthmatic triggers that have been identified, it shouldn't come as a surprise that allergies may play a large role in the development of asthma

A trigger is simply an event that can cause someone with asthma to have an attack. While many people with allergies have cold and flu like symptoms, an allergy attack can seriously affect one's ability to breathe. Asthma triggers include dust, dust mites, molds and mildew, pet dander, smoke odors and almost anything that can be taken into the body by breathing. So it stands to reason that many of the causes of allergy would be closely related to asthma.

Allergen immunotherapy, which is allergy shots that desensitize, have been shown to significantly improve asthma. If you or someone you know has allergic asthma, the best treatment continues to be reducing your exposure to the things that may trigger an asthma attack. Understand however, that having allergies does not automatically mean that you will develop asthma, only that it increases your risk significantly. According to Dr. Li, up to 78% of the people who have asthma also have hay fever.

The key then is to understand that at a minimum, there is a casual link between allergies in the development of asthma. For this reason alone, it makes sense to try and limit your exposure to potential asthma triggers that may be in your home.

Although allergies seem to play a key role in the development of asthma, it's not the only cause to consider. There are many other forms of asthma that can develop over the course of time. With the prevalence of allergies playing a large role in the number of asthma cases, it just makes sense to protect yourself as much as possible.


About the Author
Abigail Franks writes on a variety of subjects . For more information on asthma and asthma treatment visit the site at http://www.asthma-treatment-resources.com/treatment-asthma/treatment-asthma-index.html and the main asthma page at http://www.asthma-treatment-resources.com

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Asthma

Asthma is a common disease of the respiratory system. It comes from the Greek word “aazein”, or “sharp breath Allergens, common cold or even other triggers like exercise or stress can cause the airways or the tubes that carry air to the lungs. These become narrow and inflamed, with the build up of excessive mucous and breathing becomes a problem. A distinct wheeze can be heard during the entire cycle of respiration.

The asthma patient will be coughing and panting during inhalation with an uncomfortable tightening of the chest. It strikes patients more at night and in the morning, so sleeplessness is often a factor that adds to the discomfort. Some chronic asthma patients become hypersensitive to stimulants like strong smells, pollens or even pollutants.
Some of the other triggers of asthma are dust mites, cockroaches, and even some pathogens. Sleep apnea is said to be one of the factors causing asthma.

In some cases a patient taking bronchoconstrictor medicines, like beta-blockers or some hypertension medication, which could trigger severe breathing problems. In these cases, asthma attacks can be sudden and even life threatening. Today across the world, asthma has become the most prevalent disease.

The clinical conditions of asthma make it an easy to diagnose disease; however, one must understand that there is no cure for it. Modern medicine has ensured that there are many ways to control it. These cures are often used in conjunction with the ancient science of Yoga, especially “pranayam” or its highly evolved breathing practices.

One of the most essential treatments of asthma is of course removing the triggers that cause asthma. Long-term infections would need to be cured, and the underlying causes of asthma clearly understood. Rigorous efforts of cleaning the home from dust mites, and other pest like cockroaches will have to be undertaken. Mattresses would have to be changed, it is best to use the newer types that do not collect dust mites. The house would have to be made insect and dust proofed.

Anyone who suffers from asthma would have to ensure that he or she is well guarded against triggers like pollens, strong smells, pollutants and more. Sleep apnea will have to cured, this may require surgery, and medicines will have to be examined to understand whether any of these are responsible for the sudden asthma attacks. Anyone smoking is advised to give up the habit, as it can increase the frequency of the attack.
There is a range of instant relief bronchodilators available in pocket-sized, metered-dose inhalers. This can be used with an “asthma spacer” to get a full dose; this is a plastic cylinder that is especially useful for children.
Some of the most common bronchodilators are beta2-adrenoceptor agonists, such as salbutamol, levalbuterol, terbutaline and bitolterol. These improve the lung capacity immensely. Though they may be side effects, thus a full medical history has to be understood before any of these medicines are prescribed.
In case the asthma attack is unmanageable and the patient is unable to breathe a nebulizer, providing a continuous dose is used. The medicine is an easy to inhale saline solution and administered through vapor.

In case of severe asthma, hospitalization is required, and the patient may need oxygen for a while, along with a wide range of relief medications and antibiotics to cure infections if any.

There is an increasing tendency to turn to alternative practices to manage asthma. Yoga offers the most effective solutions. Pranayam or the life breath, is a method to understand the importance of the breath and use it to optimum. These exercises help in the management asthma. The inhalation and exhalation practices help clear the air passages and bring in a fresh inflow of oxygen. This science has to be learnt from a well-regarded teacher.

Acupressure and Acupuncture also helps in better asthma management. These need to be administered by registered practitioners, as they are specific forms of treatment.

Though one has to live with asthma, there are many ways in ensuring it does come in the way of getting the most out of life.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Asthma and Altitude

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that is characterized by difficulty in breathing. People with asthma have extra sensitive or hyper-responsive airways.


During an asthma attack, the airways become irritated and react by narrowing and constructing, causing increased resistance to airflow, and obstructing the flow of the air passages to and from the lungs.

It is possible that people with asthma are more likely to be affected by altitude sickness.

However, fit, healthy people with well-controlled asthma should have no problems coping with high altitudes provided that they ascend slowly and recognise and accept their limitations, adjusting their medicine if need be.

In freezing conditions, pressurised inhalers may not work properly. They should be warmed (e.g. in the hands) before use.

In addition, the conditions are high altitudes are often dry and cold, and these conditions tend to exacerbate and trigger asthma. People whose asthma is triggered by cold conditions might find that high altitudes are a problem, as the air temperature usually decreases at higher altitudes.

Also, climbing can be a very strenuous exercise and this may trigger exercise-induced asthma in some people.
However, people whose asthma is triggered by house-dust mites may find that their asthma improves, as the house-dust mite cannot survive at altitudes higher than 'the snow line'.

People with asthma who fly directly into a place that is at high altitude will not have time to acclimatise and may experience problems. This should be discussed with a doctor so that the altitude reached by aircraft should not pose problems for people with asthma.

The best thing to do is to discuss your trip with your doctor several weeks in advance of your departure. This will allow time to work out a personal asthma action plan for the trip. This might involve increasing your preventer treatment for several weeks before the trip to give the airways extra protection, or measuring peak flow while away to determine how altitude is affecting your lung function, or even simple things like ensuring that you have enough medication and backup medication.

Asthma and Altitude: Conclusion

It is possible that people with asthma are more likely to be affected by altitude sickness.

It is also possible that asthma can become worse with altitude, especially if people ascend too quickly or ignore their limitations.

Visit Bjorn Gutter's Asthma Treatment and Asthma Cure websites.

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Tips On Managing Your Asthma

It is very important for asthma patients to keep a check on their asthma by managing and controlling the symptoms. Taking medication as instructed by the physician and keeping away from things that affect the airways are the easiest ways of keeping control over asthma. It is very important to learn what natural remedies are available at hand, how diet can affect the asthma symptoms and most importantly how to take care of yourself when you are suffering from asthma

The key is to identify the factors affecting your airways and then devising methods of avoiding them

Any number of factors may trigger asthma. One should stop smoking and not permit others to smoke in ones home. One should stay indoors if high pollen content is found in air. In order to check the dust mites' one should get special dust-proof coverings of the mattresses and make sure the blankets, pillows, sheets, stuffed toys and curtains are washed at least once a week preferably in hot water.

People with asthma complaints should take care to wear scarf covering their mouth and nose in winter if they are affected by cold. In order to prevent flu and cold they should get flu shots and wash their hands as and when possible. Pets are bad news for those who have problem with animal dander. Its advisable to keep pets out of the house or at the least away from the bedroom. Washing the pets as often as possible is very good. Humidifiers should not be used but the humidity levels should be kept according to your suitability.

During the seasons when the pollen count is high in the atmosphere it is very advisable for people who are allergic to pollens to stay indoors. Keeping the air conditioner on is a very effective way of keeping pollens and dust out of the house.

Natural remedies should be used to keep the body immune system fit and fighting which will keep flu and cold at bay. In case exercise or heavy physical activities cause asthma attack consult your physician and device ways to be active without aggravating asthma symptoms. It should be kept in mind that physical activity is important for asthma sufferers.

A humidity level between 30 to 50 percent should be maintained at home. Biological agents thrive better in high humidity conditions thus higher humidity will provide them conducive environment to proliferate and initiate an asthma attack. It is highly recommended that kitchen and bathroom should have open windows and its even better to have exhaust fans to facilitate better air regulation because places where cooking, dishwashing and showers are performed usually have high humidity. Use of humidifiers should be avoided in any case. Care should be taken to vent the cloth dryers to the outdoors. A dehumidifier may be used if necessary. But iy should be kept away at some place like the basement.

It is necessary for people suffering from asthma to have minimum exposure to gases and other combustion particles which may cause breathing difficulties. Regular checkup and maintenance should be performed on stoves, combustion furnaces and heaters to ensure their proper functioning. Change the filters of the furnace regularly according the instruction guide provided by the manufacturer or in case of its absence change it every couple of months when in use.

Keep the house as clean as possible to reduce the allergens like dust, pollens, pet hairs, microbes etc. Allergen proof comforters should be used as far as possible. Box springs and mattresses should be covered in vinyl covers. Use of perfumes, air fresheners, deodorants and other sprays should be avoided. Also keep away from paint odour.

Get rid of cockroaches and other insects. Take off the carpets, drapes and other upholstered furniture from the bedrooms of asthma sufferers and keep the pets away from the bedroom as well. A high quality vacuum cleaner should be used to clean the house with facility to vent outside. Bedding should be washed in hot water over 130°F.

Sit with your doctor and device an action plan to avoid the triggers once you identify them and know how to control them. The doctor will help you identify if any of the medications you are currently on affects your asthma and what medications are best for your asthma. The medications should be taken as prescribed and you should try your best to adhere to the plan of action. When in doubt about your medication it is best to consult your doctor. Doctor will also show you the right method of treatment in case of an attack and using inhalers

If your asthma symptoms are not controlled properly it can lead to very worse situations hence it is very important to keep your asthma in check. Its advisable to contact a doctor and get the medication changed in case the symptoms are recurring very frequently and are getting worse or you have to use an inhaler almost everyday. Or you can even get an alternative method to address the issue.




Cindy Heller is a professional writer. Visit Asthma Symptom Cure to learn more about asthma attack symptom and natural asthma remedy treatment.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

The Deep World of Asthma

The asthma is caused by airway hyper responsiveness to various stimuli such as a virus, allergen and exercise. The asthma affected 17.3 million individuals in the United States and 150 million worldwide. It is more seen in the children's.
This is not curable but the symptoms of the asthma can be reduces. So this is life long disease. Asthma occurs in persons of all races worldwide. The asthma appearance ratio is from male to female is 1:1. The asthma is appeared in the age of 18 years but the effect of asthma is seen in the adult age. The cause of asthma is usually due to the airway wall inflammation and airway wall constriction which arises due to the release inflammatory response chemical signals.

Causes of asthma

Dust

Exercise

Viral upper respiratory infection

Pollen

Genetic

Stress

Environmental changes

Symptoms of asthma

Wheezing

Sputum production

Allergens

Breathlessness

Decreased endurance

Chest tightness

Treatment of asthma

The immunoglobulin E may be decreases the bronchial airflow.

The T-lymphocytes may be used to release of an inflammatory mediators from eosinophils, mast cells, and lymphocytes.

Maintain pulmonary function as close to normal levels.

The T-helper 2 subset produces cytokines which stimulate the growth and the allergic response.

The inhaled corticosteroids are used for the management of asthma.

By using allergy skin test we can reduce the asthma.



Rachel Broune writes articles for Asthma home remedies. He also writes for Asthma causes and cure and Asthma complete information.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Asthma - Causes and Caution Tips

Today million of people are suffering from asthma. Thousands of them lose their lives every year; about 20% of the total death cases are children. Let us take some preventive measures, which can help save lives of our dear ones.

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that can develop at any age. Asthma is an inflammation of airways that makes it difficult to breathe. It is one of the most common respiratory disease in children and adults as well and more than 10-15% children are suffering from this disease and statistics are getting worse every year. There is an increase in deaths recorded due to asthma every year. Today, asthma is emerging as an epidemic.

Normally, when we breathe, the muscles which are wrapped around our air tubes (also known as airways) are loose and in relaxed state, and the lining inside the airways is very thin, allowing the airways to open up very wide which makes it easy to get air in and out of the lungs (air sacs) i.e. when everything is normal, the muscles wrapping the airways are thin and loose, the airways are wide open to allow more air pass through them and we can breathe easily.

During an asthma attack, the muscles around the airways tighten and the lining inside the airways swell or thicken, and gets clogged with thick mucous. This narrowing or obstruction of the airways makes it harder to move air in and out of the air sacs, which in turn makes difficult to breathe. The air gets trapped in lungs and it becomes very difficult to breathe out.

Initially, the narrowing or obstruction of airways causes one or combinations of symptoms, which are: wheezing, shortness of breathing, coughing, chest tightens, uneasy feeling etc.

In medical terms related to asthma, anything that causes an asthma attack is called a trigger. Some known triggers causing asthma attack are: dust mites, cold air, exercise, air pollutants, animals, smoke, intense emotions, pollens, molds, viral infections (viral infection is one of the most common cause of asthma in people) etc. It is observed that a person diagnosed with asthma may respond to the above-enlisted triggers in different manner than the other person having asthma.

It is always better to stay in a clean environment and stay away from the triggers that cause asthma attack. If it is found that anything or any animal is acting as a trigger in asthma attacks, then that thing or animal should be removed from your environment at the earliest.

If you find it difficult to breathe and suspect to have asthma symptoms, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. Visit your doctor regularly and ask for proper guidance if you are diagnosed with asthma. Your doctor will prescribe you medications and will guide you according to the severity of your asthma. There are several tests that you will have to undergo. Your doctor may conduct several tests like Spirometry, Peak flow test, Chest X-Rays, Allergy Tests, Skin Prick Tests, Blood Tests, Physical Examinations etc. to understand a detailed picture of your condition.

People who are diagnosed with asthma can live a normal, healthy and an active life with the help of proper medications, changing living habits and lifestyle. Take your medications regularly as directed by your doctor, to keep asthma under control. Prepare an action plan, which will help you understand what you should do when you get an attack and when your condition gets worse. People staying with asthma patients should also learn which steps they have to follow in case of emergencies.

There is no cure for asthma, but it is always possible to bring asthma under control and asthma attacks can be prevented. You just need to be careful, alert and play your role as per the situation.

Article By Shalaka Bhosale