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
Showing posts with label Breathing Problems. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Breathing Problems. Show all posts
Friday, July 4, 2008
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Asthma – Ways To Prevent Asthma
The key to preventing asthma attacks and better asthma control is to avoid your known asthma triggers. We have some basic tips on how to avoid your triggers. Keep your asthma symptoms at bay with these helpful asthma prevention techniques.
Mold Spores
Molds grow both indoors and outdoors and love damp, dark places. To control mold indoors, keep basements, kitchens, and bathrooms as clean and dry as possible. Avoid the use of humidifiers and vaporizers, which can become breeding grounds for mold. To avoid outdoor molds, stay inside in air conditioning on damp, windy days. Avoid playing or walking in fallen leaves and you may also have to avoid gardening.
Nuts also contain high levels of magnesium, which other research has suggested may protect against asthma and boost lung power.
Irritating fumes such as cigarette smoke should also be avoided. In some people with asthma, aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs trigger attacks. Tartrazine, a yellow coloring used in some drug tablets and food, may also bring on an attack. Sulfites—commonly added to foods as a preservative—may trigger attacks after a susceptible person eats a certain food or drinks beer or red wine.
A daily diet of oranges, apples and tomatoes protected against wheezing and allergic rhinitis, as well as grapes.
If you feel even the slightest symptom, take the medication. Some asthmatics tend to do that. They cough more than once and they think they are having an attack and then they take the medicines and they prevent an attack. We are not saying you have to take the inhaler the second you cough but don’t dismiss the symptoms. Always keep your prescriptions filled at all times. The best thing you can do to prevent an attack when you are away or shopping or in a restaurant is to tell the people you are with, where you keep the inhaler in case they need to use it.
The group of children involved in the asthma intervention program avoided pets, secondhand smoke and dust mites, and were delayed the introduction to solid foods; the mothers were encouraged to breastfeed. The other group of children did not partake in the asthma intervention program.
Short-acting bronchodilator inhalers are used to quickly relieve the cough, wheeze, chest tightness, and shortness of breath caused by asthma (they dilate or widen the bronchial tubes). The most commonly prescribed short-acting bronchodilator is albuterol. However, albuterol only lasts for a few hours. If you need to use an asthma reliever more than twice a week, then your asthma is not optimally controlled. Ask your doctor about improving your asthma controller medication.
Early allergy injection treatment - Two studies in young children who became allergic to a single allergen such as house dust mites showed that allergy shots against that allergen prevented the development of allergy to other allergens. This suggests that allergy testing and injection treatment in children may be important to consider before the time when this is usually first done - i.e., under age 5 years. The cost-effectiveness of doing this is unknown at present.
Read about Natural Herbal Home Remedies and Pregnancy Information Guide. Also read about Dental and Tooth Care Guide
Mold Spores
Molds grow both indoors and outdoors and love damp, dark places. To control mold indoors, keep basements, kitchens, and bathrooms as clean and dry as possible. Avoid the use of humidifiers and vaporizers, which can become breeding grounds for mold. To avoid outdoor molds, stay inside in air conditioning on damp, windy days. Avoid playing or walking in fallen leaves and you may also have to avoid gardening.
Nuts also contain high levels of magnesium, which other research has suggested may protect against asthma and boost lung power.
Irritating fumes such as cigarette smoke should also be avoided. In some people with asthma, aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs trigger attacks. Tartrazine, a yellow coloring used in some drug tablets and food, may also bring on an attack. Sulfites—commonly added to foods as a preservative—may trigger attacks after a susceptible person eats a certain food or drinks beer or red wine.
A daily diet of oranges, apples and tomatoes protected against wheezing and allergic rhinitis, as well as grapes.
If you feel even the slightest symptom, take the medication. Some asthmatics tend to do that. They cough more than once and they think they are having an attack and then they take the medicines and they prevent an attack. We are not saying you have to take the inhaler the second you cough but don’t dismiss the symptoms. Always keep your prescriptions filled at all times. The best thing you can do to prevent an attack when you are away or shopping or in a restaurant is to tell the people you are with, where you keep the inhaler in case they need to use it.
The group of children involved in the asthma intervention program avoided pets, secondhand smoke and dust mites, and were delayed the introduction to solid foods; the mothers were encouraged to breastfeed. The other group of children did not partake in the asthma intervention program.
Short-acting bronchodilator inhalers are used to quickly relieve the cough, wheeze, chest tightness, and shortness of breath caused by asthma (they dilate or widen the bronchial tubes). The most commonly prescribed short-acting bronchodilator is albuterol. However, albuterol only lasts for a few hours. If you need to use an asthma reliever more than twice a week, then your asthma is not optimally controlled. Ask your doctor about improving your asthma controller medication.
Early allergy injection treatment - Two studies in young children who became allergic to a single allergen such as house dust mites showed that allergy shots against that allergen prevented the development of allergy to other allergens. This suggests that allergy testing and injection treatment in children may be important to consider before the time when this is usually first done - i.e., under age 5 years. The cost-effectiveness of doing this is unknown at present.
Read about Natural Herbal Home Remedies and Pregnancy Information Guide. Also read about Dental and Tooth Care Guide
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
The Mystery of Thunderstorm-related Asthma
Thunderstorm-related asthma simply refers to the triggering or worsening of asthma due to rainfall or thunderstorm. Thunderstorms have been linked to asthma epidemics, particularly during the pollen seasons. A few of these epidemics have been well documented, including the epidemic of 24/25 June 1994 in southern and central England. Asthma epidemics associated with some thunderstorms have been found to contribute significantly to the number of hospital attendances for asthma given the appropriate meteorological conditions. The environmental changes found to be important are a sudden change in air temperature and a sudden rise in grass pollen concentration. Individuals who are affected are more likely to have a history of hayfever and much more likely to be allergic to rye grass; they are also less likely to be taking inhaled corticosteroids at the time of the thunderstorm.
The mechanisms behind thunderstorm asthma are not well established as it is caused by a combination of many factors. However, thunderstorms are known to have a marked effect on pollens, fungal spores, as well as dust and smoke particles. Although representing a small proportion of airborne particles present in the atmosphere, pollen grains can be causative agents of allergic respiratory responses in individuals who are allergic to pollens. Some grass allergen (for example, ryegrass allergen) is located on the surface of starch granules within pollen grains. A single pollen grain contains up to 700 starch granules of 0.6 to 2.5 um (small enough to reach the lower airways in the lung). When it rains or is humid, pollen grains can absorb moisture and burst, releasing hundreds of small allergenic particles that can penetrate deep into the small airways of the lung. It is also thought that an increased release of fungal spores may occur after a thunderstorm or heavy rainfall, thereby precipitating asthma. According to a study carried out by Celenza et al (1996), based on the asthma epidemic, which occurred in London on 24 and 25 June 1994 after a thunderstorm, it was noted that lightning strikes, rainfall, drop in air temperature, air pressure, and humidity seemed to be related to the onset of the asthma epidemic.
According to D'Amato et al (2007), the characteristics of described epidemics of thunderstorm-associated asthma can be summarized as follows: 1. A link exists between asthma epidemics and thunderstorm. 2. Epidemics related to thunderstorm are dependent on seasons when there are high atmospheric concentrations of airborne allergenic pollens. 3. The start of the thunderstorm has a close temporal association with the onset of epidemics. 4. Subjects with pollen allergy, who stay indoors with closed windows during thunderstorm, are not usually affected. 5. Subjects who are not under correct anti-asthma treatment are at a major risk whilst subjects with allergic rhinitis and those without previous asthma can experience severe bronchoconstriction (constriction of the bronchial air passages).
Precautions to take in the event of a thunderstorm 1. Watch out and listen closely for weather reports. 2. Be aware that thunderstorms could trigger your asthma. 3. Increase you preventer inhaler, in consultation with your doctor or nurse, and seek medical attention if you experience an extreme attack. 4. Keep a close eye on your condition either by taking regular peak flow readings or recording your symptoms.
References 1. Venables KM, et al. Thunderstorm-related asthma - the epidemic of 24/25 June 1994. Clin Exp Allergy 1997; 27: 725-736. 2. Wark PAB, Simpson J, Hensley MJ, Gibson PG. Airway inflammation in thunderstorm asthma. Clin Exp Allergy 2002; 32: 1750-1756. 3. Celenza A, Fothergill J, Kupek E, Shaw RJ. Thunderstorm associated asthma: a detailed analysis of environmental factors. BMJ 1996; 312: 604-607. 4. Campbell-Hewson G, Egleston CV, Sherriff HM, Robsinson SM, Allitt U. Epidemic of asthma possibly associated with electrical storms. BMJ 1994; 309: 1086-1087. 5. D'Amato G, Liccardi G, Frengueli G. Thunderstorm-asthma and pollen allergy. Allergy 2007; 62: 11-16.
Learn more about asthma by visiting our Asthma Learning Centre.
Start shopping from our range of Asthma products.
About the Author
BSc (Hons) Pharmacology MSc. Pharmaceutical Science with Management Studies
The mechanisms behind thunderstorm asthma are not well established as it is caused by a combination of many factors. However, thunderstorms are known to have a marked effect on pollens, fungal spores, as well as dust and smoke particles. Although representing a small proportion of airborne particles present in the atmosphere, pollen grains can be causative agents of allergic respiratory responses in individuals who are allergic to pollens. Some grass allergen (for example, ryegrass allergen) is located on the surface of starch granules within pollen grains. A single pollen grain contains up to 700 starch granules of 0.6 to 2.5 um (small enough to reach the lower airways in the lung). When it rains or is humid, pollen grains can absorb moisture and burst, releasing hundreds of small allergenic particles that can penetrate deep into the small airways of the lung. It is also thought that an increased release of fungal spores may occur after a thunderstorm or heavy rainfall, thereby precipitating asthma. According to a study carried out by Celenza et al (1996), based on the asthma epidemic, which occurred in London on 24 and 25 June 1994 after a thunderstorm, it was noted that lightning strikes, rainfall, drop in air temperature, air pressure, and humidity seemed to be related to the onset of the asthma epidemic.
According to D'Amato et al (2007), the characteristics of described epidemics of thunderstorm-associated asthma can be summarized as follows: 1. A link exists between asthma epidemics and thunderstorm. 2. Epidemics related to thunderstorm are dependent on seasons when there are high atmospheric concentrations of airborne allergenic pollens. 3. The start of the thunderstorm has a close temporal association with the onset of epidemics. 4. Subjects with pollen allergy, who stay indoors with closed windows during thunderstorm, are not usually affected. 5. Subjects who are not under correct anti-asthma treatment are at a major risk whilst subjects with allergic rhinitis and those without previous asthma can experience severe bronchoconstriction (constriction of the bronchial air passages).
Precautions to take in the event of a thunderstorm 1. Watch out and listen closely for weather reports. 2. Be aware that thunderstorms could trigger your asthma. 3. Increase you preventer inhaler, in consultation with your doctor or nurse, and seek medical attention if you experience an extreme attack. 4. Keep a close eye on your condition either by taking regular peak flow readings or recording your symptoms.
References 1. Venables KM, et al. Thunderstorm-related asthma - the epidemic of 24/25 June 1994. Clin Exp Allergy 1997; 27: 725-736. 2. Wark PAB, Simpson J, Hensley MJ, Gibson PG. Airway inflammation in thunderstorm asthma. Clin Exp Allergy 2002; 32: 1750-1756. 3. Celenza A, Fothergill J, Kupek E, Shaw RJ. Thunderstorm associated asthma: a detailed analysis of environmental factors. BMJ 1996; 312: 604-607. 4. Campbell-Hewson G, Egleston CV, Sherriff HM, Robsinson SM, Allitt U. Epidemic of asthma possibly associated with electrical storms. BMJ 1994; 309: 1086-1087. 5. D'Amato G, Liccardi G, Frengueli G. Thunderstorm-asthma and pollen allergy. Allergy 2007; 62: 11-16.
Learn more about asthma by visiting our Asthma Learning Centre.
Start shopping from our range of Asthma products.
About the Author
BSc (Hons) Pharmacology MSc. Pharmaceutical Science with Management Studies
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Breathing Problems - Herbal Medicines for Breathing Problems
Breathing is vital to life. Every time we breathe, we not only take oxygen in but breathe carbon dioxide out. Without oxygen the cells of the body will start to die in about three minutes.
Difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, breathlessness or dyspnea can have various causes. Episodes of shortness of breath can occur during high levels of activity, like exhaustive exertion, or as a result of environmental conditions such as high altitude or very warm or cold temperatures. Other than these extreme conditions, shortness of breath is commonly a sign of a medical problem.
People whose breathing problems are caused by allergies should avoid potential allergens, such as pollens, dust and molds. In all cases, people with breathing problems are advised to avoid smoking and follow a healthy lifestyle that includes a good diet and maintaining a healthy weight.
Prevention
oAvoid allergic substances or agents that induce asthma, if you have it.
oDo not walk, run or jog on roads with heavy automobile traffic.
oIf you have a gas furnace, have it checked once a year for carbon monoxide leaks.
oNever leave your car running in a closed garage.
oMake sure immunizations against childhood diseases, especially diphtheria, are up-to-date. This is part of the Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTP) vaccination.
oIf you smoke, quit.
oKeep small objects a child could choke on out of reach and do not give gum, especially bubble gum, nuts, hard candy or popcorn to children under five years old.
oLock up all medications and poisonous substances so small children can't get to them.
Herbal Medicines
Tea tree oil (sometimes called te tre oil) comes from the Australian tree Melaleuca alternifolia. It is used as an antiseptic and to fight fungi. A diluted form has been used successfully as an alternative treatment for candidiasis (including thrush and yeast infections), as well as infections of the skin.
Herbal medicine is effective in all kinds of health problems, especially skin disorders, digestive problems, arthritis, hormonal imbalances, circulatory and breathing problems, stress related illness etc.
Herbal combinations are mixtures of different herbs, usually used for a special purpose. It's important to note that many of these products claim to be “immune boosting” but may boost those parts of your immune system that are already over-active.
SENNA: is one of the herbal plants which used to treat above problems. Senna is the member of Leguminaceae family. Actually senna is the shrub which is mostly found in china, Pakistan and India. Senna is also used as a stool softener. Senna is used to treat the bowel. Senna leafs in the paste form can be applied to many skin related problems. Senna pods and senna leafs are used for the medication.
Aloe vera: has long been used to heal burns and cuts. Test tube studies have shown that aloe vera works against bacteria,
fungi, and viruses, and also as an anti-inflammatory. (The word “anti-inflammatory” refers to anything that reduces swelling and other signs of infection.) Aloe vera is also used in the form of a cream or ointment to treat skin problems. Most oral (taken by mouth) aloe vera products contain only small amounts of juice from the plant, so it's doubtful that these would slow down viruses or kill bacteria. Aloe vera juice, however, is often used as a laxative.
Read about Herbal Natural Home Remedies and Breast Enlargement Enhancement. Also read about Natural Cure for Diabetes
Difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, breathlessness or dyspnea can have various causes. Episodes of shortness of breath can occur during high levels of activity, like exhaustive exertion, or as a result of environmental conditions such as high altitude or very warm or cold temperatures. Other than these extreme conditions, shortness of breath is commonly a sign of a medical problem.
People whose breathing problems are caused by allergies should avoid potential allergens, such as pollens, dust and molds. In all cases, people with breathing problems are advised to avoid smoking and follow a healthy lifestyle that includes a good diet and maintaining a healthy weight.
Prevention
oAvoid allergic substances or agents that induce asthma, if you have it.
oDo not walk, run or jog on roads with heavy automobile traffic.
oIf you have a gas furnace, have it checked once a year for carbon monoxide leaks.
oNever leave your car running in a closed garage.
oMake sure immunizations against childhood diseases, especially diphtheria, are up-to-date. This is part of the Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTP) vaccination.
oIf you smoke, quit.
oKeep small objects a child could choke on out of reach and do not give gum, especially bubble gum, nuts, hard candy or popcorn to children under five years old.
oLock up all medications and poisonous substances so small children can't get to them.
Herbal Medicines
Tea tree oil (sometimes called te tre oil) comes from the Australian tree Melaleuca alternifolia. It is used as an antiseptic and to fight fungi. A diluted form has been used successfully as an alternative treatment for candidiasis (including thrush and yeast infections), as well as infections of the skin.
Herbal medicine is effective in all kinds of health problems, especially skin disorders, digestive problems, arthritis, hormonal imbalances, circulatory and breathing problems, stress related illness etc.
Herbal combinations are mixtures of different herbs, usually used for a special purpose. It's important to note that many of these products claim to be “immune boosting” but may boost those parts of your immune system that are already over-active.
SENNA: is one of the herbal plants which used to treat above problems. Senna is the member of Leguminaceae family. Actually senna is the shrub which is mostly found in china, Pakistan and India. Senna is also used as a stool softener. Senna is used to treat the bowel. Senna leafs in the paste form can be applied to many skin related problems. Senna pods and senna leafs are used for the medication.
Aloe vera: has long been used to heal burns and cuts. Test tube studies have shown that aloe vera works against bacteria,
fungi, and viruses, and also as an anti-inflammatory. (The word “anti-inflammatory” refers to anything that reduces swelling and other signs of infection.) Aloe vera is also used in the form of a cream or ointment to treat skin problems. Most oral (taken by mouth) aloe vera products contain only small amounts of juice from the plant, so it's doubtful that these would slow down viruses or kill bacteria. Aloe vera juice, however, is often used as a laxative.
Read about Herbal Natural Home Remedies and Breast Enlargement Enhancement. Also read about Natural Cure for Diabetes
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