Asthma Attacks And Air Temperature

Patients should also consider air temperature. Cold air is extremely irritating in patients with bronchial asthma and may produce severe attacks. Individuals with asthma appear to warm cold air less quickly and efficiently than nonasthmatics. This warming takes place in the large air passages of the nose, sinuses, throat, and windpipe. One simple measure patients should take is to wrap the face with a scarf that warms air before it is inhaled. A cold air mask is commercially available and may provide more protection in the winter.

How to Avoid Severe or Fatal Asthma Attacks


Patients who experience severe or near-fatal asthma attacks must be active participants in monitoring and managing their asthma. Several characteristics of fatal or near-fatal asthma attacks stand out and I emphasize them here.

There is usually a period of falling airflows and increased wheezing, cough and shortness of breath that precedes a severe attack. In this critical time the introduction of oral cortcosteroid or an adjustment of maintenance treatment may prevent a near-fatal asthma attack. Unfortunately,patients with severe and subsequently fatal asthma often experience denial of their condition and symptoms. These patients are particularly vulnerable to fatal attacks, since they often disregard instructions to monitor flows and take medications. Usually, these patients admit to self-medication without communication with the physician, lowering dosages or omitting entirely oral and inhaled corti co steroids (for fear of side effects despite a life-threatening disease), and reducing the number of sprays from the recommended dosages of B-agonists, cromolyn, and nedocromil.

It is not clear why these patients place themselves at greater risk through denial of their disease and lack of communication with physicians. Unfortunate childhood experiences may playa role in how an adult deals with disease. Poor rapport with the physician or lack of detailed understanding of the nature of asthma may also be factors. It is only through education that patients may reach a better understanding of the potential severity and life-threatening aspects of bronchial asthma. Professional counseling may be necessary to reduce denial and to enlighten patients as to why they often do not follow instructions.

It has been reported recently that patients who have had near-fatal asthma attacks may have a reduced perception of shortness of breath.These patients may also have less response to reduced blood oxygen levels. These characteristics would make fatal attacks more likely. By carefully monitoring peak flows, these patients stand a better chance of recognizing the increased narrowing of airways that signals an asthma attack. When flows are reduced 25 percent from the patient's personal best, action must be taken at once. Written instructions help ensure an appropriate response.

Who Is Most Likely to Experience a Near-Fatal Attack?

Patients who have already experienced a severe attack that required respiratory support are the likeliest candidates for fatal asthmatic attacks.

When respiratory support is needed, the patient's airway or windpipe is intubated with a tube connected to a mechanical ventilator or respirator. Another characteristic that identifies "high-risk&" patients is an extremely variable or unstable airflow. These patients may have peak flows that drop or increase precipitously. Patients who have required frequent courses of oral corticosteroids or who are maintained on oral steroids should also be considered at greater risk for severe attacks.

About 10 to 25 percent of all deaths from asthma occur within three hours after the onset of an attack. These patients may progress from minimal sYmptoms to a collapse of their respirations in a short time. Investigators term this malady "sudden asphyxic asthma." For most patients there is a longer period during which the patient and physician can detect deterioration and instability and act quickly to avoid severe and near-fatal episodes. Without careful home monitoring of peak flows and close communication and compliance with physician instructions, patients who are at high risk for severe asthmatic attacks are likely to experience repeated episodes.




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A Familiar Vitamin for Asthma Treatment

The word Asthma comes from the Greek meaning “to pant and really that is the singular most common asthma symptom and characterized the disease. During asthma attack the bronchial tubes and airways get swollen or even blocked completely, making it difficult for the sufferer to breathe. Compared to the Greek, the medical term for asthma is more of a mouthful: reversible obstructive airway disease; although this can be shortened to ROAD. The medical term is a little more revealing: asthma is reversible, meaning that asthma treatment is available. Treatment more often than not involves asthma medication that opens up the airways again and reduces the severity of the attack.

However, there is increasing research done into ways of preventing asthma attacks all together or at least improve the body’s ability to cope when any attack occurs. This asthma treatment is often natural, and reduces the need for any strong medication. Often, essential vitamins available in the diet can be used to both reduce the risks of asthma attacks, and reduce the severity of asthma symptoms.

Knowing the Cause of Asthma (http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Asthma.html)

The first step in asthma treatment, whether the natural root is taken or not, is to ask what the cause of your attacks is. Asthma is generally caused by an allergy, but the allergen could be anything from dust and pollen, to alcohol or pet dander; or even air-conditioning.

Reducing the Risks of Asthma Attacks
Part of any asthma treatment (http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Asthma.html) should be exercise and some light sports activity. Care must always be made not to overdo it, as this can trigger an asthma attack, but exercise can certainly improve the lungs capacity to withstand an attack when it does occur. Part of an exercise regimen for the treatment of asthma is to make sure you take time to warm up and cool off. Don’t attempt to push yourself and stop if you feel very tired.

A Familiar Vitamin
It seems that vitamin C is an effective treatment in almost every common disease or health concern. While it is certainly not a nutritional panacea - other vitamins are just as essential - vitamin C plays a role in reducing the effects of a number of diseases, asthma being no exception.

Studies have indicated that asthma treatment that includes plenty of vitamin C in the diet or as a supplement can reduce the number and risk of attacks. This vitamin is an antioxidant and its presence is necessary for building up lung tissue. A study done in young asthmatics showed that vitamin C in asthma treatment reduced the occurrence of symptoms considerably.

Another recent study also indicated that by upping vitamin C intake, the frequency of asthma attacks could be reduced. The study also tested the blood of those who participated and it found that those who suffered from asthma had lower levels of vitamin C. It is advisable to include fresh citrus fruits in the diet, and with extra supplementation vitamin C can be used as a natural asthma treatment without the side-effects of conventional medicine. Asthma treatment should bear this in mind and ensure that an adequate amount of vitamin C is part of the asthma treatment (http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Asthma.html).





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