Identification Of Asthma

Asthma (pronounced AZ-muh) is defined in the book "Essential Allergy", by Mygind, Dahl, Pedersen, and Thestrup-Pedersen as "A lung disease characterised by: 1. variable and reversible airway obstruction; 2. airway inflammation; and 3. bronchial hyper-responsiveness. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that makes bronchial passages that make up one's airways particularly sensitive to irritants. It is primarily characterized by breathing difficulties. Asthma is a highly-ranked chronic health condition for adults in a majority of western countries. It is also the leading chronic illness afflicting children. Asthma cannot be cured. However, most patients can control it so that they suffer only minimal and infrequent symptoms and they can live an active life.

If you suffer from asthma, managing it is an important part of your life. Controlling your asthma entails avoiding things that bother your airways and taking medicines under your doctor's direction. With daily asthma control, serious symptoms can be prevented and it is possible to participate in all normal activities. When asthma is not well-controlled, your symptoms may cause you to miss school or work and may keep you from enjoying other activities.

Asthma sufferers have hyper-responsive or very sensitive airways. An asthma episode, or, in severe cases, an asthma attack occurs when a person experiences a worsening of their asthma symptoms. During an asthma attack, the smooth muscles around the bronchial tubes contract, narrowing airway openings thereby restricting air flow. As inflammation increases, the airways become more swollen and increasingly narrow. Cells in the airways also overproduce mucus, which further narrows the airways. These airway changes cause the asthma symptoms. It becomes difficult for air to pass in and out of the lungs and blood-oxygen levels decrease.

This narrowing of the air passages is due to different combinations of:

* swelling of the airway lining caused by airway inflammation
* excessive mucus in airways
* contraction of muscles around the air passages

Not all asthma attacks are created equally. Some are more severe than others. In a severe asthma attack, the airways can close to the extent that vital organs do not receive enough oxygen. This condition constitutes a medical emergency. It is possible die from a severe asthma attack. Suffering from an asthma attack has been compared to the sensation of drowning. Sufferers of an asthma attack describe symptoms such as a tightness in the chest, wheezing or whistling noises in the chest, coughing, breathlessness, and breathing difficulties that occur as the airways become narrowed, inflamed, and blocked by mucus. An asthma attack can flare up suddenly. However, asthma sufferers learn to recognize those warning signs that signal an attack. These indicators include an itchy nose or skin, dizziness or light-headedness, or an irritating cough. Learning the warning signs is essential to alert a sufferer to take preventive action, such as medication in time to avoid an attack. Because of this asthma sufferers should have regular contact with their physician. They need to educate themselves as to what things cause a worsening of their asthma symptoms methods to use to avoid them. Additionally, your doctor will prescribe medicines to manage your asthma.

In the Western world, about one in thirteen adults and one in eight children have asthma and rates are on the rise. It can affect anyone, any place, at any age. In the developed world asthma is becoming increasingly common and is presently the most common chronic condition in the west. Major contributing factors are thought to be aspects of our modern environment such as air pollution, processed foods, and centrally heated, double-glazed houses which are an ideal breeding grounds for house dust mites. Because it is considered a chronic condition, that means that attacks can occur over a long period of time. Although there are times when asthmatics suffer acute episodes, the majority asthma sufferers report that there are long periods during which they suffer few, if any,symptoms. Asthma can change progressively during the lifetime of the asthma sufferer. For example, children may grow out of asthma, but of these, some redevelop asthma at a later age.

Medications, such as those resembling two naturally-occurring hormones, help asthma. These two hormones are adrenaline or, in the United States, epinephrine and the steroid hydrocortisone. There are additional drugs which help treat asthma. Though drugs can remove all of the symptoms for a mild asthma sufferer, more severe or long-standing cases of asthma generally do not get such good results. To combat this, alternate medications have been developed. Over time, lifelong asthma sufferers see a decrease in the effectiveness of medications in removing the obstruction of the airways. One of the current treatment goals is to minimize the inflammation in the lung passages as this is thought to precipitate this long-term decline.

By: Barbara Brown

Asthma Treatment and Prevention

Asthma may occur at any age, although it's more common in younger individuals (under age 40). There are many causes of asthma environmental pollution can make asthma.

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects your airways. The airways are the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. 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. Asthma is a common condition: More than 6 million kids and teens have it. Asthma in children occurs in approximately 10%-12% of kids.

Many environmental risk factors have been associated with asthma. Irritants found in the workplace may lead to a person developing asthma. Exposure to various allergens and irritants may trigger your asthma symptoms. Smoking during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of a child developing asthma. People who have a family history of asthma have an increased risk of developing the disease. Allergies and asthma often occur together. Adult onset asthma may develop after a viral infection a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease that causes heartburn and can worsen asthma symptoms, especially at night.

There are several types of drugs available to treat asthma. Drugs such as anticholinergic ipratropium bromide can be used instead. Corticoids inhaled anti-inflammatory drugs are the most effective medications for asthma. They reduce inflammation in the airways. At long-acting beta-2 agonists (LABAs) medicines are part of a group of medications called bronchodilators, which open up airways.In hampered some cases, steroid tablets or liquid are used for short periods of time , to bring asthma under control. Cromolyn and nedocromil, which are used to treat mild persistent asthma.

Asthma Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Regular physical activity is important for good health.

2. Keep your environment clear of potential allergens.

3. Don't smoke because smoking is always a bad idea for the lungs.

4. Cromolyn and nedocromil, which are used to treat mild persistent asthma.

5. Theophylline, which is used either alone to treat mild persistent asthma

6. Leukotriene modifiers , which are used either alone to treat mild persistent asthma.

7. Inhaled long-acting beta-agonists medicines are bronchodilators, or muscle relaxers.

8. Oral medications include aminophylline, leukotriene antagonists, and corticosteroid tablets.





Juliet Cohen writes articles for http://www.healthatoz.info/, http://www.health-disease.org/ and http://www.health-care-articles.info/.

Asthma In Children: What Causes It And How Do You Treat It?

Childhood asthma is a very common condition amongst growing boys and girls. However, it can produce some very unpleasant and frightening symptoms, and, when uncontrolled, it can even be life threatening.

Children with asthma may experience wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and trouble breathing, especially early in the morning or at night.

Children with asthma are at risk for sleep-disordered breathing which can cause a wide range of problems, including diminished cognitive functioning, behavior and mood difficulties, and daytime sleepiness.

Children with asthma have different sets of triggers. Triggers are the factors that irritate the airways and cause asthma symptoms. Children's airways are narrower than those of adults. This means that triggers that may cause only a slight problem in an adult can create more serious problems in children.

Children with an allergy are more likely than other children to develop asthma. Most children with asthma have allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis or both.

Why Are Children Prone To Asthma?

Children with asthma have long been recognized as particularly sensitive to outdoor air pollution. Many common air pollutants, such as ozone, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter are respiratory irritants and can exacerbate asthma.

Children in poor inner-city communities are disproportionately exposed to both indoor and outdoor allergens -- cockroaches, mice, mold, dust, cigarette smoke, automobile exhaust, soot -- that can trigger breathing problems.

Children, in particular, are prone to pet allergies due to their tendency to cuddle and play with their pets and, especially, to hold them close to their faces. The usual symptoms are associated with the respiratory system in the form of hay fever, running nose, etc.

How Do You Treat Asthma In Children?

Children with moderate or severe asthma should learn to use a peak flow meter to help keep their asthma under control. Using a peak flow meter can be very helpful because children often have a hard time describing their symptoms.

Children 4 years and older may be prescribed the asthma inhaler Advair. Advair is a combination of two medications that treats both airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction. Children with asthma who are 12 years and older are treated as adults.

Children as young as three can learn to use an inhaler with a spacer. And for babies and very young children, a face mask can be attached.

Children may not eat, sleep, or play as usual with certain medications, but these symptoms are difficult to report or observe until they represent a marked divergence from normal behaviors.

Finally

Children rarely have symptoms between episodes (maybe just one or two flare-ups per month involving mild symptoms at night). Mild asthma should never be ignored because, even between flares, airways are inflamed.

Children with asthma (with the help of their parents) also need to know how to manage their own condition. Simple educational interventions designed to teach self-management skills among children have been shown to reduce the readmission rate and morbidity.

Children may be embarrassed about taking their medicine at school. Work with your child's teacher, school nurse, and coach to make sure your child takes his medicine. Children with asthma can play sports and be athletic as long as they monitor their condition. Instead of restricting your child's play or exercise, try to protect him/her from the irritants that commonly trigger attacks.

Children and their parents need to understand how to use a peak flow meter and to understand the symptoms and signs of an asthma exacerbation. Regular follow-up visits (at least every 3 to 6 months) are important to maintain asthma control and to reassess medication requirements.

Childhood asthma properly managed can go on to have a successful life. New advances in the care of asthma, while not curing asthma, have allowed children to stay free of troublesome night and day symptoms and keep physically active.





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Asthma Attacks - What To Do

When a person with asthma experiences a sudden worsening of his or her asthma symptoms it is called an asthma attack. During an asthma attack, the smooth muscles around the bronchial tubes in the lungs contract, making the airway openings more narrow. Less air can flow through these openings and inflammation of the lungs is a result. This inflammation quickly increases and the airways become more swollen. Mucus production by the cells in the airways increases more than usual and this narrows the airways even further. These changes to the airways cause the symptoms of asthma, notably wheezing and difficulty in breathing.

When you are with someone who is having an asthma attack there are things you can do to help them. First of all you should remove the victim from the cause of the attack. This will be a certain allergen such as pollen in the air or on the skin, smoke, or other strong odors. Keep the victim calm, comfortable, and sitting upright.

If the asthma attack victim has not already used a rescue inhaler, ask the person if he or she has an inhaler and assist the victim with the inhaler, if necessary. A rescue inhaler is the best first aid for asthma attacks. It is important that you use the rescue inhaler prescribed to the asthma attack victim and not use someone else's inhaler.

In the event that there is no rescue inhaler to use or if the asthma symptoms do not improve after administering the inhaler, you can also use steam to help the victim. Run very hot water from a faucet and have the person inhale the steam being careful not to touch the scalding water. Help the victim focus on their breathing and pucker their lips when he or she exhales.

If an asthma attack is severe then it may be possible that all of the preceding steps will not decrease the asthma symptoms. In this event, or when a rescue inhaler is not present, you may need to call for emergency medical help. The information given here is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. If someone you know or love has asthma it is important to learn all you can about this condition so that you can help the person in the event of an asthma attack.

By: Daniel Lanicek

Asthma Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Remedies

A common disorder in which chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes (bronchi) makes them swell, narrowing the airways. Asthma involves only the bronchial tubes and does not affect the air sacs (alveoli) or the lung tissue (the parenchyma of the lung) itself.

Asthma attacks all age groups but often starts in childhood. It is a disease characterized by recurrent attacks of breathlessness and wheezing, which vary in severity and frequency from person to person. In an individual, they may occur from hour to hour and day to day.

This condition is due to inflammation of the air passages in the lungs and affects the sensitivity of the nerve endings in the airways so they become easily irritated. In an attack, the lining of the passages swell causing the airways to narrow and reducing the flow of air in and out of the lungs.

Asthma Causes :The cause of asthma is not known, but there is evidence that many factors play a part.

Genetic factors: asthma tends to run in families, and many people with asthma also have other allergic conditions such as rhinitis (inflammation of the nose lining). "Allergy" is a hypersensitivity to some proteins foreign to the body; a small dose of the "allergen" will produce a violent reaction in the person concerned.

Environmental factors: in wealthy, hygienic Western countries, most babies are not exposed to bacterial infections that "kick start" the immune system in early life and may be important in directing the immune system away from allergic responses. They also grow up in warm, well-furnished, carpeted homes that don't allow much airflow. This encourages the rapid breeding of large numbers of house dust mites in bedding, carpets and furnishings.

Dietary changes: changes in diet in Western countries, such as a high proportion of processed foods, a higher salt intake, a lower antioxidant intake and a lack of fresh oily fish (lower intake of omega-3 fatty acids) may contribute to the development of asthma.

Asthma treatment : Your doctor can work with you to decide about your treatment goals and what you need to do to control your asthma to achieve these goals. Asthma treatment includes:

Working closely with your doctor to decide what your treatment goals are and learning how to meet those goals.

Avoiding things that bring on your asthma symptoms or make your symptoms worse. Doing so can reduce the amount of medicine you need to control your asthma.

Using asthma medicines. Allergy medicine and shots may also help control asthma in some people.

Monitoring your asthma so that you can recognize when your symptoms are getting worse and respond quickly to prevent or stop an asthma attack.
With proper treatment, you should ideally have these results:

o Your asthma should be controlled.
o You should be free of asthma symptoms.
o You should have fewer attacks.
o You should need to use quick-relief medicines less often.
o You should be able to do normal activities without having symptoms.



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Asthma: Try the Natural Remedies

While a lot is known about prescription medications for controlling asthma-related symptoms, more and more people are turning to natural remedies. These can be very effective, especially in the case of mild to moderate asthma sufferers.
There are many medications that are used to control asthma-related symptoms and outbreaks. These prescription medications are well researched and very effective; however some individuals prefer to use natural asthma remedies to control their symptoms. Natural asthma remedies can work very well for some individuals, usually those with mild to moderate asthma conditions. Even when using natural asthma remedies, be sure to check with your doctor to ensure that there will be no complications or problems with existing medications. In addition, be sure to keep short-term or emergency inhalers available at all times in the case of a serious asthma attack.

Some of the most common natural asthma remedies include:
* Fish oil products – used as anti-inflammatories. These may be taken in liquid or capsule form. Be careful if you have any known food allergies, as fish oil may cause significant and severe reactions.
* Magnesium supplements – magnesium works with the muscles in the body to increase relaxation and prevent tightening of the muscles around the air passageways.
* Antioxidants – these may include green tea supplements, Vitamin E and selenium and other products that are designed to minimize the free radicals in the human system. Free radicals are often the cause of colds, coughs and other respiratory problems that can increase the irritation of the respiratory system.
* Chamomile, rosemary, spearmint, thyme and cloves contain many antioxidants and also work to increase the relaxation of muscles, as well as induce sleep. Some mixtures of the various herbs are available in health food stores in the forms of teas or powders and capsules.
* Ginseng and licorice, among other herbs, are often used in Asia as a treatment for asthma and may be found at health food stores. Generally these treatments work most effectively when taken consistently and for long periods of time.

Adding fresh fruits and vegetables to the diet and decreasing both high-fat and high-sugar items also may be part of a process of natural asthma remedies. Controlling highly processed and chemical-laden foods may eliminate any simultaneously occurring food allergies that may be increasing the severity of your asthma conditions. Avoid foods that are made with white flour and try to choose whole grain alternatives. Whole-wheat pastas, breads and even dinner rolls are a wonderful alternative to the highly processed white breads usually consumed in Western diets.

Avoiding any type of smoke, either first or second hand, and trying to stay away from environmental pollutants such as car exhausts and burning fireplaces is also important. Finally, taking a good, high-quality multivitamin supplement every day is another one of the factors that contributes to the success of natural asthma remedies.

Terry Roberts is a professional translator and linguist, with a wide range of interests. To read more about natural asthma treatments, visit his webpage here.

Article By Terry Roberts

Symptoms Of Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that makes bronchial tubes particularly sensitive to irritants. This is characterized by breathing difficulties.

The symptoms of asthma include:

* Shortness of breath. Asthma sufferers often say they feel as though they can't catch their breath, they feel breathless or out of breath. They feel like you can't get enough air into or out of their lungs.

* A feeling of tightness in the chest. This can feel like someone is sitting on or squeezing your chest.

* Coughing. Coughing in people with asthma is often worse at night or early in the morning, making sleeping difficult.

* Wheezing. Wheezing is a whistling or squeaky sound when you inhale or exhale.

* Faster or noisy breathing

* Inflammation of the air passages, characterised by eosinophils in the airway wall

* Episodes of wheezy difficulty in breathing

* Rapid and considerable changes in airway obstruction (peak flow variation >= 20%)

* Narrowing of the air passages in the lungs and resulting increased resistance to airflow

* Symptom-free periods

* Frequent allergy occurrence

* Bronchial hyper-responsiveness to non-specific stimuli such as cold air or histamine

* Frequent nocturnal episodes and low morning peak flow values

* Significant reversibility with new steroid drugs

* Significant reversibility with drugs that resemble adrenaline, the beta2 agonists

People with asthma may have:

* Coughing or wheezing when they are near an allergen or irritant

* Asthma symptoms brought on by exercises such as running, biking, or other brisk activity, especially during cold weather

* Frequent coughing, especially at night (this is occasionally the only sign of asthma in a child)

* Wheezing when they have a cold or another illness

* Coughing or wheezing precipitated by prolonged crying or laughing

Not all people suffer all of these symptoms. Additionally, symptoms may vary from one asthma attack to another. Symptoms can also differ in severity. For example, symptoms may be mildly annoying at times and at other times they can be serious enough to demand your immediate attention. Sometimes symptoms can be so serious to the point of being life threatening and require medical attention. Symptoms also differ in frequency. Some asthma sufferers only have symptoms once every few months, others have symptoms weekly, and while other people have daily symptoms. With proper treatment and management, however, most asthma sufferers can expect to endure minimal or no symptoms, and are able to lead normal, active lives.

By: William Brown