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
Friday, July 4, 2008
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Fight Asthma With Vitamins And Over The Counter Products
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by episodes or attacks of inflammation and narrowing of small airways in response to exposure to environmental stimuli. Asthma attacks can vary from mild to life threatening. The main symptom of Asthma is shortness of breath as the result of the bronchial passages becoming narrowed through exposure to some type of stress, either physical (allergy) or psychological.
During an asthma attack, histamine and leukotrienes are produced by respiratory system, which results in a rapid constriction of the smooth muscle of the bronchial tubes. The bronchial tubes narrow and reduces the amount of air that can pass.
Asthma is a seriously debilitating and sometimes life-threatening disease that affects more than 8 million adults in the United States. The incidence of asthma cases has surged in recent years, although researchers are not sure why. Asthma is the most common chronic pulmonary disorder in the United States. Asthma prevalence has been increasing to epidemic levels, especially in areas with high urbanization. More than 5,000 deaths are attributed to asthma attacks each year.
Asthma is experienced during the life span of approximately 10% of the population, resulting in morbidity and mortality costing a substantial economic burden on individuals and on society. Although the research in asthma has advanced rapidly in recent years, the etiology of asthma remains unclear. Asthma is not contagious, and although it appears to follow some genetic pattern. Researchers have found that an asthma attack can be caused by heredity, air pollution, food allergy, infections, emotional disturbances, and dozens of other factors.
Almost 5% of adult-onset asthma cases were recognized as having work-related symptoms. A worker reporting improvement of symptoms after being gone from the workplace over the weekend or after a vacation and then reporting a worsening of symptoms upon returning to the workplace is labeled as having work-related asthma.
Among the various risk factors of asthma, those of occupational origin are gaining more importance with time due to use of various chemicals in industries which potentially induce hypersensitivity and predisposition to asthma. In addition, there has long been evidence that physicians do not adequately assess the work-relatedness of many diseases, including asthma. It appears that providers seldom recorded information about occupation in notes on asthma unless they considered the symptoms triggered by workplace exposures.
Although prescription medication for the treatment of asthma are abundant and are improving in effectiveness, there are inherent risks and side effects with most of them. Despite many newer drugs for asthma, people are dying more frequently from this illness. It is apparent that asthma is not well controlled in many individuals.
Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with Arteriosclerosis such as Vitamin C, Beta Carotene, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Butterbur, Vitamin A, Pantothenic Acid, Glucosamine, Manganese, Omega Smooth and Flavonoids.
Vitamin C is nature's protective nutrient, essential for defending the body against pollution and infection and enhances the human body immune system.
Beta Carotene protects the mucus membranes of the mouth, nose, throat and lungs. It also helps protect Vitamin C from oxidation, which enables it to perform at optimum efficiency.
The Journal of Clinical Investigation report published in December 8, 2005 revealed that taking Vitamin D supplements could help improve the effects of steroid drugs used to treat Asthma.
Vitamin E protects the lung tissue from inhaled pollutants and aids in the functioning of the immune system.
Butterbur is a common herbal extract that is highly effective asthma therapy. As far back as the 17th century, butterbur was used to treat cough, asthma, and skin wounds.
A number of studies have suggested that taking antioxidants such a Vitamin A reduces the risk of bronchoconstriction associated with asthma. Vitamin A is stored in the liver and fat cells of the human body and can reach toxic levels. DO NOT take more than the recommended dosage of Vitamin A.
Many find pantothenic Acid to be very helpful against asthma symptoms. It is another form of non-toxic Vitamin B.
Glucosamine is an anti-inflammatory and may give some relief from asthma symptoms.
Magnesium has been employed in the treatment of acute asthma, but its use has not become universal, nor has it been studied for the treatment of chronic asthma. Manganese has been found deficient in bronchial biopsies of asthmatic patients, indication manganese replenishment could aid in the treatment of asthma.
Omega smooth is a delicious tasting liquid that is derived from fish oil. Regular fish consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of children having asthma attacks.
Flavonoids are the brightly colored pigments found in most fruits and vegetables. When consumed, they have antioxidant properties and have been associated with improved lung junction.
Always consult your doctor before using this information.
This Article is nutritional in nature and not to be construed as medical advice.
About the author:
David Cowley has created numerous articles about the relationship between diseases and vitamins.
Aging Treatment
Allergy Treatment
Bladder Treatment
Heart Disease
Other Articles by David Cowley
During an asthma attack, histamine and leukotrienes are produced by respiratory system, which results in a rapid constriction of the smooth muscle of the bronchial tubes. The bronchial tubes narrow and reduces the amount of air that can pass.
Asthma is a seriously debilitating and sometimes life-threatening disease that affects more than 8 million adults in the United States. The incidence of asthma cases has surged in recent years, although researchers are not sure why. Asthma is the most common chronic pulmonary disorder in the United States. Asthma prevalence has been increasing to epidemic levels, especially in areas with high urbanization. More than 5,000 deaths are attributed to asthma attacks each year.
Asthma is experienced during the life span of approximately 10% of the population, resulting in morbidity and mortality costing a substantial economic burden on individuals and on society. Although the research in asthma has advanced rapidly in recent years, the etiology of asthma remains unclear. Asthma is not contagious, and although it appears to follow some genetic pattern. Researchers have found that an asthma attack can be caused by heredity, air pollution, food allergy, infections, emotional disturbances, and dozens of other factors.
Almost 5% of adult-onset asthma cases were recognized as having work-related symptoms. A worker reporting improvement of symptoms after being gone from the workplace over the weekend or after a vacation and then reporting a worsening of symptoms upon returning to the workplace is labeled as having work-related asthma.
Among the various risk factors of asthma, those of occupational origin are gaining more importance with time due to use of various chemicals in industries which potentially induce hypersensitivity and predisposition to asthma. In addition, there has long been evidence that physicians do not adequately assess the work-relatedness of many diseases, including asthma. It appears that providers seldom recorded information about occupation in notes on asthma unless they considered the symptoms triggered by workplace exposures.
Although prescription medication for the treatment of asthma are abundant and are improving in effectiveness, there are inherent risks and side effects with most of them. Despite many newer drugs for asthma, people are dying more frequently from this illness. It is apparent that asthma is not well controlled in many individuals.
Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with Arteriosclerosis such as Vitamin C, Beta Carotene, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Butterbur, Vitamin A, Pantothenic Acid, Glucosamine, Manganese, Omega Smooth and Flavonoids.
Vitamin C is nature's protective nutrient, essential for defending the body against pollution and infection and enhances the human body immune system.
Beta Carotene protects the mucus membranes of the mouth, nose, throat and lungs. It also helps protect Vitamin C from oxidation, which enables it to perform at optimum efficiency.
The Journal of Clinical Investigation report published in December 8, 2005 revealed that taking Vitamin D supplements could help improve the effects of steroid drugs used to treat Asthma.
Vitamin E protects the lung tissue from inhaled pollutants and aids in the functioning of the immune system.
Butterbur is a common herbal extract that is highly effective asthma therapy. As far back as the 17th century, butterbur was used to treat cough, asthma, and skin wounds.
A number of studies have suggested that taking antioxidants such a Vitamin A reduces the risk of bronchoconstriction associated with asthma. Vitamin A is stored in the liver and fat cells of the human body and can reach toxic levels. DO NOT take more than the recommended dosage of Vitamin A.
Many find pantothenic Acid to be very helpful against asthma symptoms. It is another form of non-toxic Vitamin B.
Glucosamine is an anti-inflammatory and may give some relief from asthma symptoms.
Magnesium has been employed in the treatment of acute asthma, but its use has not become universal, nor has it been studied for the treatment of chronic asthma. Manganese has been found deficient in bronchial biopsies of asthmatic patients, indication manganese replenishment could aid in the treatment of asthma.
Omega smooth is a delicious tasting liquid that is derived from fish oil. Regular fish consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of children having asthma attacks.
Flavonoids are the brightly colored pigments found in most fruits and vegetables. When consumed, they have antioxidant properties and have been associated with improved lung junction.
Always consult your doctor before using this information.
This Article is nutritional in nature and not to be construed as medical advice.
About the author:
David Cowley has created numerous articles about the relationship between diseases and vitamins.
Aging Treatment
Allergy Treatment
Bladder Treatment
Heart Disease
Other Articles by David Cowley
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
The main culprits in an asthma attack
Do we blame governments for not doing enough to combat asthma, or do we blame ourselves for not knowing enough?Who's to blame for the increasing amounts of asthma cases?Asthma cases are still rising. Compared to studies made twenty years ago the difference is amazing and frightening. We as people tend to want to find someone or something to blame when things go wrong. But in the case of asthma,
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Asthma is not just a summer disease
When summer is here an asthma child's parents are usually getting prepared for the worst. It is the time for high pollen counts that can cause havoc to an asthma sufferer. But the winter months can be just as bad, if not worse. Winter is the cold and flu season when everyone should be on their guard. If you or a family member has asthma, you need to take special precautions during these months to
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Is asthma another reason to quit smoking?
If ever you needed a good reason to stop smoking, developing asthma would be the most dramatic and unfortunate. We all know that smoking causes cancer of the lungs, chronic bronchitis and will also complicate viral infections. For the asthma sufferer the effects are ten fold. A person who is allergic to peanuts doesn't eat peanut butter for breakfast every morning, and if you have or develop
Asthma and scuba diving
In many countries scuba diving for asthma sufferers is prohibited, but in many other countries is it not. more...Asthma treatmentsOriginally Posted on 6/17/2006 7:36:14 PMContent source: http://www.cure-your-asthma.com/articles/asthma09.htm
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