Asthma Attack Blog


Asthma Attack Triggers

Although in asthma the underlying airway inflammation is always there, an asthma attack can be triggered or worsened by a number of factors. There are two types of asthma attack triggers;

Allergens and Irritants

* Common asthma allergens include pollen, animals and house-dust mites.
* Common asthma irritants include cold air, cigarette smoke and chemical fumes.

An allergen is a substance that causes asthma attack symptoms by bringing about an allergic reaction. An irritant is a substance that precipitates an asthma attack by aggravating the airways.

Keeping a diary of the times and circumstances that precipitates your asthma attack or causes your asthma to worsen can help you and your doctor pinpoint exactly what your asthma triggers are. Once you have identified your asthma triggers, you can take steps to deal with them.

Showing posts with label Bronchial Asthma. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bronchial Asthma. Show all posts

Thursday, 2 August 2012

Humidifier Vs Vaporizer: Consumer Reports and Reviews

The moisture in the air changes with the seasons and this is the time when most people begin to search humidifier vs vaporizer. Which one is best for congestion or allergies? This is actually pretty easy to figure out once you know what you need the product to do. So in searching for humidifier vs vaporizer, here are a few facts to help you out.


A lot of people think that both a humidifier and a vaporizer are the same thing, this couldn't be further from the truth. They are similar in the fact that they both bring more moisture into the air. The major difference is what kind of moisture. If the humidity in your home drops below 30% it can become very uncomfortable to breathe because it will be too dry.


Then people are left with questioning is it better to use a cool mist or to use steam to get the humidity to a normal point in your home. This can depend on a number of factors such as do you or your children have asthma? Do you have seasonal allergies? Are you allergic to mold? Do you have a cold? After you know what you need the machine for then you need to know what each one does.


A Humidifier releases cool moisture into the air. When you are sick and have sinus infections a humidifier should be used. It will make it a lot easier for you to breathe and will make your skin less dry.


A Vaporizer releases warm moisture into the air. This helps relieve congestion. It does this by heating the water and then releasing it into the air. You can also add certain medications to the vaporizer.


The differences between the two are with the humidifier you have to clean it often because if you don't you could get mold and it could be released into the air from the humidifier. Another way to prevent this make sure that the humidity in your home doesn't get too high when using a humidifier. They can tend to be a little noisy.


With the vaporizer boiling the water there is less chance of mold and you don't have to clean it as often. You will have to make sure that no one gets close to it, because it could burn you or your child. You also have to keep an eye on it in case it catches on fire.


The benefits of the humidifier are it is easy to tolerate because of the soothing cool mist it sends into the air. It will be able to help clear up cold and sinus symptoms.


Benefits of the vaporizer are it doesn't need constant cleaning. You can add medications to it to reduce symptoms of a cold.


I hope this answers a few questions about humidifier vs vaporizer. They both can be huge help with clearing up congestion from having a cold. So it will just depend on if you think you would rather have a humidifier which you have to clean often, but it offers you the satisfaction of the cool mist in the air. Or maybe if you are really sick and congested and would like to add some Vicks in the vaporizer to clear it up. It is really up to you to decide humidifier vs vaporizer.


If you are looking for in depth reviews of all the best humidifers-vs-vaproizers just visit humidifier-vs-vaporizer.org website. We also reveal where to purchase for up to 60% off. Providing quality reviews, articles and writings on asthma online.

Wednesday, 1 August 2012

Recognizing the Symptoms of Asthma in Children and Treatment of Asthma

Definition of Asthma


Asthma is a recurring condition in which certain stimuli cause the airways to narrow for a while so that makes a person having difficulty breathing.


Although asthma can occur at any age, but more often occurs in children, especially in children from the age of 5 years. Some children suffer from asthma until their adulthood. Most children who have asthma can still interact with its environment, except in the event of an asthma attack. Only a few children who are resistant to drugs to prevent asthma and need daily to be able to do sports and play normally.


Asthma Causes


For unclear reasons, children with asthma are usually reacting to certain stimuli (triggers). There are many factors that cause asthma attacks, but on each child usually causes (triggers) is different. Several factors trigger asthma attacks, namely indoor irritants, such as strong odors, irritant fumes (perfume, tobacco smoke); pollution from outside: cold air, exercise; emotional disturbance; respiratory infections due to viruses, and various kinds of substances which make children become allergic, such as animal dander, dust, pollen, and mold.


All of these triggers produce a similar reaction; certain cells in the airways release chemical substances. These substances cause the airways to become inflamed and swollen and stimulate the muscle cells in the airway walls to contract. Reduce stimulation with chemicals to increase production of mucus in the airways, making the spilling of cells lining the airways, and widen the muscle cells in the airway wall. Each reaction is triggered to the smaller airways suddenly (asthma attacks).In most children, the airway back to normal in between asthma attacks.


Risk Factors


Doctors do not fully understand why some children suffer from asthma, but a number of known risk factors. A child with one parent with asthma has an increased risk of 25% have asthma, if both parents have asthma, the risk increased to 50%. Children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy are more likely to develop asthma.


Children in urban environments are more likely to have asthma, particularly if they come from lower socioeconomic groups. Although asthma affects a high percentage of black children compared with white children, the role of genetic influence in the increase of asthma is controversial because black children are also more likely to live in urban areas. Children are faced with high concentrations of allergens, like dust or cockroach droppings, at an early age are more likely to suffer from asthma. Children who suffer from bronchiolitis at an early age often wheezing with advanced viral infection. Wheezing first sound can be interpreted as asthma, but children are not more likely than others to have asthma during adolescence.


Asthma Symptoms


When airways constrict during an asthma attack, the child can be difficulty breathing, accompanied by his trademark sound wheezing. Wheezing is a loud noise that sounded high when the child breathes. Not all asthma attacks wheezing produce sounds, however. Mild asthma, particularly in young children, could only produce a cough; some older children with mild asthma tend to cough only during exercise or when exposed to cold air.


Also, children with acute asthma may not wheeze because of too little air flow to generate noise. In acute asthma, breathing becomes difficult sincerely, sound wheezing usually becomes tighter, and the child is breathing rapidly and with greater effort, and ribs prominent when the child is breathing (inspiration). With acute attacks, the child gasping for breath and sat upright, leaning forward. Sweating and pale skin or blue.


Children with frequent acute attacks sometimes have a slow development, but their growth is usually chasing another child in adulthood.


Diagnosis


A doctor suspected asthma in children who have wheezing repetitive, particularly when family members are known to have asthma or allergies. Children who wheezing events can often be tested for other disorders, such as fiber or gastro esophageal recurrent cysts. Older children sometimes perform lung function tests, although the stout children lung function is normal between relapses.


One of half or more of children with asthma control. Those with more severe disease were more likely to have asthma as a teenager.


Asthma Treatment


Older children or teenagers can recognize asthma often have to use a peak flow meter, a small tool that records how fast a person can blow air-to measure the level of airway disorders. This tool can be used as an objective assessment of the condition of the child.


Treatment of a severe attack consists of opening the airways (bronchodilation) and stops the inflammation. Various kinds of inhaled medications to open airways (bronchodilator). This particular example is albuterol and ipratropium. Older children and teenagers are usually able to use these drugs using metered dose inhalation device. Children older than 8 years or often find it easy to use inhalation with a spacer or buffer room installed. Infants and very young children can sometimes use a spacer when inhaled and infant size masks fitted.


Children who do not use inhalation devices can receive inhaled drugs at home through a mask mounted on a nebulizer, a small tool that generates steam cure using compressed air. Tool inhalation and nebulizer are equally effective at removing the drug. Albuterol can also be used with the mouth, although this activity was not much more successful than inhalation and are usually used only in infants who did not use the nebulizer. Children who are experiencing severe attacks can also be administered via oral corticosteroids.


Children with severe attacks were treated in hospital by providing a bronchodilator in the nebulizer at least every 20 minutes at first. Sometimes the doctor uses an injection of epinephrine, a bronchodilator, in children with severe attacks if they cannot breathe well enough on the steam nebulizer. Doctors usually give intravenous corticosteroids to children who have severe attacks.


Children who suffer from mild asthma, with infrequent attacks typically use medication only during the attack. Children with frequent or severe attacks also need to use drugs even when they are not under attack.


Other drugs used, based on the frequency and severity of attacks in children. Children with infrequent attacks that are not too bad usually use inhaled drugs, such as cromolyn or nedocromil, or a low dose of inhaled corticosteroids daily to help prevent attacks. These drugs prevent the release of chemicals that harm the airways, and reduce inflammation. Preparing to use the old theophylline is an inexpensive option for prevention in some children.


Children with recurrent or more severe also receive one or more drugs, including long-term bronchodilator such as salmeterol, leukotriene modifiers, such as zafirlukast or montelukast, and inhaled corticosteroids. If these drugs do not prevent the onslaught, the child may require inhaled corticosteroids by mouth. Children who experienced great develop during exercise usually inhale a bronchodilator dose just prior to exercise.


To get an explanation of the asthma check this out: Asthma Treatment. Providing quality reviews, articles and writings on asthma online.

Sunday, 29 July 2012

Cold Weather And Asthma Review

With the onset of winter and cold weather conditions, asthma sufferers should ensure that they are well prepared and take extra care throughout the colder winter months. This is because cold weather can be a trigger for a large percentage of the 5.4 million asthma sufferers in the UK according to health charity, Asthma UK.


Asthma symptoms are often made worse if you catch a cold or flu and we also see a marked increase in hospital admissions for asthma sufferers when the temperature goes down. However, if you take extra care and manage your asthma condition properly you should be able to withstand the rigours of the winter weather and the associated asthma symptoms and thus avoid a full-blown asthma attack.


Make sure you visit your doctor or designated asthma nurse in your GP surgery and they will review your medication and make any necessary changes. This is known as a personal asthma action plan and contains important information to help you take control of your asthma, including details of your asthma medicines, key warning signs to tell you when your condition is getting worse, what to do about it and emergency procedure should you have an asthma attack. If you have not had a review in the last year, it is advisable to contact your doctor surgery and book an appointment as soon as possible.


The following are 5 tips to help you avoid asthma attacks in colder weather.


· Always use your regular prevention medicines as prescribed by your doctor, even if you do not feel you need it. Prevention medicines are designed to be used daily to prevent an attack.
· If you are already aware that the cold weather triggers your asthma it is a good idea to take 1 or 2 puffs of your reliever inhaler before going outside.
· Always make sure you have your reliever inhaler with you at all times.
· Wear a scarf over your nose and mouth when you go outside as it will help to warm up the cold air before you breathe it in.
· Be sure to warm up for at least 10 minutes before doing exercise outdoors in cold weather and it is a good idea to take 1 or 2 puffs of your reliever inhaler before you start exercising.


Having an asthma attack


If you notice that you are experiencing shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, feeling tightness in the chest and finding it difficult to speak, then you may be having an asthma attack. It is important to stay calm, sit down and try to take slow, steady breaths. Take 1 or 2 puffs from your reliever inhaler immediately.


When should you dial the emergency services?


If there is no improvement, continue taking 2 puffs of your reliever inhaler every 2 minutes. You should take up to 10 puffs. If your symptoms have not improved after 5 or 10 minutes and you have become too breathless to talk, you should call for emergency assistance. If you are worried about your attack at any time you should contact the emergency services. If an ambulance has not arrived after 15 minutes then take 1 or 2 puffs from your reliever inhaler while you are waiting.


Asthma signs and symptoms inhalerforasthma.org/the-basics-of-asthma/ Providing quality reviews, articles and writings on asthma online.

Monday, 23 July 2012

Raising Children With Asthma

Parents who have children with asthma will want to know as much about the condition as possible. In fact, there are certain risk factors that may lead to youngsters developing asthma, and parents should be aware of these. When they can spot some of the risk factors and perhaps even obtain an early diagnosis, they will be able to help their children manage the condition and live quite normal lives as they grow older. Many asthmatic children, in fact, with the right precautions, participate in strenuous sports at their local middle and high schools.


If a child is born to a family with a history of allergies, or develops allergies him/herself, then he/she may go on to develop asthma. Tobacco smoke can also be a contributing factor. Children who have trouble breathing during physical activity, or who wheeze quite violently when they play with other kids, may have asthma. Other symptoms may include frequent tiredness after exercise or even headaches that crop up and fade away without warning. Children who lose their appetites may also have asthma. When many of these conditions occur together, a respiratory specialist should be seen.


Inhalers that are filled with carefully prescribed medications can be dispensed to certain children with the condition. If they feel an asthma attack coming on, they can simply take a few puffs on the inhaler, which should help to open up the breathing passageways and get them feeling much better. Young boys and girls who are part of the track team, for instance, should let their coaches know of the condition. The coaches can keep an eye on them and can get their inhaler to them if they happen to need it.


Lung doctors can examine children who are suspected to be asthmatic and can quickly make a professional determination on the case. They will have access to a series of tests that can be used to find out what is going on. Once the diagnosis has been made, a plan of action can be developed. Children, even if they are young, should be briefed on their condition so that they have a decent understanding of how to handle the symptoms. They should also be instructed to inform their parents if the symptoms themselves get worse.


Ultimately, children with asthma can be treated much like other kids. They will have to manage the asthma with an eye toward detail, but should not miss out on any of the wonders of childhood as a result. With the help of their parents and doctors, they can get the medication they need and go on to live their lives in whatever manner they please.


The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor is it ever intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice or professional recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician(s) or other qualified healthcare provider(s). Providing quality reviews, articles and writings on asthma online.

Saturday, 14 July 2012

Childhood Asthma: How To Use Air Humidifiers To Soothe Your Child's Wheezing

During the last 15 years, there has been an alarming 160% increase in the rate of asthma in children under the age of five. Sadly many of these children could have been prevented from ever developing asthma. If asthma is confirmed for your young one, you need to educate yourself on treating and managing this chronic disease. According to the experts knowledge is the best prescription.


Asthma occurs when the bronchial tubes become inflamed, creating extra mucus and causing airways to narrow. The end result could range from a frequent tendency to cough to minor wheezing to severe difficulty breathing.


It's a well-known fact that asthma symptoms are set off or triggered by certain environmental substances. For unknown reasons, your child's body "sees" these triggers as threats, even though most kids are not bothered by them. The lungs typically overreact by triggering an asthma attack.


Air humidifiers are an excellent way to add humidity to your home and hopefully relax the stressed-out bronchial tubes of the lungs. Sometimes it is the cold, dry air that agitates the lungs and causes them to constrict and narrow. You can improve this condition by making small changes to your home environment.


If you add warm, humidified air, this may relax the lungs and allow more air in. These easy steps can add humidity to your home without adding more stress to your life:


Step 1: Determine the humidity in your home. Prior to choosing any humidifier, try to select one that will suit your home. If you are not sure that you really need a humidifier, you may want to measure the humidity level in your home with a hygrometer. It is inexpensive and easy to operate. Once you have a humidity level that you are comfortable with, the humidistat feature in the humidifier can help you to keep a constant level of humidity at home.


Step 2: You should measure the area. Whether you choose a warm mist humidifier or cool mist humidifier, look for a model that fits the room. A humidifier that is too large will produce too much moisture and one that is too small will not do the right job. Too much humidity will cause more bacteria to grow and this will lead to additional problems.


Step 3: Find a model that is resistant to bacterial growth. Bacteria are nasty little creatures that like to live where there is moisture. You can make sure that they won't grow in your humidifier by choosing one that is resistant to the growth of mold and bacteria. Your other choice is to clean it on a regular basis.


Step 4: Look for a quiet model. Humidifiers can be quite noisy when they are in use. Cool mist humidifiers have a fan that is constantly going and warm mist humidifiers tend to make a bubbling noise. When it comes to noise level, your best option is to look for a model that has a 'silent' feature.


Step 5: Check for ease of use. When shopping for an air humidifier, you should check each model to see if it is easy to use and easy to refill. The better air humidifiers operate longer on one filling and won't interrupt your daily activities. Models with the reservoir capacity of one litres to five gallons are easier to use and keep the humidity for a longer time.


The first and most important step is to take charge of your child's asthma. Parents of asthmatic children suffer a range of contradictory feelings. It is natural for them to be concerned about medications and look for alternative treatments. While an air humidifier cannot medically treat asthma attacks, it can provide a warm, moist environment so that your little one can sleep at night.


Lynn Versailles is a registered nurse and a life-long sufferer of asthma. She has personally been affected with this chronic respiratory problem and wishes to help others. Through years of research and life experiences, she shares her knowledge on how to properly manage asthma on http://www.safetreatmentsforasthma.com. To learn more, download The Ultimate Asthma Management Guide. It is a free online guide on medical treatments and natural remedies to properly manage this illness. Providing quality reviews, articles and writings on asthma online.

Monday, 2 July 2012

Learn Some Effective Ways To Control Your Asthma

Do you suffer from asthma? Do you want to learn more about this disease? Asthma is a dangerous disease that can threaten your life, if you are not aware of it. Make sure that you know your asthma condition and learn how to control it. In this article, you can find some excellent information that you can use to treat your asthma.


1. Pay attention to your daily diets


Some foods may cause asthma attack if you are allergic to them. You need to visit your doctor to get a food allergy test. If you want to manage your asthma, you have to be able to control your food allergies.


2. Use a dehumidifier


Do you know that humid air is one of the most common asthma triggers for us? If you suffer from asthma, you need to consider buying a dehumidifier for your house. This is a fantastic tool to reduce the humidity in your house. Dehumidifier with a filter is also effective to reduce the allergens in your house. This tool is very effective to control your asthma.


3. Open your window when you are cooking foods


You need to open your window when you are cooking. By doing so, you will be able to remove the smoke from your house. It is very important because smoke can stimulate an asthma attack. You can also go outside for awhile to get fresh air.


4. Get a leukotriene inhibitor


Visit your doctor to get a leukotriene inhibitor to control your asthma. Leukotriene is a chemical substance that can cause an asthma attack. If you need to treat your asthma quickly, you should consider this option. This inhibitor can prevent and decrease your asthma attacks.


5. Visit your doctor


If you have an asthma problem, visit your doctor regularly. You should talk to your doctor at least once a month, so he can help you monitor your health. Try to schedule the regular appointments with your doctor to keep your asthma under control.


6. Avoid smoking


You have to avoid cigarette smoke if you do not want to suffer from asthma. This cigarette smoke can trigger your asthma quickly. However, many people feel that it might be difficult for them to stop smoking. Unfortunately, you have to do it if you want to reduce your asthma symptoms. You should ask your doctor to learn how you can stop smoking instantly.


Those simple tips are very helpful for you to manage your asthma. Come to this site if you want to know how to use home remedies for asthma from your own house. Read this article before you visit your allergy doctor to discuss about your asthma problem. Providing quality reviews, articles and writings on asthma online.

Thursday, 28 June 2012

How Shark Liver Oil Supplements Offer Asthma Relief

Those who live with asthma find that their disease may face a difficult daily challenge. On some days, the disease is worse than others.


Marine life holds an array of treatments for a variety of health challenges, including asthma. And for those interested in seeking a more holistic remedy, shark liver oil may very well be right therapy to help future asthma attacks.


But before jumping into this treatment, here's a brief overview about this disease and how this marine oil can help.


For asthmatics, the passageways which send air to and from the lungs can become swollen, irritated and inflamed. Inevitably, this causes the airways, also known as the bronchial tubes, to narrow and this is what causes asthmatics to struggle with their breathing.


Physical symptoms of asthma include:


Coughing Wheezing Trouble sleeping Shortness of breath Tightness in the chest Overall breathing problems


Generally, asthmatics suffer more in the mornings and evenings.


Treatments for asthma generally include medications, inhalers, nebulizers, and bronchodilators.


On the holistic flip side, patients are adding shark liver oil supplements as an adjunct therapy while others are trying it as a total therapy.


Some natural healthcare professionals have discovered that this marine oil has a special active ingredient called alkylglycerols. It is a unique lipid. This ingredient, also known as AKG, reduces asthma symptoms.


But before buying a shark liver oil supplement, it's so important to do research in finding the right soft gel supplement which is eco-friendly, pure and potency guaranteed.


Locating a manufacturer backed by clinical studies is really important, as well. This includes detailed information about its patented purifying process.


Always keep in mind that all supplements are not the same. Remember, a quality product provides the best health benefits.


Shark liver oil helps reduce the reaction to allergic stimuli which can spur asthma attacks. These stimuli can include allergies to different things, such as:


Food Animal dander Chemicals Dust Pollen Medication


A change in weather may also jumpstart an asthma attack.


Shark liver oil encourages macrophages, the white blood cells within tissues, and to get rid of bad stimuli and debris in the lungs and airways.


While working hard to ward off bad stimuli that can trigger allergic reactions, it also prevents inflammation by blocking protein kinase C.


In Dr. Peter T. Pugliese's book, Devour Disease With Shark Liver Oil, he highlights how asthma suffers can find relief with this marine oil. He first points out how asthma is an immune-type disorder which was studied and researched in Sweden.


"When test subjects with asthma took 250 mg of shark liver oil, three times a day investigators reported complete recoveries after six months of treatment," Pugliese wrote. He continued, "Since this is an immune disorder, it responded well to the immunity-boosting alkylglycerols."


Before starting any new supplement regimen, it's highly recommended to first speak with a healthcare professional while discussing the right dosage amount.


Shark liver oil, often called an amazing healer, is a great holistic way to help asthmatics breathe easier.


Author, Dr. Thierry Lerond is the founder of Nutrilys Del Mar, the leading provider of high quality, pure, potent and eco-friendly marine-based supplements. Its select products, including its superior shark liver oil supplements, have been clinically tested in French and Swiss clinics. Providing quality reviews, articles and writings on asthma online.