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 Inhalers For Asthma. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Inhalers For Asthma. Show all posts

Sunday, 5 August 2012

Best Remedies For Your Asthma

Asthma is a very serious and difficult condition to deal with. It can keep you from having your wonderful life. However, most symptoms related to asthma can be controlled easily if you know how to use some effective ways to manage your asthma. In this article, you will find some effective methods to treat your asthma.


1. Clean your pillow case and bed linens regularly


Some allergens, such as pollen, dust, mites, insects, and many other things can build up on your pillow case and bed linens. Make sure that you wash them with hot and soapy water at least once a week to remove all of those allergens. By doing so, you are able to control your asthma effectively.


2. Use de-humidifier in your house


You should use de-humidifier in your house to keep the air dry and clean. It is the greatest way to alleviate your asthma symptoms. By controlling your moisture levels in your house, you also limit the amount of allergens that can grow in your house.


3. Visit your doctor regularly


If you know that you have asthma problems, you have to visit your doctor more often to control your asthma. The asthma symptoms are not as obvious as the other disease. You have to be very careful with your asthma because it can be very dangerous for you. When you notice that your asthma starts causing you to have trouble breathing, you may want to visit your doctor as soon as possible. He can tell you if you have an asthma attack and if there is a medication that you need to take in. Your doctor can tell you if there is something you can do to prevent asthma in the future.


4. Avoid smoking


If you suffer from asthma, it is very important that you quit smoking cigarettes. Many people understand that smoking is bad for everyone. However, the effect of smoking is worse for an asthma patient because the smoke from cigarettes can reduce the amount of oxygen supplied to your lungs. This condition can trigger an asthma attack.


5. Always bring your inhaler along with you


If you have asthma problems, it is very important that you always carry your inhaler with you. This inhaler provides immediate relief from your asthma symptoms. Always bring your inhaler at all time. You can put this inhaler in many places, such as your desk, car, purse, lunch box, or backpack before doing your daily activities.


Those simple tips above are really helpful for you to control 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.

Monday, 30 July 2012

The Best Breathing Exercises For Asthmatics

The Buteyko breathing technique was created by the Russian respiratory physiologist Professor Konstantin Buteyko to treat those suffering from asthma and other respiratory disease's. The principle behind this breathing methodology is that most people suffering from respiratory illness over-breath and inhale to much air this will lower the amount of carbon dioxide inside of the human body.


Why is carbon dioxide important?


If your Co2 level is not at the required level then oxygen is just going to be carried around the bloodstream and is not made available to tissues and organs in the human body. These minimal quantities induce an increase in breathing and an even further decrease of Co2, a classic vicious circle.


Secondly carbon dioxide dilates the smooth muscle around the airways, arteries and capillaries, decreased amounts of Co2 induce these muscles to tighten. If these arterial blood vessels narrow this has the potential to trigger greater heart rate, higher blood pressure and a increased breathing level.


It in addition helps to sustain the body's PH balance which is very important in retaining a healthy immune system.


Carbon dioxide aids in the body's production of cortisol, the body's natural steroid which is needed to control inflammation.


Co2 is used in the body to reduce the production of mucus resulting in less restricted airways.


The Buteyko methodology is an exercise regime for a person's breathing, it is designed to lessen the quantity of air inhaled to assist you to retrain your own body in order to receive an increased level of carbon dioxide. The sequence is composed of a check of your pulse ahead of and following the actual exercise process, a check of what is known as the control pause and the actual breathing exercises


The control pause is actually a measurement of carbon dioxide in the alveoli dependent on a comfortable breath hold, but its not recorded right after taking a large breath of air, its taken when the air is expelled via the lungs during an ordinary breath. The lower the time you can wait after breathing out the lower the level of Co2 in the body. The desired percentage of co2 is 5.5 which in turn represents a control pause of approximately 40 seconds, a control pause of 10 seconds shows a co2 level of 4.0 percent. According to Buteyko teachers, with regular Buteyko reduced-breathing exercises, asthmatics are predicted to find that their CP over time will increase and in parallel suffer lessened asthma symptoms.


The intention of the Buteyko breathing method is to increase the levels of carbon dioxide to at least five-and-a-half per cent giving a control pause of forty seconds.


With the continuous practice of the Buteyko breathing exercises the respiratory centre should end up being able to accept a larger concentration of carbon dioxide. Remember, it is the level of carbon dioxide that decides the need to inhale.


My name is Trevor Chapman and i have been an asthma sufferer all my life. As i get older and more sedentary my asthma symptoms have worsened and my use of preventor and reliever drugs have increased.


I have been looking for a natural cure or treatment which will help me control these symptoms and have started to practice the Buteyko Breathing method. 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.

Tuesday, 17 July 2012

How Asthma Can Be Avoided

This article is created just for you who have to deal with asthma. You can find some information on how to deal with asthma effectively. By reading and following this information, you will start having beautiful life without asthma.


If you have asthma problem and you have to use your inhaler in more than three times a week to get your asthma gone, you should visit your doctor and ask them to change your medication. Sometimes, the medication in the inhaler doesn't work properly. That's why you need to consult with your doctor about your inhaler.


When you're travelling along, make sure to bring your asthma medications and equipment. Don't forget to bring your prescriptions too. By carrying the prescriptions along with written proof from your doctor, you will reduce the potential problems at the airport security checkpoints.


Make sure you ask your doctor on how you can use your inhaled medication properly. Don't leave his office until you are completely comfortable using the inhaler. You can't just spray it into your mouth and inhale it gently. You have to breathe deeply in conjunction with the spray. Proper use of the asthma inhaler is the important point when you have asthma problem.


You should visit more than one doctor. Even though your primary care doctor can assist you in the basic care for your asthma, don't forget to visit a specialist. Asthma doctors, pulmiologists, and allergists are the people who you want to consult with to help solving your asthma problem.


When you're dealing with an asthma attack, it's important to make sure that you visit your doctor as soon as possible. Make sure that you're ready for the asthma treatment when you're getting asthma problem for the first time. This is very important because early asthma treatment will always be the best solution for you to deal with your asthma.


It is essential to change your sleeping pillows that you use frequently to avoid asthma problem. Use pillowcases and towels that are made from cotton because it won't allow dust mites to grow on them. Just for your information, the dust mites are considered as some of the top contributors of the asthma problems.


If you have an asthma attacks but you don't bring your asthma inhaler on hand, you should try to use caffeine as an asthma remedy. Strong tea, coffee, or chocolate can help you to reduce the severity of your asthma attack. It will help you to constrict your blood vessels and open the vessels so you can breathe easier.


Those simple home remedies for asthma are really effective to help you getting rid of your asthma problem. Some asthma problems are caused by the allergens. Read this before you visit your allergy doctor to know more about allergy and how to get rid of the allergic to reduce your asthma problems from your own house. Providing quality reviews, articles and writings on asthma online.

Monday, 9 July 2012

Common Causes of Asthma and Ways to Control It

Asthma attacks may be triggered by various causes. When the body detects an irritant, the immune system immediately responds by releasing inflammatory substances to the area where the irritant is sensed. As a result swelling occurs and mucous is produced. When this occurs broncheo spasms result which cause severe breathing difficulties for asthma sufferers.


The local environment can be a big cause of asthma attacks. Bacteria and dust that exist where you live can become lung irritants. Some studies show that children who grow up spending most of their time indoors develop a weaker immune system compared to children who are encouraged by their parents to play in the open air. This makes them susceptible to bacteria and atmospheric particles found at home and elsewhere. Lower levels of resistance to outside pollutants then make them vulnerable to environmental dusts that can cause irritation and other complications.


Asthma may be developed because of an allergy. Common allergens that trigger asthma attacks include pollen, hair, animal dander, feathers, and molds. Diseases such as allergic rhinitis or hay fever may also trigger asthma. The severity of the attack largely depends on what allergen the patient has been exposed to. Food allergies may be a factor as well. Patients with asthma are highly advised to be careful with their diet because a food allergy has been known to trigger asthma attacks. Doctors recommend a diet wherein foods that usually cause allergy, like wheat, corn and dairy are omitted.


For women, there are two events in their life that can increase their body's sensitivity to asthma causes. The first of these is pregnancy. Amazingly, there have been studies that shown that mothers who are expecting baby girls have a higher tendency to exhibit asthma-type breathing problems compared to pregnant women who are expecting boys. The second is the menopause, where there is a connection between asthma and low levels of estrogen in the body. The development of asthma in this case often begins during perimenopause.


Atmospheric weather conditions can also bring on an attack due to changes to the ions in the air, but is not common.


Obviously a family history of asthma will pre-dispose individuals to asthma symptoms, but with care many of the causes can be kept to a minimum. This is due mainly to recent research studies which have helped us to be more aware of the causes that were unknown to previous generations.


Patients with asthma may suffer due to one of the above factors, or a combination of several. The best way to deal with this ailment is to consult a physician so the condition can be addressed properly. More often than not, asthma attacks are not life-threatening, but if not properly monitored and appropriate measures applied before and during onset, it can lead to a more serious condition. To avoid this, help your doctor, if you can, to identify what specific irritants might cause your attacks and ask for their advice. Doctors will most likely recommend avoiding places where allergens and irritants may be present and if asthma attacks are severe, they may prescribe medications which must be taken regularly to ease the condition.


Regular exercise plays a vital role in everyone's health, and people with asthma should be aware of the particular benefits that this has for their condition. Physical activities such as walking, running, stretching, and cycling can help you develop stronger muscles and at the same time boost the immune system. During exercise, deep breathing is encouraged and this enhances overall health. For asthma patients, regular exercise stimulates the muscles in the air passages which help in reducing asthma attacks. By doing moderate physical activity, inhalation and exhalation of air is controlled and strengthened.


One particular medical device has also been proven to be extremely effective for reducing the symptoms of asthma. It is called a Salt Pipe and when air is inhaled through the device it enters the respiratory system and delivers micron-sized salt ions to the lungs to improve respiratory health. The salt microns help by improving the health of the mucosal cells and stimulate the natural cleansing action in the lungs. This salt from the mines in Transylvania has been known to have therapeutic properties since the second century AD. This amazing device is becoming increasingly popular, and daily users speak very highly about the improvements it has brought to their health. The Salt pipe has also been proven to help allergies and pollens, snoring, colds, other infections as well as asthma.


Asthma can be controlled very effectively by various natural means. For those sufferers who think that drugs are the only treatment, please investigate all the natural options that have been studied, trialed and approved as being safe, effective and offer a real solution.


Margaret Le Monnier has over 20 years-experience as a qualified natural health professional in the UK. She is well known for giving intuitive and expert advice to people regarding natural approaches to correcting a wide range of illnesses and conditions. Margaret is now writing articles for a website solely devoted to bringing a comprehensive range of natural health advice to everyone. To find out more about natural remedies for asthma visit her website at Natural Health 4 Life. Providing quality reviews, articles and writings on asthma online.

Wednesday, 4 July 2012

What Are the Causes of Asthma

There are a lot of things you need to know about asthma and many people think that they are good enough to know about its treatment. However, knowledge on its treatment is no use unless you know what is causing it. The real cause of asthma is still unclear. Most people say that asthma is generally caused by two main factors and these are the genes and exposure to the environment. Unfortunately, most people with asthma disease try to deal with it but it is already too late.


There are many types of asthma but it will not be an issue when considering its treatment options. People usually go for cheap treatment methods and something that does not disturb their way of life. In view of the fact that asthma is a serious respiratory problem, knowing what sets off the attack is vital in looking for the best asthma treatment.


If you are aware of the causes of asthma, it will be easy for you to help yourself if you are suffering from it or assist other people when they are having an asthma attack. Moreover, knowing the causes will help in developing a treatment plan because you will constantly be on guard of your actions and your surroundings or perhaps other people who know will look after you as well. Here is a list of the causes of asthma you might be interested for you to be able to prevent asthma attack.


· Allergic Reactions - Only when a person suffers from difficulty of breathing or rashes does he think of the things he is allergic to but if not he just would not care. There are certain foods and other stuff that people with asthma need to get away from so knowing what these things are is essential.


· Genes - Many take asthma from members of family because they share same sets of genes. Asthma can be passed down from one generation to the succeeding ones. However, if asthma is genetic, one can make up for it by having a healthy lifestyle.


· Lifestyle - Your way of life is something you are in charge of but if you have asthma you'll have to change a few things. There are things you need to avoid when you have asthma and so your lifestyle will be greatly affected. One must make sacrifices because asthma can only be controlled through lifestyle changes. Eat a well-balanced diet, exercise regularly, sleep well, live a healthy lifestyle and say goodbye to asthma for good.


Knowing the causes of asthma is very important because it can lead your life for the better.


For more information about the different methods of asthma treatment, visit my blog to read more about the cause of asthma and how to prevent it. 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.

Tuesday, 26 June 2012

What Is Asthma and How to Find Relief

Over 50 years ago my stay at home mom took my brother, sister, and myself to the grocery store. We lived in a town of 450 people and it hasn't grown since. Back then it was okay for mom to leave us alone in the car and expect us to have behaved while she was inside. Dad was at work which didn't matter because mom wouldn't rat on us for misbehaving because she would take care of the problem on the spot. One day the scene was as described and with me being the oldest and my sister next we were laughing pretty hard at the antics of our little brother who was about two years old. We thought he was putting on a pretty good show. As it turned out he was having convulsions from an asthma attack. It scared the water out of mom when she came out and discovered what we were laughing so hard about. Her fear apparently made an impression on me too since I haven't forgotten it.


Today, there are no known cures for asthma, a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways that causes recurring outbreaks of wheezing, tightness in the chest, shortness of breath and coughing. Generally the coughing most often occurs during the night or early in the morning because of inflamed swollen and sensitive airways. Swollen or narrow airways may make more mucus that further narrows the breathing airways. They tend to react strongly to certain inhaled substances.


Some symptoms of asthma are mild enough they go away on their own or with minimal treatment. I already described the attacks that are not pretty and can be fatal if not treated. As mentioned asthma has no known cure. The person with the disease can feel fine but they still have it and asthma can flare up at any time. There are treatments that allow people to manage their disease so a more normal, active life and getting a good night's sleep is possible.


The statistics show that asthma can affect people of all ages, but mostly starts during childhood. More than 22 million people in the U.S. are known to have asthma with almost 6 million being children with boys having the disease more than girls.


What Causes Asthma?


No one knows the exact cause of asthma but some researchers link it genetically and environmentally. The Childhood Asthma Reduction Study (CARES) has an inner city program to get rid of cockroaches because their evidence shows allergens from cockroaches are risk factors for asthma. Contrary to the cockroach theory some researchers theorize that in the U.S. the emphasis on hygiene and sanitation shows a decline in asthma in children due to environmental exposures. Researchers continue to look for causes. Some risk factors are allergies but not all who suffer asthma have allergies, eczema or heredity. There are occupational risks with dust or chemicals in the work place. Inside some steel mills and foundries the dust level could be a contributing factor along with birds such as pigeons roosting inside the buildings.


How to Recognize the Signs and Symptoms


There are some common signs and symptoms to watch for:


Coughing - Asthma often is worse at night or early in the morning.Wheezing when you breathe.Chest tightness.Shortness of breath or feeling out of breath unable to get air out of the lungs.


Then there are some people that do not have these symptoms with asthma and some showing these symptoms doesn't mean you have it either. A lung function test and physical exam is the only way to determine for sure if it asthma is present.


Asthma symptoms may be mild enough to be an annoyance to limiting chores to severe forms that can be fatal..


What Causes Asthma Symptoms?


You can lessen asthma symptoms by being aware of things that may trigger it such as:


The known allergens from cockroaches, pollens, dust and animal fur.Anything that irritates the lungs, cleaners, perfumes or sprays, smoke, smog or air pollution, dust or chemicals where you work.Even the supposedly heart healthy aspirin and some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.Additives in food and drinks like sulfites.Viral upper respiratory infections. Colds and flu.Exercise, working in the yard and trying to get some physical activity can trigger it but is not to be avoided as it is an important part of a healthy lifestyle.


What affects one person may not affect another.


Diagnosing asthma


There is a very long list of things to check that only a doctor can do to properly diagnose asthma. He will look at your medical and family history, a physical exam, and get test results to figure the severity and determine what treatment is necessary. Some asthma attacks only occur during certain times of the year, in certain places or if it's worse at night. He will also check for other conditions that make managing asthma more difficult.


The goal of an asthma treatment and action plan is to control the disease to prevent coughing and other symptoms reducing the need for medicines and help maintain good lung function. The action plan provides guidance on medicines, avoiding triggers and tracking the asthma.


An asthma action plan gives guidance on taking your medicines properly, avoiding asthma triggers (except physical activity), tracking your level of asthma control, responding to worsening asthma, and seeking emergency care when needed.


Medicines


As in the diagnosis of asthma there is a long list of medicines to try from pills to inhalers, long-term (inhaled corticosteroids) to quick relief medicines that are designed to prevent symptoms or reduce inflammation in the airways. The doctor will also discuss benefits as well as risks or side effects of certain medications. Thrush is a mouth infection and common side effect from inhaled corticosteroids. Quick relief inhalers do not reduce inflammation.


Getting the asthma under control is the main concern when beginning treatments and the doctor will want regular visits every 2 to 6 weeks at first until controlled changing the visit to once a month or semi-annual. The goal is to reduce medication too requiring the person with asthma to take an active role in helping control the disease by following the action plan set by the doctor while watching for signs that it may be worsening.


There are many aromatherapy and essential oils that may be helpful in breathing and can be found on the link on the website. Among several is Cajeput Essential Oil and it's benefits include: Arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, colds, coughs, cystitis, flu, insect bites, muscular aches and pains, oily skin, sinusitis, sore throat, urinary infection, viral infections. Cajeput can be used similar to eucalyptus during the cold season. Add it to a diffuser to disinfect the air, and clear congestion. Providing quality reviews, articles and writings on asthma online.