Do You Have Asthma? Part 2

Welcome back to part 2 in the asthma series. In Part 1 we looked at some of the likely causes which present themselves with asthma along with the conventional treatment. Let's take a look at some of the natural ways we can help a person diagnosed with this common complaint.

Asthma and Breathing

Deep breathing will help improve asthma, but only if practiced regularly. If you have any breathing issues such as asthma or recurrent chronic bronchitis, then regular exercise in general such as walking, swimming, yoga, Tai Chi, and relaxation exercises can help profoundly to deepen and relax your breathing. Whilst some of these techniques may be more difficult for a child, swimming is excellent, more on this later. Stress has an amazing way of increasing our heart and respiratory rates, and I've noticed that stress and anxiety seem to be a common with many asthmatics. It makes sense to learn to relax, and once the asthmatic learns to relax a lot more their breathing often improves a lot.

Some of the best health books I have seen are the older ones, including a little publication from 1963 called "Asthma and your Child" by New Zealand Physiotherapist Bernice Thompson. Her book was so successful that the NZ National Film Unit actually made a film from it on breathing exercises for children. Some people have told me over the years that older health books are "out dated" and why do I bother to refer to them. I'll tell you why, these valuable older books were written by practitioners in by gone days, in an era long before drug companies started their marketing drives. In the "old days", practitioners spent a lot more time with their patients and many taught effective techniques and home procedures and also encouraged foods which positively affected their patient's health. People also had more time generally, had to rely on home remedies and were much more hands on with their children than most parents are familiar with today, especially with respiratory and digestive problems.

Just ask your grandmother, she will be quick to tell you about how her mother used all sorts of remedies which she was taught herself. It was common for example to give a baby an enema if it was "blocked up". Antibiotics were literally unheard of in the early 60's in clinical practice and puffers were not employed as yet. The powerful tiny antibody commonly involved in asthma responses (called IgE) was only discovered in 1966, before this they had no clue of what was involved with asthma in terms of immunity. And funnily enough, asthma back then was a rather rare phenomenon. Incredible as it may seem, even asthma itself has been linked today to the overuse and abuse of antibiotics, aspirin, paracetamol and the asthma drugs themselves.

Bernice Thompson states in her little self-help asthma book: "I want to show you how you can help your child, the intelligent use of breathing exercises is one of the most important factors in improving a child's respiration, and when used correctly these exercises will always improve the child's whole physical set-up. In fact, in many cases the asthma itself can clear up altogether". Well, what happened today? Children are today not commonly taught any breathing exercises when they are diagnosed with asthma or have recurring respiratory complaints, except the effective use a puffer because "asthma is a dangerous condition" and that as a responsible parent you should encourage daily use of medications. Remember I spoke last month about how effective "fear mongering" has become with conditions such as asthma? Instilling a child's parents with fear, like those vaccine campaigns guilt tripping parents with scenes of choking babies turning blue will ensure that millions more drug prescriptions will be continually sold by companies who effectively use fear as a weapon to market their profitable drugs, with little regard to how they can improve a patient's condition with healthy diet and lifestyle choices.

Dr. Buyteko's method

Russian Professor Buteyko developed a simple, drug-free treatment for asthma and other diseases after he noticed that over-breathing disturbs the metabolism and makes the body more prone to illness. Dr. Paul Ameisen is an Aussie doctor who has been able to make a study of over 8,000 patients treated so far in Australia, and his book, Every Breath You Take, was the result of six years of research into the Buteyko method and the results it has achieved for asthma sufferers. The results are astonishing and suggest a direct link between our breathing patterns and our level of health. In 1995 a randomised double blind placebo controlled study on the Buteyko method was run in Brisbane, from the data given the reduction in beta2-agonists (e.g. Ventolin(TM)) was a staggering 96% and the reduction in steroid inhalers was 49%. The trial showed that the Buteyko method reduces drug usage profoundly without exacerbating the disease and without deterioration in lung function.

In 2000 another trial took place in New Zealand, and again, amazingly there was an 85% reduction in beta2-agonists and a 50% reduction in steroid use amongst people who had used the Buteyko method for six months. The British Guideline on the Management of Asthma 2008 has granted permission for British health professionals to recommend the Buteyko method. No other complementary therapy has ever been endorsed by this strict body for the treatment of asthma. By the early 1980s, Russian authorities were sufficiently impressed with Buteyko's results to allow him a formal trial with asthmatic children in a Moscow hospital, and the results were impressive enough to persuade the State Medical System to approve the method for widespread Russian use. Then why not is NZ embracing this system widely within the medical system, which has proven to be of enormous benefit for the asthmatic you ask? Why should any Western country ever approve an effective non-drug solution to asthma when one of the world's most popular asthma drugs will make almost 9 billion US dollars this year?

What is the Buteyko method? The Buteyko theory is that the basic cause of asthma is a habitual, hidden over-breathing (literally, taking in too much air when breathing). The treatment is based on bringing the breathing to normal levels and thus eradicating over-breathing (hyperventilation) and reversing the need for the body's defence mechanisms. These defence mechanisms, according to the theory, include spasm of the airways, mucus production (in the chest, nose, throat and ears), and inflammation (swelling) of the bronchial walls. The Buteyko method's message is that when asthma sufferers learn to alter the volume of air they habitually inhale, their asthma attacks can be significantly reduced and the use of asthma drugs and apparatus can be reduced or entirely eliminated by 90% or more.

Here is my clinic handout describing the Buteyko technique:

The four Buteyko exercises

1. Breathe in and out, both through the nose only. To reduce over breathing try to use your nose and not your mouth.

2. Tape the mouth up whilst sleeping. Don't laugh! Unless there is some severe nasal condition, this should not represent any problem and should be adopted for the first few weeks at least to encourage nose breathing. Adults can easily adapt to this, but for children this concept frightens parents easily. However, doctors and Buteyko practitioners worldwide have not seen any harm come to children after recommending this practice for many years. Partial taping can be practiced until children and parents become more confident. Use a light, easily removable micro pore tape.

3. Sleep on the left side. Avoid sleeping on the back. Sleeping on the back causes the most over- breathing Professor Buteyko's research has shown that sleeping on the left-side causes the least over-breathing.

4. Increase your Control Pause. The control pause is described as the time it takes someone to breathe out normally, then to hold his/her breath in the out position until the very first signs of discomfort occur. This measurement is recorded then the person continues to breathe through the nose in a shallow pattern. Most people can only achieve 10 to 20 seconds, at rest. Some cannot even achieve one second, while others can easily achieve 40 seconds! The idea is too eventually to succeed in holding the breath in the out position for up to 50 to 60 seconds, until first difficulty is reached, to achieve the desired improvement. This is the measure of success with the Buteyko method. A person with a control pause of 15 seconds is breathing a volume of air per minute that is enough for 4 people. A person with a control pause of 30 seconds breathes for 2 persons; a control pause of 60 seconds indicates correct breathing, i.e., for 1 person.

5. The Maximum Pause. The maximum pause is the time it takes a person to breathe out normally, hold his/her breath in the out position and, through specially taught distractions, prolong this pause to the maximum time. With exercise, repetition and perseverance, some people surprise themselves with times of up to two minutes or even longer. It is considered ideal to practice the control & maximum pause alternatively for 20 minutes a day; results come quickly to those who persevere. Swimming is an excellent activity for the asthmatic to do on a regular basis, because it allows the body to better balance the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide due to the fact that a swimmer will hold his or her breath for extended periods. Swimming is one of the best ways to practice the maximum pause in a natural setting, and makes a lot of sense to me.

Eric's 10 step Asthma Plan

Check for likely causes. If you look at each individual case, it doesn't take long to establish one or possibly more causes. If you can't establish a likely cause with a health problem like asthma, you are unlikely to be able to correct or modify it which will mean you will be treating the symptoms with drugs, and sometimes long-term. We spoke about stress and emotional causes, environmental, heavy metal toxicity, postural problems and more last month. Decrease or avoid known traumas and emotional triggers family environment, dependency issues of the child.

1. Is it really asthma? It is true, I have seen many young patients over the years who were diagnosed with asthma, but once we found the trigger/s (see part 1) the case was solved because lung function improved and drugs like puffers and antibiotics were no longer necessary. My son was diagnosed as being "asthmatic" but was in fact dairy intolerant. You need to be strong as a parent, when I spoke to my doctor many years ago about not wanting to vaccinate my son, we were told that we were "irresponsible" and I would regret my decision one day when our child was lying in a hospital bed dying of a "perfectly preventable disease". Make absolutely certain that you have tried other means to improve your child's lung function, before launching into drugs. Look for the cause; improve their diet and emotional health and their environment first.

2. Stop being so "germ phobic". Television is a great way to get people hyped up, look at those advertisements about germs and how clean we should live. I'm not suggesting living in a filthy house, but researchers now suggest that a growing obsession with disinfecting everything in sight may help explain the rise of asthma over the past couple of decades. One hundred years ago, more people lived on farms, hygiene was poorer, and there were no bacteria-killing drugs and asthma was hardly around then. In essence, the modern phenomenon of placing children in sterile environments and giving those antibiotics for the tiniest sniffle has helped make them far more susceptible to asthma, as well as creating bacteria strains which are today almost totally antibiotic resistant. It is NOT the big bad bugs that we are exposed to that actually cause most of the health problems like asthma that we have. Rather it is related to factors that suppress our immune system such as a poor diet, lack of emotional support, and exposure to poisons and toxins like immunisations, food additives, mercury and petrochemicals.

3. Breastfeed your child Investigators found that children who were breast-fed in the first weeks of life had a much lower asthma risk. They also linked breast-feeding with lower risk because breast milk provides immune factors not present in formula. And when the formula is introduced, what is in it? That's right, cow's proteins, which are in fact the most allergenic food you can possibly give a child. Experts estimate that not breast-feeding can be blamed for as many of 16% of all asthma cases. Asthma incidence is far greater in the Western world than the undeveloped countries (with all their germs), possibly due to the fact that women here feed their kids on the breast for up to 5 years. Many women I see have to go back to work, and are lucky to breastfeed for 12 weeks. Breast is always best.

4. Giving the lowest possible amount of drugs to control the symptoms. It surprises me how much medicine asthmatics are told to take on a daily basis to "control" their asthma. Western medicine seems more about "control" of symptoms rather than allowing the patient to make sensible choices allowing their body's own innate ability to self-correct. When the patient is in control of their asthma (rather than the drug) they can begin to lessen their dependence on drugs and may even be able to stop the drugs altogether, thereby breaking the cycle of drug dependence leading to symptom suppression. Are drugs the answer? Sorry, but I'm going to do some of my own fear mongering: A recent meta-analysis of the roles of long-acting beta-agonists indicates their danger to asthma patients. The study (Annals of Internal Medicine 2006) found that long-acting beta-agonists increased the risk for asthma hospitalisations and asthma deaths 2 to 4 times when compared with placebo. What doesn't surprise me is that The New York Times (USA newspaper: November 2007) reported a review of more than 500 studies finding that independently backed studies on inhaled corticosteroids are up to four times more likely to find adverse effects than the studies paid for by drug companies.

5. Breathing technique such as the Buteyko method is paramount, particularly for those chronic patients who may take puffers every few hours during of the day. Most "puffer dependent" patients can quickly learn how to breathe more efficiently and reduce their need within weeks. I have been teaching asthmatics the basics of the Buteyko method for over ten years and seen wonderful results. It is really true; many patients (clinical trials showed between 85 and 96%) can throw their Ventolin(TM) puffer away in time. Ask your naturopath if he or she can help you, or can refer you preferably to a qualified Buteyko practitioner.

6. Back and chest massage, with particular emphasis on strokes which open out the chest and shoulders. Aromatherapy can be quite helpful in dealing with asthma because a number of essential oils have calming and antispasmodic effects that can encourage emotional balance, ease the struggle to breathe, and cause bronchodilation. During an actual crisis, inhaling an antispasmodic oil is of good help, and direct sniffing from the oil bottle (with supervision) or give a small bottle with a plastic insert from only which a drop can be dispensed, or put a few drops on a tissue or handkerchief, particularly with a child. The choice of essential oils will depend on many factors such as whether or not there is infection present, or whether emotional factors are involved, ask a good aroma therapist. Some of my favourite oils with asthma are cajuput, cypress, eucalyptus and lavender. Be careful because some asthmatics may react strongly to essential oils, so trial carefully first.

7. Diet changes: Diet can be a hidden source of many problems for the asthmatic. The early onset of asthma is sometimes even triggered by a child not being breast-fed at all, or only having been breastfed for a few weeks and then placed on a cow's based infant formula. With adults, a source of concern is alcohol and preserved fruit, which may contain sulphur dioxide. An asthmatic who is particularly sensitive may even react to as little as a few parts of sulphur dioxide per million!

o A restrictive low-allergen diet for the first 12 weeks to see if there is any food involvement.

And/or Szentivanyi first described the "Beta Adrenergic Theory of Asthma" in 1968; in which a blockage of certain receptors in the lungs (Beta-2 receptors) actually causes asthma. Szentivanyi's theory is now considered a medical classic and has been mentioned more times than any other article in the history of the prestigious Journal of Allergy. In 1995, Dr. Szentivanyi demonstrated that the immunoglobulin IgE (the most powerful antibody involved in allergies) actually blocks beta-2 receptors. Since overproduction of IgE is central to allergic diseases, this was a quantum leap in the world of understanding allergies. Now think about this, there are some foods which stimulate a strong IgE response in the body; does it therefore not make good sense for the asthmatic to avoid them as much as possible, at least initially as a trial? I generally recommend the removal of the following foods temporarily, because they have been shown through clinical experience to aggravate the immune system of an asthmatic and eczema sufferer who typically has a "trigger happy" IgE responsive immune system. These foods include dairy products (particularly cow's milk, yoghurt and those yummy dairy ice creams, chocolates, peanuts, nuts in general, bananas and oranges. This food group may also include avocado, corn, eggs and wheat, but first see if the other foods are involved. I often tell parents to watch their child and see which food/s they want the most, because there will often be a food they strongly desire which belongs to the allergenic group. For children who are in separated family situations, take care when they go to dad's place for example on the weekend. I have seen a few children develop "mysterious coughs" on a Monday or Tuesday after dad got them a double scoop ice cream on a Sunday. The child's mother may well have them on a restrictive diet and adhere to a strict regime of dairy avoidance, so checking out when the asthma is at its worst can help a lot to establish the triggers. Watch grandma or grandpa or aunty too, they may think it "unfair" that you are depriving the kids of treats, not fully understanding the immune involvement with an asthmatic and may potentially undo all your good work, so be firm.

o Be aware of food intolerances. Keep your child away from those pesky dairy and supermarket counters as they can be a real trap and will only encourage your child to pester you for sweets until you usually give in. Sugar has an interesting effect on the immune system; it actually depresses it and by its acidic nature in the body only encourages the production of sticky mucus. Other mucus forming, clogging and devitalised foods to avoid are cow's milk and other dairy products (which we have already covered under immune trigger foods), white breads, soft drinks and those sugary sachets which make up sweet drinks, chewing gum and junk foods. Give your child less red meat temporarily, because it comes from the cow which also produces allergenic milk, and give more fresh fish or chicken or egg which is lighter and more easily digested protein sources.

o Eat more anti inflammatory foods. Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, onions and kelp contain a flavonoid called quercetin, and grapefruit contains naringin, an anti inflammatory flavonoid, all of these foods can help reduce inflammation in the body. Methionine is an amino acid found in protein rich foods, and it binds to excess histamine, making immune reactions much less severe. Grade-A proteins contain large amounts of methionine, and include tuna, mackerel, herring, sardines, salmon, chicken and tofu. Avocado, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds on the other hand are rich in vitamin E, which has been found helpful in calming inflammation in the lungs as well.

o Watch the fats in your child's diet - give Omega 3 daily. Toddlers who consume large amounts of margarine and foods fried in vegetable oil may be twice as likely to develop asthma as their peers who eat less of these foods. (Thorax August 2001;56:589-595 ) Diets high in polyunsaturated fat (found in margarine, vegetable and sunflower oils) boost levels of omega-6 fatty acids in relation to levels of omega-3 fatty acids (fish oils). Omega-6 fatty acids contribute to the production of compounds involved in inflammation and may therefore contribute to inflammation of the airways. Omega-3 fatty acids -- found in fish and fish oil supplements, inhibit inflammation on the other hand. This could explain why kids from lower income families living on foods like white breads, margarine and jam are much more prone to asthma. Give Omega 3 fish oils supplement daily to any child with asthma please; you are making a huge difference here.

8. Build immunity to reduce need for antibiotics. To reduce the need for antibiotics to treat infections which are commonplace with asthmatics, use nutrients to bolster the person's own immune system. These may include liberal use of vitamin C, vitamin A, zinc, copper, iron and glandular extracts. Taking a good pro-biotic is another way to build excellent immunity, and recent research validates this. See your naturopath for the right strain of pro-biotic rather than buying just one over the counter. There are many types now available and a "practitioner-only" is one I would recommend over the ones you buy at your health-food shop.

9. Herbal medicine, For asthma I would commonly use herbal medicines like grindelia, adhatoda, wild cherry, licorice, aniseed, goldenseal, echinacea, marshmallow, and various others. I can thoroughly recommend a visit to a good herbalist. Herbs are best taken several times daily and can really help with breathing difficulties as well as help to effectively treat the infections which an asthmatic is prone to. Why take antibiotics? I have always treated my 4 children with their winter coughs and colds with herbs and not once ever resorted to antibiotics with any of them. Herbs don't have to taste foul either, ask for a "glycetract" formula, nice and sweet and the compliance with children is increased considerably.

10. Nutritional medicine. The main nutrients I have found through my studies which can positively affect the asthmatic include vitamins C, B6 and B12, magnesium, zinc, iron and selenium.

The addition of a high quality multi vitamin and mineral supplement is recommended to counter any deficiencies here. In addition, a porcine glandular extract can have a most positive effect on the asthmatic's immune system by helping to normalise the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, (the body's innate stress response) by allowing cortisol, the powerful immune-boosting hormone produced by the adrenal gland, to normalise, which in turn will "down regulate" an over stimulated immune system (IgE). The end result is that the IgE responses eventually settle right down. A glandular extract is a particularly helpful addition if steroidal "preventative" puffers have been used for some time. Why? Because steroidal drugs effectively suppress the body's production of its own steroidal (adrenal) hormones, allowing the immune response in one sense to be suppressed, thereby "preventing" an asthma attack, but on the other hand allowing the hypersensitivity (IgE) responses to continue unabated by suppressing the production of cortisol. I have personally verified this glandular approach clinically now for the past two years and even witnessed one severe asthmatic's peak flow volumes more than double in less than twelve weeks.

The doctor was astonished to say the least, and quickly weaned the patient off more than four different antibiotics. When you have asthma as severe as this lady (more than 40 years), you get to the point where you become permanently dependent on steroids and antibiotics because you are always sick. Your bones begin to crumble and your skin becomes as thin as tissue paper as the Prednisolone takes its toll. Ask your practitioner, as adrenal glandular extracts are again "practitioner only" and not available in the health food shops.

Treating asthma can be a most difficult and frustrating endeavour, especially for the parent. However, the above mentioned environmental modifications, Buteyko method, dietary avoidances, nutritional supplements and herbs can in combination dramatically help to reduce the overall burden. In many cases, my 10 step asthma plan can help prevent the asthmatic from even having to use beta-agonist bronchodilator or steroidal puffers, or they can be used as an adjunct to these drugs to allow lesser usage or lower drug dosing. However they are used, it is important for the practitioner to fully investigate the patient's reactivity to substances in their diet and environment and promote avoidance of those substances, as well as encouraging proper nutrition and lifestyle practices that will reduce the overall immune burden. You can make a real difference here, and asthma truly is one of those chronic conditions where the best results will come with an integrated and holistic approach.

Mr. Eric Bakker is a registered Naturopath with a Bachelor Degree of Science majoring in Complementary Medicine as well as separate diploma qualifications in Naturopathy, Herbal Medicine and Classical Homeopathy. Eric is past Vice President of the New Zealand Natural Medicine Association with almost 20 years of clinical experience in natural medicine and has had extensive post graduate training in Australia, America, New Zealand and India.

Mr. Bakker lectures at natural medicine colleges and natural health conferences throughout Australia and NZ, writes for several journals and natural health publications and specialises in the clinical integration of natural and conventional medicine. Eric has practiced in conjunction with medical doctors for over 13 years in medical clinics in both NZ and Australia.

Mr. Bakker specialises in the clinical integration of natural forms of healing and conventional Western Medicine. Eric is the Clinical Director of The Naturopaths and has a clinical practice in the Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. Your best way to contact Eric is by way of email: eric@naturopath.co.nz His website is: http://www.naturopath.co.nz
Eric's NEW website will be coming very soon, his old one is being revamped right now!

Asthma Types - How Intense Is Yours?

Do you have asthma? Have you tried to describe to your family and friends how intense your asthma attacks can be? Many people believe that asthma attacks fall into one category as far as intensity and discomfort. They do not understand that you could still have asthma even if you don't experience extreme gasping or need to reach for an inhaler each day. Asthma falls into four main categories of intensity for all different asthma types. These asthma types apply to allergic, non-allergic, exercise induced, occupational, and aspirin induced asthma.

What are the four main categories of intensity with regards to asthma? The four categories include mild intermittent, mild persistent, moderate persistent, and severe persistent. These categories were defined by the National Institutes of Health in their guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma.

Let's take a look at each intensity level in more detail.

Intensity Level #1: Mild Intermittent.

This intensity level is characterized by experiencing symptoms no more than two times a week during the day and no more than two times a month during the night time. If you have this level of asthma you will often not experience any asthma symptoms between the infrequent asthma episodes. When you do experience asthmatic symptoms the symptoms will only bother you for a short period of time and at the most a few days. Asthma does not play a big role in your life.

Intensity Level #2: Mild Persistent.

This intensity level is characterized by experiencing symptoms a little more frequently. You experience asthma symptoms more than two times a week during the day and more than two times a month at night. However, you don't experience asthma every single day. At this intensity asthma does have a noticeable affect on your daily life.

Intensity Level #3: Moderate Persistent.

This intensity level is characterized by experiencing asthma symptoms much more frequently. You have symptoms each day and also more than one time a week during the night. You always have a short-acting bronchodilator on hand to help stop an asthma attack. Your daily activities are greatly affected by your asthma. You must keep your asthma medications and quick relief items on hand.

Intensity Level #4: "Severe Persistent".

This intensity level is characterized by experiencing asthma symptoms very frequently. In fact, you experience asthma symptoms all day long and all night. You have to be very careful about your activities and often find that you can not participate in many activities because of your asthma.

How do I figure out which intensity level my asthma type falls under? There are two things you can do to determine this information. First, keep track of all your asthma symptoms. Make sure to note the day and time of your symptoms. Indicate the type and intensity of your symptoms. Second, have your doctor evaluate the extent of your asthma with various breathing and airway tests. They will have you go through lung-function tests and measure your heart rate. They will look at your medical history and asthma tracking to help you figure out the intensity of your asthma. From this they can prescribe you asthma medication and treatments that can greatly alleviate your asthma

Attention all asthma sufferers...
To learn about the basic asthma types, and discover vital facts all about asthma inhalers, then go to:
http://www.onlineasthmahelp.com/

Understand Asthma

Asthma is a disorder affecting the airways of the lungs. The inflammation makes the airways very sensitive, and they tend to react strongly to things that you are allergic to or find irritating. People with asthma have very sensitive airways that narrow in response to certain "triggers", leading to difficulty in breathing. Asthma attacks are not all the same--some are worse than others. In a severe asthma attack, the airways can close so much that not enough oxygen gets to vital organs. This condition is a medical emergency.

People can die from severe asthma attacks. Approximately 20.5 million Americans currently have asthma. Many people with asthma have an individual or family history of allergies, such as hay fever (allergic rhinitis) or eczema. Asthma symptoms can also be triggered by respiratory infections, exercise, cold air, tobacco smoke and other pollutants, stress, food, or drug allergies. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications provoke asthma in some patients.

Most people with asthma have wheezing attacks separated by symptom-free periods. Asthma is more common in boys than in girls. But after puberty asthma is more common in females. Asthma is an allergic disease that affects the bronchi or air passages.

When the allergic reaction takes place, the bronchi constrict and get clogged with mucous, making breathing very difficult. Asthma affects the airways, the small tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. If you have asthma, your airways are sensitive and easily become swollen. A total of 47 patients had high levels of exhaled nitric oxide. Of those patients, 41 started using inhaled corticosteroids, and 36 noted improvement in their cough.

Asthma may be very mild, or it can be very severe. An asthma attack can become very serious. Asthma is one of the leading causes of children missing school. Asthma coughs, on the other hand, are most often dry coughs caused by bronchial spasms. Asthma can be controlled by taking medicine and avoiding the triggers that can cause an attack.

Asthma is treated with two kinds of medicines: quick-relief medicines to stop asthma symptoms and long-term control medicines to prevent symptoms. Asthma and eosinophilic bronchitis can be treated with inhaled corticosteroids, which combat inflammation in the airways to reduce asthma symptoms. Antimuscarinics/anticholinergics (ipratropium, oxitropium, and tiotropium), which have a mixed reliever and preventer effect. Omalizumab, an IgE blocker; this can help patients with severe allergic asthma that does not respond to other drugs.

Quick-relief medications and Long-term-control medications. These are used regularly to control chronic symptoms and prevent asthma attacks. Xolair is used in children over 12 years old and adults with moderate to severe asthma caused by an allergy, if all other treatments have failed. Short-acting bronchodilators -- often called "rescue" or "quick-relief" medications --stop the symptoms of an asthma attack in progress. Allergy-desensitization shots may help if you have allergic asthma that can't be easily controlled by avoiding triggers.

Asthma. Treatment Tips

1. Antimuscarinics/anticholinergics (ipratropium, oxitropium, and tiotropium), which have a mixed reliever and preventer effect.

2. Omalizumab, an IgE blocker; this can help patients with severe allergic asthma that does not respond to other drugs.

3. Quick-relief medications and Long-term-control medications are used regularly to control chronic symptoms and prevent asthma attacks.

4. Xolair is used in children over 12 years old and adults with moderate to severe asthma caused by an allergy, if all other treatments have failed.

5. Short-acting bronchodilators -- often called "rescue" or "quick-relief" medications --stop the symptoms of an asthma attack in progress.

6. Anticholinergic medications, such as ipratropium bromide may be used instead.

7. Antihistamines, often used to treat allergic symptoms that may underlie the chronic inflammation.

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

Juliet Cohen writes articles for online medical clinic [http://www.online-medical-clinic.com/] and skin disorders. For more information visit our site at http://www.diseasestreatment.com.

Why Do You Have Asthma?

Asthma is an inflammatory condition where your bronchioles constrict causing breathing difficulties. Your bronchioles become inflamed for a variety of physical, emotional and environmental reasons. It is not contagious so, you cannot catch it from another person.

But what is the real cause asthma? Why do some people develop asthma and why is asthma more common in the western world?

Inheriting Asthma

However, you can inherit the asthma tendency from your parents, although people with asthma should not worry about their future children on this score.

Studies show that children whose parents smoke are twice as likely to develop asthma as children of non-smoking parents. Also, children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy tend to be born with smaller airways, which greatly increases their chances of developing the disease.

The "westernised" environment and lifestyle in developed countries has a lot to do with the chances of whether a person will develop asthma or not.

Many people believe air pollution has something to do with asthma, although the evidence, at this stage, is surprisingly very weak.

Allergies

Causes of asthma include allergies to house dust mites, cats, dogs, and moulds.

Childhood infections and exposure to substances from bacteria in a dirty environment seem to protect against allergies, and this seems to be the main reason why richer populations have more allergic disease.

So the causes of asthma are complicated. They include genetics, exposure to chemical irritants and pollution, a low immune system, emotional or mental problems, allergies to certain foods.

Almost all asthma in young people is cause by allergies. This means that if you have asthma you probably have inherited genes which make it possible for you to get asthma. Add to this, allergy-producing things in your environment, such as house dust mites, cats, or dog and your asthma get worse.. The allergies and the genes are the causes for developing asthma, because if either of them were not present you would not developed asthma.

But, what about colds, exercise, laughter, or tobacco smoke, which are asthma triggers?

You can't cure your asthma by not doing exercise, or by not laughing. Quite simply, these are not causes of asthma, though they can be causes of an attack.

The type of interior house paint can apparently make asthma worse. Glossy oil paints used for home decorating can bring on asthma attacks. The good news is that emulsion paints don't seem to do this.

Polyurethane paints, usually recognisable because they come in two packs which need to be mixed together before use, can cause occupational asthma in people who use them regularly. However, they probably cause no great risk in people with asthma who use them infrequently. As always, when using chemicals and paints, it is surely a good idea to ventilate the area well during and after use.

Emotional issues

Now, deep seated emotionally issue can be the cause of asthma. When emotion is embedded into the body, it has to express itself in a way that its electrical charge can be released. This release happens over and over as outside situations trigger the memory.

The way an embedded emotion issue chooses to express itself is by the path of least resistance. If your heart is weak, the emotional issue will pound your heart. If your joints are weak, it will pound your joints. If your bronchi or lungs are weak, it will pound them and eventually weaken those more, leading you to asthma or other respiratory diseases.

Early on everyone should be aware of their family illness history. This is something that is seldom considered. If it were, you could take preventative measures if you knew you were prone to asthma. Choosing the right foods and keeping specific body organs or systems strong, with the right nutrients early on, would definitely prevent you from having to suffer with asthma as you became older.

Discover how you can eliminate or prevent illness using natural remedies. Go here Now to get my Free report on the "Top 67 Best Foods" to eat to keep disease free Have Asthma

Signs and Symptoms of Asthma

Most people with asthma have warning signs before symptoms ever appear. The warning signs are not the same for everyone. Even your own warning signs may differ from time to time. By learning what your warning signs are, you can start treatment sooner. This may keep you from having a serious asthma attack. Some of the warning signs of asthma or signs of an asthma attack are listed below.

• Abnormal Breathing – This includes breathing faster than normal, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing. • Persistent coughing – This coughing may be worse at night or early morning. • Tightness in the chest. • Fatigue, of a feeling of always being tired. • Wheezing, head congestion, and/or scratchy or sore throat • Rapid heartbeat. • Head congestion

There are many things that can cause an asthma attack. Below are some of the most common triggers.

• Air pollution. • Animals. • Cold weather. • Dust. • Exercise. • Foods. • Lung infections. • Molds. • Pollens. • Smoke. • Stress.

Asthma is divided into 4 broad categories or “levels”

•Intermittent Level: This is the least serious level of asthma. A person is considered to be in this level when they exhibit asthma symptoms no more than 2 times a week and are not awakened at night with asthma symptoms more than twice a month. At this level, an asthma attack may last from a few hours to a few days, but there are no symptoms between asthma attacks. Between asthma attacks the peak expiratory flow or "PEF" is normal or varies less than 20%. The PEF is a measure of airflow to your lungs. A peak flow meter is used to get a PEF reading.

•Mild persistent: A person at this level has asthma symptoms more than 2 times a week but not on a daily basis, and will have nighttime asthma symptoms more than twice monthly. At this level, asthma attacks may slow daily activities. The PEF reading will vary by 20% to 30%.

•Moderate persistent: A person at this level has asthma symptoms every day and has nighttime asthma symptoms about once a week. Asthma attacks may occur at least 2 times a week and last for several days. At this stage, a person will use a short-acting inhaled asthma medicine every day. Asthma attacks do not just slow down daily activities but may actually prevent some of them. The PEF reading may vary by more than 30%.

•Severe persistent: This is the most serious level of asthma. A person at this level displays asthma symptoms all the time both day and night. Asthma symptoms severely limit a person's physical activity, and asthma attacks are common

You and your doctor will develop a plan to treat your asthma. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may or may not need medication to control your asthma. Generally, asthma medicines fall into 2 categories; long term control and quick relief medicines

1) Long-term control medicines are taken every day to control persistent asthma by decreasing inflammation in the airways. This group of medicines keeps airway swelling from starting.. This medicine is put into an inhaler through which you breathe.

2) Quick-relief medicines are taken to quickly open your airways and to treat symptoms such as cough, chest tightness, wheezing, or shortness of breath. This class of medicine is known as bronchodilators. Bronchodilators relax muscles that have tightened around the airways. Once these muscles relax, the airways open to help you breathe easier.

In summary, educating yourself is crucial. You need to learn to watch for signs that your asthma is worsening as well as what to do to stop an asthma attack. You can usually care for yourself at home during an asthma attack. However, if your breathing does not improve with medicine or treatments, you should contact your doctor as alternative treatments may be necessary.

If you have asthma, you may feel frightened or anxious. Some people blame themselves and think they have done something wrong. These are normal feelings and should be discussed with your doctor or with someone close to you. Ask your doctor about support groups for people with asthma. Such a group can give you support and information Call or write the following groups for more information:

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology 611 East Wells Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 Phone: 1-800-822-ASMA Web Address: http://www.aaaai.org

American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology 85 West Algonquin Road, Suite 550 Arlington Heights, IL 60005 Phone: 1-800-842-7777 Web Address: [http://allergy.mcg.edu]

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America 1233 20th Street NW, Suite 402 Washington,, DC 20036 Phone: 1-800-727-8462 Web Address: http://aafa.org

National Asthma Education and Prevention Program National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute National Asthma Education and Prevention Program P.O. Box 30105 Bethesda, MD 20824-0105 Phone: 1-301-592-8573 Web Address: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/infoctr/index.htm

Don Rondeau is an engineer, writer, and is living with loved ones with asthma. His revews of asthma products can be found at http://www.asthmasolution.com/help, This article can be re-printed and/or published online or offline for free, provided this resource box remains intact Questions or comments are welcomed and should be sent to don@myinfoabout.com

Cure Asthma Naturally - Alternative Asthma Therapies

For those of you who suffer from asthma I have the greatest sympathy. Me being a sufferer from asthma too, I can understand the agony you feel when the asthma attack comes. You see asthma is a disease of the respiratory tree, in which it becomes hyper responsive to some special external stimuli. These stimuli that cause asthma are basically allergy causing agents, the most famous of which is the pollen, explaining the preponderance of asthma in the change of season times. Thus basically in asthma it is the body's immune system damaging itself.

The drugs for asthma used by doctors aim at two main things:

1) To stop the asthma attack- that is symptomatic asthma treatment- given via bronchodilators.

2) To prevent further asthma attacks- that is definitive asthma treatment- given via steroids.

Now for asthma, bronchodilators are pretty safe drugs to use, but the same cannot be said about steroids as cure for asthma. If i start recounting the side effects of steroids seen during their use in asthma, you would probably fall asleep before the end of the list- there are just so many.

Keeping this in mind you have to choose between what the doctor prescribes for asthma and some of the alternative therapies for asthma that are available. You see most doctors are usually not aware as to the existence of alternative therapies for asthma, even if they are aware they tend to be skeptical. Mind you, the treatment they prescribe for asthma is not wrong but its a personal choice you have to make between alternative therapies and the drugs. However, before making this choice for your treatment of asthma, be sure to consult your asthma physician first.

Now we shall discuss some of the natural ways to cure asthma, that is the alternative therapies:

1) Relaxation techniques and Yoga: This technique incorporates the breathing exercises of yoga. I am an avid follower of this technique for my asthma. The exercises include- Kapalbharti and Bhastrika. These exercises work in an as yet unknown way, but believe me they are probably the most useful of all the alternative therapies to cure asthma naturally.

2) Probiotics: These are cultures of potentially beneficial bacteria that normally reside in the healthy gut, usually taken in form of probiotic supplemented yogurt. The intake of these regularly has been found to be beneficial in curing asthma naturally, and it is a well established part of alternative therapy of asthma.

3) In the third place for alternative therapies for curing asthma naturally, comes the usual rant of antioxidants, vitamins C and E, selenium, and zinc.

Thus, folks, concludes my discourse on alternative therapies for curing asthma naturally. Thank you for having the patience to reach the end.

If you still want to know more about asthma you may visit this blog: http://naturalasthmarelief.blogspot.com

Asthma Treatment Utilizing Natural Health Products Versus Prescription Medicine

Traditionally, Asthma is researched and known as a condition, which affects the respiratory track of the lungs. Asthma can be categorized into allergic and non-allergic or extrinsic, intrinsic and mixed asthma.

An extrinsic Asthma (allergic) :It is normally attacked by allergic things such as dust particles, fumes or smokes, animal dander, sugar, chemicals, drugs, environmental and industrial pollutants, food additive and tobacco, etc

An intrinsic Asthma (Non-Allergic): Generally triggered by adrenal glands' disorder and emotional disorder such as stress, tension and anxiety.

It is wholly depends on the stimuli that trigger or target in attacking a person.

Mixed Asthma

Mixed asthma is a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic asthma. Mixed asthma patients react to certain allergies but also are triggered by other reasons and things.

It is a two- steps problem.

o When a person is affected by asthma, inflammation is felt in the air passages and it becomes red and swollen.

o When the air passages get inflamed, the patient becomes extra-sensitive to different things, which may aggravate asthma.

Symptoms:

It is a respiratory disease caused from allergies; it can be identified or its presence can be felt by symptoms like chest constriction, labored breathing and continuous coughing.

Asthma is a chronic disease, which cannot be cured permanently but can be controlled. One can control his asthma if it is early and properly diagnosed and then patient goes for early treatment. If treatment is not done earlier or a patient becomes careless about his health then there will be frequent and severe attack of asthma, which may lead to fatal consequences.

Treatment:

We know that asthma cannot be cured permanently but we can control it to great extend if we opt natural treatment and take some precautions. Heavy doses of medicines of different chemical compositions may aggravate asthma instead of controlling it. So it is better to start treatment using natural products.

Natural treatment is safe and result oriented; it can control asthma to great extend without any side effects. The health condition of the lungs, immune system, nervous system and adrenal system are the vital areas for the treatment of asthma through natural products.

Asthma treatment using natural product

Natural treatment starts by avoiding things, which trigger asthma such as aerosol, sugar, food additives, fats food, salt, fast food, junk food, ice cream and chemically preservative food.

The patient must add more juicy fruits, green vegetables, fiber vegetables and raw nuts in his diet.

Patent must avoid such conditions and situations, which cause emotional disturbances or negative emotions such as depression, restlessness, anger, anxiety, destructiveness, self-condemnation and self -pity.

In natural treatment of asthma diet, emotional and physical aspects to be taken care.

Herbal products must be taken that help in removing excessive mucous and clear respiratory track.

Herbal asthmatic formula contains 13 types of herbs, which reduces excessive mucus, chest constriction; clear respiratory track and helps in comfortable breathing.

Herbs contain antitussive and antispasmodic qualities, which helps in toning lungs and helps in relieving congestion.

There are herbs included for the treatment of asthma that having demulcent and expectorant qualities to tone up bronchial tubes that help in expelling excessive mucus and phlegm.

Some herbs have multi qualities, which act on the body suitably and positively to tone and shape up lungs, clear air passage, control and calm down coughing and control labor breathing.

Herbs like elecampane, garlic, mustard, ginger, skullcap and valerian easily available naturally and these herbs are highly recommended for the treatment of asthma.

There are herbal chocolate and tea, which can be used for the treatment to control asthma. There are tonic, based on herbs to strengthen the immune system and respiratory system. Food powders are made of herbs and fruits to fight asthmatic attacks.

There are ointments made by herbs to rub the chest during the breathing problems or chest constriction.

There are also ayurvedic and homeopathic treatment to control asthma, which is found to be very effective and substantial.

Asthma should be treated opting natural products and herbs because it is safety, cheaper and free from any side effect. These applications will certainly control your asthma and same time you can enjoy life normally and naturally.

Author Rich Marsiglia, Natural Health Products at YourHealthyPlace.

Asthma Cure - Home Remedies for Asthma, Asthma Causes

Asthma is constant disease that affects the airways or the tubes that brings air in and out of the lungs. Asthmatics have inflamed airways or the inside walls of the airways are swollen with too much mucus creation making breathing hard. Signs include wheezing, chest pains, obscurity breathing and coughing. Asthma is a very uncomfortable and life-threatening disease if not treated properly.

Asthma attacks differs from person to person, but stern asthma attack is life threatening. The airways may shut due to too much swelling and mucus production; in this case your body vital organs will not receive sufficient oxygen and this may cause death. You have to know how to treat your asthma before it could get severe.

Asthma is an antique Greek statement meaning 'out of breath or short drawn breath'. It is an allergic situation resulting from the reaction of the body to one or additional allergens, and is the most upsetting of respiratory diseases. An asthma patient gets recurrent attacks of breathlessness, in between which he may even be totally normal.

Asthma Symptoms

Winded for breath

Patients suffering from asthma emerge to be gasping for breath. Really, they have more difficulty in inhalation out than breathing in, and this is caused by spasms or unexpected involuntary muscular contractions of the minor air passages in the lungs.

Asthma Causes

Allergic reaction caused by weather situations

A range of factors causes asthma. It may be due to an sensitivity caused by weather conditions, food, drugs, perfumes, and other irritants. Allergies to dust are the most ordinary.

Asthma Cures

1. Asthma treatment via Honey

Honey is one of the most common home cures for asthma. It is supposed that if a jug of honey is held beneath the nose of an asthma patient and he inhales the air that comes into contact by means of it, he starts breathing easier and deeper.

2. Asthma treatment with Figs

Amongst fruits, figs have proved very precious in asthma. They provide comfort to the patient by draining off the phlegm. Three or four dry figs must be cleaned thoroughly with warm water and soaked during the night.

3. Asthma treatment with Lemon

Lemon is one more fruit found useful in the treatment of asthma. The juice of one lemon, diluted in a glass of water and taken with meals, will bring good quality results

4. Asthma treatment via Indian Gooseberry

Indian gooseberry has also proved precious in asthma. Five grams of gooseberry mixed with one tablespoon of honey forms an useful medicinal tonic for the treatment of this ailment. It must be taken every morning

5. Asthma treatment by means of Bitter Gourd Roots

The roots of the bitter gourd plant have been used in folk medicine for asthma since earliest times. A teaspoon of the root paste, mixed with an identical amount of honey or juice of the tulsi leaves, given once every night for a month, acts as an exceptional medicine for this disease.

6. Asthma treatment via Drumstick Leaves

A soup prepared from drumstick leaves, and taken once daily, has been found useful in the treatment of asthma. Adding a handful of leaves to 180ml of water and boiling it for five minutes prepare this soup. After being allowed to cool, a little salt, pepper, and lime juice might be added to this soup.

7. Asthma treatment with Ginger

A teaspoon of fresh ginger juice, mixed with a cup of fenugreek decoction and honey to taste, acts as a brilliant expectorant in cases of asthma. The decoction of fenugreek can be made by addition of one tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in a cupful of water. This remedy must be taken once in the morning and once in the evening.

8. Asthma treatment via Garlic

Garlic is an additional effective home remedy for asthma. Ten garlic cloves, boiled in 30 ml of milk, create an excellent medicine for the early stages of asthma. This mixture must he taken once each day by the patient. Steaming ginger tea with two minced garlic cloves in it, can also help to keep the trouble under control, and must be taken in the morning and evening.

9. Asthma treatment via Bishop's Weed

The herb bishop's weed has been found precious in asthma. Half a teaspoon of bishop's weed must be mixed in a glass of buttermilk and taken two times each day. It is an effective medicine for relieving difficult expectoration caused by dried-up phlegm. A hot poultice of the seeds must be used for dry fomentation to the chest two times daily. The. patient can also breathe in steam twice a day from boiling water mixed with ajwain. It will widen the bronchial passages.

10. Asthma treatment with Safflower

Safflower seeds are helpful in the treatment of bronchial asthma. Half a teaspoon of powder of the dry seeds, mixed with a tablespoon of honey, can be taken one or two times a day in treating this disease. This acts as an expectorant and decreases the spasms by liquefying the tenacious sputum. An infusion of five grams of flowers mixed with one tablespoon of honey, taken once every day, is also helpful in this disease.

For more information on home remedies for asthma, cure for asthma visit http://www.himalayahomeremedies.com ? HERBAL HOME REMEDIES and Natural Treatments

Getting The Upper Hand On Asthma Allergy

Asthma allergy is the number one form of allergy today. And since asthma allergy is inherited, one can get it at a young age. The diagnosis process for asthma allergy is a simple and very straightforward test and will immediately determine if you do have asthma and not just some other type of allergy.

Symptoms of an asthma allergy

An asthma allergy reaction can vary in degree, from mild to severe. The following are symptoms of an asthma allergy:

· Headache

· Fever

· Chronic coughing

· Chest pain or tightness

· Difficulty in breathing

· Rapid breathing or wheezing

· Scratchy or sore throat

· Itchy, watery eyes

· Runny nose

· Continuous sneezing

· Restlessness

Some of the mentioned symptoms have the same indicators to conditions like pulmonary disease; sinusitis and influenza so make sure you see a doctor for a more precise diagnosis. What you thought as an asthma allergy may actually be something else.

An asthma allergy reaction that is mild to moderate in degree can be identified with tightness of the chest, spewing and coughing up mucus, having difficulty sleeping and constant wheezing.

A severe asthma allergy attack may be characterized by the person having difficulty in speaking, a bluish color to the person's lips and fingernails, and breathlessness. When this happens, the patient must be ready with their medication.

Asthma Allergy Treatment

The asthma allergy is treated by medicines prescribed by the doctor. These medicines reduce the swelling of the mucous membrane and help normalize the air passage of the person with asthma allergy. Called "controller medicines", they help ease the pain of the asthma allergy attack:

· Mast cell stabilizers - non-steroidal medications that control the inflammation by stopping the body from releasing inflammatory chemicals.

· Corticosteroids - another anti-inflammatory medication.

· Anti-leukotrienes - it stops the production of leukotrienes that are responsible for the increase in inflammation that causes constriction of the airway muscle and close the windpipes of the patient.

The drugs mentioned are used to help patients with asthma allergy to gain control of their asthma and keep on living a normal life. They are available in capsules, tablets and inhalers. A person suffering from asthma attacks should always bring their medicine along especially since these attacks are unpredictable.

Asthma Allergy Prevention

An asthma allergy attack cannot be prevented since doctors are not sure what causes asthma. But there are ways that a person with an asthma allergy can reduce the symptoms or totally avoid having an attack.

· Keep a clean and dust-free environment by vacuuming the house.

· If you live near a dusty road where cars frequently pass by, pour water on the road in front of your house. This will stop the dust from flying into the home.

· Regularly clean the fan, air-conditioning and other ducts that come in contact with air.

· Avoid places that have plenty of environmental allergens like molds, pollens, animal dander and secondhand cigarette smoke.

· Wear a mask when cleaning the house or going to a place full of allergens.

· Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet.

In the end, the only way to defeat asthma is to learn how to live with the condition. Healthy living is a great way to turn one's life around when a person has asthma. And with the help of modern science, it is not impossible to lead a productive life. Despite an allergic reaction, one should not stop enjoying life even if they have asthma.

Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR'S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes.

Charlene J. Nuble 2006.

For answers to All your frequently asked questions about asthma allergy, please go to: http://asthma-allergy.allergyanswers.net/

Asthma in Children

Asthma in children can't be cured however there are many ways to help you deal with it a little better, as well as the child. Asthma in a child can be heart breaking, and the child may suffer severely at times, and not so bad others. Asthma can make your child experience difficulty breathing. Airways become swollen. When asthma decides to flare up, a child's airways are tightened and also become narrower. This makes it hard to breath. When asthma begins to flare, it's called an asthma attack.

Causes of Asthma in Children

What causes asthma is unknown, and some experts believe that there are certain factors that can contribute to the cause of asthma such as environmental, immune factors, or inheritance.

Asthma in children can be hereditary or can run in families. If your family suffers with asthma, it may be likely that your child will suffer with inflammation of the bronchial tubes that may be long-lasting.

There are also environmental factors that can play a huge role in the development of asthma in children. Sometimes a germ-conscious lifestyle can even contribute to asthma. Some health experts say that not exposing a child to harmful bacteria can cause asthma. This can cause a child's immune system to develop on different levels that can develop asthma and some types of allergies.

Some cases have been seen with immune system cells releasing certain chemicals and this can cause swelling. This can result in a response to certain substances and cause allergies and asthma. There have been studies that show that being exposed to things such as cockroaches, pet dander, dust mites and other allergens can cause asthma in children. Even if a child suffers with asthma, this doesn't mean they have allergies.

How to Cope and Live With Asthma

While asthma is not curable in a child, there are ways to help cope with it and manage it better. You should have a readiness plan in case of an asthma attack. This can help decrease the amount of inflammation, and can help reduce long-term effects or damage to the child's lungs. It can reduce the amount of asthma attacks your child can have, and also the duration of them.

Here are a few things to talk to your child about in order to help your child deal with an asthma attack better:

Talk to your children about asthma. This can help notice any symptoms and can help you control them better. This is a great way to prevent asthma attacks. Try to determine what your child already knows about asthma, and educate them on what they don't know.

Understand solutions and barriers. Figure out things that are going to make your child steer away from the plan. It can be something as simple as living a far distance away from their doctor. Your child could also have emotional fears of their condition. Try to talk to your child's doctors about solutions to these barriers.

Have them participate in extracurricular activities. Encourage them to participate in activities with friends and peers. Asthma can however put a limit on some activities, but exercise can help improve function of the lungs, which decreases the effects of asthma. Be sure to teach your children what their limits are.

Coping with asthma in children is not hard if you have the guidance and the right knowledge. Asthma can be managed better, and it can be controlled as long as the right steps are taken. Consult with your doctor to learn more and to see what other alternatives can help your child.

Find more answers to your questions, and learn the in's and out's of parenthood by visiting My Baby Plannings

Asthma - How To Cure Asthma Fast In 5 Easy Steps

With more than 15 million asthmatics in the USA, finding the most effective and right asthma remedy for someone who lives daily with the effects of asthma is like a Crusader finding the Holy Grail.

Are You Finding The Right Thing On How To Cure Asthma Fast?

The most important and prevalent thing on the mind of an asthma sufferer is finding a remedy for the ailment. Finding how to cure asthma fast that you truly deserve is not as easy as just going to the doctor and taking what he gives you unfortunately an asthma remedy is not that simple.

The proper way in finding how to cure asthma fast is to be more involved and multifaceted than that. It takes more than just pill popping to solve the problem of asthma; it takes an adjustment of one's lifestyle. These easy 5 steps are designed to give you a direction and a guide to finding how to cure asthma fast that you definitely works for you.

Step 1: Respect Your Asthma

Are you respecting your body? Many people who have asthma refuse to respect it enough to alter their lifestyle which is dangerous and irresponsible. If you have asthma, accept that you have it and that you will have to make adjustments because of it.

Step 2: Be Consistent

Once you have decided on what to do and what not to do in an effort to control the symptoms of asthma, stick to those decisions. If you decide to stop swimming, don't join the swimming team. If you need to give up running, don't register for a marathon. Be consistent and stick to the decisions that you have made.

Step 3: Be Practical and Positive

Just because you have asthma does not mean that you have to give up all activity and sit on the couch for the rest of your life. Keep a good attitude on how to cure asthma fast and you will be able to rationally think about the situation and what is the best way to handle it. Getting irritable and irrational will only compound your problems.

Step 4: Get Help From Experts on How To Cure Asthma Fast

Never try to find an appropriate asthma remedy on your own. Finding the right how to cure asthma fast remedy is best done with the help of a licensed professional. Uncle so-and-so or cousin this-and-that may be great people, but they are not asthma experts. Ask someone who is an expert to help you make the right decisions.

Step 5: Be Accepting

Accept the fact that you have asthma, that you can't get rid of asthma, that you can manage asthma, and that you can be happy and normal with asthma. Don't let the asthma blow itself out of proportion. Accepting the fact that you have asthma will help you be able to find the best asthma remedy.

These steps are a simple way to combat the effects of asthma. There is an asthma remedy that is right for you, all you have to do is follow these steps and find it.

Even though you may know the 5 easy steps on how to cure asthma fast that designed to give you a asthma-free lifestyle. With all the information available of no use, action is power when applying knowledge which will then free yourself the agony of having asthma again. You should never add to, or alter any component of your current asthma treatment without first consulting your physician.

However, many asthmatics sometimes tend to forget that even though there may be many strategies and techniques around to asthma remedy around in order to have an asthma free life. Without a proper asthma management system, there will not be much asthma free lifestyle to hope for.

Applying these facts and tips together with a system - enjoy your life once again.

Eddy K Elton is the author of 17 Minutes Asthma and Allergy Secrets ebook. Drop by at Cure Asthma Fast At Home for more details. Also, he has a free asthma information website about How To Cure Asthma Fast for more details.

Should We Be Concerned? What are the Trends of Asthma?

Globally, the trends of asthma is that it continues to escalate with more than 300 million people around the world suffering from asthma. In many countries the annual asthma death toll rises year in, year out.

Although asthma affects people of all ages, it often starts in childhood and is more common in children than adults. More boys have asthma than girls, but in adulthood more women have asthma than men.

Although asthma is a problem among all races, blacks have more asthma attacks and are more likely than whites to be hospitalised for asthma attacks or to die from asthma.

Trends of Asthma in the USA

There is an estimated 23.2 million people that suffer from asthma in the USA, and more than 30% of those are children 0 - 18 years of age.

Asthma is the biggest cause of school absensces in regards to chronic illnesses.

Asthma is the reason for nearly 500,000 hospitalisations and 5,000 deaths each year.

Health care costs related to asthma are more than $14 billion annually.

All statistic related to asthma, health care cost, newly diagnosed people and deaths because of asthma continues to increase yearly.

Trends of Asthma in Britian

Just over 5 million people have asthma. Meaning that 1 in 10 children and 1 in 12 adults. Each year 1,400 people die from asthma, and over a third of these deaths are in people under 65 years of age.

Each year there are 69,000 hospital admissions due to asthma, which includes about 28,500 children.

Approximately 1.2 million people with asthma experience significant restrictions on their daily lives, while 250,000 people have asthma which is so severe that it cannot be controlled by inhalers or stronger medicine.

Asthma treatment costs the NHS (National Health Service) an estimated £889 million a year.

However, too few asthmatics get the right information from their doctor when their asthma is diagnosed - only 6% receive a written self-management plan that explains when to take their medication and only 3% are told what to do when their asthma gets worse.

In a survey of 13-14 year olds in 56 countries, the UK had the fifth highest prevalence rate for asthma.

Trends of Asthma in Australia

Over two million people in Australia have asthma.

While asthma is on the increase, asthma deaths have been steadily declining for the past decade.

It is widely accepted that Australia has some of the best, and most affordable, medications available and are recognised as world leaders when it comes to asthma management and education, largely due to the intensive work of the National Asthma Council.

Summary of the Trends and Statistics

Asthma is a highly ranked chronic health condition in adults in most western countries, and it is the leading chronic illness of children. Asthma rates are on the increase, especially in the western world.

More people in western countries suffer from allergies, compared to people in less affluent rural parts of the world, and allergy rates are also on the increase.

Learn More About How You Can Treat and Live with Asthma at Asthma-Explained.com

Asthma Treatment and Medication

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that effects over 30 million Americans alone and researchers estimate that 10 - 15% of the world population suffers from asthma. People with asthma have extra sensitive or hyper-responsive airways. The airways become irritated and narrow and constrict during an asthma attack, causing increased resistance to airflow, and obstructing the flow of the air to and from the lungs.

Most often asthma must be treated with prescription medicine. There are two main types of medicines for the treatment of asthma. Quick relief medicines, also called relievers, give rapid, short-term relief and are taken when asthma symptoms worsen potentially leading to an asthma attacks. The effects of these medicines are felt within minutes. Long-term control medicines, also called preventers, are taken every day, usually over long periods of time, to control chronic symptoms and to prevent asthma attacks. The full effects of these medicines are felt after taking them for a few weeks. People with persistent asthma need long-term control medicines.

Some asthma drugs treat asthma by resembling two of our hormones. These two hormones are adrenaline (epinephrine in the USA) and hydrocortisone (a steroid).

Adrenaline (epinephrine) is pumped into our bloodstream when we have a sudden fright or emergency. It is the quick-acting hormone from the middle of the adrenal glands near our kidneys. It makes your pulse race, your heart thump, and readies your body for emergency action. In asthma, the medicines which resemble adrenaline quickly relieve asthma for a short time.

Hydrocortisone comes from the outer part of our adrenal glands, called the 'cortex'. It is also partly an "emergency hormone" but it works much more slowly, for much longer, and in a completely different way to adrenaline. Medicines which resemble hydrocortisone slowly allow the lining of air tubes in an asthma sufferer to become normal. As a result, your asthma becomes less severe and you are less likely to get asthma attacks. So these steroid medicines are called preventers. There are other asthma 'preventers', but the steroids are the most powerful.

Quick relief medicines are used only when needed. A type of quick relief medicine is a short-acting inhaled bronchodilator. Bronchodilators work by relaxing the muscles that have tightened around the airways. They help open up airways quickly and ease breathing. They are sometimes called "rescue" or "relief" medicines because they can stop an asthma attack very quickly. These medicines act quickly but their effects only last for a short period of time. People with asthma should take quick relief medicines when they first begin to feel asthma symptoms like coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. Anyone who has asthma should always have one of these inhalers nearby in case of an attack. For severe attacks, your doctor may use steroids to treat the inflammation.

The most effective, long-term control medication for asthma is an inhaled corticosteroid. This medicine reduces the swelling of airways that makes asthma attacks more likely. Inhaled corticosteroids are the preferred treatment for controlling mild, moderate, and severe persistent asthma. They are safe when taken as directed by your doctor. Inhaled medicines go directly into your lungs where they are needed. There are many kinds of inhalers that require different techniques, and it is important to know how to use your inhaler correctly. In some cases, steroid tablets or liquid are used for short times to bring asthma under control. The tablet or liquid form may also be used to control severe asthma.

Many people with asthma need both a short-acting bronchodilator to use when asthma symptoms worsen rapidly and long-term daily asthma control medication to treat the ongoing inflammation. Over time, your doctor may need to make changes in your asthma medication. You may need to increase your dose, lower your dose, or try a combination of medications. Be sure to work with your doctor to find the best treatment for your asthma. The goal is to use the least amount of medicine necessary to control your asthma and to find the right medicine for you.

Daniel Lanicek is the creator of asthmaexplained.com. Learn more about asthma at http://www.asthmaexplained.com

13 Effective Home Remedies for Asthma

Read this article to know the best Home Remedies for Asthma. First of all let me tell you what is Asthma?

Asthma happens when the main air passages of your lungs, the bronchial tubes, become inflamed. Asthma is a chronic but treatable situation. It is a very common long-term condition that affects your airways and breathing. It affects the airways, the small tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. It may be very mild, or it can be very severe. Asthma can be deadly if it's not controlled. More than 20 million Americans are expected to have asthma, an immune disorder that affects the muscles around the bronchial tubes leading to the lungs.

Asthma goes by a number of names like wheezy bronchitis, bronchial asthma, asthmatic bronchitis and reactive airway disease (RAD). Most asthma attacks are caused by allergies to inhaled substances such as pollen, dust, and animal dander. There is no cure for asthma and proper management is essential. The main symptoms of asthma comprise cough, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, and wheezing. When people with asthma are bare to triggers, the airways in their lungs become inflamed and swollen.

During some asthma attacks, the muscles around the airways can also tighten and the airways can produce mucus. Allergic asthma engages the body's immune system. There is no fixed period of time in which asthma can enlarge.

Asthma causes

Most asthma attacks are caused by allergies to inhaled substances such as pollen, dust, and animal dander. They include: Allergens (substances to which some people are allergic) such as pollens, foods, dust, mould, feathers, or animal dander (small scales from animal hair or feathers);Irritants in the air such as dirt, cigarette smoke, gases, and odors; Respiratory infections such as colds, flu, sore throats, and bronchitis; Too much effort such as running upstairs too fast or carrying heavy loads (although people with asthma can benefit from a reasonable amount of exercise);Emotional stress such as excessive fear or excitement; Weather such as very cold air, windy weather, or sudden changes in weather; Medication such as aspirin or related drugs and some drugs used to treat glaucoma and high blood pressure.

Asthma Symptoms

Symptoms are: daytime coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness; night-time coughing and wheezing. Symptoms may occur a number of times in a day or week in affected persons, and for some people become worse during physical activity or at night.

Asthma Control

Asthma can be controlled by taking medicine and avoiding the triggers that can cause an attack. Uncontrolled asthma can be a danger to maternal well-being and fetal growth and survival.

Here is a list of some best Home Remedies for Asthma:

Home Remedies for Asthma

1) One may mix a tablespoon of honey with a half a tablespoon of cinnamon powder and consume prior to sleeping or one can boil eight to ten cloves of garlic in half a cup of milk and consume it at night and this is a wonderful natural asthma remedy for those who are in the early stages of asthma. This is a useful Home Remedy for Asthma

2) Another helpful natural asthma remedy is figs, which help in draining the phlegm and washing three to four dry figs with water and drenched them in a cup of water would help when eaten on an empty stomach along with drinking the fig-soaked water.

3) There is one more natural asthma remedy in the form of taking a cup of water and soaking one teaspoon of Fenugeek seeds during the night. Fenugeek seeds, which taken with a cup of water overnight is a further natural asthma remedy.

4) Steaming ginger tea with minced garlic cloves must be given two times in a day for asthma cure.

5) For asthma cure the patient should also be made to breathe in steam from boiling water mixed with ajwain. Add one teaspoonful of honey and drink the mixture two times or thrice a day for asthma cure. This is an effective Home Remedy for Asthma

6) Soak dry grapes in water at night and keep in cold milk for half an hour and chew them to treat asthma.

7) For asthma treatments mix one gram of dry ginger powder and one gram of black pepper in one teaspoon of molasses of honey.

8) For asthma cure turmeric can be taken along with honey in the morning on empty stomach to decrease the intensity of attack.

9) For people who are in their premature stages of asthma, a great Home Remedy for Asthma is to boil 8-10 cloves of garlic in ½ cup of milk and consume it during nighttime.

10) Take very hot water and put in a tsp of honey in it. Take it just before sleeping and take small sips.

11) In 1 cup of water soak 1 tsp of Fenugreek seeds overnight. Insert 1 tsp of Ginger juice and 1 tsp of honey to this. It has to be consumed two times during morning as well as evening. This is another effective Home Remedy for Asthma

12) The roots of the bitter gourd plant have been used as medicine for asthma cure. A teaspoon of the root paste, mixed with an identical amount of honey or juice of the tulsi leaves, given once every night for a month, acts as an outstanding medicine for this disease.

13) A soup prepared from drumstick leaves, and taken once daily, has been found helpful in the treatment of asthma. This soup is prepared by adding up a handful of leaves to 180ml of water and boiling it for five minutes. After being permitted to cool, a little salt, pepper, and lime juice may be added to this soup.

Dr John Anne is an Ayurvedic doctor having years of experience in the field of Ayurveda and Alternative medicine. Find out more Home Remedies for Asthma at http://www.natural-homeremedies.org He has an exclusive website on Home Remedies for various diseases. You can also contribute to the Home remedies by visiting the website

How to Treat Your Asthma

Asthma is chronic disease that affects the airways or the tubes that carries air in and out of the lungs. Asthmatics have inflamed airways or the inside walls of the airways are swollen with excessive mucus production making breathing difficult. Symptoms include wheezing, chest pains, difficulty breathing and coughing. Asthma is a very uncomfortable and life-threatening disease if not treated correctly. You should know how to treat your asthma to avoid serious attacks.

Asthma attacks vary from person to person, but severe asthma attack is life threatening. The airways may close due to too much swelling and mucus production; in this case your body vital organs will not receive enough oxygen and this may cause death. You have to know how to treat your asthma before it could get serious.

Managing and knowing how to treat your asthma is a vital part of your life if you are an asthmatic. You cannot afford to ignore your asthma if you want to lead an asthma attack free life. You have to take all the cautions and the stay away from things that will trigger an asthma attack. Asthma treatment includes:

Avoid your triggers or the things that will worsen your asthma symptoms. By following this you can control your asthma and may not need medication all the time. You have to identify your asthma triggers to know how to treat your asthma. Some triggers are allergens like dust and pollens. Viral infections like common colds and irritants like perfumes and aerosols are also asthma triggers.
Observe the condition or monitor your asthma to know when your symptoms are getting worse so that you can prevent asthma attacks. By anticipating asthma flare up you can prevent possible asthma attacks.
There are 2 types of asthma medications one is to prevent asthma attacks and another is to treat asthma attacks. You have to work closely with your doctor on how to administer and take these medications to achieve a better condition and to know how to treat your asthma.
Learn and read more about asthma, there are new developments and treatments discovered as time goes on and those who are interested enough to read and learn the latest treatment for asthma are those who are successful in controlling their asthma. You need to know the latest development on how to treat your asthma.

Asthma can be controlled and managed and asthmatics can live normally. Did you know that you can have an asthma attack free life? Do you want to be free of your asthma and allergy symptoms? Do you hate asthma and allergy drug side effects? You and your loved ones never have to suffer a potentially life-threatening asthma or allergy attack again.

To find out how to treat your asthma visit Asthma Information Page

Gerry Restrivera writes informative articles on various subjects including How to Treat Your Asthma. To know the Secrets of Asthma Diet visit Secrets of Asthma Diet

Treatments of Asthma

Asthma is a disease of the lungs that affects your breathing. It is a disease in which a person's airways become inflamed, swollen, and narrowed, making it difficult for air to flow into and out of the lungs. The condition marked by chronic inflammation and irritation of the airways.

Asthma is diagnosed based on a physical examination, personal history, and lung function tests. The first step in diagnosing asthma is a good evaluation. Your child may have asthma is he or she wheezes, coughs and has trouble breathing. You should check to your doctor if you see all of these symptoms.

Studies have indicated that asthma is both a genetic and environmental disease. Allergic asthma is the most common form of asthma. The real culprit in causing allergic asthma is the IgE antibody. It is always triggered by coming in contact with allergens, weather changes, viral or sinus infections.

The medical definition of asthma is simple, but the condition itself is quite complex. Asthma is a chronic disease that requires ongoing medical care to monitor and manage symptoms to prevent severe asthma attacks. People with asthma should also be aware that nocturnal asthma is associated with more severe disease and increased mortality. Asthma is a controllable but not curable disease and NOT a contagious disease. Taking care of your asthma is an important part of your life.

What can you do to treatments your Asthma? An important part of learning to control asthma is keeping a daily asthma diary. You should have an asthma management plan, because asthma is a chronic disease that requiring continual management and proper treatments. Consult to your doctor to make an asthma management plan. If you follow your asthma management plan, you can lead an active and normal lifestyle.

Today some excellent treatments are available to help you to control your asthma and maintain a symptom free life, so you can lead an active lifestyle. Some people like to supplement the medicine they take with more "natural" methods of asthma control. These natural asthma treatments are a help not only to the occasional infection, but also to longer term asthma and allergy sufferers, Treatments will aim to reduce the frequency, severity and length of your asthma attacks. The body has a natural hormone that will help to alleviate the symptoms of an asthma attack. Alternative treatments for asthma include yoga to control breathing and relieve stress and acupuncture to reduce asthma attacks and improve lung function. Natural asthma treatment will probably become very popular in the next few years.

Asthma is NOT curable disease, NOT a contagious disease, but a controllable, so taking care of your asthma is an important part of your life. Children with asthma can stay well and lead normal lives if asthma is controlled. For more information about Natural treatments of Asthma, Click here: Treatments of Asthma

Don't believe THERE ISN'T a cure for asthma. Discover how you or your children can stay healthy and Be Naturally Free from Asthma FOREVER. Click here: Natural Treatments of Asthma

Asthma Medication and Treatment

Asthma treatment is a growing field in the health care community. That is because so many people, particularly children, are being diagnosed with the condition. An increasing number of families are looking for more innovative asthma treatment programs. In general, asthma treatment can be divided into two categories: systematic long-term control and quick-relief symptom medications.

Long-term control medications must be taken each day as part of asthma treatment. This kind of asthma treatment regimen is primarily designed to control the inflammation of the airways. Quick-relief medications can provide effective asthma treatment by relaxing the bronchial smooth muscles, and combatting acute asthma attacks.

Asthma treatment involving medication can be taken orally or through inhalation. The most common asthma treatment method involves metered-dose inhalers, or MDIs. However, another popular asthma treatment option is the dry powder inhaler. Nebulizers are a favorite asthma treatment method for children because they're easier to use.

One asthma treatment strategy involves anti-inflammatories which prevent blood vessels from leaking fluid into the airway tissues. Through the reduction in inflammation, this asthma treatment method reduces the likelihood of spasms of the airway muscle.

While asthma cannot be cured, it can be managed through appropriate asthma treatment. One of the first steps in asthma treatment involves changing an asthmatic's environment. This type of asthma treatment can be as simple as washing bedding each week in hot water, or eliminating pets from the home.

Other effective asthma treatment involves using the air conditioner, replacing carpeting with hardwood or tile, using leather or vinyl furniture rather than upholstered chairs and sofas, and replacing down bedding with bedding made with synthetic materials. Keeping the humidity low can be another asthma treatment strategy.

Yet another asthma treatment option involves allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy. With this asthma treatment, allergen extracts are injected into a patient to desensitize the person. The asthma treatment usually involves no more than five shots a week, with the dosage increased over time.

The author, Bill Urell, reviews only the best diet and fitness plans, tips, and articles that promote healthier lifestyles. Visit us and claim your FREE ebook, 101 Romantic Ideas as a welcome gift ==>http://www.online-weight-loss-resources.com