Trouble Breathing Could Indicate Larger Problem

If you or a family member has recently noticed trouble breathing, it's important that you contact either your doctor or call emergency services. Unfortunately, people rush to judgment and place the blame on lack of exercise or the natural process of aging.

The fact is respiratory disruptions, often in the form of shortness of breath or tightening in the chest, can be symptoms of a variety of serious medical conditions. I will like to take a few moments to outline some of the health issues related to breathing problems so you can make fast and correct medical decisions.

Possible Causes of Breathing Problems

Trouble breathing is often associated with asthma, and this disorder is in fact one of the leading causes of respiratory problems. People with asthma suffer from inflammation of the bronchi, the tubes that let air flow between the windpipe and lungs. Irritants like pollen, mold and pollution can trigger as asthma attack. The person will experience shortness of breath; coughing and wheezing as the mucous and inflammatory tissue obstruct the airways.

Sometimes, people who have trouble breathing during physical activity are misdiagnosed with asthma when they really suffer from over exertion. Even reasonably fit people will have breathing problems if they don't pace themselves. I often remind athletes of the importance of starting out slow and working up to an intense pace so your body can adjust and keep up with you.

A condition known as Cardiac Asthma acts a lot like asthma, but is not actually a form of asthma at all. It occurs when the left ventricle cannot keep up with blood flow from the right ventricle and is often an early sign of heart disease. If you experience the symptoms of asthma, see your doctor who can make a diagnosis by taking your medical history and examining you for signs of allergic reactions and inflammation.

In addition to Cardiac Asthma, Coronary Artery Disease is another heart condition related to shortness of breath and is due to obstruction of the arteries that deliver blood to the heart. As you can see, breathing problems should not be taken lightly, as they could be signs of a heart condition.

A different cause of breathing problems is Apnea, a respiratory disorder that can vary in intensity. Most people with apnea suddenly stop breathing for short periods. Often occurring during sleep, this condition can escalate to prolonged apnea, which can lead to seizures, loss of consciousness, turning blue or going limp. If you experience cessation of breath, see your doctor right away.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is another respiratory issue to watch out for. It is due to continuous obstruction of your airways because of emphysema or chronic bronchitis. In either case, a doctor will treat these causes in order to alleviate shortness of breath.

Some Simple Healthy Answers

While working in accordance with your doctor is important to treat the conditions I've described, there are some things you can do to cope with breathing problems in your everyday life.

1) Avoid triggers like pollen, dust and mold.

2) Stay indoors when the air quality index indicates potential problems for people with your condition.

3) Notice if your symptoms get worse when you encounter specific triggers like pollution, vigorous activity, pet dander or certain body positions. Report this to your doctor.

4) Don't smoke. It makes existing breathing problems worse and could lead to emphysema.

5) Reduce stress. It often triggers asthma attacks or breathing problems.

6) Sleep smart. On your side, keep your back straight by placing a pillow between knees and another under the head. On your back, elevate your head slightly under pillows and place more pillows under bent knees.

7) Stay fit. If you never challenge the respiratory system, any physical activity will be difficult to perform. Stay conditioned by being active everyday.

Even though staying on top of your health might seem like a full-time job, the pay-off is more than worth it. Your breathing is just one sign that something is off balance. Listen to your body, and you will enjoy life to the fullest.

Mark Rosenberg, M.D.
Institute For Healthy Aging

History and Diagnosis of Asthma

There is no universally accepted definition of asthma. The Concise Oxford Dictionary describes it as "a disease of respiration characterised by difficult breathing, cough etc.". Any good medical book will describe it in more technical terms but 'difficult breathing' is the part with which any asthma sufferer is familiar, even if it varies from mildly uncomfortable to life-threatening. Asthma is news now. There was a dramatic increase in the condition in the late twentieth century to the extent that an estimated 100 to 150 million people in the world are now affected by it, but it is not a recent phenomenon.

The term "asthma" is a Greek translation of gasping or panting, and the problem was treated as far back as 2000 BC by Chinese doctors with the herb Ma Huang. The first known recording of the symptoms was about 3,500 years ago in an ancient Egyptian manuscript called Ebers Papyrus. Throughout the ages, asthma has received varying degrees of attention; the symptoms and their accompanying anxiety have been described by many prominent historical figures, including the famous Greek physician, Hippocrates.

Over the centuries, there has been an assortment of different theories about the causes of asthma, and so an eclectic range of remedies has been advised, including horse riding, strong coffee, tobacco, faith healing, chloroform and even drinking the blood of owls in wine, as practised by the ancient Romans. Van Helmont who lived in the early part of the seventeenth century claimed that asthma was epilepsy of the lungs due to the sudden and unpredictable nature of an attack. Based on his own experience of asthma, English physician Thomas Willis said that "the blood boils", and that "there is scarce anything more sharp or terrible than the fits thereof".

It was not until the eighteenth century that Lavoisier provided the first real account of the functioning of the lungs, thereby providing the basis of modern-day understanding of the respiratory system. Prior to this, it was commonly believed that air was drawn into the lungs to cool the body. Lavoisier's contribution was that air is drawn in to be converted to energy by the metabolism, and that carbon dioxide and heat are produced as end products of the process. Lavoisier's work recognised that oxygen is essential to sustaining life.

Asthma now affects more people throughout the world, particularly in more developed countries, than at any other time in evolution. It inflicts greater economic and social damage in Western Europe than either TB or HIV, according to the World Health Organisation's (WHO) April 2002 report on the links between ill health in children and the deteriorating environment.

According to the 1998 International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC), the countries with the highest twelve-month incidence of asthma were the UK, Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of Ireland followed by North, Central and South America. The same report found that the lowest rates were in centres in several Eastern European countries, followed by Indonesia, Greece, China, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, India and Ethiopia. Other studies show that the rate of asthma among rural Africans who migrate to cities and adopt a more 'western' urbanised lifestyle increases dramatically. According to the UCB Institute of Allergy in Belgium, the incidence of asthma in Western Europe has doubled in the last ten years.

In the Western world, asthma crosses all class, race, geography and gender boundaries. Although it causes persistent symptoms among seventy per cent of all people diagnosed with it, asthma causes only minor discomfort to the majority. In fact, some of the most influential people of our time in all walks of life were asthmatic, including Russian Tzar Peter the Great, actors Liza Minnelli, Jason Alexander and Elizabeth Taylor, revolutionary Che Guevara, and former US presidents John F Kennedy, Calvin Coolidge and Theodore Roosevelt. All these have lived life to the full or are still living it.

What are the symptoms?

The condition consists of inflammation, tightening and swelling of the airways in the respiratory system, resulting in obstruction of the flow of air to and from the lungs. The symptoms of asthma include breathlessness, wheezing, coughing and chest tightness. Sufferers may also have a blocked nose and hay fever, or rhinitis. The symptoms and their severity are peculiar to the individual, and they vary from season to season and according to the individual's susceptibility to a wide range of triggers.

An 'asthma attack' is the term used to describe an episode of breathing difficulty. In some cases, this may follow exposure to a specific trigger, such as dust, pollen, or certain foods. In other cases there appears to be no particular trigger. Some people have a cough and no wheeze, while others may have a wheeze and very little coughing, but each case is accompanied by some level of breathing difficulty. Symptoms may occur periodically, on a day-to-day or season-to-season basis, or they may be more or less continuous.
A 'trigger' is something that makes asthma worse. The most common triggers include (in alphabetical order): allergies; cigarette smoking (and cigarette smoke for non-smokers); colds and 'flu; cold air; dust mites; exercise under certain circumstances; moulds; noxious fumes; pollens; stress, and weather types such as fog and damp. In some instances an asthma attack may be triggered by a combination of catalysts. Anxiety can be caused by the variations on the asthma theme, particularly where a child is involved. Sometimes, there may be confusion between doctor and patient when a diagnosis is being made.

There is also a wide variety in the symptoms of asthma. The following is a list of those most commonly experienced by sufferers.

• Wheeze
This is a high pitched whistling sound produced when air is forced through narrowed airways. If you blow through a Biro pen when the ink refill is removed, the sound is similar.

• Breathlessness
This is the feeling of not being able to take in enough air. There is a need to breathe out while, at the same time, a compulsion to breathe in. If this symptom develops to an extreme level it can be frightening for the sufferer and very distressing for those close to him or her.

• Coughing
This may be either a repetitive dry cough or a cough with phlegm, often occurring during the night or early morning. Repetitive coughing can put a strain on the heart and drives sputum deeper into the lungs. Patients with this symptom may feel like they are on a conveyor belt: the more they cough, the more they feel the need to cough again.

• Chest tightness
Trapped air in the lungs generates a feeling that the chest is over inflated. This is often described as someone squeezing or sitting on one's chest.

• Frequent yawning
When asthma symptoms are at their worst, sleep is interrupted by difficult periods of breathing which contributes to tiredness.

Non-asthmatics can, of course, observe these symptoms, but they will not appreciate the feelings of tension, panic, uncertainty and helplessness which accompany them, particularly when the asthmatic struggles to breathe. If you are not an asthmatic, imagine trying to breathe while a pillow is being pressed firmly over your face. That feeling you imagine is the feeling someone with asthma has during an attack. In your case, the imaginary pillow can be easily removed to allow you to breathe effortlessly; for an asthmatic, the remedy is not so simple.

Given the variety of symptoms and their severity, diagnosing a condition that has no commonly accepted definition is not an exact science. Many asthma symptoms are also the symptoms of other conditions, such as chronic bronchitis or bronchiectasis, for example. Diagnosis has to take into account the chronic nature of asthma and the constriction of the airways due to inflammation by various cells and chemicals. Generally, diagnosis of asthma is based on the following factors.

• History of the patient
This includes establishing if the patient has experienced asthma symptoms while at rest, during exercise or after exposure to a known trigger.

• Lung function tests
The peak flow meter measures the maximum speed at which the patient can exhale air in one second. A person with asthma usually produces a lower reading, and, generally speaking, a more inconsistent range of results than a person who doesn't suffer from the condition. Spirometry measures both the speed and volume of air which is exhaled with each breath, thereby providing additional airway obstruction information.

• Effect of reliever or steroidal medication
In part, diagnosis of asthma is based on the effects of medication, and whether or not it leads to a temporary reversal of symptoms. Other conditions which demonstrate common asthma-type symptoms, such as emphysema, include irreversible airway obstruction.

• Provocation test
The patient inhales a broncho-constricting agent, such as histamine or methacholine. The airways of people with asthma are far more responsive to inhalation of these substances; agents like these will provoke more extensive narrowing of air passages in people with asthma.

• Skin tests to determine allergies
A number of common allergens are selected, such as dust mites, pollen or animal dander. One at a time, the allergens are placed on the forearm, and the skin is then gently pierced to allow the substances to penetrate. After fifteen minutes, the skin surrounding this spot may develop a small rash. While this test is not always conclusive, the presence of a rash and the size of the weal indicate an allergy to a specific substance.

• Chest x-ray
X-ray is used to rule out other respiratory diseases in a person who has the symptoms of severe chronic asthma. X-ray charts show irreversible damage to the airways, and this aids the diagnoses of other respiratory disorders.

Asthma Treatment - Drugs Used In Bronchial Asthma

Who is More Likely to Suffer from Asthma?

Asthma is a worldwide disease, more common in urban than rural areas and accounts for about 25 per cent of all non-tuberculous chest diseases. It may occur at any age, but in 50 per cent of the patients, it starts before the age often. It is more common in boys than in girls, but at the age of 30 years, the incidence is equal. About 25 to 30 per cent of asthmatic children spontaneously recover during adolescence, while a few recover several years later. Asthma occurring during adult life is more serious. The attacks are more frequent and prolonged.

Treatment

With the advancement in the methodology of treatment, the life expectancy of asthmatics have been considerably increased than in the past. The management of bronchial asthma includes specific treatment aimed at removal of the cause and symptomatic treatment.

Specific Treatment

If the cause of the asthma can be discovered, every effort should be made towards its removal to provide complete and permanent relief. If the patient develops symptoms of allergy, such as skin rashes, itching and pruritus and running nose the possible allergen (substance causing allergy) should be identified. Its removal is the most effective way of controlling allergic asthma. If this is not possible, desensitization by using an extract of specific allergen should be attempted. In many cases of allergic asthma, the specific allergen is not identifiable and anti­allergic drugs are tried. A few patients of seasonal asthma are benefited by temporarily moving to another town before the onset of a particular season, but this is not always feasible.

If infection is the cause, the person should protect himself from stress and strain due to extremes of weather. Frequent attacks of common cold may lead to asthma. Intensive treatment with a specific antibiotic must be instituted immediately. The most common offending organisms are Pneumococci and Haemophilus influenzae. In these infections, broad-spectrum antibiotics like amoxycillin, cefuroxime or ampicillin are usually effective.

Symptomatic Treatment

The drugs used for providing symptomatic relief are those which prevent bronchospasms or cause broncho-dilatation. These can be divided into two groups: 1) for treatment during acute attack; and 2) for prevention and heatment of chronic asthma.

For Acute Attack

Adrenergic Beta:-Receptor Simulants: Salbutamol (Asthalin, Bronkotab, Ventrolin), Terbutaline (Bricanyl), Adrenaline

Stimulation of the adrenergic beta-receptors of the lungs causes relaxation of the bronchioles and opens up the respiratory airway. Salbutamol and terbutaline are most effective.

Salbutamol (Albuterol)

It is the most commonly used drug to produce dilatation of narrowed airways in asthma. For acute attack it is given by inhalation (patient inhales the drug by a deep inspiration with nose pinched; training is needed for optimal results). Two types of inhalers are available.

Adrenaline

It has been the time tested' gold standard' for the termination of acute attack of bronchial asthma. However, because it disturbs the heart rhythm it is now used rarely and its use should be avoided. For the same reason Isoprenaline is not used today.

Direct-Acting Drugs: Theophylline, Aminophylline, Deriphylline

Theophylline and its preparation, aminophylline, cause dilatation of bronchioles by direct action. Aminophylline which contains theophylline and ethylenediamine as a dissolving agent, is very frequently used for providing immediate relief during an acute attack of bronchial asthma. In this condition, aminophylline is given in a well-diluted solution by the intravenous route. Theophylline is also given by the oral route along with ephedrine and other drugs, for prevention of recurrence of asthmatic attacks. These are discussed at the end of this chapter. Theophylline is more effective when given at night to prevent occurrence of night time attacks.

Dosage: The average oral daily dose of theophylline is 100 to 200 mg given 3 to 4 times a day. This is generally not tolerated by most patients. To provide immediate relief, aminophylline, containing 250 mg of theophylline, is diluted in 20 ml of5% glucose and injected intravenously, very slowly, over a period of 5 to 10 minutes. Deriphylline causes less gastric irritation and is better absorbed.

Adverse Effects and Precautions: Theophylline is irregularly absorbed and an effective dose given by mouth causes irritation in the gastro-intestinal tract. So it should never be taken on an empty stomach. The most common adverse effects are nausea, anorexia, and vomiting. A very quick intravenous injection of undiluted theophylline may cause a sudden fall in blood pressure, and irregular beating of heart.

The Hand Held Nebulizer - What Is It and How Can it Help an Asthma Sufferer?

Asthma stinks, and every asthma sufferer knows it. There are many remedies to ease asthma symptoms, most popularly an albuterol inhaler. One remedy that many asthma sufferers are not aware of though, is using a hand held nebulizer.

A hand held nebulizer is basically like an inhaler in that it sprits out a subtle liquid vapor of medicine. The asthma sufferer wears a mask connected to the nebulizer and breathes in the fine vapor, which is distributed from the machine through plastic tubing and into a mouthpiece in the mask area. Most times, oxygen or air pressure is used to deliver the fine vapor of medicine. However, for asthmatics who can't use a metered-dose inhaler (i.e. people with acute, intense asthma, as well as young children and babies), an ultrasonic nebulizer is used.

How does the medicine in a hand held nebulizer work?

The medicine distributed from the machine helps the asthma sufferer by loosening phlegm and mucous that is sitting inside the lungs so that it will be coughed out easier than if not receiving the nebulizer treatments. It also relaxes the muscles in the trachea (a.k.a. the windpipe, or your airway from mouth/nostrils to the lungs) to help air move about the lungs more freely. Rather than receiving medicine in the mouth, breathing it right into the lungs is much more effective for rapid relief of asthma symptoms.

Hand held nebulizer treatments generally last between 15 and 20 minutes. It is generally performed on young children and infants, as most are not old enough to know how to operate an albuterol inhaler. Adults also use a hand held nebulizer when necessary as well.

There are some drawbacks, however, to using a hand held nebulizer or an inhaler. Yes, using these two methods of easing asthma symptoms is effective, but the asthma is never permanently cured; it is only relieved temporarily. Also, asthma drugs sometimes have some negative side effects. Nonetheless, there are many alternative ways to permanently cure your asthma, and the techniques are pretty simple actually. Those techniques are outside the scope of this article, but it is good to know that they are available. A simple internet search for "natural asthma cure" should help you find them.

Dryer Vents - Reduce Fire Danger, Save Energy and Help Asthma and Allergy Symptoms

The dryer vent pipe is an often overlooked fire hazard and energy eater. Moisture and lint can gather in the folds causing a potential fire hazard and restricting air flow making your dryer run longer consuming more natural gas and electricity. I see over 200 houses every year and one of the most common and potentially dangerous problems are incorrect dryer vents.

You need to replace your dryer vent pipe if it

• is made of flexible plastic or foil 


• has more than two 90 degree elbows 


• is more than 12 feet long 


• uses metal screws 


• the laundry area is moist, humid and covered in lint

Flexible foil or plastic vent pipe looks like the arms on the robot from the TV show Lost In Space. People use these because they are so easy to install. Every turn or elbow will slow the exhaust air. Longer lengths will cause moisture in the air to condense giving lint a chance to catch and build up in the pipe. The longer length will also make your dryer work harder. The sharp point of metal screws in the pipe will catch lint. If there are leaks in the pipe the added humidity will provide a perfect environment for mold and mildew growth and Carbon Monoxide will also be pumped into your house if you have a gas dryer. Asthma and allergy sufferers should pay special attention to the dryer vent pipe.

 

A proper dryer vent will

• be made of solid metal pipe


• not have more than two 90 degree elbows


• not be more than 12 feet long (check local building codes at your city building inspection department)


• use metal tape to seal and secure all joints

All the supplies and tools can be bought at the local hardware store. Aluminum pipe is much easier to work with. It comes flat for cutting and then is rolled so one edge can be inserted into the other crimped edge. Pre-made elbows are used. The pipe and elbows both have one end crimped so you can fit the smaller crimped end into the larger non-crimped end.

The metal tape has a backing that peels off and sticks to the pipe holding it securely. You will need to buy tin snips or aviation side-cutters (this type looks like it has a 45 degree bend and will keep your hands above the material) and a crimping tool to reduce the diameter of cut edges. Remember to fit the small end of the pipe into the large end so the edges do not block air flow and catch lint inside the pipe!

I once saw a condominium with a vent pipe that was over 30 feet in length. You may have to move the dryer across the basement near an outside wall which would mean the gas and electric supplies will have to be altered by a licensed contractor. Homes with first or second floor laundries may need special attention. And never exhaust the dryer into a garage or attic!

Asthma And No Insurance

Among the many respiratory disorders affecting children and adults, asthma has been considered as one of the most common. Most of the time, people say that Asthma is a childhood disorder which eventually disappears with age but in some instances, asthma can be experienced even by adults. Although most cases of are only in their mild forms, managing and treating it is essential in avoiding unwanted complications.

The condition is triggered by several factors which include allergic reactions to foreign objects such as dust, pollen and others. During the exposure, the bronchioles, which are found in your lungs, react with the perceived foreign body. This leads to inflammation or swelling of the bronchioles to prevent the entrance of these foreign bodies into the smaller units of the lungs which are called the alveoli. The inflammation leads to several asthma symptoms which are really distressing and discomforting to the patient and his family. These symptoms include difficulty of breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing and chest pains. The symptoms are all related to the obstruction of the airway as a result of the inflammation.

Home Remedies for Asthma

As it is a chronic or long-term disorder, it is best for you to understand the different at home asthma treatment options available.

-Exercise

Those suffering from asthma may assume exercise can be risky and worsen their condition. It is true that you may experience difficulty breathing and other symptoms while exercising but certain physical activities are beneficial in teaching the lungs to expand properly. Starting slowly with a slow walk or jog is the best way to build up strength and allow your body to cope better. Don't put too much pressure on yourself, when you feel tired have a rest before beginning again. Swimming has also been proven to be an effective exercise option in asthma treatment.

-Managing weight

Fat accumulation in the blood vessels and bronchial lining can lead to severe symptoms of asthma. In order to prevent this, you have to maintain your body mass index within normal ranges. Avoid gaining too much weight as this increases pressure on the lungs. Decrease your consumption of fatty foods while consuming more fresh fruit and vegetables.

-Herbal treatments

Several herbs can also be used for Asthma treatment. These include Lobelia, Ephedra, Eucalyptus and many others. These herbs are known to have effects of preventing inflammation to the bronchioles, thus leading to the relief of asthmatic symptoms.

-Avoid triggers

One of the best ways to prevent the onset and occurrences of an asthma attack would be to avoid its triggers as best as possible. If you know that your asthma is often triggered by dust exposure avoid scenarios that may expose you to such. In doing this, you will decrease your chances of acute attacks.

Asthma is a simple disorder that you can easily treat at home. However, if the symptoms you experience are severe, you should consult your doctor to prevent prolonged airway obstruction that can prove to have detrimental effects in the long run.

What? My Air Purifier Could Be Making My Allergies/Asthma Worse?

Most people buy an air purifier to clean up their indoor air and reduce allergy, asthma, or other respiratory symptoms. However, if you don't change the filters regularly, your air purifier / air cleaner can actually make your allergies / asthma worse. Ever notice that your allergies / asthma improved when you first purchased your air purifier, and now your symptoms seem to be 'back' or even worse? It's probably the filters.

Why? Well, to start, when a HEPA air filter becomes clogged, air flow through a HEPA filter is greatly reduced, creating backflow or 'leakage' of polluted air at the seals and other openings. And your symptoms get worse because air is being blown around / stirred up now with allergens and asthma triggers, particles that would normally not be floating around as much or as high, such as up near the nose and mouth. And this problem is especially true with electrostatic air purifiers that are 'filterless' or contain a 'permanent filter'. When the electrostatic rod becomes dirty, it attracts much less dirt/dust. And if the rod isn't trapping the particles, all the fan is doing is simply blowing around / stirring up polluted air so you can breathe more of it. With clogged HEPA air filters or dirty electrostatic rods, it would be better to turn the unit off until you can clean it or replace the HEPA filter.

A similar thing happens with activated carbon air filters that have become saturated or 'filled up' with chemical compounds, vapors, odor compounds, etc. An air purifier with VOC's, chemical vapor saturated activated carbon is now just pushing that polluted air through with nothing to remove the offending chemicals/compounds. This polluted air is being blown around for increased inhalation where less may have been inhaled if the polluted air wasn't being constantly collected and blown around.

And yes, you can vacuum your HEPA filter to get some of the particles out, but it's not going to extend the life of the filter very much, as most of the more dangerous micro-particles are trapped deep within the HEPA air filter's fibers and not accessible by normal vacuuming, leaving the filter still mostly clogged. Washing a HEPA filter doesn't work, either, as getting this HEPA material wet often distorts/blocks the 'air channels' and you end up with a HEPA filter that is just about as dirty, but with less air flow, and more back flow / leakage. What you CAN do to help extend the life of your HEPA filter is to change the pre-filters, if the air purifier has a pre-filter. The pre-filter is often vacuumable and helps keep the HEPA filter from getting clogged as fast.

Some activated carbon or charcoal air filters are indeed, washable, allowing you to free up the carbon to absorb more chemicals / compounds. Some tips: 1) make sure the activated carbon or charcoal filter is actually a washable carbon filter, 2) make sure you allow the carbon filter to dry completely, and 3) make sure the carbon is evenly redistributed, not clumped together.

The real solution here is to change the air purifier's filters on a regular basis, as indicated by the manufacturer. Most of your best air purifier filters will last 2-5 years depending on how 'dirty' the air is. You made a decision to breathe clean air in your home or office and bought an air purifier, so replace those used up air filters-because your health and how you feel every day is important, it's worth it.

For more information on HEPA air filters, activated carbon/charcoal air filters, pre-filters, please see the author box below.

Ways to Relieve Dust Mite Allergy Symptoms

What's a Dust Mite?

They are small-spider like creatures that feed on human and animal dander (flakes of skin and bits of hair). The average mite is around 0.3 mm large, has a life span for the male is one month and 2 months for the female. During it's life span a female can lay up to 100 eggs. On average a human sheds about 10 grams of skin a week, animals shed more, so they have plenty of food in the average household. Their populations are largest where humans do most of their lounging, living room furniture, carpets, car seats, and last of all the bedroom, particularly the in the mattress. Depending on conditions, 100,000 have been known to occupy one square yard of carpet, and hundreds of thousands can live in a mattress. Ten year old mattresses can double its original weight due to the accumulated weight of dead carcasses and their feces. A two-year old pillow can have a 10% increase in weight due to the same reasons.

Dust Mite Allergies

While they are not harmful to Humans, an article published in the Wall Street Journal on 5th Jan 2010 (pg D2) suggested that 18-30% of Americans have allergic reactions to the feces of these mites. When people that are sensitive to them come in contact with their feces, they produce antibodies that produce histamines that cause nasal congestion. Actually the same study found that up to 50% of American homes have allergen levels high enough that people who have previously never had a problem with allergies could develop allergy symptoms. Babies that are younger than one year old living in such environments could develop lifelong allergies. Anyone or combination of the following can be an indication of a dust mite allergy.

• Asthma
• Coughing
• Frequently waking up
• Children rubbing of the nose in an upward fashion
• Itchy nose, throat, or roof of mouth
• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Swollen, blue-colored skin under the eyes
• Breathing difficulties
• Facial pressure and pain
• Hay fever
• Infantile eczema
• Itchy, red or watery eyes
• Postnasal drip
• Sneezing
• Watering eyes

Allergy symptoms could be made worse in the following conditions.

• high humidity


• temperatures that are above 70 F / 20 C


• Poor ventilation


• tobacco smoke or car fumes

Effective Ways for Getting Rid of Dust Mites

1. Wash bedding every week at 130 F/ 54C
2. Wash with laundry soap that has anti mite properties.
3. Protect mattresses with dust mite mattress covers, dust mite pillow covers and sleep on dust mite proof mattresses, memory foam, latex mattresses and natural memory mattresses are dust mite resistant. They also don't live in water and air mattresses
4. Wash childrens' stuffed animals often with hot water
5. Keep the household humidity low at 30-50%.
6. Have less carpeted floors and if you do have them professionally cleaned twice a year

Article Summary

This article covered the following points. What a dust mite is, how it's a menace to people who suffer allergies, their favorite breeding environments, what allergy symptoms are, and effective ways for getting rid of dust mites. There's also an informative video on YouTube that's worth viewing. Natural Relief of Dust Mite Allergies

Allergy, Sinusitis, Asthma Is Increasing - Fight Back!

The bad news is that the numbers of persons with allergies is increasing. With this increase comes the complications of asthma, sinusitis, sinus headaches and bad sleep.

Recently Quest Diagnostics announced that there is a 15% increase in Ragweed Allergy over the past four years. This company does allergy diagnostic testing from blood samples. They examined some 2 million samples and concluded that ragweed allergy is significantly increasing. Based on their blood sampling, there is a six percent increase in overall incidence of allergies.

Worst increases occurred in California, Nevada and Arizona. Here, over the four year period, the number of ragweed sufferers increased by a whopping 21% This is of particular importance because in the 50's and 60's patients were advised to move to these states to escape ragweed in the North Eastern U.S. When I practiced in Washington D.C., I advised patients to move to Arizona for their allergy. I personally moved to Los Angeles from Washington to escape that pollen area.

The US Dept of Agriculture, according to Lewis Ziska, has reported a 12% increase in fungal spore growth. They note that the ragweed season has increased by one month since 1995. For example in New York City area it has now gone from 90 to 105 days.

You used to be able to plan vacations away from the ragweed, using data from previous years. Unfortunately with the unusual weather we are experiencing in 2011 that is no longer an easy option. Nevertheless keeping an accurate symptom calendar to match with the pollen calendar is essential in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis. If the severity of your allergy symptoms correlates with the severity of the pollen count, that gives you an accurate diagnosis without blood or skin tests.

Immunization injections still remain effective for most allergens. Immunization by injection is gradually being replaced by oral drops placed under the tongue. This is called SLIT desensitization - stands for sublingual immunotherapy. Here drops are placed under the tongue where they are absorbed. Once absorbed they act like the injection.

Ragweed is a weed that releases its pollen about mid-August. (Trees pollinate in spring and grasses in the summer.) Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, skin and throat. Associated with ragweed pollen is allergy to fresh fruits such as bananas, cucumbers, melons and zucchini. This is why I have patients avoid fresh fruit and vegetables during this period. (Note: you can eat these cooked or processed for cans, because that breaks down the allergy molecule.) During allergy season you need to avoid hot spices with your food. These can add to the amount of histamine in your body. Ragweed sufferers welcome the first frost as that usually ends the ragweed season.

Therapy:
Which method of treatment is best? Pills, cortisone nasal spray, or allergy sprays? Unfortunately it is difficult to predict if Claritin or Zyrtec will give you better relief that Flonase or Nasonex. If Claritin works, usually that is the least expensive. Some expensive allergy type nasal sprays such as Astepro may work when pills fail. The advantage of the nasal sprays is that they are localized to the nose whereas pills go to the entire body. Benadryl is a common antihistamine that has the advantage of making you sleepy. Don't bring pollen into the house. Change outside clothing and shower, include washing your hair. Pets bring pollen into the house and need to be washed too.

Body Thermostat
When you have ragweed, your normal body thermostat erroneously has you sneeze and hack in order to adjust your body temperature. It is important to avoid getting chilled. Have hot tea before arising out of bed to avoid morning symptoms. Carry a jacket to avoid chilling when going in and out of air-conditioned buildings. Think of allergy like arithmetic: Pollen plus perfumed lipstick plus getting chilled, plus fatigue, plus eating spicy foods equals symptoms. If you reduce some of the arithmetic, you can reduce your symptoms.

Air Conditioning
Whenever possible use air conditioning because that is filtered air. Especially while driving. Driving open air can multiply the number of pollen particles that enter your nose, and therefore increase your symptoms. Do not drive in a convertible if at all possible. Avoid driving behind a diesel bus or truck.

Windows closed
Plants pollinate, approximately at 5 AM and 5 PM. This is when your bedroom windows need to be closed.

Bedroom
The bedroom is the most important place to do allergy prevention. The goal is NOT to provide a filter sufficient to take care of the dust and pollen. The goal is to reduce quantity of dust- no wall-to-wall carpet, no drapes or hangings that can give off dust. Use glass or plastic curtains. Ideally allergen free pillows and mattresses. No matter what you do, if the humidity is over 50% you will get mold so do watch that level. Pets? Keep them out of the bedroom. If your filter is too noisy you can run it during the day and turn it off at night. Further details can be obtained by calling allergy specialty companies such as Allergy Buyers Club. 1-888-236-7231

Start pills before season
Current thinking is that you should start allergy pills/nasal sprays before the season actually starts. This is a significant departure from the concept of only taking pills when you are symptomatic. However the literature indicates that patients do best is they begin medication before the season, roughly three weeks before.

Avoid sinusitis
Infection with an allergy is common. This is because, with persistent allergy symptoms, say sneezing non-stop three weeks, then the nasal cilia slow down and no longer move bacteria and pollen out of the nose adequately. Restoring the tired cilia is the key:

Good sleep
Humming "ooooommmm"
Exercise
Pulsatile irrigation at a frequency harmonious to normal cilia frequency of pulsation
Avoid reinfection with devices that have flowback. These get contaminated when the squeeze bottles suck back in.
Increase intake of hot tea, lemon and honey.

Avoid asthma
Under the unified field theory, the nose, sinuses and lungs are part of the same embryonic system. With nasal allergy, it is not best to be macho and ignore nasal allergy. The allergy symptoms need to be reduced or eliminated, not just for symptomatic relief, but to avoid complications that could affect the lungs or sinus cavities.

The Signs and Symptoms of Asthma

Do you think that you or your child is having problems breathing related to asthma? There's four main signs or symptoms of asthma to watch out for.

To a person having an attack, difficulty breathing can be the most serious symptom. It's like trying to breath through a straw and can be very scary to someone having an attack.

Wheezing might be the most observable symptom of asthma. It's a coarse, whistling sound that a person makes when having an attack. It's the sound the air makes as it goes in and out of the constricted airways.

Another common symptom is a chronic cough, especially at night. I'll admit that I've had this symptom and didn't know that it was related to asthma until I started doing asthma research. That's when I discovered that it wasn't a cough related to being sick or my allergies, it was caused by my asthma.

The fourth common sign of an asthma problem is a feeling of tightness pressure in the chest area.

Less Common Symptoms Of Asthma

Rapid Breathing
Unusual Sighing
Fatigue
Unable To Exercise
Difficultly Sleeping
Difficulty Concentrating
Chronic Cough Without Any Wheezing

Early Warning Signs Of An Attack

Feeling Tired
Itchy Throat
Runny Nose
Headache
Tightness In The Chest
Change In Color, Amount Or Thickness Of Mucus

Children's Asthma Symptoms

In children the symptoms can be harder to detect. Not all children with asthma will wheeze, instead they could have a chronic cough. With a newborn and younger children, it can be even harder to detect because they can't speak or communicate their breathing problems. Instead you can look for other signs for an increase in breathing rate. Normally newborns breathe at thirty to sixty times per minute. In their first year, the normal breathing rate drops to twenty to forty times a minute. In their second year, the normal rate decreases to twenty to thirty times.

If you or your child are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor. Remember that symptoms vary person to person so you might not be seeing all of the symptoms, but you could still have asthma. Only they can properly diagnose your breathing problems.

Natural Home Remedies for Asthma

Causes of Symptoms: Asthma is a disorder of the respiratory system characterized by severe paroxysms of difficult breathing. The onset of an attack is sudden, though the patient starts feeling uneasy, drowsy and irritable a little before the difficulty of breathing starts. Respiration becomes difficult and the breath comes with a wheezing and sometimes whistling sound. The general belief is that asthma is a chronic disease and that once gotten continues to dog its victim till the day he dies.

In fact, asthma is caused by excess of phlegm and the inability of the body to expel it. If the patient gives up foods which tend to increase the phlegm, e.g., rice, flour passed through a sieve, sugar, lentils, milk and curds, he can find relief. He should be put on foods, which discourages phlegm, such as green vegetables, fruits, and the like. That would tend to reduce the amount of phlegm present in the body and the disease will leave him. Unfortunately, under the false impression that asthma being a weakening diseases, the patients are fed on high protein diets like meat, fish, milk and milk products and fats and that makes their condition worse.

Treatment: An asthma patient must select foods, which help contain the amount of phlegm in the body. For breakfast he should take food like orange, tomato, papaya, guava, mango and rose apple and vegetables like carrots. His dinner and lunch should consist of boiled vegetables. His bath is recommended in the morning and evening to perk up his digestive powers. Taking a walk is also recommended, if jogging is beyond the capacity o the patient.

Asthma, particularly when its attack is severe, tends to destroy the appetite of the patient. He should not be forced to eat. He should keep fasting till the attack is over. The only thing he should take is a cup of warm water every two hours. An enema taken at that time would be doubly beneficial. If this regimen is followed, the attack will not last for more than 36 hours and its virulence in case of a recurrence would be very much less.

An asthma patient should regularly fast one a week and takes an enema the morning after the fast to clear his bowels. If he is unable to fast regularly, he must not hesitate to stop eating the moment the attack comes. A fortnight after the treatment has been started the patient can take cow's unboiled milk or curd with a breakfast of fruit.
The sufferers from this disease should be extremely careful in his eating habits. He must never overeat. The amount of food taken at one time should be so measured that he must feel extremely hungry at the time of the next meal. A salt-free diet would be the best.

At the onset of the attack, soaking of the feet in the warm water can relieve the agony to a large extent. A chest pack can also help, even though on application it may seem to aggravate the attach. The pack applied in the afternoon and immediately before sleep would do wonders. The main aim of treatment of asthma should be to augment the vital force of the body with the help of proper diet and a natural living in which clean water and sunshine play an important part.

The above regimen is helpful in dealing with tonsillitis also.

Read more on Natural Home Remedies for Asthma, Herbal Remedy, visit http://www.natural-homeremedies.com/

Treat Your Child's Asthma So You Can Breathe

Asthma is one of the most common health conditions found in young children. Symptoms usually develop by age five and can manifest in unsettling ways. It's painful for parents to watch their children gasp, wheeze and cough their way through recurrent bronchitis and other breathing problems. Fortunately, because asthma is so common among young children, it is a well-studied health condition with many options for treatment.

Because the symptoms of asthma can mimic other respiratory problems, it's often under-diagnosed. Many parents may write it off as a case of bronchitis or a viral infection, but asthma is a chronic condition caused by inflammatory lung disease. Common characteristics of asthma are obstruction, inflammation and hyper-responsiveness. Inflammation of the airway caused by lung abnormality causes the contraction of muscles, production of mucus, and swelling. The air passages of the lungs narrow as the airways overreact to certain triggers, such as animal dander, dust, pollen, mold, cockroaches, and certain foods or sulfites found in preservatives.

Other irritants: strong odors and sprays, such as those found in perfume or household cleaners; chemicals such as coal or talcum powder; changing weather conditions; and tobacco smoke. Contrary to popular myth, asthma attacks are not triggers by anxiety or stress - they are caused by physical or environmental conditions. In addition environmental triggers like those listed above, physical conditions such as respiratory infections or sinusitis can also cause irritation in the lungs.

One of the hallmark indicators of an asthma attack is a whistling or wheezing sound. This is caused by the swelling of the inner lining of the airways and a rush of air through the narrowed passageways. Air passages can further be compromised by an excess of mucous. Other common signs of an asthma attack: shortness of breath, especially at night; chronic coughing that is worse at night or early in the morning; coughing that occurs when exposed to cold or dry air; and chest tightness, which usually accompanies one of the other symptoms.

Asthma attacks are typically progressive, which means they get worse if left untreated. It is vital that children with asthma be treated by a doctor so they can be equipped with the necessary meds to prevent a full-on attack. In most cases they will be given an inhaler; in more severe situations, a round of allergy shots may be required. It's also important to receive a valid diagnosis because asthmatics often have to avoid certain over-the-counter medications which can increase or aggravate symptoms. Diagnoses are fairly easy to make. If you suspect your child suffers from asthma, visit an allergist to distinguish their symptoms from other potential disorders. The physician will measure your child's lung function and conduct a series of allergy tests. Chest X-rays and bloodwork may also be required.

Should you receive a positive diagnosis, don't panic. Asthma can be monitored and treated to ensure your child's health is maintained. By understanding exactly where the wheezing and whistling comes from, you can move forward with adequate treatment.

An Introduction To Asthma

Asthma is a respiratory disease that narrows the airways. The condition is usually caused by a person's exposure to allergens, cold air, emotional stress or exercise. A person who suffers from the disease experiences wheezing, shortness of breath, tightening of the chest, and coughing. The disorder causes the airways to hyperactively produce mucus in reaction to various stimuli. The symptoms can be mild or life-threatening. Taking medications or changing one's lifestyle can help control the problem.

Symptoms

When the problem of asthma arises, it is referred to as an asthma attack. Whenever a patient suffers from an attack, he displays a number of symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing. A cough, which may be accompanied by clear sputum, may also be present during the attack. Attacks usually come without warning. They may be accompanied by a pain in the chest and breathing becomes very difficult.

Whenever a person experiences an asthma attack, there is an alarming increase in heart rate. Audible lung sounds are heard through the stethoscope, too, caused by rapid breathing and an over-inflation of the chest. During an asthma attack, there is a tightening of the muscles in the respiratory area and the ribs, which causes the body to struggle for more air. The patient may even lose consciousness during this time

Diagnosis

The first step in diagnosing an asthmatic patient is to check on his medical history. Having a family history of asthma puts a person at high risk for asthma attacks as well. Testing someone with a peak flow meter, which measures the restriction of the airways, can determine if he is suffering from asthma. If a clear diagnosis cannot be determined through this test, a formal lung function test may be conducted.

Treating Asthma and Allergies Naturally

Asthma and Allergies Changes in the air For many people, especially children, drugs such as bronchodilators and nebulisers are a familiar part of life well before their 3rd birthday.

Autumn is not often thought of as a time for asthma and allergies; however any change in season and especially colder temperatures can set them off.

Most people are well aware of the symptoms of asthma - a wheeze and/or cough accompanied by varying degrees of breathing difficulty. Sometimes, particularly in very young children, there is no audible wheeze just a nagging but exhausting cough. Some children will cough so much that it causes them to vomit. It's important to note that a wheeze doesn't have to be loud to be a problem. Tiredness is also often an underlying symptom - this is caused by reduced oxygen levels and the extra effort needed in trying to breathe, which can also lead to poor sleep.

Some asthma triggers include:

• Dust, pollen, dry air, air pollution, allergens, mould, pets, exercise and weather change


• House air-conditioning, household chemicals, colds/flu's, emotions, food, heating, hormones, medications, sex, smoking and stressful events


• Preservatives, especially 220, 221, 222, 223 and 224, tartrazine, colourings, additives etc

So what's actually happening? Asthma occurs when a particular part of our immune system is out of balance. Our immune system is designed to protect us from infections and keep us healthy. Allergy occurs when your immune system mistakes something that is normally harmless as being a threat and while 'protecting' you from it, creates a strong inflammatory response. This response is what produces the symptoms you experience as an allergic or asthmatic response. In asthma this inflammation presents as difficulty in breathing.

So what can we do about it? When treating asthma it's not simply about using a band-aid solution and ignoring the underlying problem. It's about finding out why your body is triggering a response and how to avoid this happening in the first place. It is a common misconception that this problem begins and ends with the lungs alone. The health of the body in general, and in particular the immune system, needs to be looked at as the first step in understanding the real nature of asthma.

How natural therapies can help... Natural therapies works extremely well on a preventative level with absolutely no side effects except effective asthma management and a healthier you! We build up your immune system and gastrointestinal system (GIT) to prevent the attacks happening in the first place! Having a strong and healthy GIT full of good gut bacteria (probiotics) and a lesser controlled amount of 'bad' bacteria, as well as a healthy bowel lining will prevent many triggers being able to cause a reaction. A first line of defence against asthma and allergies is to detoxify and repair your bowels, cleanse your blood and get that liver detoxing your body from harmful toxins! Get yourself clean and stay that way!

There is a very unattractive term us natural practitioners use called 'leaky gut' sounds gross, well it is. This sounds like something is leaking out of the gut and it is - harmful and harmless substances are leaking through your gut lining, into your blood stream, without being converted into compounds your body can actually utilise for better health. When your immune system picks up these unconverted foreign particles it mounts a very strong immune response showing itself as either an allergic reaction or an asthmatic reaction.

Babies and children... One of the most important reasons that you breastfeed your child for at least the first 6 months of the child's life is because of the benefits of your colostrum. This amazing superfood helps build the babies immune and digestive system. If you cannot breastfeed I highly recommend using goat or sheep's milk formulas, and a good quality children's probiotic, which are readily available at natural health food stores. Our bodies have a much easier time digesting the proteins in the goat and sheep's milk than from a cow - simple!

In terms of children with asthma their little bodies may not have a strong enough immune or digestive system to correctly respond to allergens, certain foods and food additives - which if we're being honest we too frequently allow into children's diets. Many children also have a hard time digesting dairy and wheat, and these are 2 very common triggers for asthma and allergies. If you do have a child who is prone to asthma or allergies it is often worth cutting dairy and wheat out of their diets to at least see how their symptoms change or don't. It is difficult sometimes and certainly made difficult by advertising, but natural food sources are always the best alternative for an asthma and allergy prone child.

Oh, I cannot stress strongly enough the wide spread effects sugar has on a child's health. Think of it as a 'toxin' next time you give them a lolly or some cordial....READ your labels! Have you ever seen a child whose behaviour gets better after a sugar fix?!

OK let's talk about the drugs and their effects on your body:

Firstly I need to stress that it is essential to have a reliever/puffer/ on hand in case of sudden attacks and severe cases of asthma. Combining drug therapy with natural medicine can be the most beneficial therapy. In the case of a severe asthma attack getting to the emergency department is imperative. Fast efficient medical treatment saves lives.

Bronchodilators (Relievers) work by opening the airways and relaxing the smooth muscles which surround the airways enabling easier breathing.

Continual use of Bronchodilators however is discouraged because their overuse increases airway sensitivity, worsening the underlying asthma. It is also important to know that aerosol drugs often contain propellants such as fluorocarbons, and that many elixirs contain preservatives, artificial colouring, sugar and flavours (including tartrazine). Hey I think I mention those words under triggers causing asthma and allergic attacks...hmmmm?

Preventers of which there are two types, non-steroidal and steroidal work by reducing inflammation in the airwaves.

Long term side effects of inhaled steroids...are you ready...

Puffiness, increased appetite, mood swings, raised blood pressure, thinning of bones, yes you read it folks thinning of bones, easy bruising, slowed growth, glaucoma and cataracts. Wow?! Scary stuff really. As mentioned earlier I strongly recommend having a puffer on hand in case of emergencies - it can save you or your loved one's life. Otherwise let's deal with the causes naturally and without harm to the body! There are so many alternatives that need to be looked at before you or your child is put on a drug based asthma management plan. Drugs can make asthma worse by covering up the symptoms rather than fixing what is the root problem. Mucolytics work on breaking down the mucous. There is some danger with this drug as a significant increase in liquefied mucous may occur after use and bronchospasm can worsen. It may cause side effects such as mouth inflammation, nausea and excess nasal mucous. Finally, medications are exempt from labelling laws; therefore additives are not listed on the bottles. In my professional opinion the best alternative is to use medications only in emergencies and instead to focus on creating healthy bodies.

The reality is that asthma and allergies are an increasing problem in our society. In Australia we have one of the highest rates of asthma in the world. In fact over 10% of the population suffers from asthma in some form. There is a lot of evidence coming to light that as we increase our exposure to preservatives, chemicals and medications we will see a further increase in the prevalence of asthma and allergies. There are healthy alternatives.

So my best advice to you is to seek naturopathic help for the prevention and control of asthma and allergies naturally!

Can Asthma and Allergies Kill An Asthmatic Person?

The word asthma is Greek and means to breathe hard and that is the main symptom of asthma. If you have asthma, the airways in your lungs are almost always sore and inflamed and quick to respond to anything that irritates them.

Asthma is best defined by its four main symptoms:

- Coughing - often the first sign that asthma attack is on the way. You may either have a dry cough or a cough with phlegm, and coughing often happens at night or after exercise.

- Shortness of breath - it is hard to finish one breath before starting another

- Wheezing - the whistling noise made when someone having an attack breathes out. It is caused by sticky fluid, mucus, produced by the reddened and inflamed airways.

- Tightness in the chest - a feeling that you have a vice sound around your chest or that someone is giving you an overenthusiastic bear hug.

Triggers such as droppings of the house dust mite and pets can cause these airways to narrow suddenly. An asthma attach can be frightening because one sufferer described it as a bit like drowning and in extreme cases, asthma can kill.

What is the relationship between the airways and asthma? In an asthma attack, the airways that take air from your nose or mouth to the lungs become constricted, making it hard to breathe.

The problem may be caused in three different ways, the airway walls become swollen, the muscles of the airways go into spasm, and mucus collects and obstructs the airways.

Allergies are very common and one in three people will have an allergy at some time during their life. One in five of us has hay fever and one in every six children has a skin condition, usually eczema.

An allergy is your body overreacting to something that is normally harmless. Most people can walk past freshly cut grass, cuddle up to the family pet and happily munch their way through a bag of peanuts.

A bee sting usually causes no more than a flash of pain and a red lump. For most people drugs, such as antibiotic or local anesthetics, cause no problems. But if you have an allergy, many of these things do and the allergic reaction like an asthma attack can be sudden and violent.

Very rarely, allergies can kill. For a tiny number of people, if they do not get the right medication immediately, a bee sting or a peanut can mean death.

How To Help Decrease Asthma Attacks

First and foremost asthma is a disease of the lungs.
Specifically it is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the bronchial tubes which are the airways within the lungs. It has the effect of making these airways really sensitive to irritants, and this in turn leads to a difficulty in breathing. It is a chronic condition affecting both adults and children in most western countries.

There is no cure for asthma. Fortunately though it can be controlled thus lessening the severity and frequency of attacks and most patients can lead an active life.

Asthma sufferers need to be aware of the problem and take steps to deal with it. Knowing what sets an attack off and trying to avoid or minimise these factors will lessen the symptoms. Also make sure to take any medication as prescribed by your doctor.In this way you can prevent serious symptoms and lead a normal life. On the other hand if you do not take steps to control it, it can have serious consequences in every area of your daily activities, and lead to a lesser quality of life.

In asthma sufferers the airways in the lungs are extra sensitive or hyper-responsive. When the symptoms begin to get more severe, the condition is called an asthma attack. What happens is that muscles around the bronchial tubes contract, and this narrows the airway openings so that the flow of air is restricted. In other words less air can flow through the airways than previously. The airways then become progressively inflamed and even more swollen and narrow. An excess of mucus is then produced narrowing the airways even further. All of this causes the classic symptoms of asthma. It simply means that it is difficult for air to travel in and out of the lungs and the oxygen levels in the blood decrease as a result.

Some attacks are worse than others. A severe asthma attack leads to the airways becoming so constricted that not enough oxygen gets to vital organs. This condition is a medical emergency. People can die from a severe asthma attack. During the attack a sufferer may have a sensation similar to drowning.

Asthma can affect anyone, at any age, anywhere, and unfortunately the numbers worldwide are increasing.
Conditions in the environment such as air pollution, processed foods, and centrally heated, double-glazed houses are believed to contribute to the problem.

During an asthma attack a sufferer experiences tightness in the chest, a wheezing or whistling noise, coughing, breathlessness, and difficulty breathing because the airways have become narrowed, inflamed, and blocked by mucus.

It can also happen quite quickly, but warning signs can help you recognise an imminent attack. Symptoms such as an itchy nose or itchy skin, dizziness or light-headedness, or an irritating cough.

Heeding the warning signs can help a sufferer to take preventive action, such as medication, thus lessening the severity of the attack.

Being a chronic condition, attacks can occur over long periods of time. But there can also be long periods when a patient will suffer few, if any, symptoms.
It should be noted that children may grow out of asthma but that it can recur again as they get older.

For the most part though it can be controlled, and it is important to recognise what can trigger an attack and take your medication as early as possible to help weaken the symptoms. The good news though is that it is possible to lead an active and healthy life and take part in all sporting and physical activities.

Copyright HealthInfoDocs

What Are the Hidden Symptoms of an Asthma Attack?

How will you know if you or a loved one is having sudden attack of asthma? There are different attacks of asthma symptoms. These can be any of the following:

Coughing

This is one of the common symptoms of asthma. You or your loved ones may experience coughing which gets worse during the night. Take note of the pattern in your coughing as this can be the key in diagnosis and in identifying your asthma triggers.

Wheezing

This is also one of the most common asthma symptoms. If you hear a whistling sound especially when you breathe out, that is wheezing.

Chest tightness or pain

If you feel as if a rope if tied around your chest and it gets tighter as you breathe, you are experiencing chest tightness or pain.

Shortness of breath or difficult breathing

This symptom of asthma attacks is identified as catching your breath, or the sense of breathing through a straw, or difficulty in breathing out.

These four are the overt symptoms of asthma attacks. Since asthma is an inflammation of the air passages, you will most definitely experience these symptoms of asthma attacks. Incidentally, there are also hidden symptoms of asthma attacks. And these hidden symptoms can also help you identify the attack of asthma.

Anxiety or panic.

This hidden symptom is usually triggered by the gradual constriction of your bronchial tubes which will decrease the amount of oxygen in your body. Since you feel that something is wrong but you cannot really identify what it is, you may feel anxious or panicky during or even before the attack of asthma.

Pallor and sweat.

These hidden symptoms of asthma attacks are really early warning signs of the attacks of asthma. When you come into contact with your asthma triggers, your airway passages will start constricting. As the amount of oxygen in your body is decreased, your face starts turning pale and you may also experience breaking out into a cold sweat.

Fatigue

This is one of the hidden symptoms of asthma attacks that people often overlook. If you feel tired even after sufficient amount of rest, you must consult your doctor. Aside from being a symptom of asthma, fatigue can also be a symptom of other diseases.

If you start experiencing these over and hidden symptoms of the asthma attacks, you must consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor will run some tests to rule out the possibility of other diseases since these symptoms of asthma attacks can also be symptoms of other diseases. Once proper diagnosis is made, appropriate treatment can also be prescribed.

In managing asthma, identifying the triggers is very important to prevent the attacks of asthma from recurring. Always observe the time, environment, and activity before and during an asthma attack.

How Turmeric Can Help Asthma Symptoms

Modern medical research is only just discovering the powerful healing and health promoting properties of turmeric. Turmeric is a yellow spice of the ginger family. It is native to Tropical South Asia and is commonly used in Indian cuisine most notably in curries.

The active component which is responsible for all of its medicinal properties is called curcumin. Recent studies have proven what the Indians have known for centuries, that is it shows it can inhibit cancer and tumor cells, it is antibacterial, antiseptic and it is a powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory.

There is now strong evidence to show that curcumin can kill melanoma and prostate cancer cells, it can slow the spread of breast cancer, reduce joint inflammation, help asthma along with several other conditions including lung disease, colon cancer, Alzheimer's, diabetes, psoriasis and bowel disorders.

It's anti inflammatory properties cannot be disputed. It is arguably the most powerful anti inflammatory that we know of. Personally I have been drinking turmeric tea now for a few years to help control my asthma. It is also very reassuring to know that there are so many other conditions or diseases that I am helping to avoid.

Curcumin supplements have gained popularity in recent years, however some studies have suggested side effects with such high concentrations of curcumin so I would not advise supplementing curcumin. Instead use organic ground turmeric spice in cooking and in tea regularly. You only need about half a teaspoon to derive the benefits. If you don't drink tea, its has been said that mixing turmeric in warm milk can be an effective treatment for asthma as well.

Either way it makes a lot of sense to me with all of the evidence that we have available, to include this spice along with a variety of other spices into your daily diet. Not only for asthma management but for general health, well-being and to combat against cancer.

Asthma Relief at Home - How to Get Instant Asthma Relief at Home

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide and affects 22 million persons in the United States.

That's why lots of people are looking for asthma relief at home.

Asthma is known to be a condition that is transmitted through inheritance. It is a condition in which a person faces difficulty breathing.

As you may know, asthma symptoms affect activity, and they may occur more than two times per day, with a mild, moderate or severe level.

Unfortunately, it cannot be cured, but it can be controlled in some ways.

As a matter of fact, this pathology finds excellent treatment in homeopathy, without any side effects.
Before you finish reading this article, you will find out how you too can get asthma relief at home.

But before we get there, let's discuss a bit more about asthma symptoms and its standard treatment.

The Most Common Asthma Symptoms

If you already experienced this, you know it's hard.

The symptoms might settle to the chest producing cough and congestion, as well as shortness of breath, a tight feeling in the chest, wheeze while breathing. These are in fact the main symptoms of asthma.

Asthma Treatment Issues

If you are lucky, asthma is only childhood or allergy related. In this case, time may do its work and you could stop experiencing these painful symptoms growing up.

If not, medical treatments and interventions can manage it. As we already said, there is no cure, but some medical treatment is usually prescribed as a standard procedure.

The problem is that medications prescribed for asthma sufferers normally have a bad taste and, unfortunately this is not the worst thing at all. In fact, they cost a lot of money, and carry with them some troublesome side effects.

If you already took some of these medications, you may have experienced things such as general nervousness and stress or sleep troubles.

Anyway, there is an alternative solution to avoid all these problems.

In fact, Dramatic Asthma Relief disclosed a report about effective alternative treatment for asthma and allergies. Let's dig in what these asthma remedies are and how they work.

Natural Asthma Relief at Home

The solution for natural asthma relief was found in homeopathy.

As you may probably not be aware of, herbal products have the potential to provide relief from many chronic inflammatory conditions, but few have yet been tested on people with asthma.

Anyway, the results of the tests clearly show that homeopathy can certainly offer long term relief for asthma, both in children and adults.

That's why dedicated devices have been made available to deliver instant medication to your lungs.

These devices are hand-held portable and are exactly designed to deliver medication in mist form. In fact, research has shown that while oral medications can be helpful, mist applications are indeed particularly effective in delivering medication and fast relief directly to the lungs.

These natural asthma relief medicine carriers have been so deemed "rescue inhalers" because of their applications, and they are already known as the best form of asthma home remedy.

Nowadays, a variety of asthma inhalers are available to help relieve or control asthma symptoms in adults and in children. And you can get them online too.

In fact, even if this may surprise you, since their ingredients are completely natural, they are free from medical prescription.

That's it! You don't even need a pharmacy to get them, since they are even available online. And in most of the cases you can get one of them free as a special offer from a new retailer who wants to get his name known.

In the end, asthma inhalers are a very effective way to get instant asthma relief at home.

What Exercises are Beneficial for Asthmatics?

There are forms of exercising that are better for those who have asthma.

Certain forms of exercise will cause more wheeziness or chest tightness than others.

For example, running outdoors not as good as swimming.

Indeed swimming is one of the best forms of exercise for people with asthma because the swimmer is surrounded by warm, moist air.

On the other hand if the air you breathe during exercise is cold and dry, then the asthma will be worse.

If it is warm and moist, as with swimming, then the asthma will be not be as bad.

This tells us why swimming causes less asthma attacks than running, or other forms of exercise.

However, asthma and associated allergies can be complex as some asthmatics suffer worsening symptoms from the fumes (chlorine) in swimming pools.

The amount of time you exercise important as it usually takes at least six minutes of continuous exercise to trigger an exercise-induced asthma attack, and exercising for less time than this may not be enough to trigger an attack.

For a few hours after you have had the exercise-induced asthma, repeating the same amount of exercise will no longer produce the same amount of asthma symptoms, or may even produce no asthma symptoms at all.

In this way some patients are able to avoid exercise-induced asthma either exercising with short bursts.

Therefore asthmatics are particularly suited to sports and exercise, which consist of short bursts of activity with periods of rest in between.

While long-distance or cross-country running would be a bad choice of sport because they are undertaken outside in cold air without short breaks others are possible including...

o Football or hockey, or similar sport, as they are played in brief bursts with short breaks and periods of rest in between.

o Swimming is an great form of exercise for anyone with asthma. The warm moist air in the swimming pool is less likely to trigger symptoms of asthma.

o Yoga is a another exercise for people with asthma as it relaxes the body and the mind, reducing stress, and often done indoors where the air is warm.

There is evidence that indicates that gradual exercise can make you less prone to exercise-induced asthma.

Accordingly this disease does not automatically prevent a sufferer from enjoying sport at any level.

There have been many Olympians, including medallists, who were asthmatic and suffered from exercise-induced asthma.

However having the needed medical advice, asthma management, treatment, as well as the proper coaching, training, and self-discipline that every Olympic athlete needs to have, the asthma problems were overcome.

There are steps to help you help you in reducing the severity or number of asthma attacks.

o Speak with your doctor and make sure that you are properly and safely using your asthma medications.

o Warming up and down to get your muscles ready as well as getting your lung ready.

o Be aware of the weather and environmental conditions.

o Stay fit. Aerobic exercise help's to reduce the effects of asthma and recommended by doctors for good health.

One of the triggers of asthma is fatigue. Having strong lungs, a benefit of exercise, is allows you to avoid the fatigue that brings on asthma attacks.

Allergic Asthma Natural Treatment - Let Nature Cure You

For those allergic asthmatics, who are fed up of traditional methods of treatment, then natural treatment of allergic asthma comes as a rescuer. Regular asthma drugs can have side effects, but you are bound to take them for instant relief. In the long run, you get addicted to them. Why not employ nature for the cure?

Nature, no doubt, holds best of medicinal herbs that can help you combat most critical ailments. Natural treatment is not only safe, but also can be followed along with the regular treatment. Though, in any case, it should be started after proper consultation from the health counselor. Today, a number of natural remedies for allergic asthma are in use. Some of them can even be found in your kitchen. You just need to be informed well about them.

Let's Start From Your Kitchen

The allergic asthma natural treatment can be started right from your kitchen. Ever wondered about Garlic, which is known to be the most essential ingredient of the food? Apart from increasing the taste value, it also nourishes the immune system. When a garlic bead is consumed with a glass of water on a daily basis, it minimizes the frequency of asthma attacks. Apart from this, it also lessens the intensity of attacks. Honey can be the most sought after and tastier method of asthma treatment. The smell of honey can work wonders for asthma patients. It melts down the thick mucous layer, thus making the task of breathing much easier. Citrus fruits like Orange, Lemon, grapefruit, etc. are rich in Vitamin C. Vitamin C strengthen body's defense mechanism. Regular intake of such fruits and vegetables boosts up breathing capacity. It minimizes the sensitivity of the bronchial system. So, chances of asthma attacks become considerably low.

Make Most From Nature's Bounty

Like Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 also relieves you from the grip of allergic asthma. It helps you combat this menace by giving you ample energy. Foods that readily contain this Vitamin are fish, eggs, pork, soya products, peanuts, avocado, bananas, and brown rice. Make all these items part of your diet and you will be able to fight all sorts of bronchial problems. Many researches made on fish oil show that the supplementation of the same helps cure even long-term asthma. A number of Ayurvedic medicines containing rare herbs have also been introduced for allergic asthma treatment. If taken regularly, they give tremendous resistance to the body. The medicinal plants like figs also play a pivotal role in treating asthma. Soak dried fig leaves in water overnight and consume it the next day. Make this a regular practice and you will see the difference. The phlegm causing difficulty in breathing gets drained, thus giving you a new life. To decrease the sensitivity towards allergens, a traditional Chinese method has also been employed to a great extent. This method is termed as Acupuncture. Several points in the body are identified. Very thin needles are inserted through these points. This causes stimulation at these points that empowers body's capability to prevent asthma symptoms. It helps maintain good health for healthy living.

Apart from this, it is always advisable to stay away from the agents triggering asthmatic conditions. Increase your exposure towards them gradually, in accordance with the development of resistance in your body. It is worthwhile to note that Mother Nature holds a lot of enriching agents that have rejuvenating powers. They can even induce new life to almost dead cells.

Ignoring the Potential of Asthma Can Prove Disastrous

Ever feel short of breath from little physical activity, despite being in decent shape? Does your child suffer from coughing episodes without any perceivable trigger? You or your loved one may be developing asthma, and should seek asthma testing and consultation for this difficult, but manageable respiratory disease.

For a rudimentary understanding of what asthma is, the classic definition is a chronic inflammatory disease that obstructs airflow due to a variety of triggers and causes. Though prognosis is generally positive, asthma can have debilitating consequences and create serious complications when compounded with other illnesses.

If you do not have asthma, there is a simple exercise to get the feel for what it may be like to struggle with a respiratory disease. Try breathing through a straw for a length of time. The restriction of airflow to your lungs is similar to the constriction of airflow caused by an asthma attack. For the asthmatic, an attack can happen at anytime due to one of several common triggers.

While asthma can be genetic, certain environmental factors or irritants can cause asthma attacks. The most common of these triggers are allergies and air quality. Allergic reactions are immune system response to normally harmless substances, usually through the symptoms shortness of breath and inflammation. Environmental factors include presence of allergens, or the quality of air in regards to irritants such as cigarette smoke and pollen. The combination of all of these factors contributes to the prevalence and severity of asthma and asthma attacks.

If you are concerned that you or a loved one may be asthmatic, scheduling an asthma testing should be the immediate first step in treating the disease. With very simple procedures, today's asthma doctors can run tests that will effectively isolate the allergens that can trigger your respiratory problems in under an hour. Treatments are varied and can include anything from steroidal inhalants that halt inflammation, to injections that weaken allergic reactions that induce asthma attacks.

Being proactive and seeking a consultation is the first step to health and wellness. As stated before, asthma isn't a death sentence; but ignoring asthma can lead to serious health complications. Statistics show that nearly a quarter of emergency room visits are asthma related, and asthma has a hand in over 10,000 deaths every year in the United States. Protect yourself and your family by consulting an asthma doctor about allergy and asthma testing, while it's still manageable.

Asthma Signs And Symptoms

The symptoms of asthma vary from person to person and range from mild to severe. For some, an asthma attack or flare-up can be life-threatening.

Typical symptoms include shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing and wheezing. But not all people experience these symptoms. In some, the only symptom may be a chronic cough, especially at night or after exercising.

These normally begin within minutes of exposure to triggers such as allergens or environmental irritants, cold air and certain medications and may last for a few minutes. More serious episodes may last for hours or even days. These flare-ups can occur at any time but often strike during the early morning hours. Nocturnal asthma may begin two to three hours after you sleep and may cause you to wake up gasping for breath.

Others experience restlessness during sleep, fatigue, an itchy or scratchy throat, itchy or watery eyes, and nasal and sinus congestion.

Asthmatics wheeze and cough because their airways are inflamed and filled with mucus. This makes it difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs. That's the reason why asthmatics find it hard to breathe. These symptoms are caused by the body's over-reaction to normally harmless substances like pollen, sudden weather changes, or indoor and outdoor airborne allergens.

While wheezing (a musical whistling sound during breathing) is one of the symptoms of asthma, not all asthmatics wheeze. In fact, some people don't have any symptoms and may not be aware that they have asthma. They may just feel tired most of the time, lack energy or seem to run out of breath easily. In most children, cough is the only symptom of asthma.

To help your doctor diagnose asthma, take note of your symptoms and tell your doctor about them. Observe when they occur, what you were doing at that time, how long they lasted as well as other pertinent information.

If your symptoms follow exposure to certain asthma triggers and occur at night or after exercise, you probably have asthma, more so if you have a family history of the disease. This will be confirmed through breathing and allergy tests or other laboratory tests.

Your doctor will also check how well you respond to asthma medications, especially short-acting bronchodilators that quickly relieve asthma attacks. To prevent further attacks, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medicines that stop inflammation and mucus production.

What are common asthma triggers and how can you avoid them? Find out in the third part of our series. Don't miss it!

Since obesity is bad for asthmatics, keep your weight down to a healthy level. You can do this with the help of Zyroxin, a safe and natural supplement that will maximize your weight loss through its unique fat-burning ingredients.

Asthma Bronchitis Allergies

Are you currently searching for relief or a cure from asthma, bronchitis, and allergies, for babies, children, young adults, adults and the elderly?

Did you know that because of all the different times in life there are different strategies that work on the different stages?

Are you using your asthma medications and inhalers, more and more each day?

Are your household chemicals and antihistamines, that you are taking to relieve your hay fever and allergies, making your asthma worse or causing asthma attacks?

Are you tired of fighting off hay fever, allergies, sinus, bronchitis or any other respiratory problems?

If you are battling any of these questions, then you have come to the right place.

Asthma is a chronic disease, which involves inflammation of the airway superimposed with recurrent episodes of limited airflow (difficulty in breathing), mucus production, cough and wheezing.

Types of asthma: exercise induced, allergic, occupational, and nocturnal.

Bronchitis occurs when the lining of your bronchial tract becomes infected, usually developing from a cold or flu or allergies. Then your bronchial tubes become swollen and start producing mucus. The mucus causes (difficulty in breathing,) wheezing and a nasty cough.

Types of bronchitis: acute, chronic and bronchial asthma. Both bronchitis and asthma are cause by allergies, hay fever, sinus, and other types of respiratory problems.

Using Get Your Breath Back, you can control your allergies, eczema, hay fever and other upper respiratory problems, which can lead to bronchitis and /or asthma. This system will show how it covers babies, children, young adults, adults and the elderly. Learn to cure the root cause, not the symptoms. Learn how yoga, meditation and simple relaxation exercises can help relieve your allergies, hay fever, eczema, sinus, asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems. You can say goodbye to harmful antibiotics, steroids, inhalers and other over the counter medication.

To make sure that your body, will function properly for a long time. Starting now, will help the body to fight off symptoms of many illnesses and diseases. Some factors that can lead to an early onset of bronchitis, asthma and allergies include a poor diet. Some diseases are hereditary, and you can still be at risk. By keeping healthy you are helping your body to be able to control the symptoms when they onset. Break-free from your debilitating bronchitis and invest in your happiness and well-being now. Don't wait until your bronchitis, asthma and allergies is completely out of control.

Medication and Peanut Allergy - What is the Connection?

One of the most common and deadliest food allergies are the ones to peanuts and nuts. Many times allergies are misunderstood. People only focus on the symptoms, such as sever swelling, difficulties breathing and heart failure. However it's important to not confuse these symptoms for asthma. Since asthma has many of the same symptoms, many times this is the case. The real danger is when asthma medication is used to treat a peanut allergy.

What is Advair?

Advair is a medication that's used to treat asthma. This inhaled medicine is also called fluticasone. It's a long acting form of the steroid Serevent (salmeterol). In combination they work well in controlling asthma.

Why should Adviar not be used to treat peanut allergies?

It's important to understand that asthma and allergies have two very different root causes. Food allergies are when the body treats a type of food as and something dangerous, therefore attacking the substance. This is not the case with asthma.

It's also important to understand Adviar is designed to be used over time. It builds up in the system and prevents asthma attacks from happening. Peanut allergies on the other hand need to be address right away. If left untreated severe food allergies can be deadly.

Conclusion

Both allergies and asthma need to be taken seriously. However it's important to know them apart. A doctor will be able to properly diagnose you. After receiving the proper allergy tests you'll know for sure the best possible treatment options to fit your situation.

Eucalyptus Plant As an Alternative Asthma Treatment

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory system. The causes could be environmental or genetic. Symptoms of asthma include wheezing, cough, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. This condition has no permanent cure. Using medication, the severity of the attack can be reduced and temporary relief can be obtained.

Asthma attack can occur at anytime or anywhere. It can only get aggravated or triggered more often depending on the allergens in the environment around us. It is advisable to keep medication for immediate relief handy. But if one has no stock left and faces an attack, it is worthwhile to have eucalyptus for temporary relief till medical help arrives.

This is an alternate medicine for temporary relief only. Many medicinal products like cough drops, liniments, vaporizers and steam inhalators use eucalyptus as its ingredient.

Planting a eucalyptus tree in your yard will definitely come handy at times of an asthmatic attack. Pluck a bunch of leaves crush them with your fingers and put them in a tub filled with hot water. Now, inhale the steam from this tub for immediate relief.

If one has oil made from the extracts of the tree, put few drops of the oil on a towel and let the ailing person inhale the fumes of the oil. This is also found to be equally effective. Given that many of us may not have the place to plant a tree buying eucalyptus oil from a store would be a better option.

Eucalyptus is considered to be an alternate treatment for asthma when the attack is mild or as a first aid.

Top Easy and Effective Home Remedies For Asthma

Home remedies for asthma are the quickest and the most convenient methods of treatment for people suffering from this condition. If you are still not aware of these helpful home remedies, then read on.

Before anything else, what is asthma?

Asthma, in clinical explanation, is the persistent inflammation of the bronchial airways. This inflammation causes swelling and constriction of the airways making it hard to breathe properly.

When bronchial tubes or airways are inflamed constantly, it may become more sensitive to allergens and irritants such as pollens and dust. While it is normal for people to be sensitive to allergens and irritants, people suffering from asthma experiences sensitivity to a heightened degree.

Not all asthmatics react to the same allergens or irritants. The seriousness of asthma greatly depends on how many allergens and irritants one person reacts to and how sensitive your bronchial tubes and lungs to them are.

The things that can trigger asthma are:

1. Allergens

Allergens include pollens, dust mites, molds and pet hair. Some foods such as peanuts, soy, fish and cow's milk can also trigger asthma. Latex and sulfites can also aggravate this condition.

2. Irritants

Irritants include respiratory problems such as bronchitis and sinusitis. The smoke from tobacco or the smog from everyday pollution can cause asthma attacks. Many people also show reactions to weather changes and diesel fumes.

Irritants also include emotional factors. Too much laughing, anger, and crying can trigger asthma attacks.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

The symptoms of asthma diverge from person to person. Sometimes the symptoms of asthma mimic the symptoms of other respiratory illnesses. However, major symptoms were categorized.

Many asthmatics show these common symptoms:
1. Shortness of breath
2. wheezing
3. chronic coughing
4. tightness in the chest

Medications for Asthma

The medications are used to relax the bronchial tubes. The inflammation is reduced because of these medications.

One of the oldest medications for asthma is the use of Adrenaline. This can help ease up the constriction of airways. This treatment is only used for emergency cases as this may cause side effects such as heart palpitations, nausea, vomiting, restlessness and anxiety.

Some inhalers are also used to temporarily abate the constriction of the airways. It acts directly on the lining of the bronchial tubes. The side effects of this medication are significantly lesser than the use of adrenaline.

There are also some tablets that asthmatic people can use. However, some herbal and home remedies for asthma can be used.

Chamomile is a natural calming agent that contains natural antihistamine components. Drinking chamomile tea can help relieve coughing and constriction in the bronchial airways.

The use of ephedre can open up the bronchial passages to make way for air. This effect is also the same when you use green tea.

Drinking Hyssop tea can also relieve respiratory congestion while lobelia is an herbal remedy that can reduce the inflammation of the bronchial lining.

Nettle and Pau d' Arco can relieve problems in the respiratory organs and are natural antibiotic, anti-inflammatory agents.

One of the widely used home remedies for asthma is the use of the brown paper bag. A person having difficulty breathing can breathe into the brown paper bag. This can stabilize and even out their breathing.

For better results, you can combine these treatments with a homeopathic remedy such as Triple Complex BronchoSoothe.

This product can help ease up the tightness in the chest to make way for normal, even breathing. It can not only relieve asthma symptoms but it can also promote the health of our lungs and respiratory tracts.

Triple BronchoSoothe can also promote the functions of our immune system to protect use from viral diseases. With the use of biochemic tissue salts, this product is the safer choice compared to other prescription medications.

Asthma can be a serious condition that can take the life of a person. With home remedies for asthma, you have a saving grace in the comforts of your own home.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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