Does Anyone You Know Have Asthma?

At first reading, there isn't much extremely shocking in this report. But with a little research, in my opinion it becomes alarming.

This information comes from the Asthma Society of Canada:

"Doctors define asthma as a 'chronic inflammatory disease of the airways' . It is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions affecting Canadians. Asthma can be diagnosed at any age, but often starts in childhood. Its prevalence in Canada has been increasing over the last 20 years and it is estimated that currently over 3 million Canadians have asthma.

"The three strongest risk factors for developing asthma are family history, exposure in infancy to high levels of antigens such as house dust mites, and exposure to tobacco smoke and/or chemical irritants.

"We're all pretty familiar with allergic triggers of asthmatic symptoms, such as mould, animal dander, pollen, dust mites, etc., but perhaps less familiar with non-allergic triggers such as certain drugs, chemicals, fumes and odours, respiratory viral infections, certain weather conditions, strenuous physical exercise, tobacco smoke, and air pollution.

"Urbanization appears to be correlated with an increase in asthma. The nature of the risk is unclear because studies have not taken into account indoor allergens although these have been identified as significant risk factors.

"Experts are struggling to understand why prevalence rates world-wide are, on average, rising by 50% every decade."

Alarming? Yes. Why?

First of all, the report was updated in April of 2005, yet most of the footnoted references are from the mid to late 90's. So the report is about "Canadians" in general; children are still not identified as a unique segment of the population, their needs, habits and susceptibilities are not taken into special consideration, even though the studies all concur that asthma often starts in childhood.

Next, approximately 3 million Canadians have asthma. You have to put that into the context of how many Canadians there are, which in the year 2000 was about 31 million, with an annual growth rate of approximately 1%. So about 9.6% of all Canadians have asthma. Almost one out of 10. If one out of 10 Canadians were in a wheelchair, or wearing a cast, we would take notice. Alarming, since we treat it so casually. It's a chronic disease, which means lifelong constant management and medication.

The world's current (overall as well as natural) growth rate is about 1.3% per year, while prevalence rates of asthma world-wide are, on average, rising by 50% every decade. So asthma is occuring over 3 times more than can be attributed to population growth. These are rough figures, just to give us an idea of what we're looking at.

And this is only about asthma. It isn't about illness from chemical poisoning, or deaths from poisoning, or lung cancer, or...

So it's time to take steps to prevent asthma and other chronic environmental illnesses and diseases. At the very least, search for and buy the least toxic cleansers for household use. Get educated! Then, store all chemicals safely and securely away from children and pets.

Don't allow smoking in your home, and be aware of and avoid air pollution, both inside and out. Air out your home completely three times a day. Did you know that cigarette smoke contains about 4,000 chemical agents, including over 60 carcinogens? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Institute of Environmental Health Science’s National Toxicology Program, and the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have all classified secondhand smoke as a known human carcinogen—a category reserved for agents for which there is sufficient scientific evidence that they cause cancer.

The U.S. EPA has estimated that exposure to secondhand smoke causes about 3,000 lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers and is responsible for up to 300,000 cases of lower respiratory tract infections in children up to 18 months of age in the United States each year. If you have to smoke, just dig your own grave, don't drag others with you!

So, become aware and clean up your home environment.

By: Kathryn Beach

What Causes Asthma?

Asthma is chronic disease that is hallmarked by the inflammation of the bronchial or breathing tubes, in the lungs. While there is no known specific cause for the condition, many of its triggers are well known and avoidable; and those that can’t be avoided can be well managed.

15 million adults and 5 million children in the United Stated have asthma, a chronic respiratory disease that can cause early morning or late night coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, fatigue, anxiety and shortness of breath. Asthma symptoms can be mild or serious, and they can also be life threatening during an asthma attack.

Our lungs are filled with hollow tube like passages that resemble the branches on a tree. These passages gradually become smaller and smaller ending in tiny pockets where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged. For those with asthma, swelling in the hollow tubes makes breathing difficult and uncomfortable by preventing the air from moving freely. This inflammation causes an increased sensitivity to allergens and a host of other asthma triggers.

So what causes asthma? It is generally believed that exposure to allergens early in life can trigger asthma, but heredity plays a role too and can predispose certain populations to this chronic condition. Allergen induced asthma usually becomes apparent before the age of 35. Non allergic asthma usually has its onset in middle age and can be triggered or worsened by reflux disease, exercise, weather changes and illness.

Environmental lung irritants are by far the biggest culprits in triggering asthma problems and include cleaning products, perfume, smoke, mold, dust, pollution, mildew, seasonal pollen and animal dander.

Lifestyle and illness also play a role in causing respiratory flare-ups in those susceptible.

Stress, exercise, laughter, foods and food additives like sulfites, getting a cold, the flu or a bronchial infection, and even changes in the weather can bring the asthmatic closer to an asthma attack.

Luckily for asthmatics many of the factors that can lead to an asthma attack can be eliminated or reduced in their lives. Keeping the environment clean and dust free to avoid exposure to mold, mildew and dust mites, avoiding pets and smoke, staying inside on windy days and always riding in the car with the windows up to avoid excessive amounts of pollen, avoiding exposure to household chemicals and perfumed body products, and running a dehumidifier on humid days can all help to reduce the causes of environmental allergen triggers. Reducing stress, increasing exercise and working to stay healthy are necessary additional steps to managing asthma.

Asthma is on the rise in the United States and in other developed countries around the globe; and though no one knows exactly why, it is theorized that the culprits may be a byproduct of our more industrialized lives. People spend more time indoors where household pollutants are greater, and though environments are generally healthier, with less exposure to viruses and bacteria our immune systems may be becoming more sensitive to these issues.

There is no cure for asthma, but medication, and environmental and lifestyle changes can help to alleviate the symptoms and keep asthma from limiting the lives of those afflicted.

By: Gray Rollins

What Is Asthma?

20 million people in the United Stated have asthma, a chronic respiratory disease that makes it impossible for them to take breathing for granted.

Our lungs are filled with hollow tube like passages that resemble the branches on a tree. These passages gradually become smaller and smaller ending in tiny pockets where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged. For those with asthma, swelling in the hollow tubes that fill the lungs makes breathing difficult and uncomfortable. This inflammation causes an increased sensitivity to allergens and a host of other asthma triggers like exercise, medications, stress, pollution, humidity and even laughter.

There is no cure for asthma, but medication, and environmental and lifestyle changes can help to alleviate the symptoms and keep asthma from limiting the lives of those afflicted.

The symptoms of asthma vary from person to person; early morning or late night coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, fatigue, anxiety and shortness of breath are all common. Allergen induced asthma usually becomes apparent before the age of 35. Non allergic asthma usually has its onset in middle age and can be triggered or worsened by reflux disease, exercise, weather changes and illness.

So who gets asthma? It is generally believed that exposure to allergens early in life can trigger asthma, and the rapid rise in the disease among children is cause for concern, but heredity plays a role too and can predispose certain populations to this chronic condition. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology children with a genetic predisposition are 40% more likely to develop the disease than those without the hereditary link. There isn’t anything that can be done to remove the heredity factor for asthma, but the disease is highly treatable.

When it comes to asthma, the best first line treatment is always lifestyle and environmental changes. Removing the influences that can trigger asthma related symptoms is the best first course of action. Keeping the environment clean and dust free to avoid exposure to mold, mildew and dust mites, avoiding pets and smoke, staying inside on windy days, always riding in the car with the windows up, avoiding exposure to household chemicals and perfumed body products, and running a dehumidifier on humid days can all help with specific environmental allergen triggers.

Prescription medications, or combinations of medications, are valuable tools in treating the symptoms of asthma. Bronchodilators are short acting medicines that help to open the breathing passageways of the lungs by relaxing them, while steroids are longer acting and help to decrease the swelling in the tissues lining the lungs. These medications come in the form of pills and inhalers and can be used with other medications to develop the right regimen for each individual patient.

Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease with symptoms that can range from mild to serious, and can even become life threatening during a severe asthma attack, but asthma is also highly treatable. With the right combination of lifestyle, environmental and medical treatment, asthmatics can live healthy and active lives.

By: Gray Rollins

Why Do You Have Asthma?

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

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

Inheriting Asthma

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

Studies show that children whose parents smoke are twice as likely to develop asthma as children of non-smoking parents. Also, children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy tend to be born with smaller airways, which greatly increases their chances of developing the disease.
The "westernised" environment and lifestyle in developed countries has a lot to do with the chances of whether a person will develop asthma or not.

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

Allergies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Emotional issues

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

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

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

By: Rudy Silva

What Do We Know About Asthma And Asthma Types?

Asthma is a respiratory disease which can attack absolutely anyone – infant, child, adult or senior. The mechanism of a healthy respiratory system is that when faced with any problem, the air sacs (or the alveoli) in the lungs first constrict to obstruct the bad air from getting in, and then expand to expel the already inhaled traces of pollution. In this way, the lungs handle the problem and protect the lungs.

What Happens When Asthma Attacks?

The same mechanism is triggered off in asthmatic patients as well. The difference however, comes at the phase when the lungs constrict to stop the entry of the irritant air. While in the healthy person the air sacs immediately expand, to expel the culprit, in the asthmatic person, the air sacs constrict further, giving the person respiratory distress signals such as breathlessness and gasping for breath symptoms.

There is quite a lot of information on asthma and asthma types all over the internet. Those who want to learn more in depth about both asthma and asthma types can browse and find all they want to know. Basically, there are two main types of asthma, i.e. extrinsic and intrinsic.

The extrinsic asthma is what most people are suffering from. As you will find from the asthma and asthma types information, this type of asthma is usually triggered by allergens. This type of asthma starts usually in the childhood and continues into adulthood. The most common triggers for this asthma are eczemas, hay fever and allergies that are handed down through the family medical history.

As the child grows up into his teens, this asthma will disappear. In some cases, it will re-appear when the child becomes an adult. There are cases however; there will be no reoccurrence at later stages of life.

It does not matter what asthma and asthma types information you look up, you find it confirmed everywhere that people who have asthma can lead perfectly normal lives without being hindered in any way about this disease. They have to extremely careful however, that they avoid any and all types of things that trigger the onslaught of asthma. As long as there are no immediate triggers, the patient will have absolutely no problems.

As per the asthma and asthma types information from the web, you will observe that the intrinsic asthma is on the other hand caused by respiratory infection mostly and require fast and constant medical supervision.

By: Dr. April Davall

Facing Asthma With Asthma Exercise

Asthma is a journey – a daily dose of unpredictability and a balancing act required to prevent attacks. For those who suffer from asthma, there is no end to the exploration of treatments that can possibly alleviate – and maybe even prevent – symptoms. Most have found a way to combine traditional medicine with a more holistic mind/body approach; the result is a very individual approach to a very individual disease.

One such natural approach that asthmatics are using in conjunction with traditional medical treatment is asthma exercise. Asthma exercise can encompass any form of exercise that brings about improvement in overall health thus lessening the effects of asthma.

Experts believe that exercise triggers the opening of bronchial tubes; the result can be extended relief from the irritated and constricted airways of those suffering from asthma attacks.

Some asthmatics turn to aerobics for their forms of asthma exercise. Walking, dancing, and any other exercise where your heart rate is increased can be healthy for your overall health and can go a long way towards lessening your symptoms of asthma.

Others concentrate on those exercises that establish a mind/body connection. Yoga can be an excellent asthma exercise; allowing your body and your mind to relax in unison. Additionally, yoga uses breathing patterns as a component of the exercise itself. Those who practice yoga must learn to hold certain postures while focusing on deep and cleansing breaths. This can be an enormously helpful asthma exercise for those who suffer from this respiratory system disease.

Get online for access to a multitude of resources developed for the asthma sufferer. Updates on asthma treatments, guides to keeping you healthy, and an online community of support will keep you feeling proactive and positive about managing your disease. Find out what asthma exercise has made improvements in the lives of other asthmatics. Try them out experimentally and take careful mental notes on what asthma exercise made you feel well and what was less successful.

Asthma exercise can be a fantastic tool that you can use to keep control of your symptoms. But nothing replaces the guidance of a medical professional in keeping you healthy. Be sure to check with your doctor before embarking on any new exercise program.

With proper medical supervision and a commitment to improved overall health, you are likely to see an improvement – and maybe cessation – of many of your asthma symptoms. Asthma exercise can leave you feeling happy, healthy, and in control.

By: Michelle Bery

Asthma Treatment & Asthma Prevention

More than 17 million people in the US alone suffer from asthma, a serious lung ailment, resulting in 5,000 asthma deaths a year. Asthma is an allergic inflammation of the lungs, which is generally triggered by pollens, molds, dust, animal dander, air pollution, chemicals, exercise, temperature changes or ingestion of certain foods. Asthma drugs, which are traditionally used to control asthma symptoms can have very serious side effects, plus they are also quite expensive. For a detailed list of asthma drugs and their known side effects see:

http://www.dramatic-asthma-relief.com/asthma-drug-side-effects.htm

Fortunately there are alternative asthma treatments which are quite effective, relatively inexpensive compared to drugs and best of all they are without negative side effects. However, it is best to prevent the development of asthma in the first place.

Asthma Prevention - Measures You Can Take to Prevent the Devlopment of Asthma

Doctors and researchers agree that the single most important thing that parents can do to prevent their child from developing asthma in the first place is to eliminate or significantly reduce dust mite allergens or asthma triggers in the home.

"Clinical studies have revealed that avoidance of dust mite allergens in early childhood can prevent the onset of asthma..." Michael LeNoir Md

Dust mite allergens are known to play a major role in it's development. Researchers have determined that other important allergens (after dust mites) that also need to be eliminated from the home are cats, certain types of mold, dogs, cockroaches and tobacco smoke. It is a popular misconception that children will "outgrow" asthma. It is a severe and potentially life-threatening illness that should be taken seriously. Long term use of steroid drugs is not recommended by doctors and has serious side effects. Making these preventative environmental changes is a much more viable, healthy and preferable alternative. If you or your child are already suffering from asthma or allergies these measures will certainly help.

What are Dust Mites? Dust mites are microscopic insects and live in bedding, pillows, mattresses, blankets, upholstery, carpets etc. They thrive particularly in humid climates. They live off of dead skin cells and produce an allergen from their excrement, which is inhaled.

All Homes Contain Dust Mites No Matter How Clean They Are. Studies have shown that dust mite allergens in the home must be reduced to at least 2mcg/g dust or mite populations decreased to 100/g dust to have any significant benefit. There are several things that can be done to accomplish this.

What Can Be Done To Eliminate or Reduce Dust Mites? Researchers have found through numerous studies that these are the most effective measures:Changing the relative humidity and temperature of the home:

• Keeping relative humidity less than 50% is proven to greatly reduce the dust mite population. (Portable dehumidifiers were not shown to significantly reduce humidity).
• Mechanical ventilation with a heat recovery unit has proved to be the most effective to reduce humidity in the home.
• Using air cleaners that have HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, which will also eliminate other allergens such as pollen and animal dander.
• Cleaning using a vacuum with a HEPA filter and steam cleaning rugs and upholstery regularly.
• Washing all bedding in hot water (60 degrees C, 130 degrees F) on a weekly basis is known to kill dust mites. Drying bedding in a hot dryer.
• Dry cleaning quilts and blankets weekly will also kill dust mites.
• Placing plastic casings specifically made for dust mite control on pillows and mattresses.
• Chemicals used on carpets and upholstery which are known to kill dust mites include benzyl benzoate, permethrin, pirimiphos methyl, phenyl salicylate, tannic acid, common household disinfectants, combinations of these, and insect growth regulators. (please note: some chemicals can also trigger asthma and allergy reactions, therefore research them carefully before using).

By: Susan Millar

Asthma Control And Asthma Treatments

Avoid the triggers and improve your asthma condition

No matter what asthma medication or asthma treatments you are using, reducing the negative effects of asthma relies on avoiding the asthma triggers as well as you can. The irritation of your breathing passages can be reduced if you live and work in a clean environment and if you keep pollen and dust away. If your asthma condition gets worse or better, write it al down and see which particular environments are positive or negative towards your asthma.

Is exercise an asthma trigger?

This is a fairly common question and in almost every case it is a good idea to exercise even if you do have asthma. Some patients notice that their asthma gets worse after exercising, but if you keep your asthma inhaler close by you should be able to overcome this obstacle. Asthma prevention treatments and asthma inhalers can help you reduce any potential side effects of your condition while you are exercising. If you are worried about this issue or if you experienced asthma attacks during exercise in the past, it is a good idea to gradually start exercising and see where you feel comfortable doing it.

Asthma out of control

There are a few symptoms that will let you know that your condition is getting worse. If you are waking up at night with the sensation that you cannot breath or if coughing and wheezing are always present, a visit to the doctor is required. Well prescribed asthma treatments will help you fight off such problems and regain control over your asthma. Loosing breath while talking or eating is also an indicator of asthma problems on the rise. Seeking specialized help and determining which is the best asthma inhaler or asthma medication for your own case is an important step.

Asthma peak flow meters

An effective method to control asthma is by using a peak flow meter. It is a small plastic tube that you can blow into and measure how much air you can blow out. This shows you how congested your airways are and how effective your asthma treatment is. The best way to control asthma is to treat it with seriousness and to stay constant with your asthma treatment. More info on asthma here: www.asthmaxpert.com

By: Michael Rad

An Asthma Diet – Taking Control Of Your Asthma

Asthma – a respiratory disease that renders its victims breathless during an attack – can be a terrifying affliction. In response to a specific allergen or other trigger, an asthmatic person’s airways will become inflamed and constricted so that normal breathing is significantly hindered.
Consequently, asthmatics are dependent on a number of medications to ease their symptoms and prevent attacks. But nothing does more for preventing asthma related symptoms then significantly limiting exposure to those allergens known to trigger symptoms.

For some these can be environmental triggers, seasonal components, or everyday exposures – such as pet dander or dust – that must be limited as much as possible. But some asthmatics are just as seriously affected by the foods that they eat. So in order to decrease their symptoms and chance of attacks they must adopt a strict asthma diet so that they can increase their chance at health.

An asthma diet is different for every asthma sufferer. While some people are highly aware of the foods to which they are allergic, others must keep careful and specific records of their eating so as to notice which foods seem to correlate to increased symptoms.

Some preservatives in food also trigger asthma. So as part of an asthma diet, ingredients of food products must be scrutinized. Once it is determined what specific foods – or the preservatives included in them – are the culprits then they can be avoided through the use of an asthma diet.

For those who wish to experiment with an asthma diet, a food journal can be quite helpful in determining your specific triggers. Keep it with you at all times so that you can keep careful track of what you are eating and how you are feeling. If a food allergy is your culprit, you should be able to notice a pattern very quickly. Then you can make lifestyle changes accordingly.

If you are unsure if food is the cause of your asthma, then you may want to consult your medical professional. Your doctor will be able to test for specific allergies so that you know for sure what to avoid. This combination of medical care and proactive self-advocacy in the form of an asthma diet can put you back in control of your asthma.

Asthma does not have to rule your life. An asthma diet is just one way in which you can put yourself in control of your day so that you can enjoy a healthy and symptom-free life.

By: Michelle Bery

Asthma Treatment And You, Overcome Your Asthma Naturally

From my very first Asthma attack at the age of seven till my last one about 5 years ago, Asthma (along with acne in my teenage and early adult years) had been a health problem that I had to deal with. Needless to say, those were some depressing years.

Depressing because I had been told my doctors, family and friends that there wasn’t a cure for Asthma, heck my pastor even went as far as to say that along with my acne, “in every thing give thanks for this is the will of God for you…”

Alas, they were all wrong.

Asthma can be cured and naturally at that. My belief is if it worked for me, it can definitely work for anyone plagued by this disease.

I was so vulnerable to this respiratory disorder that even the slightest friendly pat on the back would ignite an asthma attack characterized by wheezes, gasps, and cough spells, that could last as long as a week.
This went on till I stumbled on Drugless Healing and its abilities to alleviate so-called incurable diseases. This method of healing involves the use of Proper Diet, Exercise and mental attunements and can be applied to an Asthma treatment regimen as well for great benefits.
Let me show you how:

First of all, let’s start with its definition.

Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes (airways) that causes swelling and narrowing (constriction) of the airways. The result is difficulty breathing. The bronchial narrowing is usually either totally or at least partially reversible with treatments.

That’s its definition in the medical fraternity, but based on my experiences, I will simply choose to believe that Asthma, like any other disease known to man, is a result of a clogging of the human bodily tissues which is a 99.99% consequence of eating disease/mucus forming foods, which include (but are not limited to) Animal foods such as meat, milk, cheese and eggs, Grains and their by products, processed and junk foods.

Abstinence from the products above is a must and a fact that has been in effect in several asthma treatment programs aimed at correcting respiratory health such as the "Breath Retaining Program For Asthmatics" developed by the Russian, Dr. Buteyko. Within weeks of adhering to this advice, many chronic asthmatics have been able to give up the use of ventolin inhalers.

Therefore, the first step in achieving a successful asthma treatment will simply be to make a change in your diet by avoiding mucus forming foods and adhering to consuming their direct opposites, the body healing/alkaline forming foods. These include Seasonal, Organic Fruits, Roots and Leafy Vegetables and very little nuts.

It may sound boring or unrealistic but, if curing your asthma (or any disease or condition you may have as a matter of fact) is your goal, this sacrifice is well worth it. Besides, with so many fruits and vegetables to choose from, abstinence from Acid-forming foods shouldn’t be difficult at all.

In addition to all of the facts mentioned above, based on scientific research, the human body goes through a cleansing process from twelve midnight until twelve noon, and a building program from twelve noon to twelve midnight. Therefore, what is eaten during these respective periods must be harmonious with the natural processes. That said a suggested menu plan will be

1. Fresh squeezed Fruit Juice for breakfast.
2. A mono-meal of a juicy, seasonal fruit for lunch
3. A fresh home-made salad, steamed root and/or leafy vegetables or a wise combination of all three for dinner.

Also, do not consume liquids of any kind with your meals as this practice hinders digestion by diluting the juices in the stomach. This brings about a constriction of the diaphragm, inhibiting its natural motions needed for respiration. If there is a natural thirst (as with an alkaline forming diet, thirst is minimal as an added benefit) drink only enough to quench your desire with pure distilled water at least an hour before or after your meals and certainly 2 hours at least before going to bed.

Strictly avoid the use of Microwaves (you may refer to my personal experience with them in the section of my site concerning Acne)-the source of information on this is issued at the end of Chapter 13 in the downloadable e-book, but for a brief overview of this topic the balancing of specific foods is not the only important aspect of a healthy diet, but as important is the manner in which the foods are cooked.

Other things to avoid are excessively cold drinks, excessive exposure to cold, air-conditioning, heaters (without the use of humidifiers and a cracked window for fresh air during winter times-Hint: sleep closer to the cracked window, while I lived in Minneapolis, MN for two years that was my trick to ensure I was properly ventilated at night), fans etc.

Also, avoid at all costs eating conventional fruits they are loaded with disease forming pesticides and sprays that upon consumption wreak havoc on the respiratory organs, take it from this author, I learned this the hard way!

With proper breathing techniques as offered for free on my site and a suggested adherence to the dietetic principles above, be assured that you are well on your way to curing your asthma naturally and permanently.

Asthma need not be a part of your life anymore, you, like many others can control it and make it a thing of your past.

By: Foras Aje

Asthma Triggers And Asthma Control Techniques

Avoid the triggers and improve your asthma condition

No matter what asthma medication or asthma treatments you are using, reducing the negative effects of asthma relies on avoiding the asthma triggers as well as you can. The irritation of your breathing passages can be reduced if you live and work in a clean environment and if you keep pollen and dust away. If your asthma condition gets worse or better, write it all down and see which particular environments are positive or negative towards your asthma.

Is exercise an asthma trigger?

This is a fairly common question and in almost every case it is a good idea to exercise even if you do have asthma. Some patients notice that their asthma gets worse after exercising, but if you keep your asthma inhaler close by you should be able to overcome this obstacle. Asthma prevention treatments and asthma inhalers can help you reduce any potential side effects of your condition while you are exercising. If you are worried about this issue or if you experienced asthma attacks during exercise in the past, it is a good idea to gradually start exercising and see where you feel comfortable doing it.

Asthma out of control

There are a few symptoms that will let you know that your condition is getting worse. If you are waking up at night with the sensation that you cannot breath or if coughing and wheezing are always present, a visit to the doctor is required. Well prescribed asthma treatments will help you fight off such problems and regain control over your asthma. Loosing breath while talking or eating is also an indicator of asthma problems on the rise. Seeking specialized help and determining which is the best asthma inhaler or asthma medication for your own case is an important step.

Asthma peak flow meters

An effective method to control asthma is by using a peak flow meter. It is a small plastic tube that you can blow into and measure how much air you can blow out. This shows you how congested your airways are and how effective your asthma treatment is. The best way to control asthma is to treat it with seriousness and to stay constant with your asthma treatment.

By: Michael Rad

Asthma Treatment: Your Ally In Preventing Asthma Attacks

You have probably seen a person in the midst of an asthma attack, either in real life or in comedy sitcoms and movies. They have a hard time breathing because their airways are more sensitive than that of other people. This demeanor is often mimicked in shows and movies with slapstick humor but breathing problem is no laughing matter. Patients with breathing disorder have to stay away from allergens, such as animal fur and feather or flower's pollen grains, that may trigger allergic reactions. Children who usually play outside may not instantly notice or momentarily forget that they have to veer away from potential breathing irritants. The last thing they know is that they're already having a hard time breathing and are in dire need of an effective asthma treatment.

Doctors and research experts plainly explain that asthma occur in people who have delicate airways which can easily react to certain allergens. Since it is a chronic condition, people with breathing problems have to deal with it from childhood to adult life. This condition is also hereditary so if you are a mother who has a breathing disorder, you should make it a point to check with a pediatrician if your child inherited your breathing problem. The telltale signs your child has a breathing disorder if he or she wheezes and coughs a lot and is allergic to cats or similar things. The child may also experience shortness of breath and the feeling that his or her chest is tightening. Don't undermine these signs so that you can immediately give your child the extra care he or she needs.

But the good thing is that there are certain medications one can take to prevent hard-to-breathe attacks. Asthma treatment includes inhalers, nebulizers, and doctor-prescribed drugs. For younger patients, physicians explained that the child can both use inhalers and nebulizers which are equally effective. However, inhalers are more child-friendly in a way because it is more convenient to use compared with nebulizers which are power-generated. Inhalers, either the dry power kind or the metered-dose type, are also cheaper alternative reliefs for asthma attacks. Whatever kind of medication you use, doctors advise patients to make sure they are doing the medication application the right way. Patients have a choice which kind of medication to use according to their budget and the severity of their breathing conditions. It is a case-to-case basis; a medication which works for a particular patient may not be as effective for another patient. It is best to consult physicians first before subjecting yourself or your loved one to a certain medication.

By: Jane Simpson

Is Your Child's Beloved Pet The Cause Of An Asthma Attack? Measures You Can Take To Prevent Or Minimize Asthma Attacks Caused By Pets.

That cute little kitten or lovable dog that your child (or partner) can't live without could be making them very sick. Sadly, as much as we love them, cats and dogs are often major asthma triggers for asthma sufferers and can send some to the emergency room. Contrary to what many people believe, it is the dander (dry flakes of skin), not the hair of the animal that actually is the cause of the problem. Your pet's dander is shed continuously, but it is so small that it's difficult to see. The dander is easily airborne and sticks readily to fibers- therefore it goes everywhere and gets on just about everything. If you have rugs and your pet comes inside the house, they are certainly full of it, so is your furniture and beds if they are allowed on them. If you cuddle or play with your pet, it's all over your clothing too. However, this doesn't mean that you have to get rid of Fido or Garfield.

There are a number of alternatives that you can take. Steam cleaning rugs and furniture in your home will help to remove the dander. Using a HEPA vacuum cleaner is also good. If possible, getting rid of rugs is the best solution. Make sure your pet stays out of the asthma sufferer's bedroom. Wash all bedding, floors and walls to remove the dander. Then use a HEPA air purifier at night in the bedroom with the door closed.

Take your pet to the groomer for a shampoo once a week or have a family member wash your pet outside to ensure that the dander level is kept as low as possible. Long haired pets should get clipped shorter. If your pet loves to show their appreciation by licking, this should be discouraged since their saliva will contain dander as well as proteins, which are also an asthma trigger for many asthma sufferers.

If you don't have a pet but your friends or relatives do, even a short visit to their home can cause problems for an asthma sufferer, especially children who can't resist playing with them. When you get home, get your child to take a shower and wash their clothing too to remove the dander.
Living with your beloved pet can be comfortable and symptom free when taking all of these measures. However, if your situation is more serious and your pet still makes you sick, then you may want to try a natural asthma treatment. For more information about asthma prevention visit http://www.dramatic-asthma-relief.com/asthma-prevention.htm

By: Susan Millar

Got Asthma? Find Out Why 80% Of Asthma Sufferers Choose Laminate Floors

If you've ever watched Lifestyle of the Rich and Famous or Cribs on MTV it is quite possible that you have found yourself drooling over the beautiful floors you will see in many of these homes. Some of these floors are made from woods from the turn of the century and would make a lovely addition to almost any home. Of course, the price tag is typically a step back into the world of reality and day jobs. The good news is that you can have floors that are just as lovely without the hefty price tag if you choose laminate flooring.

You can find laminate flooring that is created to look just like wood, even those that are shined to a fine gloss much like those found in hardwood floors. These floors are easier to maintain than genuine hardwood and much easier on the wallet. In fact, the average do it yourselfer can actually afford to use laminate floor, especially if he's doing the installation himself.

Laminate hardwoods come in strips with tongue and groove installation procedures that are easy to snap together. This flooring is designed to install right on top of your existing floor and is very simple even for those of us with less than technical skills.

So, why choose laminate over hardwoods and other flooring materials? Good question actually. Laminate floors actually offer many benefits over traditional options such as carpets, hardwoods, and rugs. First of all, laminates are very durable and resistant to abrasions. Hardwood floors are easily marred and shouldn't really be used in high traffic areas. Hardwood floors are best for rooms that won't be seeing a whole lot of action, kind of like grandma's living room after the kids are grown and gone.

Next, laminate floors offer very easy maintenance. Damaged pieces can easily be replaced with laminates. Hardwoods and carpets will require a little more effort in order to replace if they can be replaced at all. Trust me, attempting this with hardwood is a migraine waiting to happen.

The best reason of all is perhaps the lower price of laminates. This is quickly followed by the vast selection of style you will have with laminate floors. In addition to the many styles there are also various grades from which to choose depending on the traffic flow within your home.

It doesn't matter what kind of décor you are going for, there is a laminate that will suit your needs. If you are looking for a floor that will compliment the inner pioneer you may want a rugged oak or pine. If you wish for a more classic or elegant look for your home cherry or walnut may be just what the doctor (or designer) ordered. There are all kinds of styles that will bring warmth to your home your job is to choose the one you like best.

Before you set your heart on the style or color you want your laminate floors to take you should give some serious consideration to the amount and type of traffic your floors will receive. In residential settings there are typically 3 types of classes for flooring. Class 21 is adequate for the type of traffic that most bedrooms receive while class 22 is ideal for areas that receive moderate traffic such as family areas and living rooms. Class 23 is pretty well suited for any room in the home other than bedrooms as it can generally sustain quite heavy traffic loads. This is probably the best possible class for homes with either children or pets.

So why should you choose laminate over carpets? This of course is another excellent question. Wall to wall carpet was once considered a selling point in many homes; however, knowledge about mites, dust, molds, and pollens that can be trapped in your carpets despite rigorous cleaning has made carpet far less desirable in homes than it has been in the past. Hardwoods and laminates drastically reduce the number of allergens in your home and that alone makes them both worth a second look or two.

Allergies as the result of pet dander or hair is the second leading cause of asthma in children and carpeting just seems to hold them in which keeps your children exposes to those harmful allergens. Laminate floors do not only look wonderful in your home, they are also easy to install and maintain, while also being recommended by four out of five doctors over carpet.

By: Christopher Smith

Asthma Cure - Herbs And Ayurvedic Remedies, Asthma Home Remedy

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder in which the inner lining of the respiratory tract becomes inflamed. Alternatively it could be blocked with a layer of mucus or could become constricted due to some other reason. All these factors could lead to severe problems in respiration, which could even result in death of the person.

Though asthma is a chronic disorder, it does not manifest itself all the time. It is exacerbated by certain triggers, which can lead to the bouts of respiratory problems, known as asthmatic attacks. During an asthmatic attack, there is severe difficulty in breathing, characterized by wheezing, gasping, shortness of breath and inability of speech. Generally an attack does not last more than a few minutes. However, a severe attack could kill within those few moments the attack lasts.

The exact cause of asthma is not known. But in asthmatic people, the attacks are caused due to some environmental factors to which they are allergic. There are many allergenic factors in the environment such as dust, hair, pollen, lint, smoke, cigarette smoke, perfumes, deodorants and many others. When such an allergen is present in the environment of the person whose respiratory tract is inflamed, the person develops a violent reaction. This is known as an asthmatic attack.

Asthma is known as Shwaasa roga in Ayurveda. There are five main types of asthma in Ayurveda: tamaka shwaasa roga, urdhwa shwaasa roga, chinna shwaasa roga, maha shwaasa roga and kshudra shwaasa roga. All these kinds of shwaasa roga are due to vitiation of vata and kapha doshas. The main types of vata that are vitiated are the praana vata and the udaana vata.

Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Asthma

• Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum) - Aniseed is useful in the treatment of asthma due to its expectorant properties.
• Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) - The bark of the arjuna plant has benefits in the treatment of asthma. It is taken in a powder form sprinkled on the preparation of rice and condensed milk known as kheer.
• Asafetida (Ferula fetida) - Along with whooping cough and bronchitis, asafetida is also useful in the treatment of asthma. For better results, its gum is taken in a mixture with honey.
• Bay Berry (Myrica nagi) - Bay berry bark is effective in the treatment of asthma. It can be taken in the form of either a decoction or a powder.
• Bishop’s Weed (Trachyspermum ammi) - Bishop’s weed is an expectorant. It can relieve dried up phlegm within the respiratory tract. It can be taken with buttermilk for best results.
• Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum) - Black nightshade can remove the catarrh and phlegm deposited in the bronchial tubes. Its fruits are taken for the remedy.
• Celery (Apium graveolens) - Celery has antispasmodic properties; hence it is beneficial in the treatment of asthma. Either the herb itself or its seeds can be used for the purpose.
• Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) - Clove has expectorant properties; hence it is effective in the treatment of asthma.
• Garlic (Allium sativum) - Regular use of garlic can reduce the severity of asthmatic attacks.
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale) - Ginger is used in treatment of asthma due to its expectorant properties.

Dietary Treatments for Asthma
The following dietary guidelines must be followed in order to reduce asthma:

• Sour foods such as curd and buttermilk must be avoided.
• Cold fruits such as bananas, guavas, watermelons and papayas are very risky as they can build up phlegm in the bronchial tubes.
• Fried and pungent foods must be avoided.
• Dry grapes are beneficial in asthmatic patients.
  

Ayurvedic Treatment for Asthma

Sitopaladi choorna is a very common medicine taken by asthmatic patients. It is to be taken thrice or four times a day, mixed with honey. One alternative to sitopaladi choorna is the pippaladi choorna.

Agastya rasayana is another popular medicine which is prepared with Chebulic Myroblan as its main ingredient. Along with Chyavanprasha, it is commonly prescribed to asthmatic patients.

There are some specific Ayurvedic preparations that are prescribed in order to reduce the attacks of asthma immediately. These are Shwasa Kaasa Chintamani rasa, Suwarna Pushpasuga rasa, Kanakasava, etc.

Home Medications

• Mix a couple of leaves of the holy basil with honey and consume them every morning. This is a very effective remedy to keep asthmatic attacks away.
• When an attack is about to come, then chewing on some leaves of the holy basil mixed with rock salt.
• In order to clean the respiratory tract, roast gram and have them with milk just before going to bed.
• Grind some turmeric (use old turmeric for better results). Mix one teaspoonful of this powder with one tablespoonful of honey (again, the honey must be as old as possible). This is to be taken orally. This recipe is believed to work even when all other methods fail.
• For asthma in the early stages, it is beneficial to chew on some black pepper before going to bed.
• For temporary relief from asthmatic attacks, mix some leaves of the holy basil with black pepper and consume them.
• One more remedy is to mix some lemon juice with ginger and consume it once a day.
• Chewing a single fruit of the Chebulic Myroblan (harad) every night will give tremendous relief from asthmatic attacks.
• Boil six cloves in half a cup of water. Take a teaspoonful of this decoction with honey thrice a day.
  
  

By: Tom Alter

How To Discover Your Hidden Asthma Triggers - Taking Control By Tracking Your Asthma

Asthma is a serious lung disease effecting over 20 million people in the US alone. An asthma attack is caused by a trigger, which can be any external stimulant such as perfume, food, air pollution, cold air, animals, dust, etc., which our bodies react to. Knowing what your personal triggers are and avoiding them will help greatly to prevent asthma attacks. However, what triggers an asthma attack in some people may not even bother another asthma sufferer at all.

To make things more confusing, sometimes a trigger will cause a mild reaction one day and then a severe one the next day. This could be the result of being exposed to multiple triggers, for example one of your known triggers could be pollen, but when combined with a few new unknown triggers - fabric softener, detergent, perfume or a food additive can hit very hard and trigger a major attack. On days when you are feeling tired and haven't had enough sleep or are under stress, you may also find that things which never seemed to bother you previously now suddenly do.

As you see tracing them can be rather complex and requires a bit of detective work to track down and eliminate or minimize these triggers at home or at work. Keeping track of your asthma attacks by writing a journal for a few days is a good way to start. First it's a good idea to note how you were feeling the day you had an attack, if you were tired or didn't sleep well, had a fight with your friend.

What did you eat? Make this detailed and include food ingredients, additives and coloring since they can be a trigger for many people. Where did you go that day? Were there weeds or flowers blooming nearby, animals, damp moldy smells around you? Did you start using a new detergent, fabric softener or household cleaner? Make a note of any exercise you do and your body's reaction to it. On one particular day did the exercise have negative results? Why? What was the weather like? What was the room where you exercised like? If the room is where you regularly go to exercise, was there anything different about it on that day?

After only a few days of writing in your journal you will soon see a pattern emerging. You will have uncovered your asthma triggers and now you can take control and prevent an asthma attack by avoiding, reducing or eliminating them.

However it just isn't practical or even possible to control or eliminate all triggers, particularly outside the home, at work, school or in public places. Fortunately, there is a safe non-drug solution that you should know about, a simple and natural allergy and asthma treatment, which many people have found to be very effective.

By: Susan Millar