May 2009
Monthly Archive
Asthma Signs and Symptoms
A sudden asthma attack results from an upper respiratory tract infection or certain allergies. It can give rise to symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, etc. Read on to know to more about asthma attack symptoms.
Asthma is a chronic disorder of the respiratory system, which causes inflammation of the airways (bronchial tubes). This leads to constriction and swelling of airways, causing diffic
ulty in breathing. The causes of asthma are associated with genetic, chemical and environmental factors. Some common triggering factors for asthma are infections such as cold and flu, allergies to certain medicines, pollens, dust mites, food allergies, irritants such as cigarette smoke or dust and some chemicals. Asthma could also be caused by certain exercises performed in cold and dry air. When a person is exposed to any of the triggering factors, histamine and other agents are released by the body. This can cause inflammation of bronchial tubes, which leads to narrowing and clogging of the airways. It can give rise to symptoms such as breathlessness, coughing, wheezing and chest tightness. About 20.5 million people in the United States are diagnosed with asthma.
What is Asthma Attack?
Asthma attack or asthma exacerbation is caused by swelling and inflammation of airways. The narrowing of airways is caused by inflammation, hyperreactivity or bronchospasm. The inflammation of airways results from an exposure to allergens or irritants or from the action of chemical mediators such as histamine. The inflamed tissues produce thick, sticky mucus, which can cause clogging of the airways. This mucus may accumulate within the lungs, causing breathing difficulties. The tightened muscles are wrapped around the airways, which causes constriction of airways. Chronically inflamed bronchial tubes become extremely sensitive to allergens or irritants. This condition is known as ‘bronchial hyperreactivity’. Asthma attack is triggered by upper respiratory infections, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), inhaling dry and cold air and certain allergens such as pets, pollens, dust mites, molds and tobacco smoke.
Symptoms of Asthma Attack
During an acute asthma attack, a series of changes occur within the lungs and airways, which contribute to develop signs and symptoms of asthma attack. Inflammation, excess mucus production and bronchospasm can cause various signs and symptoms of asthma attack such as shortness of breath, wheezing and cough. The symptoms of asthma attack may vary in severity and duration from person to person. Early warning signs of asthma attack are headache, chronic cough, itchy throat, difficulty in talking, disturbed sleep patterns, difficulty in breathing, chest tightness and wheezing. Wheezing is one of the most frequently seen symptoms of asthma attack. It is a whistling or hissing sound that comes with breathing. Wheezing is heard usually during exhalation; however, it can also occur during inhaling. When these early signs of asthma attack are noticed, then one should seek immediate medical treatment in order to prevent severe asthma attacks. Mild asthma attacks are more commonly seen and they can be cured within a few hours after an appropriate treatment.
Severe asthma attacks are less frequent. However, they may last for a longer duration and require immediate medical treatment. The symptoms of severe asthma attack develop gradually and may become serious within 6-48 hours. There are certain signs that indicate worsening severity of asthma attack. These signs include a low peak expiratory flow (PEF) rate, increased pulse rate, increased wheezing, fatigue and restlessness.
In case of severe asthma attack, there may be life-threatening symptoms. Some typical symptoms of severe asthma attack are breathlessness, difficulty in talking, nasal flaring, increased pulse or heartbeat, chest pain, sweating and peak flow reading in the ‘red zone’. Silent chest is an important sign of severe asthma attack. There is no wheezing during inhalation or exhalation. There may be certain symptoms of cyanosis such as gray or bluish tint to skin, lips and nail beds. There may a feeling of anxiety, reduced alertness, severe drowsiness or confusion during severe asthma attack. An extremely severe asthma attack may lead to respiratory arrest and death. Asthma attack is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate medical assistance.
Treating Asthma Attack
The symptoms of asthma attack may resemble other respiratory disorders such as respiratory tract infection, bronchitis and emphysema. Hence, an accurate diagnosis of asthma is very essential to decide adequate treatment option. The severity of asthma symptoms is monitored with the help of pulmonary function tests, such as peak flow reading, spirometry, nitric oxide measurement and pulse oximetry. Asthma treatment focuses on managing the symptoms, maintaining normal lung function and preventing severe asthma attacks. Certain medications such as short-acting beta agonists, oral corticosteroids, leukotriene inhibitors such as montelukast and zileuton and methylxanthines can be used to reduce inflammation in an acute asthma attack. The use of HFA inhalers (hydrofluoroalkane) can help in controlling the symptoms of breathlessness. If symptoms of asthma attack are life-threatening, then intubation and mechanical ventilation become necessary to help breathing.
The best way to prevent an asthma attack is to avoid any contact with triggering factors. You need to identify the allergic triggers and avoid their exposure as much as possible. With the help of appropriate medical treatment, nutritious diet and a healthy lifestyle, you can prevent these troublesome symptoms of asthma attack.
By Reshma Jirage Published: 1/10/2009
Clearing the air on asthma remedies
Case in point, researchers from the West Virginia School of Medicine recently took a group of kids with allergies and asthma and moved them [...]
Natural Asthma Treatment - Quick and Easy
A number asthma sufferers prefer using natural asthma remedies to manage their attacks, and do their best to avoid the use of chemicals.
Air Pollution Increases Asthma Symptoms in Children
Air pollution makes breathing more difficult for people with respiratory problems, particularly for children with asthma.
Roberts said good asthma controls means people are not bothered by asthma symptoms or shortness of breath during the day or night.
Asthma Symptoms – AnswersTV.com. Typical asthma symptoms. Dr. Alan Leff talks about common asthma symptoms.
|
|
Mail this post
0 comments Friday 08 May 2009 | admin | Causes and Symptoms
Natural Cures for Asthma
Asthma sufferers who experience adverse side effects from conventional medicines are sometimes forced to search for alternative treatment. There are a number of effective natural asthma remedies available. Here is an overview of some of the more recognized alternative asthma treatments.
Natural asthma treatment versus conventional medical science:
The medicine
s for asthma often involves the use of an inhaler and/or a nebulizer, which can bring instant relief of asthma symptoms. What if the medicine causes unwanted side effects? Those who are allergic to asthma medicines find themselves in a bad predicament.
There are a number of reportedly effective natural asthma remedies. Of course, since the FDA does not endorse these, it may take more time to be accepted by the general public. The point is, that you do have choices if you are willing to try them.
As a overall statement, Mother Nature has provided a cure for every disease known to mankind. Sometimes, humans underestimate the force of mother nature and proportionately overestimate their capacity to intervene. It is true that modern science has achieved the capacity for miraculous results. However, it is still far behind the breathtaking power of nature. Here are some of the more recognized natural asthma remedies. For more information on alternative asthma treatments, visit http://www.free-asthma-remedies.com
One of the most popular natural remedies is homeopathy. This can be given over many years without any fear of having any harmful reactions. There are also a number of herbs that can be used as an alternative asthma treatment. However, their ability will be proportionate to the capability of the herbalist who specializes in herbal medicines.
Hypnosis and acupuncture are also viable natural treatments. Though they cannot be labelled strictly as natural asthma remedies, they can provide natural long-term relief to both children and adults. The only thing that one must consider in this case of trying out a hypnotherapy session is the certification of the hypnotist. You will find hypnosis listed under natural cure for asthma and many find it a good alternative. The success of this method of treatment depends upon the therapist and the patient’s state of mind.
Some find acupuncture a very effective method to treat asthma. This medical care involves stimulating of internal chemical reaction with the application of needles at particular nerve points. There is acupuncture, which involves needles to stimulate chemical reactions within the body to correct the existing imbalances. Many people reported that acupuncture is extremely helpful. One should be very careful however regarding the sterilization of the needles. A possible option is to to carry your own set with you, which can be thrown away after each session. For those who are squeamish about the use of needles, one can choose the use of acupressure, which acts on the same concept; however, instead of needles (puncturing of the skin) it uses pressure. This form of treatment is considered much safer than acupuncture.
Another supposedly effective alternative remedy for asthma is yoga. Yoga is an ancient science originating from India, whereby one does some particular exercises (the positions of which are called asanas) by which the problems inside the body and mind can be cured. Some people find it highly effective, while the strange body positions that the yoga involves horrify some people. It depends upon you if you would like to choose this type of any other natural cure for asthma.
How do you choose the right alternative asthma treatment for you? Before making up your mind, it would be good if you do your own research and judge for yourself. The best method to find out what could be the best choice for you is by asking friends and relatives. Another good manner of gathering accurate information is the utilization of the internet. Do some research and find out the merits and demerits of all the alternative remedies for asthma that you are interested in.
One vital thing is to ensure is that none of the methods of treatment have any adverse effects that could act detrimentally against your asthma instead of alleviating symptoms. It would be better if you consult a doctor before you embark on any ‘unconventional course of action’ with the proposed natural asthma remedy. Most family doctors have a good and up-to-date knowledge of the best available options.
By Gregory de Villiers Published: 11/18/2006
Health Tips: Best Asthma Remedies 2009
Suffering from asthma can be a very difficult thing to deal with but it is important to know that there are natural remedies you can use to treat this disease.
Asthma Remedies - Now treat your asthma
With asthma can be a very difficult thing to address, but it is important to know that there are natural remedies you can use to treat this disease.
Before you decide to use any asthma remedies at home, you need to know more about this serious health condition.
Natural Remedies for Asthma - Asthma Home Remedies
A natural remedy is often the best treatment for any kind of disease, including asthma.
Mail this post
0 comments Tuesday 05 May 2009 | admin | Treatments and Cures
Different Types of Asthma
20 million Americans and 2.2 million Australian suffer from asthma. To begin to understand asthma you must start with the trigger and the effects of an attack.
As a par
ent with 3 children who suffer from asthma I appreciate the need to understand asthma and how to treat it.
The incidence of asthma has increase dramatically in Australia through out the 1980’s and 1990’s but seems to have levelled out since then. In Australia something like 2.2 million people suffers from Asthma, with the Indigenous people having a much high figure proportionate to their population.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America 20 million Americans suffer from asthma.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is commonly divided into two types; allergy induced asthma and non- allergic asthma. Both result in the similar symptoms:
A dry, irritating, persistent cough, particularly at night, early morning
A tightness in the chest
A shortness of breath and
A wheeze when breathing
When then symptom occur a visit to your local G.P. is advised.
People with asthma have sensitive airways and these become restricted when exposed to certain triggers cause by both allergic and non-allergic reactions.
In an allergic reaction can be triggered by inhaling allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mould and some food additives etc.
Non-allergic triggers could be things such as exercise, stress, anxiety, cold air, dry air, smoke, chemicals such as perfumes and other irritants.
Asthma is the restriction of the airway;
through inflammation where the airway becomes red and swollen
the production of excess mucous to block the airway
and bronchoconstriction where the muscle in the airway tighten restricting breathing.
As the airways become constricted the person begins to find it difficult to breathe in, but particularly difficult to breathe out causing a considerable amount of coughing and distress. Many asthmatics are so distressed they need to be hospitalized to help their condition.
The exact cause of Asthma and why some people are more susceptible to asthma than other is not yet fully understood, however, there is often a family history of asthma, eczema or severe hay fever. Although in Australia something like one in six children has been diagnosed with asthma, it can strike at any age. Evidence has shown that unborn babies whose mothers smoke during pregnancy or children who are exposed to a smoke filled environment during their early childhood have an increased risk of developing childhood asthma.
Australia is among the highest in world when it comes to asthma. People need to be aware of the symptoms and consult their doctors if needed. Asthma is controllable with the correct medications and asthma action plan.
Aussie Clothes for Kids
Marketing quality designer baby and toddler clothes
By Greg Richmond Published: 7/9/2008
What is Asthma?
Folic Acid Treatment May [...]
[...] may also suppress allergic reactions and lessen the severity of allergy and asthma symptoms, according to new [...]
Asthma is a respiratory condition in which the tubes that transfer air in and out of the lungs become sensitive and inflamed.
Scoop: About 22 000 Waikato kids live with asthma
The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation’s message that about 1 in 4 Kiwi kids has asthma translates into [...]
Teachers’ ignorance is putting children with asthma at risk
Read Asthma articles at HealthNewstrack.com like Teachers’ ignorance is putting children with asthma at risk.
|
|
Mail this post
0 comments Tuesday 05 May 2009 | admin | Causes and Symptoms