Causes and Symptoms
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Causes And Remedies of Various Asthma Types
Asthma is an illness where irritants cause inflammation of the bronchial tubes, as they become very sensitive, and thus making it difficult to breath. Contraction of the muscles around the wind pipe can be a result of this inflammation. The inflammation can also cause excessive mucus in the air passage as well as swelling of the lining may occur if its an airway inflammation.
Age is not a factor as far as asthma is concerned though it’s notable that around 50 percent of the cases initiate in children below the age of 10. And among these children around 65 percent are boys compared to only 35 percent girls. It is one of the chief culprits as far as respiratory illness among teenagers and children are concerned. Though its observed that the condition may improve with age. 17 million American citizens are asthma patients according to estimation.
Asthma is a lung disease which can be reversed either with treatment or it may heal spontaneously. Obstruction or constriction of the airway is the characteristics of Asthma. Lack of breathe called dyspnea and mild wheezing constitute the moderate symptoms of asthma while fatal respiratory failures are the grave symptom. The mild symptoms may occur before a serious attack.
People suffering from asthma face difficulty breathing out but can breathe in without any problem. During inhalation the diaphragm lowers pushing the ribs out and thus enlarging the lungs to let air around any blockage. But during exhalation when the rib cage closes in, the diaphragm moves up obstructing the air from moving around the blockage.
Two types of asthma
Intrinsic asthma and extrinsic asthma are the two types of asthma. When allergy to some kind of external material causes asthma its called extrinsic. And when an obvious external agent is not identifiable it is called intrinsic asthma.
Substances like dust, pollens, dander, food, molds, feather pillows, some types of food additives etc may cause spontaneous allergic reaction in some children which may be a beginning of extrinsic asthma. It is a hereditary disorder called atopy where the body has an inclination for allergic reactions.
An intrinsic asthma usually follows a serious respiratory infection to which no external allergen can be associated. An intrinsic asthma condition may worsen due to emotional stress, changes in temperature or humidity, fatigue, irritants, exposure to fumes and gases etc. some people may be patients of intrinsic as well as extrinsic asthma.
All asthma attacks are not of the same degree. The oxygen supply to the critical organs may get severely affected due to closing of the airways in a serious asthma attack. This may lead to a medical emergency condition. Severe asthma attacks are known to be the reason for many deaths. An asthma attack gives a person a sensation similar to drowning.
Actions like medication or other remedies can be used to prevent an asthma attack if the asthma symptoms and its warning signs are learnt.
There may be long phases of time when an asthma patient either shows very few and feeble symptoms of asthma or doesn’t show any at all. But asthma attacks can also be seen to last for prolonged periods.
The cough may sound dry and stretched during a severe attack. A a thick mucus is expectorated as the attack abates. Small children don’t produce the mucus after an attack. The breathing is normal between severe attacks.
In symptomatic asthma it is typical for the breathing sound to get reduced. Also forced exhalation for long periods is typical of air passage blockage. Lung hyperinflation is usually very common in children. Tachypnea, tachycardia and diaphoresis may coincide with severe attack. The patient may not be able to speak without pausing to catch a breath after every few words. Initial signs of respiratory failure are lethargy, confusion and darkening (purple or blue) of the skin due to lack of oxygen called as Cyanosis.
Possible asthma remedies
Various drugs like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin may initiat
e an asthma attack. Even chemicals like Tartazine (yellow food dye) can cause an asthma attack. Heavy work and exercise may cause huge loss of moisture and heat in the upper airways. This may be followed by bronchospasm leading to exercise induced attack. Even exercise can be an attack initiator.
When treating severe asthma patients the target is to address the symptoms like coughing, wheezing, inflammation, airway swelling, lack of breath and lower them while an attempt is made to increase the pulmonary ventilation. Following a severe attack the treatment usually is focused on addressing the initiating factors like the irritants or the allergens in the environment.
In a process similar to vaccination, asthma may be treated by injecting the patient with limited amount of the antigen causing the attack when the cause of the asthma is identified as a particular toxin, bacterium, virus or other substance foreign to the body. This way the response of the immune system to the antigen is brought under control.
Visit Asthma Symptom Cure to learn more about asthma condition symptom and other natural asthma treatment solution.
| By Cindy Heller Published: 5/2/2008 |
Significance Of Asthma Education Into The Community
Their focus now is all about the daily management, medication and monitoring factor which can help to lessen every known symptoms of asthma,[...]
Home cleaning products, such as aerosol air fresheners and chemicals with a strong scent can cause an asthma sufferer’s airways to constrict, [...]
Significance Of Asthma Education Into The Community
You can point out the potential of educating them about asthma causes and treatments through public service announcements,[...]
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A usual commotion in which ongoing inflammation of a bronchial tubes (bronchi) creates them swell, squeezing a airways.
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Among all allergic and respiratory-related diseases, asthma allergy makes up the majority.
What Is Occupational Asthma? What Causes Occupational Asthma …
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Asthma in dogs is a condition that affects the respiratory system, especially the bronchi, causing coughing.
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Asthma Causes, symptoms and Natural Treatments
Asthma is a chronic lung condition in which inflammation of the airways or bronchi, affects the way air enters and leaves the lungs, disrupting breathing.
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0 comments Wednesday 28 Sep 2011 | admin | Causes and Symptoms
Asthma and Home Maintenance
Your Family and Asthma
The topic of asthma and changes that need to take place in a home of an asthma sufferer are important and vital for the well-being of the asthmatic. This article will discuss some typical family issues, such as communication, behavior, and the relationship with you and your child asthma sufferer. It will also give helps on dealing with caregiver, siblings, and other relatives.
Asthma-‘Proofing’ Your Home and Life
It will become very important to locate and eliminate asthma triggers in your home. An asthma trigger is anything that will cause distress in the child suffering asthma. As you work together as a family to eradicate these triggers that can lead to asthma flare-ups, you will come to enjoy good health and understanding in your home. Skin-testing your child for various allergies is a good first step in eliminating problem triggers. You will then be able to make changes around the house and in the child’s bedroom that will help to minimize contact with offending allergen, which will in turn be proactive in preventing asthma attacks in the future. Even if your child has not yet been tested for allergies, following certain basic guidelines can help all children and adult asthma sufferers and reduce asthma triggers that can cause airway restriction and inflammation.
Most children have a basic set of asthma triggers that are not seasonal, but are found in their lives year-round. If you know what the most common of these problem makers are you can begin reducing them for the benefit of your child asthmatic. Some of the most common indoor asthma and allergy triggers are mold (check your bathroom and moist places in your home), dust mites, cockroaches, animal dander, rodents (even the family pet type), and tobacco smoke (whether first or secondhand). Some lesser-known triggers are just as problematic, such as increased humidity in the home, lower household temperatures, and household plants and greenery (real Christmas trees are nasty culprits, especially when they are cut and dying). Strong smells from perfumes and cleaners are know to be huge trigger factors in asthmatics. And last, but not least, some types of physical exercise have been linked to asthma attacks.
Begin first with the area of your home that your asthmatic child spends most of his or her time. This would include not only where he sleeps, but where he does his homework and favorite play areas, television or computer areas, etc. In a teen, this could also include the bathroom and other favorite haunts of kids. Let’s address the whole house for specific suggestions to get started making your home an allergen free zone.
Looking Around the House
There are a number of changes that are inexpensive and easy to make throughout your home. Below is a list to get you started.
Keep your home smoke-free. Let your family members and friends know that you are concerned for your child’s health and that smoking in and around your home just isn’t an option. If mentioned gently, most people will sympathize and avoid smoking in your home.
If possible, remove carpets and install hard flooring. This would be ideal to do throughout the home, but at least remove them from your child’s bedroom. Consider instead a washable throw rug or two that can be sterilized regularly and even replaced periodically. There are a number of cleaning solutions for reducing dust mites in the home, but they do not eliminate the mold spores that thrive in carpeting, which are one of the worst offenders in triggering asthma attacks.
Stagnant water can and will attract bugs and roaches, as well as increasing humidity. Ultimately small drips and leaks in faucets and tubs can increase mold and mildew, which are nasty asthma offenders.
Using dehumidifiers in the home or in air conditioners is an easy way to reduce humidity in the house. Ideally, humidity should be less than 50 percent year round for best results. Avoid putting a fan in a window to cool the room, which can pull pollen into the house from the outdoors. If you do not have a central air conditioner, use a window or wall unit instead of a window fan. Use dehumidifiers in the basement and other damp areas to help reduce mold growth. Belt type humidifiers are not preferred as the damp belts are a growth zone for bacteria and fungi to thrive in.
Dust your furniture and knick knacks regularly, at least once a week. Eliminate ‘dust collectors’ altogether, such as silk plants and ‘natural’ decorations that are hard to keep dust free.
Fix
Using hot water and soap, wipe down all baseboards once a week. This helps get rid of cockroach feces, dust mites, and a variety of potential allergens.
Schedule your vacuuming and dusting during a time when your child is not at home. This helps in preventing dust inhalation.
Avoid leaving food out on counters, etc. Keep a lid on garbage containers, and seal all garbage bags and containers before removing them. To reduce the likelihood of cockroaches and rodents, remove garbage on a daily basis.
Put out bait for mice and roaches, but do so in child-proof containers, and definitely out of the reach of your child. If using a spray to kill insects and roaches, be sure to ventilate the area well before allowing your child back in to the sprayed area.
To reduce your child’s exposure to dust, cover your cloth sofa with a vinyl throw or slipcover or provide your child with a vinyl beanbag type chair to watch tv in. Better yet, consider purchasing a vinyl or leather sofa or chair for your rooms to reduce the amount of dust inhalation that comes from snuggling into a couch or hugging up to a favorite pillow.
Install exhaust fans for stoves and other appliances, and keep them running whenever using those appliances.
Keep your heating and air conditioning system well maintained and your filters changed monthly. It is a good idea to put this on a regular ‘to do’ list or calendar, whether on an electrical device or on paper.
Cleaning product should be non-allergenic and if possible, scent-free. Some good ideas for this would bee baking soda, apple cider vinegar mixed with water, mineral oil, lemon oil, beeswax, paste wax, and non-chlorine bleaches. Ammonia is classified as non-allergenic also, but do your cleaning when your child is away from home and ventilate your home well to eliminate the strong odors associated with ammonia.
Purchase mild soaps instead of the scented variety. Deodorant soaps smell nice but can be potent triggers for asthma attacks.
Choose your child’s bedding with care. Check labels for non-allergenic materials, especially pillows and mattress pads. Vacuum your child’s mattress whenever changing the bedding. If possible, it is even better to cover the mattress in an allergy-free mattress protector. Wash sheets weekly, and wash all blankets and throw covers every three to four weeks. Purchase a new pillow for your child every six months.
Last but not least, remove all of those favorite stuffed animals and fluffy, allergen-filled toys. Try steering your child toward toys that can be wiped down on a regular basis. Regular dolls are a better choice over anything stuffed, since they can be cleaned regularly and do not encourage dust mites to move in and take over.
Making these changes in your home will not be quick or easy, but consciously working on improving your home zone, the place where your child spends most of their time, will help tremendously in reducing the severity and occurrence of asthma attacks in your child.
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0 comments Sunday 25 Sep 2011 | admin | Causes and Symptoms
Asthma Signs and Symptoms
Certain allergies or an upper respiratory infection can often bring the onset of a sudden asthma attack. Shortness of breath, a strong bout of coughing, and often wheezing are some of the symptoms of these attacks.
The definition of asthma indicates that it is a chronic disorder which occurs in the upper respiratory system. This often causes an inflammation in the bronchial tubes or airways. These then become swollen, making it very difficult to breathe. Some of the causes of asthma come from environmental and chemical factors, as well as genetic tendencies.
It is important to know what some of the most common triggers are for an asthma attack. Some infections, such as the common cold and flu can bring the onset of an asthma attack. Allergies are real culprits in exacerbating asthma as well. Medications allergies are important to avoid, as well as food allergies, pollens, and dust mites. Cigarette smoke is a definite instigator of an asthma attack, as well as certain chemicals in our environment. Exercising in very cold or very dry air can bring on the onset of an attack.
When any one 
of the above triggering factors occurs, agents within the body are released, some of which are called histamine. The bronchial tubes then become inflamed, which then leads to the narrowing of the airways, clogging the intake and outflow of air to the body. This then causes chest tightness, coughing, and shortness of breath. There are about 20.5 million people in the United States currently diagnosed with Asthma.
What is the actual definition of an Asthma Attack?
An asthma attack, also known as asthma exacerbation, is caused when the airways swell and become inflamed. The narrowing of these airways is caused by inflation, and possibly hyperactivity, along with bronchospasms. This inflammation in the airways is a result of exposure to irritants or allergens, and chemical mediators, one of which is histamine. These inflamed tissues then produce sticky, thick mucus, which then causes clogging in the airways. Often this mucus accumulates within the lungs themselves, causing a constriction of the airways.
Some bronchial tubes become chronically inflamed and are extremely sensitive to all irritants and allergens. This then becomes what is termed as ‘bronchial hyperactivity’. Asthma attacks can be triggered by GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) or upper respiratory infections. Inhaling cold and/or dry air, along with other common know allergens such as dust mites, pets, pollens and tobacco smoke are also notorious for causing an asthma attack.
Asthma attacks and their Symptoms
A chain of changes occur within the airways and lungs during an acute asthma attack. These contribute to the developing signs and symptoms of an asthma attack. Excess mucus production and bronchospasms can trigger other signs of an impending attack, such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. The severity, duration, and symptoms themselves vary from person to person. Some of the earlier signs of an asthma attack are chronic cough, an itchy throat, headache, chest tightness, a disturbance in sleep patterns, and difficulty in talking. The most visible and common symptom is excessive wheezing. This manifests itself as whistling or hissing sounds while breathing. Wheezing most generally occurs during exhalation, but sometimes occurs also when inhaling.
When any of these early signs of an asthma attack occur, they immediate medical treatment should be acquired in order to prevent the attack from worsening. Often mild attacks of asthma can be cured within a few hours of being treated.
The less frequent asthma attack is the severe type. These are more serious though, and generally last longer and require more intervention in the way of medical help. Severe asthma attack symptoms often develop gradually, becoming quite serious within six to forty-eight hours. Certain signs are present during these attacks that indicate their worsening of severity. A low peak expiratory flow (PEF) rate is one of these signs. An increase in wheezing, fatigue and restlessness, and an increase in pulse rate are other severe asthma attack symptoms.
Life-threatening symptoms can occur with the sever asthma attack. Some of the typical symptoms are difficulty in talking, increased pulse rate, breathlessness, sweating, chest pain, and a peak flow reading in the ‘red’ zone. A silent, non-moving or non-breathing chest is a very important sign to watch out for. This is not typical in what most people think as severe, since there is an absence of wheezing during exhalation and inhalation. A bluish or gray tint to the skin, nail beds, and lips is an indication of lack of oxygen in the blood, also known as cyanosis. There is almost always a great feeling of anxiety in the one suffering the attack since they find it hard to function on the lesser intake of oxygen. Severe drowsiness, reduced alertness, and confusion are also present in a majority of cases. If not treated properly, an extreme case of asthma may lead to respiratory arrest and ultimately death. An asthma attack is considered a major medical emergency and requires and is granted immediate medical assistance.
The Treatment of an Asthma Attack
Asthma attack symptoms may mirror a number of other respiratory disorders, some of which are bronchitis, emphysema, and an upper respiratory tract infection, which can be brought on by a cold or the flu. It is therefore very important to get an accurate diagnosis to create and institute an optimal treatment and therapy plan. Pulmonary function tests help monitor the severity and duration of asthma symptoms. A peak flow reading is necessary, as well as spirometry, a nitric oxide measurement, as well as pulse oximetry. The treating of asthma focuses on the management of the symptoms, rather than the curing of them. Maintaining normal lung and breathing function is the goal to preventing severe asthma attacks. Medications on the market today such as oral cor
ticosteroids, and short-acting beta agonists are beneficial in asthma treatment. Other medications available are zileuton, methylxanthines, and montelukast are leukotriene inhibitors. These can be used to reduce inflammation when suffering from an acute asthma attack. Using hydrofluoroalkane, more commonly referred to as HFA inhalers can greatly help in the controlling and minimizing the symptom of breathlessness. When asthma attack symptoms become severe and life-threatening, more serious intervention needs to occur, such as intubation and utilizing a mechanical ventilation, which will facilitate an ease in breathing.
The best advice is to learn what your triggering factors of asthma are and avoid all contact with them. Identifying these allergic triggers is necessary to facilitate the avoidance of problematic outbreaks of asthma. Proper medical treatment, a healthy active lifestyle, as well as a nutritious diet will help prevent the occurrence of troublesome asthma attacks.
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.
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0 comments Thursday 08 Sep 2011 | admin | Causes and Symptoms
Your Family and Asthma
Your Family and Asthma
The topic of asthma and changes that need to take place in a home of an asthma sufferer are important and vital for the well-being of the asthmatic. This article will discuss some typical family issues, such as communication, behavior, and the relationship with you and your child asthma sufferer. It will also give helps on dealing with caregiver, siblings, and other relatives.
Asthma-‘Proofing’ Your Home and Life
It will become very important to locate and eliminate asthma triggers in your home. An asthma trigger is anything that will cause distress in the child suffering asthma. As you work together as a family to eradicate these triggers that can lead to asthma flare-ups, you will come to enjoy good health and understanding in your home. Skin-testing your child for various allergies is a good first step in eliminating problem triggers. You will then be able to make changes around the house and in the child’s bedroom that will help to minimize contact with offending allergen, which will in turn be proactive in preventing asthma attacks in the future. Even if your child has not yet been tested for allergies, following certain basic guidelines can help all children and adult asthma sufferers and reduce asthma triggers that can cause airway restriction and inflammation.
Most children have a basic set of asthma triggers that are not seasonal, but are found in their lives year-round. If you know what the most common of these problem makers are you can begin reducing them for the benefit of your child asthmatic. Some of the most common indoor asthma and allergy triggers are mold (check your bathroom and moist places in your home), dust mites, cockroaches, animal dander, rodents (even the family pet type), and tobacco smoke (whether first or secondhand). Some lesser-known triggers are just as problematic, such as increased humidity in the home, lower household temperatures, and household plants and greenery (real Christmas trees are nasty culprits, especially when they are cut and dying). Strong smells from perfumes and cleaners are know to be huge trigger factors in asthmatics. And last, but not least, some types of physical exercise have been linked to asthma attacks.
Begin first with the area of your home that your asthmatic child spends most of his or her time. This would include not only where he sleeps, but where he does his homework and favorite play areas, television or computer areas, etc. In a teen, this could also include the bathroom and other favorite haunts of kids. Let’s address the whole house for specific suggestions to get started making your home an allergen free zone.
Looking Around the House
There are a number of changes that are inexpensive and easy to make throughout your home. Below is a list to get you started.
Keep your home smoke-free. Let your family members and friends know that you are concerned for your child’s health and that smoking in and around your home just isn’t an option. If mentioned gently, most people will sympathize and avoid smoking in your home.
If possible, remove carpets and install hard flooring. This would be ideal to do throughout the home, but at least remove them from your child’s bedroom. Consider instead a washable throw rug or two that can be sterilized regularly and even replaced periodically. There are a number of cleaning solutions for reducing dust mites in the home, but they do not eliminate the mold spores that thrive in carpeting, which are one of the worst offenders in triggering asthma attacks.
Stagnant water can and will attract bugs and roaches, as well as increasing humidity. Ultimately small drips and leaks in faucets and tubs can increase mold and mildew, which are nasty asthma offenders.
Using dehumidifiers in the home or in air conditioners is an easy way to reduce humidity in the house. Ideally, humidity should be less than 50 percent year round for best results. Avoid putting a fan in a window to cool the room, which can pull pollen into the house from the outdoors. If you do not have a central air conditioner, use a window or wall unit instead of a window fan. Use dehumidifiers in the basement and other damp areas to help reduce mold growth. Belt type humidifiers are not preferred as the damp belts are a growth zone for bacteria and fungi to thrive in.
Dust your furniture and knick knacks regularly, at least once a week. Eliminate ‘dust collectors’ altogether, such as silk plants and ‘natural’ decorations that are hard to keep dust free.
Using hot water and soap, wipe down all baseboards once a week. This helps get rid of cockroach feces, dust mites, and a variety of potential allergens.
Schedule your vacuuming and dusting during a time when your child is not at home. This helps in preventing dust inhalation.
Avoid leaving food out on counters, etc. Keep a lid on garbage containers, and seal all garbage bags and containers before removing them. To reduce the likelihood of cockroaches and rodents, remove garbage on a daily basis.
Put out bait for mice and roaches, but do so in child-proof containers, and definitely out of the reach of your child. If using a spray to kill insects and roaches, be sure to ventilate the area well before allowing your child back in to the sprayed area.
To reduce your child’s exposure to dust, cover your cloth sofa with a vinyl throw or slipcover or provide your child with a vinyl beanbag type chair to watch tv in. Better yet, consider purchasing a vinyl or leather sofa or chair for your rooms to reduce the amount of dust inhalation that comes from snuggling into a couch or hugging up to a favorite pillow.
Install exhaust fans for stoves and other appliances, and keep them running whenever using those appliances.
Keep your heating and air conditioning system well maintained and your filters changed monthly. It is a good idea to put this on a regular ‘to do’ list or calendar, whether on an electrical device or on paper.
Cleaning product should be non-allergenic and if possible, scent-free. Some good ideas for this would bee baking soda, apple cider vinegar mixed with water, mineral oil, lemon oil, beeswax, paste wax, and non-chlorine bleaches. Ammonia is classified as non-allergenic also, but do your cleaning when your child is away from home and ventilate your home well to eliminate the strong odors associated with ammonia.
Purchase mild soaps instead of the scented variety. Deodorant soaps smell nice but can be potent triggers for asthma attacks.
Choose your child’s bedding with care. Check labels for non-allergenic materials, especially pillows and mattress pads. Vacuum your child’s mattress whenever changing the bedding. If possible, it is even better to cover the mattress in an allergy-free mattress protector. Wash sheets weekly, and wash all blankets and throw covers every three to four weeks. Purchase a new pillow for your child every six months.
Last but not least, remove all of those favorite stuffed animals and fluffy, allergen-filled toys. Try steering your child toward toys that can be wiped down on a regular basis. Regular dolls are a better choice over anything stuffed, since they can be cleaned regularly and do not encourage dust mites to move in and take over.
Making these changes in your home will not be quick or easy, but consciously working on improving your home zone, the place where your child spends most of their time, will help tremendously in reducing the severity and occurrence of asthma attacks in your child.
Links:
It is never easy to diagnose a kid with asthma because the symptoms of asthma are similar to that of other illness like cough or common cold.
Asthma Triggers from Mold in Indoor Environments can be Deadly
Asthma Triggers from Mold in Indoor Environments can be Deadly.
Significance Of Asthma Education Into The Community
The basic function of this management was to educate every patients and its family regarding asthma education.
People who have no other asthma suffers in their family can acquire asthma.
How To Control Asthma Among Children, Pregnant Women
Asthma can be noticeable to patients who were been diagnosed with eczema and other allergic condition.
Preventive Tips To Avoid Asthma Attack | Natural Alternative Choices
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The AAFP National Research Network, or AAFP NRN, and the Olmsted Medical Center, Rochester, Minn., are recruiting 20 family medicine practices [...]
Asthma is a chronic condition affecting the lungs and respiratory system.
Is Your Child’s Beloved Pet The Cause Of An Asthma | Leading …
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.
Triggers and Prevention of Acute Asthma
Not everybody is prone to asthma, the most susceptible people to this disease are those who have a family history of asthma and/or allergies.
Achieving Community Health: The Importance of Asthma Education …
Asthma education is an essential part of management. By teaching the patient [...]
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0 comments Saturday 20 Aug 2011 | admin | Causes and Symptoms
Different Types of Asthma
Americans and Australians suffer in the millions from asthma, 20 million and 2.2 million respectively. In beginning to study and understand more about asthma, you need to start with the triggers of asthma and the effects of an asthma attack.
As an individual who associates daily with a number of asthma sufferers, I can truly appreciate the importance of learning about and understanding asthma.
A
n increase in the incidences of asthma occurring has increased dramatically through the 1980’s and 1990’s in Australia but since then has leveled off. In proportion to the population, the indigenous people there have a much higher figure than the non-native population.
Let’s begin with finding out what exactly is Asthma
Asthma most commonly is divided into two groupings or types; that of allergy induced asthma, and the non-allergic type of asthma. Both types of asthma have very similar symptoms which are:
A tightening in the chest or torso area
A shortness of breath often including-
Wheezing when trying to breathe
A dry, persistent, irritating cough, most often in the early morning or at nighttime
A wheeze when breathing
When any of these symptoms occur, especially on a prolonged or severe incidence, visit your doctor and have him do tests to diagnose if you truly suffer from asthma or whether it is other allergy related conditions.
Asthma sufferers have much more sensitized airways which become restricted when exposed to trigger factors, whether of the allergic or non-allergic types.
Inhaling allergens such as pet dander, pollen, dust mites, mould, and specific food additives can trigger an allergic asthma attack.
A non-allergic asthma attack can be triggered by stress, anxiety, chemicals such as perfume, etc, exercise. Cold or dry air can also be the cause of an attack, as well as tobacco or other forms of smoke. These are all irritants that can cause mild or severe asthma distress.
Basically, asthma is a restriction of the airway that prevents the natural flow of oxygen to the lungs and body. This restriction can be the cause of inflammation of the airway which becomes red and swollen. Excess mucous is a by product of the trigger factor, whether allergy or non-allergy based. This mucous blocks the airway and prevents natural breathing. Bronchoconstriction is the condition of the muscles in the airway tightening and squeezing up to restrict and reduce breathing.
As airways become inflamed and constricted, the asthma sufferer will begin to find it more and more difficult to breathe properly. Exhaling is particularly arduous which leads to considerable coughing and breath distress.
It is not fully understood why some people are more prone to asthma than others and what the exact causes and forces behind it are. Often there is a history in the family of eczema, severe hay fever, or asthma itself. In Australia about one out of every child suffers from asthma. The onset of asthma can occur at any age. Scientific evidence has shown us that unborn babies of smoking mothers, whether actual smokers or second-hand smoking, and children who experience second-hand smoke in their early childhood have a marked increase in the risk of developing childhood asthma.
Among the nations of the world, per capita, Australia is one of the highest in the number of asthma sufferers. The general populous needs to be more aware of the symptoms of asthma and consult with their doctor at the earliest symptom. When caught early on and treated correctly, asthma can be controlled and lifestyles can have very little interruption with the proper treatment and care of the disease.
What is Asthma?
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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 [...]
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Read Asthma articles at HealthNewstrack.com like Teachers’ ignorance is putting children with asthma at risk.
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0 comments Monday 15 Aug 2011 | admin | Causes and Symptoms