Asthma
What is Asthma Asthma is a chronic (long-term) disease that makes it hard to breathe. With asthma, the airways (breathing passages) are extra sensitive. When exposed to certain things, extra-sensitive airways can become red and swollen. Airways get inflamed inside. They fill up with mucus. The swelling and mucus make airways narrower, so it's harder for the air to pass through. In addition, airways become "twitchy" and go into spasm. The muscles around the airways squeeze together and tighten. This makes airways narrower, leaving less room for the air to pass through. Many different things can set off asthma symptoms. Each person with asthma has their own set of triggers. Symptoms of Asthma Different people have different signs and symptoms.Symptoms are also variable, and can change over time or depending on the situation. People with asthma often have one or more of the following symptoms: Wheezing Chest tightness
Coughing Feeling short of breath Emergency Symptoms of Asthma The following symptoms require immediate medical attention: Struggling for breath.
Rescue inhaler doesn't help.
Difficulty speaking, can't finish a sentence.
Sucking in of skin above breastbone and between ribs.
Flaring nostrils.
Pale, grey, skin with sweating.
Blue lips or nail beds.
Extremely tired and lethargic.
Unconscious, fainting. Managing Asthma Asthma can't be cured, but good asthma treatment, one can live a nearly symptom - free life. To stay healthy and safe, it's important to follow the treatment at all times, even when there are no symptoms. It's very important to work with a health care professional to creat a management plan, learn specific triggers, get specific medications , inhalers, etc., and be prepared for emergency situations. It is also important to learn to recognize and avoid asthma triggers - things that make asthma symptoms worse by irritating airways. Asthma triggers cause symptoms that: Usually come on suddenly.
May not last very long.
May be easy to relieve with a blue rescue inhaler.
Some common asthma triggers are: fumes pollution household chemicals & cleaners perfumes hairsprays smoke
exercise cold air emotional upsets hormone imbalances sulphites MSG viral infections Natural Approaches to Treating Asthma Many people find herbal and homeopathic remedies very useful in treating symptoms and preventing attacks. Depending on the severity of the asthma, they can reduce or eliminate the need for the synthetic drugs and inhalers. They can also be safely used to complement conventional treatment of asthma. Used as part of a wider, holistic lifestyle management, herbal and homeopathic medicines can bring significant relief to sufferers of asthma without the side effects or other complications that often accompany conventional drugs. Natural Astma Formulas BioVent Asthma Relief Formula is a favorite natural remedy among asthma sufferers. Triple Complex BronchoSoothe used at the very first symptoms of an asthma attack to quickly open up the chest, reduce bronchospasms, and restore normal breathing. Other Things to Try
~ Add Vitamin C, B6 and magnesium supplements.
~ Avoid products treated with sulphur dioxide and other preservatives.
~ Use ImmunityPlus Immune System Booster regularly to attain optimal immune functioning.
~ Keep an 'asthma diary' to help you to identify triggers.
~ Avoid tobacco smoke and keep your home free from dust, pollen, air fresheners.
~ Wear a scarf over your nose and mouth if you have to go out in cold air.
~ Treat colds and flus in the early stages to reduce the likelihood of an attack.
~ Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily.
~ Reduce stress and practice relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga.
~ Regular exercise can help to strengthen lung functioning. (Consult with your health care practitioner before beginning an excercise program.) Aromatherapy for Asthma Oils that open airways and loosen congestion: Lavender mix with a carrier oil and rub into chest. Eucalyptus Frankincense encourages deep, relaxed breating. (Not for use in steams.) Reflexology for Asthma Work the reflex points to the lungs, diaphragm, and adrenal glands. Look up reflex points on this Reflexology Chart.
The information on this web site is intended for educational purposes only, and not as any form of medical advice. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider.
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