Asthma In Kids: An Increasing Epidemic

                    

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Many believe that the majority of asthma cases are confined to adults, but this is definitely an incorrect assumption. because asthma in kids has become increasingly common in the last 20 years. We are uncertain as to why this is so, but it is an undoubted fact that in the United States alone there are 5,000,000+ children beneath the age of 18 who suffer from asthmic symptoms.

In a recent study (2004) it was discovered that the #1 cause of absenteeism in school is asthma, accounting for a whopping 14,000,000 lost days in school. According to the American Lung Association, four million kids below the age of 18 had an asthma attack during this year.

Anyone, at any age, can manifest asthmatic symptoms - even infants - but most often symptoms manifest themselves around the young age of five.

Who Is Most Vulnerable To An Asthma Attack?

1. Boys are more likely than girls to be sick in earlier childhood

2. Children of African American descent are more vulnerable than Caucasians, Hispanics or Asians

3. And, not surprisingly, children in our increasingly polluted cities are more vulnerable than kids in the less-crowded suburbs and rural areas

Symptoms Of Childhood Asthma

Childhood asthma is like adult asthma in that the symptoms are generally the same:

* Inflammation in the airways
* Coughing
* Difficulty in breathing
* Wheezing
* Rapid breathing
* Shortness of breath
* Symptoms that worsen at night
* Tightness in the chest

There is a special problem with childhood asthma that doesn't apply to adults and that is that children are much less inclined to take care of themselves and thus the parental role is critical. Some kids are simply too young to assume this responsibility while those who are older may have various reasons for neglecting the necessary treatment. For instance, they may dislike being seen as "different" from their classmates or they may be too busy with sports and other activities to monitor their breathing. Thus, an asthma attack that could have been avoided, or at least reduced in severity, is allowed to emerge.

Parents must ensure that:

1. Their child understands and is educated about their asthmatic condition

2. Medications are ingested on a medical schedule

3. And mom and dad can do much to reassure the child so that he doesn't become panicked and afraid, thus worsening his condition.

Without monitoring, childhood asthma may seriously affect a child's general health in a very negative way, possibly even resulting in hospitalization. Asthma in kids must be taken seriously!

To learn more about asthma in kids and how you can best protect your little ones, check out AsthmaAnswersOnline.com which offers helpful asthma facts.

An Asthma Diet ? Taking Control Of Your Asthma

                    

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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.

For easy to understand, in depth information about asthma visit our ezGuide 2 asthma.

 

ASTHMA: Shallow Breathing To Tune Your Body

                    

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We are now at the position where we can discuss more exactly the process that if followed will normalize your breathing. We have seen in earlier chapters that our breathostat or respiratory centre has somehow become set at the wrong level.

How did they become set at the wrong level? One major factor is the false idea of the usefulness of deep breathing, which is often combined with deep breathing exercises. A big long deep breath with a good stretch is good to relax. If you do it repeatedly, it will turn your breathostat the wrong way.

Another factor which increases breathing intensity is over eating, especially high protein. Protein will increase your depth of breathing considerably. Animal proteins in particular are capable of producing powerful changes. If we use dairy products as an example, we can see the effect of all foods.

It is commonly known that consumption of milk products tends to promote the formation of mucus. This is almost correct. What happens is that the milk causes an increase in the depth of breathing, which in turn causes a loss of CO2. We now know that reduced CO2 will tell the mucus factories [glands] in our airpipes and sinus cavity to produce more mucus. So the problem is not with the poor cow, but simply that the high protein levels cause an increase in breathing.

Since the industrial revolution the amount of protein consumed has steadily increased, along with so called diseases like asthma and hypertension.

Other factors that increase the breathing include lack of physical work, narcotics, and exposure to many chemical agents.

As your breathostat is exposed to greater levels of breathing and lower CO2 levels, it becomes conditioned to a lower level. Then further deep breathing, perhaps as part of a fitness or health training, can turn it even lower. This training effect continues until such a low breathostat level is reached that your body takes defensive action to avoid a catastrophe. In asthmatics it restricts the breathing.

It is a relatively simple strategy to reset your breathostat by exposing it to higher levels of CO2 than it is used to. This is the opposite of the approach which lowered the breathostat CO2 level, which was to expose it to lower levels of CO2.

We want an approach that will:

a. Be easy and comfortable to do,
b. Be able to be done anywhere by anyone,
c. Be combined with other tasks so we do not need to take time from your busy day.

The most effective way to do this is to use an indirect approach. This means not trying to control the size or length of holding of each breath, as that requires huge concentration and very careful training. It does mean using simple muscle relaxation which will make the depth of breathing less, and requires no control of the rate of breathing which is difficult. The key instruction is simple and short.

Shallow Breathing is: A gradual reduction in the depth of breathing, by relaxing the diaphragm and breathing muscles, until a tiny shortage of air is felt and then maintained.

There are several key points. The first is that we are reducing the depth of breathing. When we do this the frequency or rate at which we breathe increases by itself. This is correct, and the rate should not be interfered with. That would be direct control of the breathing, which is far harder to maintain, and usually leads to a huge shortage of air which is followed by gasping. This is not the goal. So reduce the depth only.

The next point is that the way we do it is by relaxing the breathing muscles, not holding them. The more relaxed they are the more still you become. The more still you become the less deeply you can breathe. [If you become still by holding or tensing you will develop sharp pains in your ribs as the muscles complain.]

The other key point is that our goal is to develop a training that can be done anywhere, is comfortable so it will not be avoided, and can be combined with other tasks. The way to this goal is to allow only a tiny shortage of air to develop. It is all that you need. If it feels awful and suffocating you have created a large shortage, and should relax and start again. If you feel no shortage at all, become more and more still until you do.

As part of this process, recognize that there is no rule that says you have to be breathing all the time. If you find yourself breathing away with no real need or desire to stop.

An alternative way to start your shallow breathing is to do a measurement pause without holding your nose. This really means that you stop breathing until you feel a tiny shortage of air. All you have to do then is be relaxed and still enough to maintain that shortage.

Am I Doing It Properly?

This is the most common and natural question. You are shallow breathing if you feel a tiny shortage of air, and you are comfortable. A shortage of air is a sensation that you would like to take an extra breath, but to maintain the shortage do not. If you are suffocating, you have too great a shortage ? remember unless it feels comfortable; you will not do it enough and will get poor results.

If you feel no shortage of air you are not doing it!

For more information on Asthma and the Butekyo Method visit our website. If you are looking for music to help you meditate and control your asthma Meditation Music.

Dealing With The Side Effects Of Asthma Medication

                    

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Asthma medication can make a big difference for people who suffer from asthma, but there are some side effects associated with them. And unfortunately, many people stop taking their medication when these side effects occur, which can lead to increased risk of an asthma attack.

The side effects vary, depending on the medication in question, and their severity also varies. It can range from mild jitteriness to more severe effects. The following are some of the most common medications as well as their associated side effects.

Bronchodilators

Most doctors prescribe bronchodilators as a type of "rescue" inhaler. They help to relax the muscles surrounding the airways, making it easier to breathe quickly. They don't treat the underlying asthma inflammation, however. The technical term for these types of treatments is "beta2 agonists."

The side effects of bronchodilators are normally minor, if any occur at all, but if they are used more often than recommended, they can cause problems. These problems can include an irregular or increased heart rate.

Oral Corticosteroids

Oral steroids are generally prescribed for acute asthma, when the symptoms are particularly severe. They work by reducing the inflammation in the lungs, along the bronchioles.

Because there are a number of associated side effects, this type of medication is normally used for short-term asthma management. In certain cases - if a patient doesn't respond to other forms of treatment - these may be prescribed for longer term treatment.

Common side effects of oral steroid medications include the following:

- insomnia
- mood swings
- thinning skin
- increased hair growth

If you experience any of the following side-effects you should contact your doctor right away:

- itching and/or hives
- breathing problems
- headache
- eye pain
- stomach pain
- pain or swelling in the lower legs
- sudden weight gain
- vision problems

Inhaled Steroids

The side effects of inhaled steroid medications are much less severe than those associated with oral steroid medications. Because the side effects are much less common and because of the effectiveness of these medications, they are often prescribed to manage asthma attacks.

One of the only common side effects of this type of medication is oral yeast infections.

Regardless of the type of medication you are using to manage asthma, if you have any unusual symptoms appear you should consult with your doctor to ensure that your treatment plan is not causing further problems.

Jackson Sperry writes about natural remedies for asthma and other related topics on the Asthma Explained website. Read more at http://www.asthmaexplained.net

Demystifying Asthma - Causes and Symptoms

                    

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Asthma has become a very prevalent chronic disease these days. However, there is still a lot of misinformation and myth surrounding it. I'd like to take some time now to clear up some of the erroneous information that is circulating out there and help us all begin our study of asthma on the same page.

One question I keep running into is this: What does an asthma attack feel like? After doing a lot research and finding explanation after explanation I finally heard the perfect description. Asthma feels like a fish out of water. Now use your imagination a little and you'll be able to identify with both the terror and physical pain associated with asthma attacks.

Another fact that I have run into a lot while researching this topic is that no matter how long you have had asthma or how many asthma attacks you have had you never get used to the attacks. That is also a big issue to understand. Usually when you experience something over and over again you may not be able to stop it however you do become better at dealing with it.

Due to it's magnitude you probably know one or more people who have asthma today. Despite the new treatments that are out -- the incidence of asthma is growing. However there are still myths and misconceptions about this chronic disease. Let' begin by getting to the real information.

Asthma is now the most common chronic disease in children as it affects 1 in 15 of them today. A total of 5% of adults in North America have asthma as well. That works out to about 1 million in Canada and 15 million in the United States.

An asthma fact worth noting is there are about 5,000 deaths annually in the United States from asthma and about 500 deaths annually in Canada. Over the last 20 years the rate of new asthma sufferers has risen by 30%. Even with the new advances in treatment the deaths of young people from asthma has doubled.

Asthma affects breathing by narrowing the airways which interferes with the normal movement of air in and out of the lungs. Asthma only involves the bronchial tubes and not the air sacs or the lung tissue itself. The narrowing that is caused by asthma is caused by three factors: inflammation, bronchospasm and hyper-reactivity. The combination of these three things is what causes the difficulty in exhaling.

As a result the person with asthma has to forcefully push the air out of their lungs which then causes the wheezing sound. Some people with asthma begin to cough to try to expel the thick mucus plugs.

Asthma may be caused by many different triggers and each person can be triggered by a different substance. Once a person who is suffering with asthma discovers their own triggers they are better able to manage their condition and alleviate some of their attacks.

Another important asthma fact is that 80% of children and 50% of adults who have asthma also have allergies.

Remember today asthma is treatable especially if the individual can identify their own personal triggers. With this knowledge you can assist those you know with asthma to live a better life with less attacks.

Now with the most current information you can understand how this chronic disease can be truly be managed. From this point on you will have a better understanding of just what people you know or meet that have asthma are truly going through.

Owen Walcher is a freelance writer, writing helpful articles about topics such as Asthma. You can find an alternate version of this Asthma Triggers article here. asthma.helpfularticle.info

Are Your Asthma and Allergies Caused by A Low Immune System?

                    

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Many people who suffer from asthma and allergies don't realize it, but a low immune system is very likely at the root of their problems. Medical experts agree that a lowered or improperly functioning immune system can and does result in several diseases such as asthma, allergies, arthritis, psoriasis, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome and cancer to name just a few. There are ways to strengthen your immune system, which will help to significantly decrease your allergy and asthma symptoms.

The body's immune systems first line of defense against disease are barriers that prevent antigens, which are large protein molecules of bacteria, viruses, chemicals and other substances that appear harmful from entering your body. The barriers include your skin, mucus, cough reflex, stomach acid and even enzymes in your tears, which destroy toxins. If the antigen or toxin manages to get past these barriers, then the immune system launches a second line of defense, found in your blood. They are white blood cells, which perform a protective function by seeking out and destroying foreign protein antigens.

If you suffer from a low immune system it is important to avoid things that suppress or act to destroy it, such as a high cholesterol diet, heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium), fat, alcohol, fried foods, food additives, obesity, industrial pollutants, pesticides, herbicides, stress, prescription drugs, too much sunlight, tobacco, and radiation.

Unfortunately, there is no "magic bullet" that you can take to quickly repair your immune system, but there are several ways to help build and support it by providing your body with proper nutrition, regular exercise, adequate rest, relaxation and maintaining a positive mental attitude.

Taking the following dietary steps will help protect and build your immune system:

1. Limit saturated and trans fats, food additives and alcohol 2. Take a good quality multi-vitamin/mineral supplement daily 3. Ensure your diet includes adequate protein 4. Take 1000 mg of Vitamin C daily. 5. Eat 3 to 4 servings of vegetables daily. 6. Eat 3 to 4 servings of legumes weekly. 7. Eat 3 to 4 servings of omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods weekly

The length of time required to re-build a low immune system of course will vary depending on your individual situation and environmental exposure to immune system suppressants. This is not an overnight process, for some people it can take three months to two years. Obviously, the higher your exposure has been to immuno-suppressants, the longer it will take to build your immune system. Children tend to heal much more quickly than adults or the elderly. People with allergies and asthma will find that their asthma and allergy symptoms become less frequent and less severe when their immune systems are strong. It's important to avoid using allergy and asthma drugs, which have toxic side effects and act to lower the immune system. There are natural supplements that safely and effectively eliminate allergy and asthma symptoms. To find out more please visit http://www.dramatic-asthma-relief.com/

Susan Millar is a former asthma and allergy sufferer. She is a researcher and the author of "The Dramatic Asthma Relief Report", based on extensive research from internationally respected medical publications about genuinely effective alternative treatment for asthma & allergies. For more information please visit: http://www.dramatic-asthma-relief.com/

Asthma Cough Productive Treatment

                    

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A persistent, chronic, nighttime cough is one of the most common symptoms of mild asthma. It also can be a symptom of several other pulmonary problems. If your child coughs often at night, how do you tell if it's asthma - or something else?

Without a medical evaluation, you really can't. Even doctors find it difficult to diagnose asthma when its only presenting symptom is nighttime coughing. In general, an asthma cough is a non-productive cough - one that doesn't bring up any mucus. It may sound as if something is rattling, or have a wheeze at the end of it. More often than not, there's a spasmodic quality to the cough - it may continue until the child is completely out of breath and gagging, or even until they actually vomit.

What if your child is coughing up mucus and sputum? Well, say doctors, chances are that it's not an asthma cough if it's productive. In most cases, a productive cough accompanies a cold, or lingers for a week or two beyond it. It may also be a symptom of other seriously lung problems, though, so if a cough persists more than 5-7 days, be certain to contact your doctor. Treatment of a night-time cough obviously depends on the underlying cause of the cough, but most doctors agree that if a cough is productive, treatment shouldn't suppress the cough, since the body needs to bring up all the 'junk' that's clogging the lungs and airways. In fact, if there's obvious congestion that isn't being brought up, an expectorant can help break it up and allow it to be coughed out.

Asthma coughs, on the other hand, are most often dry coughs caused by bronchial spasms. Since there's nothing to bring up, there's no way for an asthma cough to be 'productive', though you may hear rattling or 'crinkling' sounds if you listen to the chest of a child when they cough. Most doctors now believe that the actual cause of an asthma cough is an irritant or allergen of some kind that sets off an excessive immune reaction. The airways swell as histamine is produced, and the muscles around the bronchial passages go into spasms to attempt to force the irritant up through them.

When dealing with an asthma cough, productive treatment should include regular use of a bronchodilator to help loosen up the muscles around the bronchial tubes. Those muscles put a stranglehold on the airways and make it almost impossible to force air in and out of them. Relaxing them can soothe the most evident symptom of childhood nighttime asthma. Productive treatment often also includes the use of an anti-inflammatory - most often inhaled steroids - to reduce chronic swelling of the bronchioles and make it easier for them to empty.

You can also try a few 'natural remedies' to help reduce episodes of night-time asthma coughing - as long as you keep using the treatment your doctor gave you. Some herbalists suggest a cup of hot black or green tea with honey before bedtime - the theophyline and caffeine in the tea are both older treatments for asthma, and the honey can sooth a dry, irritated throat. Add a banana or two to your daily diet, or make sure to eat plenty of magnesium-rich vegetables and meats - magnesium helps control muscle contraction, and many people with asthma have low magnesium levels. Finally, avoid having irritants in your (or the child's) bedroom. No pets, no stuffed animals, nothing that might trap dust mites or dust - major causes of allergic reactions in childhood asthma.

Check out MyHealth-Info.com for more information on asthma, asthma treatment and asthma allergy.

How to survive seasonal allergies and ensure continued asthma relief

                    

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Spring is in the air and so are the allergens. Over the next few months grasses, trees and weeds will release huge quantities of pollen into the air as part of their reproductive cycle. For those suffering from allergic asthma or seasonal allergies it is a time when symptoms worsen, eyes water and noses run.

The most common advice given to those allergic to pollen is to remain indoors when pollen release occurs. However this happens at different times for different plants. On warm and sunny days most grasses release pollen from early morning onwards. On damp mornings the release will be delayed until the ground moisture evaporates. Some species of grass release their pollen in the afternoon, so if you are allergic to several types you may not get a window of avoidance at any time of day.

Even with an allergy to only one type of pollen, it can affect you despite your efforts to avoid the time and area where pollen release occurs. As the day draws to a close cooling pollen-carrying air falls towards the ground. This can lead to sufferers experiencing problems during the night. Wind-blown pollen can travel great distances. Ragweed can spread so far that it has even been detected 400 miles out to sea.

If you can identify the pollen that triggers your symptoms you can try to plan your day accordingly. You can get a clue from the time of year that you experience problems. Tree pollen is usually released in the spring, grass pollen in late spring and early summer, and weed pollens in late summer into autumn. A doctor can organise tests to further narrow down the culprit. Having identified the offending pollen try to remain indoors when it is being released.

Try to keep track of the pollen count in your area. Remember the pollen count is usually taken the day before it is broadcast. Rain or cool weather can reduce the count. Hot weather or short thunderstorms can increase it. Plants tend to retain their pollen on cloudy days, so expect a higher than average release on the next sunny day.

The National Allergy Bureau pollen report gives information on conditions in the US and Canada at
www.aaaai.org/nab/index.cfm?p=pollen

Polleninfo gives pollen forecasts for across Europe at www.polleninfo.org

You can use over the counter (OTC) medication to relieve symptoms if it does not interfere with other medications. Consult your doctor to make sure there will be no adverse affects.

Although pollen is probably the most difficult allergen to avoid there are steps you can take to minimize your exposure.

1. If possible only work outside at times when the pollen count is low. The mornings of cooler, less sunny days are best.

2. Introduce more insect-pollinated plants (usually the more attractive, colorful ones) into your garden, as their heavier pollen is less likely to become airborne. If you can identify the plant that affects you, exclude that plant from your garden. If grass pollen affects you but do not want to lose your lawn, get someone else to keep the grass short.

3. Keep windows shut tight at times of pollen release, during high pollen counts, and in the early hours of the night when airborne pollen returns to ground level.

4. Dry all washing indoors to prevent pollen gathering on clothes and bedding. Ideally dry clothes in a tumble-dryer.

5. If you spend a prolonged period outside when the pollen count is high, you should ideally take a shower and wash your hair when you get in, especially if it is thick or long. At least try to rinse your hair to get rid of any pollen.

6. Keep a set of clothes that you only wear indoors. Clothes worn outside could be full of pollen. Avoid taking your outdoor clothes into the bedroom.

Perhaps the most effective solution is to leave the area. If circumstances permit, move nearer the equator for a while. The plants that affect you will have finished pollinating. Alternatively move to a high mountainous area or a windy seacoast.

David Kane is the author of 101 Top Tips for Asthma Relief. He has produced a number of resources to help asthma sufferers monitor and control their condition.Find these at his web site http://www.asthma-relieftips.com