Asthma Medication

                    

>>  INSTANTLY PREVENT YOUR ASTHMA CLICK HERE <<

 

Asthma asthma treatment asthma symptom allergy asthma asthma medication asthma in child asthma inhalers asthma attack asthma child bronchial asthma bronchitis asthma asthma doctor cause of asthma asthma information asthma medicine childhood asthma asthma symptom in child exercise induced asthma prednisone asthma asthma cure allergy asthma family guide home house killing asthma attack treatment asthma specialist asthma attack natural asthma sign and symptom asthma inhaler asthma trigger type of asthma asthma pathophysiology picture of lung with asthma asthma picture asthma home remedy

Asthma management natural asthma remedy adult asthma asthma relief natural asthma treatment asthma exercise skin asthma cough variant asthma feline asthma sign of asthma natural cure for asthma pediatric asthma asthma and pregnancy dog asthma asthma control allergy and asthma associate asthma remedy kid with asthma singular for asthma asthma scholarship asthma action plan adult onset asthma cat asthma asthma food allergy asthma and allergy clinic steroid for asthma arthritis asthma bronchitis chronic condition diabetes disease emphysema healthy heart life living management others self aspirin and asthma asthma and acid reflux asthma cough asthma attack symptom asthma fact asthma therapy

Symptoms of Asthma - Learn How To Read The Signs Before The Unexpected Happens

                    

>>  INSTANTLY PREVENT YOUR ASTHMA CLICK HERE <<

 

An asthmatic attack is one of the most striking medical emergencies. In an asthmatic attack, there is contstriction or a tightening or the bronchial wall muscle, and a secretion of mucus, often with plugging of small air tubes, as well as inflammation and swelling of the bronchial lining. The frequency, duration and severity of the asthmatic attack and its symptoms vary markedly from patient to patient.

Symptoms and Signs of An Asthma Attack

Although there are differences from patient to patient, the asthma attack is typically characterized by shortness of breath and wheezing. Cough and mucus production may be prominent symptoms.

In some patients, wheezing may not occur and a cough may be the dominant symptom. The patient demonstrates a rapid rate of breathing, often with heaving of the chest and use of neck muscles to assist each breath. During an attack, the patient is totally disabled. Even speech may be impossible due to severe breathlessness.

The patient may be totally consumed by the effort to breathe and become unable to eat or dress. The patient is often restless and unable to lie flat. Severe attacks can also end in exhaustion, with ominous slowing of the respiratory rate and arrest of breathing.

Depending on the severity of the patient's disease, the attack may be totally or partially reversible, allowing the patient to assume normal activities between episodes. Patients with severe asthma, however, may remain to some degree symptomatic at all times.

It should be noted that the degree of wheezing can be misleading. The severity of the asthmatic attack and its symptoms should never be judged on this basis alone. Some patients who are capable of moving large amounts of air may produce more turbulence and audible wheezing than others who are so severly obstructed that their breaths are shallow and incapable of producing much sound.

Reading Asthma Symptoms

In bronchial asthma, it is extremely important to recognize the presence of an attack before it become severe and requires emergency measures. Each patient should have a means of assessing the degree of the asthma symptom that is present from day to day. In this manner, severe episodes and often the use of oral or injectable corticosteroids necessary for such emergencies can be avoided.

As an extension of this home monitoring, the patient should also be instructed how to respond to the presence of increased asthma symptoms. In this way, a contingency plan can be in place and ready before severe attacks happen.

There are basically three elements to defining asthma. First is airway obstruction, which is characterized by the n arrowing of airways: air can no longer flow smoothly through the bronchial tubes. Since these tubes can dilate or open in asthma, this obstruction is called reversible, an important aspect of the definition since it may distinguish asthma from other broncial illnesses.

The second element in defining asthma is the presence of inflammation; the red, swollen appearance of the inside of the bronchial tubes. This characteristic of asthma has received a great deal of attention recently and has become the focus of much of the asthma therapy. The inflammation is present in the lining of the bronchial tubes, which can be examined by inserting into them a lighted scope called a bronchoscope.

The third asthma symptom is increased responsiveness or hyperirritability of the bronchial tubes and their tendency to overreact and narrow. The term twitchy has also been used in this regard. This irritability is often demonstrated the sudden, severe attacks patients can experience when exposed to substances, such as pollen, animal dander, dust and fumes. This forms the basis for bronchial provocation or challenge testing that is used by physicians to diagnose asthma in patients whose illnesses do not fit easily into the other symptoms.

Charles Amith, an independent researcher, reveals a FREE $27 eCourse..For The First Time Ever... * Barely Known Secrets * That The Drug Industry Has Been Hiding That Can End The Pain and Suffering Caused By Allergies and Asthma Attacks!" http://AllergyandAsthmaTreatment.com

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and it is not to be construed as medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, please coordinate with a medical professional.

**Attention Ezine Editors and Website Owners ** This article may be republished as long as it includes the resource box, links are kept intact, and is left unchanged.

Asthma Diagnosis

                    

>>  INSTANTLY PREVENT YOUR ASTHMA CLICK HERE <<

 

The asthma diagnosis comes from a series of tests. In many cases, a doctor will be able to determine if a patient has asthma and diagnose them right on the spot. In these cases, the diagnosis will be determined by the patient?s pre history. The doctor will look at the patient?s history of illness as well as his family history to determine if the symptoms and signs there are likely to be that of asthma. In addition, most doctors will use a simple examination to confirm their diagnosis of the asthma condition.

When an adult is to be diagnosed with asthma, the doctor may take some measurements of his airways. In asthma, the airways will constrict tightly, not allowing enough air to pass through them. This is a test that offers diagnosis of the condition, but can not be done on children. The doctor will use what is called a peak flow meter to help test and then diagnosis the adult asthma patient. In addition to it using an inhaler to test the benefits it offers to the potential asthma patient. For children to be diagnosed with asthma, the doctor will look at his medical history. Then, to insure that the patient does have asthma, he or she will monitor the child?s response to various inhalers using bronchodilator medications.

In many cases, a doctor will diagnosis asthma within a matter of minutes due simple to the conditions that the patient is facing. Those that are facing asthma symptoms will usually be able to be diagnosed based on the conditions in which they face asthma like reactions. Doctors often can diagnosis a patient within a matter of minutes just by knowing the various factors that cause the body to react. In these cases, the final test comes from testing medications on the potential asthma sufferer to see if they do in fact relieve the condition.

Roger Thompson writes health related articles and jobs for The Number One Healthcare Job SiteHe also advices consumers on online products.

Asthma, the Buteyko method 6 Edit

                    

>>  INSTANTLY PREVENT YOUR ASTHMA CLICK HERE <<

 

With more Buteyko exercises, you will eventually be able to come off all of your Asthma medication. First your relievers, then in time your preventatives. This is only possible if your triggers are exercise, temperature and some allergens (ie: it is possible for some people who are allergic to dust, grasses, pollens and smoke) etc. I don't think Buteyko would help with a food allergy induced Asthma as food is ingested, not inhaled.

Buteyko works for the exercise type triggers because you simply implement the "exercising with less oxygen" theory and your body no longer needs to shut down the esophagus. For allergens, the nose acts as a filter, not allowing the offending particles into your lungs where they usually wreak havoc (a large portion of Asthmatics are mouth breathers). Similarly for temperature, your nose acts as a regulator, altering the temperature of the air before it hits your lungs.

There is one last technique I haven't mentioned yet - but I will write one last article about it as I think it is important both for Asthmatics and also for Non-asthmatics. It's a little weird, but I have convinced many of my Non-asthmatic friends to try it and many of them swear by it! See next week for details!

http://www.bedelish.com

Early Detection of Childhood Asthma

                    

>>  INSTANTLY PREVENT YOUR ASTHMA CLICK HERE <<

 

 It is estimated that 5 million children in the United States suffer from childhood asthma. The American Lung Association estimates that 4 million children under the age of 18 have suffered an asthma attack in the past year. Asthma is considered one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood and there is no cure. The best that a parent can do is seek medical treatment for the child and try to get the disease under control.

But how do you know if you should take your child to a doctor to determine if he or she has asthma? There are certain signs you can look for that will help determine if your child may be suffering from childhood asthma. If you detect any of these signs it is strongly recommended that you take your child to a doctor as soon as possible where a proper diagnosis can be made.

Coughing and wheezing are two prominent signs of asthma. Wheezing is like whistling sound when breathing and often occurs after a child has been running and playing. A tight feeling in the chest and shortness of breath after playing or exercise are also signs of asthma and if you suspect your child might have asthma you should pay close attention to your child during playtime and after playtime for these symptoms.

Colds can be difficult for children with asthma as the cold symptoms tent to concentrate on the chest, which affects breathing, and the colds tend to last longer. Children with asthma also tend to have more respiratory illnesses than normal and they are more severe. Often this is an indicator of ?hidden asthma.? Children with hidden asthma often do not show the ?classic? symptoms of asthma such as wheezing and this can make diagnosing asthma very difficult.

Allergies can also spark asthma symptoms and asthma attacks. If you know that your child is allergic to certain allergens whether it is food, pollen, mold, or something else, pay close attention to your child if an unavoidable situation arises that he or she comes in contact with an allergen. Is there an increase in breathing difficulties, wheezing, or coughing? Asthma is often induced by exposure to an allergen and can lead to an asthma attack.

If you detect any symptoms of asthma in your child at any time it is important that your child sees a doctor and is tested for childhood asthma as soon as possible. Your family doctor or pediatrician may refer you to an asthma and allergy specialist. Treatments are available that many times will keep the childhood asthma under control.

Daniel Lanicek is an life long sufferer of asthma on a mission to heighten world awareness of asthma and childhood asthma. By giving parents the information they need childhood asthma does not have to degrade the quality of life for their children. You can learn more about asthma at Asthma Explained.

Asthma Treatment - Do You Need It?

                    

>>  INSTANTLY PREVENT YOUR ASTHMA CLICK HERE <<

 

Every week people die of Asthma. Often we do not know how to prevent it, and what signs to look for if we are contracting asthma.

Asthma is on the increase every year, so we should be made more aware of the causes and what to do in order to prevent ourselves or children of the next generations from becoming asthmatics. As many as 15-20 million people in the USA alone have asthma, with a third of these teenagers and younger.

Most of us have heard of Asthma, but have no idea were it is from or why it is called that. The word asthma is a Greek word basically translating as the verb to pant. It can be contracted at any age, and is thought to be heredity. It is basically a lung disease, the leaves you short of breath due to the lungs inflaming, in turn causing breathing airways to narrow. Many sufferers can locate the problem and help prevent the asthmatic attacks from taking place, but sadly there is no guaranteed cure for asthma. Therefore asthma treatment may be the way forward for most sufferers.

Most common causes are thought to be dust, smoke or pollen. Even perfumes, chemicals, animal hair, and in some cases stress and nerves. Years ago many experts believed exercise help aggravate and cause asthma, although in more modern times and after more research, it is recommended on a daily basis, to help keep the body in a fit and healthy condition. If exercising with asthma, you should consult with your doctor what levels of exercise you can cope with and what you should do in order to exercise without having an attack. Often correct warm ups and warm downs should be sufficient.

Asthma is quite often frightening to either the sufferer or whoever is watching an asthmatic attack. During normal breathing, the muscles that surround the airways are relaxed, and air moves freely, where as asthmatics experience the muscles tightening around these airways, causing air not to move as freely. The slightest upset, stress, shock or anything can trigger an asthmatic attack due to asthmatics having very sensitive airways.

If you see anyone having an attack or experience one yourself you should sit leaning forward, and if possible place something warm on your chest to help relax your chest muscles. Take your inhaler or have a plastic bag to ease your breathing. If you are asthmatic you should definitely not be smoking. Reducing asthma can be helped by having ginkgo biloba, mullein, licorice root, marshmallow root or slippery elm in your weekly diet.

More information on Asthma Treatment can be found at the author's website at http://www.123-asthmatreatment.info

Asthma Inhalers - Introduction

                    

>>  INSTANTLY PREVENT YOUR ASTHMA CLICK HERE <<

 

The following article includes pertinent information that may cause you to reconsider what you thought you understood. The most important thing is to study with an open mind and be willing to revise your understanding if necessary.

Inhalers have changed the way that doctors treat asthma completely. Asthma inhalers can deliver medicine directly to the lungs just about anytime or anyplace that an asthma attack happens. Portable, easy to use and commonly accepted, asthma inhalers are a key to independence for many asthma sufferers.

While there are other parts to an asthma treatment plan, asthma inhalers are the part that can make it possible for those who have asthma to engage in regular daily activities - including sports and other activities - without fear. Knowing what type of inhalers you can use and how to use them can help you manage your life so that asthma doesn't manage you.

Definition: Asthma inhalers are portable, usually hand-held devices used to deliver medication directly to the lungs. There are two kind of inhalers:

* Metered-dose inhalers. A metered dose asthma inhaler delivers medication by means of a chemical propellant - like a fluorocarbon. Usually, the medicationis released by pressing the inhaler canister into a base - similar to a spray can. As the name says - it delivers a metered, or measured dose.

* Dry powder inhalers. With the concerns about fluorocarbons and chemicals damaging the atmosphere, manufacturers have come up with other ways to deliver medication in inhalers. In a dry powder inhaler, medication is delivered in a powder rather than a fine mist.

Types of Medication in Asthma Inhalers

* Short-acting bronchodilators. Often called 'rescue inhalers', short-acting bronchodilators relieve asthma symptoms immediately in an emergency situation by relaxing the muscles around the bronchial tubes. The effects last 4-8 hours. They include albuterol and pirbuterol.

* Long-acting bronchodilators. Salmeterol and formoterol are also bronchodilators, but the effects are longer lasting. Long-acting bronchodilators are NOT for use in an emergency situation. Instead, they are used to relax bronchial muscles for longer periods of time as treatment for chronic problems.

It seems like new information is discovered about something every day. And the topic of Asthma Inhalers is no exception. Keep reading to get more fresh news about Asthma Inhalers.

* Corticosteroids. Inhaled corticosteroids are used as a long-term preventative medication. They work by reducing the underlying bronchial and pulmonary inflammation. Most are prescribed for use once or twice a day on an ongoing basis.

* Cromolyn or nedocromil are two nonsteroid medications that are used to prevent and manage inflammation in the long term.

* Corticosteroid + long-acting bronchodilator. This medication combines a corticosteroid and a long-acting bronchodilator (Advair).

How to Use Asthma Inhalers

Your doctor may give you slightly different instructions for using the asthma inhaler prescribed for you, but in general, the instructions for using an asthma inhaler depend on which type of inhaler it is.

A metered dose inhaler comes in a pressurized canister. When you press down on the top of the canister, one measured dose of medication is converted into a fine mist. To use the metered dose inhaler, hold it in front of your mouth or against your lips and be ready to inhale. You must be able to inhale and press down on the canister at the same time. This can be difficult for young children, who often are prescribed an asthma inhaler with a spacer or a face mask to make it easier for them to use.

When you use a dry powder inhaler, you don't need to coordinate breath and press. Instead, you put your lips on the mouthpiece and take a sharp, deep breath to pull in one dose of powdered medication. Dry powder asthma inhalers are available in several different types.

Those who only know one or two facts about Asthma Inhalers can be confused by misleading information. The best way to help those who are misled is to gently correct them with the truths you're learning here.

Please visit MyHealth-Info.com for more information on asthma inhalers.

Allergy Asthma

                    

>>  INSTANTLY PREVENT YOUR ASTHMA CLICK HERE <<

 

robitussin asthma pathophysiology exercise induced asthma sympathetic nervous system and asthma military asthma prevalence of asthma worldwide clenbuterol for asthma in horses children and asthma effects of poverty on asthma asthma in the army airways remodeling in asthma ppt horse asthma steps for pulmonary rehabilitation for bronchial asthma asthma meds find jobs with asthma can powerbreathe help cold induced asthma asthma nursing interventions asthma peak flow meter symptoms of allergic asthma cure asthma ways to prevent asthma genetics and the environment of the effects of asthma books waltham forest respiratory service asthma copd magnesium asthma asthma vs copd dogs and asthma asthma inhaler holder new asthma medication exercised induced asthma is asthma curable asthma therapy pathology of asthma asthma complications asthma powerpoint domestic environment asthma american academy of allergy asthma and immunology no insurance asthma

herbs asthma severe asthma lungs collapsed asthma untreated vererbung asthma asthma and cigarette smoke in clothing remedies for asthma asthma more for health professionals singular asthma medicine effects of asthma in the fort greene community is there a cure for asthma medical marijuana and asthma refractory asthma asthma care plan natural treatments for asthma adult onset asthma in female asthma exacerbation child asthma increase in us occupational asthma painters asthma silica supplementation bronchial asthma more condition symptoms genetic asthma dogs with asthma and treatment asthma specialists columbus ohio asthma fetish acid reflux and asthma asthma nursing care plan asthma in pregnancy natural remedies for children with asthma allergies asthma eczema asthma forum asthma score asthma inhaler nebulizer flow signs and symptoms asthma asthma athlete scholarship images of children with asthma chronic dehydration asthma asthma and antihistamines cats with asthma

ting Asthma - Part 2

                    

>>  INSTANTLY PREVENT YOUR ASTHMA CLICK HERE <<

 

ting Asthma - Part 2

One week my wife had severe asthma and it would not go away. In fact, we had visited our doctor numerous times for adrenalin shots. These helped in the short term (for a day or so) but the asthma just returned again later. Both of us wanted to resolve this condition on a more permanent basis, as it was becoming very difficult to deal with.

We talked to our doctor, a wonderful man named Dr. Frischer, and he directed us to a specialist. Someone who was familiar with the disease and could help us come up with a permanent handling.

I must admit that my wife did not want to go to this specialist. She didn't say why, she just was not comfortable with him. However, I convinced her, and before long we had pulled up to the doctors office, which was in a little hospital in Paramount, California.

The specialist took one look at Claudia and knew that her asthma was terrible. He had Claudia breath into a tube, then tisked to himself when he saw the result. It appeared that Claudia was not getting anywhere near the amount of oxygen that a normal person received. In fact, her lungs were drawing in about a forth of the normal amount of air - it was pretty bad that day. Which meant, of course, it was the perfect day to see the specialist.

The guy did some more tests, then recommended an allergy panel to determine exactly which substance was causing Claudia's condition. He explained that asthma is usually triggered by something, some particle in the air. It could be dust, pollen, cockroach droppings, cat dandruff or any other small particle.

We agreed and the panel was done. The doctor swabbed her arm with about twenty different substances, explaining that they would swell up into little bumps if anything registered. One substance registered strongly - simple dust. It seemed that Claudia's asthma was caused by dust.

While we were there, the specialist increased her Prednisone dosage to 60 milligrams. This is an incredibly high dosage of this drug, but based upon Claudia's poor breathing, the doctor felt it was necessary. If you remember from the previous article (part 1), prednisone has the side effect of making Claudia extremely hostile to our poor cat Baby. Well, during the next few weeks that cat had to be guarded night and day by Al and myself to keep Claudia from killing it.

The result of this trip? We finally realized the link between the environment and Claudia's asthma. We decided to be a little more proactive, and purchased some air filters for the living room and bedroom. These helped control the asthma to a certain extent. The other result? Now Claudia was feeling the other major short term side effect of Prednisone - it's very difficult to stop taking..

Richard Lowe Jr. is the webmaster of Internet Tips And Secrets. This website includes over 1,000 free articles to improve your internet profits, enjoyment and knowledge.

Web Site Address: http://www.internet-tips.net

Weekly newsletter: http://www.internet-tips.net/joinlist.htm

Claudia Arevalo-Lowe is the webmistress of Internet Tips And Secrets and Surviving Asthma. Visit her site at http://survivingasthma.com

Air Purifiers And Air Filters Can Help The Health Of Allergy and Asthma Sufferers

                    

>>  INSTANTLY PREVENT YOUR ASTHMA CLICK HERE <<

 

Air Purifiers And Air Filters Can Help The Health Of Allergy and Asthma Sufferers

Indoor air pollution in the form of dander, dust and pollen particulate matter can be a real irritant for suffers of asthma, allergies and other respiratory conditions. In addition to removal of all direct irritant sources and minimizing the irritant containment materials in your house, you should also consider the indoor ventilation and filtration system of home.

Environmental control is the key to reducing exposure to indoor and outdoor allergens. Keeping a clean house free of dust, dander, smoke, pollen, and other airborne particulate matters will help to reduce the irritation and effect on family members with respiratory difficulties. Air cleaners, filters and hepa filters can play a role in helping to control or reduce the exposure to indoor and outdoor allergens.

Several health authorities have recognized that certain types of air filtration systems can be beneficial in reducing the amount of airborne particulates in a room. The American lung association recommends using a hepa air filter purifier for the bedrooms of asthma suffers. The Mayo clinic recommends an air particle filter for household ventilation systems. Ionic filters and hepa filters have been endorsed or recognized by the Asthma and allergy foundation of America (AAFA) and the British Allergy Foundation seal of approval.

Selecting the wrong type of filtration system could exacerbate the problem by agitating and circulating the existing particulate matter throughout your house, so it is important to do your research thoroughly. Ionic air filters do not create high airflow patterns to clean the air and simply rely on negative ion attraction to collect the airborne particulate matter. They have demonstrates to have decent capture rate of airborne allergens and irritants like pollen, dander, tobacco smoke and dust and can help improve the quality of your indoor air environment. You can read more the ionic air filtration process at: http://www.air-purifiers-review.com/ionic-air-cleaner.htm.

Air filtration systems should not be considered as a solution for any respiratory condition, nor as a reason to ignore sound medical advice and guidance about the removal of irritant sources and allergen habitats from your household. They are also not a substitute for thorough and regular cleaning of your household environment. Selecting the right air purifier system can help complement and enhance your efforts to reducing airborne particulate matters, as well as maintain a healthier indoor breathing environment. S.A. Smith is a freelance editor, writer, and contributor to the Air Purifiers Review resource site, and can be reached at http://www.air-purifiers-review.com

Asthma: Exercise for Life!

                    

>>  INSTANTLY PREVENT YOUR ASTHMA CLICK HERE <<

 

It is estimated that 17 million people in America have asthma, with 5 million being under the age of 18. Asthma, which is Greek for to pant, is a chronic lung disease that triggers episodes of coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath which is caused by an inflammation of the lungs that result in the airways to narrow. It can take place at any age, and appears to have a genetic link. Although its symptoms are controllable, it is not thought to be curable.

Triggers for asthma can vary from one person to the other and may include allergens (dust, smoke, molds, pollens, and animal dander), chemical agents (cleaning products, perfumes, etc.), emotional stress and exercise. The best way to halt asthma attacks is to prevent them in the first place. Simple steps include controlling and managing house dust mites, animal related allergens, tobacco smoke, cockroach allergen, mold and other fungal spores and pollens, smoke from wood burning stoves, colds and viral respiratory infection, and physical activity or exercise induced asthma (EIA).

It was once thought that physical activity should be discouraged if you had asthma, but today this is not the case. With the appropriate precautions, exercise is not only considered safe, but it is frequently promoted as part of a sound respiratory therapeutic program. There are many ways to help avoid exercise induced asthma. If you have asthma, check with your doctor before you begin an exercise program and get a complete physical with a review of your current medicine therapy.

Some guidelines:

Warm up with 10 minutes or so of low intensity walking and gentle stretching and before your workout.

Avoid exercising in cold, dry air or in areas where air pollution or allergens are high. If you must exercise in a cold environment use a scarf or face mask to trap the warm moist air and prevent cold dry air from penetrating deep into your lungs.

After exercise, be sure to include a 10 to 15 minute cool down period.

Asthma attacks place significant stress on the body. Fatigue is common, making it even more difficult to breath. This is why a gradual progression with exercise is important. Developing cardiorespiratory fitness will make you feel less fatigued and will help lung function.

Different types of exercise may effect symptoms of asthma. For example, outdoor running is often worse than indoor running on a treadmill. To improve cardiorespiratory fitness, begin with 20 (or less) of low intensity aerobic activity 3 times per week, eventually building to five. Exercise in 10 minute intervals with a short rest in between. Use a cross training method applying different exercise modalities (i.e. treadmill, bike, rower). Swimming rarely causes EIA due to the warm moist air (however swimming in chlorinated pools may be a trigger for some).

Exercise intensity is also related to EIA and should be kept at a moderate level. You should be able to talk in short sentences throughout your workout.

Long duration exercise causes more exercise induced asthma then shorter bouts. Sports that promote stop and go activities such as tennis, volleyball & resistance training may cause less EIA in some individuals.

Keep your exercise up beat by making the most of your workouts, and avoid becoming bored or stressed, pick activities that you enjoy and can do.

If a medication is prescribed you can use it before exercise and monitor peak air flow with a peak flow meter. Your inhaler can be used during exercise also if symptoms arise. Talk to your doctor about how to use your inhaler with exercise. If notwithstanding your efforts, symptoms develop and persist, stop the activity and inform your doctor. Your doctor may recommend simple changes in medication that make the difference.

Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after exercise. Dehydration causes airways in the lungs to constrict, and makes breathing more difficult. Studies have shown that this is true even if the individual is not exercising. Thirst is a poor indicator of when to rehydrate, by the time you sense thirst your body is already lacking essential fluids.

Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea or sodas; these are diuretics, which dehydrate you even further.

Exercise-related breathing problems also occur in individuals who have not been diagnosed with asthma. People with allergies may experience many of the same symptoms, as exercise causes increased oxygen demand, breathing rate, and cooling and drying of the airways.

Although right now there is no cure for asthma, it can be managed with proper treatment and lifestyle management. Controlling symptoms may include using an inhaler or other medicine, as well as identifying and avoiding factors that may trigger an episode. Educating yourself as much as you can about asthma and your response to exercise gives you improved control and a greater chance of living an active life.

Scott is an exercise physiologist and has worked in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation for many years. He has also managed large fitness centers and is past director of the Flushing YMCA in New York City. He is currently a Wellness Consultant with American LifeWay Wellness.

Website: http://www.americanlifeway.org/

slarson@americanlifeway.org