Herbal Asthma Treatment

Monday, May 12, 2008

Asthma: Buteyko's Theory

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Buteyko's Theory basically says that due to deep respiration an excessive amount of CO2 is removed from the body, resulting in a change in chemical balance which is only partially neutralized by compensatory mechanisms.

Over a period of time the loss of CO2 becomes increasingly disruptive to the functioning of the body. All physical and chemical processes are affected.

The loss of CO2, because of release from the lungs at a rate faster than its creation in the tissues leads to an increase in pH. Generally a state of oxygen deficiency also occurs due to reduction of the Bohr effect.[Less oxygen is taken from the RBC ferry.]

This oxygen shortage will cause an increase in the amount of incompletely oxidized 'products of metabolism' which act chemically to lower the pH. [Metabolic acidosis] This effect will not quite cancel out the increased pH from the CO2 loss, and the efficiency of all normal systems will be reduced.

One category of 'disease' caused by this problem may be classified as 'defense mechanisms', where the action is to reduce further CO2 loss [Asthma, emphysema, etc].

The other category are the 'diseases' which occur as a result of the changed pH and compensatory mechanisms. These include disruption of formation of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins; Disruption of the energy production efficiency [decreased ATP formation]; and a disruption in the efficiency of the processes of formation of CO2.

According to Buteyko, normalization of the breathing will not only avoid the existence of diseases of defense , but will also result in removal of the diseases occurring due to the change of function of the body caused by the excess removal of CO2. Treating the symptoms of these diseases without addressing the cause will result in eventual worsening of the problem.

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

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Friday, May 9, 2008

Facing Asthma With Asthma Exercise

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Asthma is a journey ? a daily dose of unpredictability and a balancing act required to prevent attacks. For those who suffer from asthma, there is no end to the exploration of treatments that can possibly alleviate ? and maybe even prevent ? symptoms. Most have found a way to combine traditional medicine with a more holistic mind/body approach; the result is a very individual approach to a very individual disease.

One such natural approach that asthmatics are using in conjunction with traditional medical treatment is asthma exercise. Asthma exercise can encompass any form of exercise that brings about improvement in overall health thus lessening the effects of asthma.

Experts believe that exercise triggers the opening of bronchial tubes; the result can be extended relief from the irritated and constricted airways of those suffering from asthma attacks.

Some asthmatics turn to aerobics for their forms of asthma exercise. Walking, dancing, and any other exercise where your heart rate is increased can be healthy for your overall health and can go a long way towards lessening your symptoms of asthma.

Others concentrate on those exercises that establish a mind/body connection. Yoga can be an excellent asthma exercise; allowing your body and your mind to relax in unison. Additionally, yoga uses breathing patterns as a component of the exercise itself. Those who practice yoga must learn to hold certain postures while focusing on deep and cleansing breaths. This can be an enormously helpful asthma exercise for those who suffer from this respiratory system disease.

Get online for access to a multitude of resources developed for the asthma sufferer. Updates on asthma treatments, guides to keeping you healthy, and an online community of support will keep you feeling proactive and positive about managing your disease. Find out what asthma exercise has made improvements in the lives of other asthmatics. Try them out experimentally and take careful mental notes on what asthma exercise made you feel well and what was less successful.

Asthma exercise can be a fantastic tool that you can use to keep control of your symptoms. But nothing replaces the guidance of a medical professional in keeping you healthy. Be sure to check with your doctor before embarking on any new exercise program.

With proper medical supervision and a commitment to improved overall health, you are likely to see an improvement ? and maybe cessation ? of many of your asthma symptoms. Asthma exercise can leave you feeling happy, healthy, and in control

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

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Thursday, April 24, 2008

Dental Challenge for Asthmatic Children

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A 1998 study by researchers at The Ohio State University indicates that one-third of asthmatic children between the ages of six and 18 have some kind of adverse reaction after a trip to the dentist. About 15 percent suffer temporary reduced lung function.

Causes of asthmatic attack in dental office:

Although it is not clear what causes the reaction, it has been suggested that allergens such as cotton swabs or water vapor at the dental office could be a cause. The stress often associated with a dental visit has been ruled out as a factor.

Researchers measured the volume of air in the lungs by having the asthmatic children blow into a machine called a spirometer. Readings were taken before, immediately after, and 30 minutes after treatment. Any reactions during the examination were also noted.

Most of the symptoms were mild reactions such as coughing and congestion. However, almost seven percent of the monitored patients had difficulty breathing 30 minutes after being in the dental office. Amazingly, some of their symptoms did not appear until three days later.

Dental professionals are trained to develop preventive protocols in the dental office and to recognize the early signs of an asthma attack. The reason? In 1998, the number of asthma sufferers in the United States was an estimated 17.3 million according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 4.8 million of those are children. It makes sense to prepare for what could be a frequent occurrence in our office.

The researchers suggest that one puff on an inhaler before entering the office could be all it takes to avoid unnecessary suffering. For your own peace of mind, it might be wise to talk to your physician about the possibility of a reaction before your asthmatic child visits our office.

Poor dental health among asthmatic kids:

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry reported an interesting discovery in 1998. British researchers tested asthmatic children (ages four to 16) to see if they showed preponderance to dental diseases. Results clearly showed asthmatic children suffered significantly from plaque and gingivitis, having poorer gum health and a greater loss of tooth surfaces compared with non-asthmatic children.

One explanation could be that certain drugs used to treat asthma are causing harm to teeth. The Department of Paediatric Dentistry at Leeds Dental Institute tested acidity levels of some of the main asthmatic drugs. Researchers found the powdered varieties were acidic enough to erode tooth enamel.

Further testing will be required to determine if this is the main cause of dental diseases in asthmatic children. Until proven, researchers suggest removing any trace by rinsing the mouth with water after taking a powdered asthma drug.

For information, contact Houston dentist-Minh Nguyen, D.D.S. at drnguyen@softdental.com. SoftDental (http://www.softdental.com) is Houston's Premier Laser, Family and Cosmetic Dentistry.

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Friday, February 29, 2008

Relief From Allergies And Asthma

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Asthma is often diagnosed when you cannot control your breathing. You may wheeze, have a dry cough, a feeling of tightness in the chest, and shortness of breath. This is due to a narrowing of the air passageways to the lungs. This can be brought on by a tightening of the muscles, swelling, and inflammation. Asthma is normally triggered by an allergy or certain activities that irritate the lungs. When you are having an allergy attack, your airways may constrict and you may have difficultly breathing. These symptoms can be even more severe when you have asthma. Your chest may feel heavy and you may need oxygen support or an inhaler to open the airways to your lungs.

To help prevent or lessen the severity of your asthma attacks, you may need to do a lot of cleaning. It may be advisable to invest in an air filter that removes any mold spores found in a room. You will want to eliminate any dust lying around. Dust is one of the primary triggers that cause full-blown asthma attacks. You may need to ensure that you do not have any dust mites or bed bugs in your room. You should also try to eradicate any harmful food allergens.

You can avoid ingesting a food allergen by checking food labels and reading ingredient lists. This is one way to help reduce the liklihood of an asthma attack from a food allergen. You may also want to clean your air conditioner and heating ducts. You can have this done professionally in order to reduce the mold spores and pollen in the air. You will want to consult your doctor about your allergies if you suffer from asthma. You should make your doctor aware of any allergies you think you may have developed, but takes on special importance if you are asthmatic.

If you know that you have allergies and you suffer from asthma, it is vital that you take precautions such as cleaning your home, as well as avoiding certain areas and activities that you know to trigger your asthma. Prevention of an attack is the best course of action. However, if you do suffer an attack, there are inhalers and injections available that can help you stay calm while the asthma attack is occurring.


Dorothy Miller enjoys writing for several online magazines, on home and family and family concerns topics

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Monday, January 28, 2008

Symptoms Of Asthma

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Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that makes bronchial tubes particularly sensitive to irritants. This is characterized by breathing difficulties.

The symptoms of asthma include:

* Shortness of breath. Asthma sufferers often say they feel as though they can't catch their breath, they feel breathless or out of breath. They feel like you can't get enough air into or out of their lungs.

* A feeling of tightness in the chest. This can feel like someone is sitting on or squeezing your chest.

* Coughing. Coughing in people with asthma is often worse at night or early in the morning, making sleeping difficult.

* Wheezing. Wheezing is a whistling or squeaky sound when you inhale or exhale.

* Faster or noisy breathing

* Inflammation of the air passages, characterised by eosinophils in the airway wall

* Episodes of wheezy difficulty in breathing

* Rapid and considerable changes in airway obstruction (peak flow variation >= 20%)

* Narrowing of the air passages in the lungs and resulting increased resistance to airflow

* Symptom-free periods

* Frequent allergy occurrence

* Bronchial hyper-responsiveness to non-specific stimuli such as cold air or histamine

* Frequent nocturnal episodes and low morning peak flow values

* Significant reversibility with new steroid drugs

* Significant reversibility with drugs that resemble adrenaline, the beta2 agonists

People with asthma may have:

* Coughing or wheezing when they are near an allergen or irritant

* Asthma symptoms brought on by exercises such as running, biking, or other brisk activity, especially during cold weather

* Frequent coughing, especially at night (this is occasionally the only sign of asthma in a child)

* Wheezing when they have a cold or another illness

* Coughing or wheezing precipitated by prolonged crying or laughing

Not all people suffer all of these symptoms. Additionally, symptoms may vary from one asthma attack to another. Symptoms can also differ in severity. For example, symptoms may be mildly annoying at times and at other times they can be serious enough to demand your immediate attention. Sometimes symptoms can be so serious to the point of being life threatening and require medical attention. Symptoms also differ in frequency. Some asthma sufferers only have symptoms once every few months, others have symptoms weekly, and while other people have daily symptoms. With proper treatment and management, however, most asthma sufferers can expect to endure minimal or no symptoms, and are able to lead normal, active lives.
William Brown writes for several health-related web sites, on health and wellness topics

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Sunday, January 27, 2008

The Use Of Air Purifiers For Asthma Patients

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Have you ever given any attention to your breathing? You probably haven't, because we all generally take breathing for granted. The reason is that breathing is a subconscious activity. However, this is not possible for an asthmatic patient, as breathing is highly praised every moment.

In an asthma sufferer, the lungs and air passageways are affected. Consequently, it becomes very hard for them to breathe normally or properly. There is no absolute known prescription available for this condition. However, there are certain things that can be applied to curb the symptoms of asthma. The use of an air purifier can help to cure it.

Asthma includes two key components: constriction, and inflammation, which takes place in the air passageways. Due to constriction, the airways get narrowed as the surrounding muscles begin to tighten around them. On the other hand, inflammation causes irritation in the airways. Because of inflammation, the airways get swollen up.

All of these problems lead to asthma. As a result, the sufferer finds it hard to breathe properly, and the swelling of the lungs causes an asthma attack. During an asthma attack, the sufferer begins to cough and wheeze in an effort to breathe properly. This can happen at any time and any moment, and can sometimes be severe.

Air purifiers can be very beneficial to asthma patients. There are a number of impurities in the air that can increase asthma. These air impurities include allergens like dust, pet dander, chemicals or pollen. If an asthma sufferer takes in these airborne substances, it makes it tough for them to breathe normally.

An air purifier is used to remove contaminants from indoor air. Thus, a better and cleaner environment can be created for the sufferer indoors. There will be less probability of an asthma attack due to fewer toxins in the air.

It has been proved that most air purifiers are capable of filtering 99.7 percent of all particles from indoor air. An air purifier cleans the air by drawing the air from the room into the system with the help of a fan. After that, the clean air is released back into the room.

It may be a little tough to make a proper selection between the various air purifiers available in the market. While buying an air purifier, it is important to be familiar with the working of the air purifier system. The purpose is to eliminate contaminants, harmful chemicals and odors, so you must look for an air purifier that possesses activated carbon or a UV purification system. It is also essential to get knowledge about the power of the machine and its overall effectiveness.

In conclusion, it is quite good to find a comparative table for air purifiers manufactured under different brands and compare them. This will give you the details about the various brands and models of air purifiers, and grade them on the basis of their effectiveness.

Stefan Rockhaus writes about various air purifiers topics. For more information visit Air Purifiers - Find more articles at Information Point

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Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Using Homeopathy to Control Asthma

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Asthma is a chronic condition that affects millions of people all over the world. Studies show that 1 in 7 children, and 1 in 12 adults, suffer from asthma. Thought the severity of the attacks can vary--it can be mild and easily treated, or lead to weeks of hospitalization--anyone who suffers from the condition can testify to how it can impair their quality of life.

In an asthma attack, our ability to breathe in air is hampered, due to the tightening of muscles in the air passage, swelling, and thick mucus. The attacks are triggered by pollen, smoke, even food allergies (each person has its own set of asthma triggers) and are characterized by wheezing, coughing and tightness in the chest.

Many asthma sufferers have found relief in herbs and other homeopathic treatments. For example, khella (also called Bishop's Weed) helps prevent the tightening of the air passages, and there are cases of it actually opening the airways. However, dosages have to be controlled by a homeopathic expert, especially for children. The herb is best used over a short period of time, since overextended intake can lead to loss of appetite, headaches, and difficulty sleeping.

Another asthma treatment makes use of the ancient Chinese herb, Ma Huang (also called Desert Herb). While not recommended for those who have heart disease and high blood pressure, it has been known to reduce the bronchospasms that cause difficulty in breathing. Because of the risks associated with his herb, it should be taken only with the directions of a homeopathic expert, and the approval and co-management of your regular physician or respiratory specialist. This is because Ma Huang has some contraindications, and interactions with other prescribed drugs can be dangerous. However, with the proper monitoring and in the right doses, it can help with the most severe forms of asthma attacks.

Like with many asthma medications, people who take Ma Huang can experience side effects like palpitations and restlessness, or mild nausea to actual vomiting. This is, unfortunately, a function of how medicines (whether traditional antibiotics or herbal) must contain some amount of ephredine or a similar drug that can counter or protect the body's loss of oxygen.

Another herb that can control asthma is the Pleurisy root, a liquid extract of the plant Asclepias Tuberosa. It is an expectorant and can help decongest the patient and ease the difficulty in breathing. Doses must be closely monitored, however, because it can lead to vomiting if not properly prescribed. It is also not recommended for those who have heart problems.

Homeopathic experts can also help asthma sufferers examine diet and lifestyle for any asthma triggers, or sometimes they will prescribe vitamins and herbs, or recommend a particular diet, that can help strengthen the lungs. In other words, their approach is holistic, and does not only cure the symptoms but prevents the attacks from occurring. Many asthma sufferers can lead perfectly normal lives as long as they can create a lifestyle or routine that minimizes their risks for attacks.

Philip Nicosia is the webmaster of Resources.eu.com an online resource centre covering many topics including health and fitness.

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Sunday, January 20, 2008

How To Identify An Allergic Asthma?

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 An allergic asthma. It is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the lung airways. It's symptoms are made worse by exposure to an allergen (e.g., dust, mold, pollen, dust mite allergens and animal dander) to which the patient has been sensitized.

A simple sneeze could trigger allergic asthma or a simple cough could lead to that as well.

What are the symptoms of allergic asthma?

The symptoms of allergic and non-allergic asthma are the same. They include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or rapid breathing, and chest tightness. These symptoms are often provoked by an identifiable trigger.

What factors can cause or trigger allergic asthma?

A family history of allergies is the most important predictor of whether a person will develop asthma. Environmental substances (allergens) can trigger an exacerbation - or attack - in patients with allergic asthma.

The allergens include tree, grass, and weed pollen, plus molds, animal dander, dust mites and cockroach droppings. Asthma attacks can also be triggered by viral infections, exercise, cold air and non-specific irritants.

How many people suffer from allergic asthma?

Allergic asthma is the most common form of asthma. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, of the 17 million asthma sufferers in the United States, 10 million (approximately 60 percent) have allergic asthma. Three million are children and 7 million are adults.

What is the relationship between allergies and allergic asthma?

Most people with asthma also suffer from other allergic disorders. In fact, research from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that at least 70 percent of asthmatics also suffer from allergic rhinitis or "hay fever."

Nasal allergies and allergic asthma are both triggered by exposure to allergens, initiating a series of events that result in tightening of the airways, swelling of the lining of the airways, nose and eyes, and mucus production.

What is IgE and why is it important in allergic asthma?

IgE (Immunoglobulin E) is an antibody in the human immune system that plays a critical role in the allergic process.

When an individual is sensitized to an allergen, he or she produces an IgE antibody directed against that allergen. The IgE antibody attaches to mast cells.

When the individual is exposed to that same allergen again, the allergen binds to the IgE on the mast cell causing it to release substances such as histamine, prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which cause symptoms such as chest tightness, coughing and wheezing.

What treatments are available for people suffering from allergic asthma?

It is important for people with asthma to seek treatment. First, patients are evaluated to identify their specific allergic triggers and a program of allergen avoidance is recommended.

Asthma is treated with medications including anti-inflammatory agents, such as corticosteroids and anti-leukotrienes that decrease inflammation in the lungs, and bronchodilators used for relief of symptoms.

Allergen immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, is a program of injections that reduces allergic sensitization.

A new drug currently under review by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), known as anti-IgE, concentrates on short-circuiting the allergic reaction in the body before it even begins.

Anti-IgE therapy stops the allergic reaction before it starts, allowing the patient to avoid allergy symptoms that often trigger an asthma attack or lead to the development of asthma attacks.

Researchers are looking for targets for new forms of treatment. Future therapies may focus on cytokines, substances that maintain the chronic inflammation responsible for asthma.

Other research may also lead to the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs, which may retain the anti-inflammatory effects of corticosteroids but cause fewer systemic side effects.

As the more and more developing countries are emerging, more and more air pollution is arising, whether asthma or allergic asthma, the number of people having is rising.

They could have acquired this chronic illness rather than having it genetically as the environment is getting more and more dirtier.

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Friday, September 7, 2007

Cleaning for Allergy and Asthma Sufferers

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My daughter recently had a bout with asthma. The strange
thing is, she hadn't had any problems for a couple of
years. In looking at the possible triggers - She had a new
batch of puppies at her dad's. While the 2 dogs didn't seem
to bother her, the addional puppies seemed to put her over
the edge.

To make matters worse, since we hadn't had problems for a
couple of years, I had become lax in some of the cleaning
that I would have done when she had problems every year.

Once I realized what her problem was, I immediately started
cleaning for asthma. That means thoroughly vacuuming walls,
behind furniture, matresses, pillows, upholstery, screens,
and vents, and dusting every crevice- including things like
behind the tv and stereo inside the cabinet, the backs of
furniture.

I normally dust the ceiling fans and blinds, but if you
kinda skip those, you need to pay more attention if you
have any allergies or asthma in your home.

A quick carpet clean and changing air filters and furnace
filters finishes up the cleaning job.

You also want to change your hand towels everyday, just in case it's a virus triggering the response.

If you have pets, keep them clean and brushed, and their living areas cleaned. Keep pets out of the bedrooms of affected people.

The things that typically trigger asthma is actually pretty long-

House dust mites found in carpeting, mattresses, bed linens,
toys, upholstered furniture, dampness, poor ventilation,
unvented cooking, humidifiers

Animal-derived allergens from dogs, cats, rodents, and birds.

Mold found in carpeting, walls, and windows, caused by leaks, poor ventialtion, water damage, or dampness.

Nitrogen oxides produced by space heaters or gas-fueled
cooking stove, used with poor ventilation.

Wood Smoke from wood stoves or fireplaces, used with
poor ventilation, or faulty equipment causing fumes to
come back into the room.

Fumes from cleaners, aerosols- like hairsprays, perfumes
and even air fresheners, pesticides, formaldehyde found in
some older household products.

Viral respiratory infections - exposure to infected people

Endotoxins from bacteria growing in soil, humidifiers, and
other moist places.

Cockroach allergen

Tobacco smoke

Excess weight.

If there is one thing you can do to minimize allergy or
asthma suffering- it is to become a vacuuming fanatic. The
more you get into that bag, the less you have floating
around in the air. It's healthier, and you'll have less
dusting to do in the long run.


Carole is the author of Secret Confessions of a Clean
Freak. If you Love a really clean home, but Hate cleaning
it, you'll want your own copy of the secrets. Click on the
link to get it now-http://ThinAttitude.CommonSenseLiving.com
 

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