What Is Asthma

Not everyone with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease suffers from this form asthma, but many individuals who experience emphysema or chronic bronchitis have asthma-like symptoms. Medical experts continue to debate whether chronic asthma should be classified as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, since asthma can be reversed.Chronic asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways; the term asthma is derived from an ancient Greek word which means panting. With this type of panting, the inflammation leads to the narrowing of the airways, which can cause wheezing, breathlessness, and gasping for air.Studies indicate that this severe form of difficulty with breatjing involves two stages: the hyper-reactive response and the inflammatory response. The hyper-reactive response refers to the constriction of the airways in response to inhaled irritants, while the inflammatory stage involves the production of white blood cells in the airways.During a chronic asthma attack, the muscle tissue in the walls of the bronchi experiences spasms, causing labored breathing. This can lead to coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing occur almost everyday. In order to combat this ailment, several medications may be needed.Some medical experts speculate that the persistent symptoms of this severe type of breathing attack indicates a food allergy. As a result, some doctors encourage those suffering from breathing difficulties to revise their diets in order to reduce the incidence of flare-ups.There are some other simple strategies one can follow in order to alleviate symptoms of asthmatic attacks. These include removing the cause of chronic asthma, treating the symptoms, or altering the host to be more tolerant of the causes.If you've been diagnosed with this form of asthmatic problem, medical experts suggest stopping all smoking and banning cigarette smoke from the house. Patients should also stop the use of volatile chemicals, which may exacerbate one's symptoms. Ending contact with pets can also alleviate the problem.The aims of any treatment program should include: avoiding the trigger factors for asthmatic attacks, eliminating symptoms, restoring normal lung function, reducing the incidence of severe attacks, and minimizing the side-effects of drugs.Drug therapy can fall into three categories. Acute asthma can be attacked with preventors or anti-inflammatories; relievers, which provide acute relief of symptoms; and controllers, which provide a sustained bronchodilator action with a mild anti-inflammatory action.

The number of Australians suffering from asthma is among the highest in the world. Alarmingly, children are the most common of sufferers of this bronchial disease. Even though it is not one of the major causes of death in the country, asthma is still one of the most common reasons children are hospitalized. It is important to acquire a asthma cure as early as the onset of its first symptoms. To achieve that, you need to learn all you can about asthma first.What Is Asthma?Asthma is a chronic disease that affects your airways, and which makes your breathing difficult. When an asthma attack occurs, there is an inflammation of your air passages. This results in the temporary narrowing of your airways that carry oxygen to your lungs.Asthma has three major features: airway obstruction, inflammation, and airway irritability.- Airway Obstruction or Bronchospasm - causes your airways to narrow further, and chemical mediators and nerves in your bronchial tubes causes your muscles to constrict.Inhaling cold or dry air can cause brochospasm, which normally occurs in all humans.- Inflammation - causes the narrowing of your bronchial tubes, making them red, irritated and swollen. It also increases the thickness of your bronchial tube walls, resulting in a smaller passageway for air to flow through. Inflammation occurs as a response to an asthma trigger by your body's chemical mediator. The inflamed tissues then produce an excess amount of "sticky" mucus into your bronchial tubes. The mucus tends to clump together, forming "plugs" that can clog your smaller airways.Specialized allergy and inflammation cells cause tissue damage, which accumulates in your bronchial tubes. These damaged cells then flow into your airways, contributing to the narrowing of your passageways.- Airway Irritability - When you have asthma, your airways become extremely sensitive to triggers, such as allergens and irritants. Having your airways chronically inflamed and constricted causes this hypersensitivity. Moreover, constant exposure to these triggers may result in further inflammation and narrowing of your passageways.

If you have asthma, you probably have medications to treat it. On the other hand, you might be the type of person who chooses to treat the condition naturally. That is your right. Interestingly enough, there are asthma home remedies that you may not be aware of that can help asthma attacks and reduce symptoms. This article is intended for information purposes only and is not a recommendation for asthma treatment. Proper medical care is needed, and that can only be obtained from a licensed physician. Despite this, these asthma home remedies often work very well.The Power of TeaOne of the first drugs used to treat asthma was theophylline. It is actually still used, though rarely. Theophylline comes from tea (camelliea sinensis). Both green and black teas contain this compound and can relieve the symptoms of asthma quickly. Many people find fast relief with a large cup of hot green tea. Only high-quality tea contains enough theophylline to make a difference, so generic tea bags won't necessarily work as asthma home remedies.Coffee Comes to the RescueOne of the most popular beverages in the world is coffee. It has a high content of caffeine, which is another compound that can relieve the symptoms of asthma. Caffeine is found in certain over-the-counter asthma remedies along with theophylline, which is mentioned above. This is a handy asthma home remedy that most people have on hand at all times.Herbs and Spices Are Secret Remedies for AsthmaWould you believe that there are asthma home remedies in your spice cabinet? Common herbs and spices used in cooking can relieve asthma symptoms. In fact, they have been used for centuries for this purpose. These herbs and spices include oregano, thyme, basil, ginger, cumin, anise seed, cloves, mustard seed, mint and cardamom. It is best to use these herbs fresh, but dried herbs will do the trick, too. Just steep a tablespoon in boiling water for 10 minutes and drink it. Oregano, thyme and cumin are probably the best. It may not taste wonderful, but it can work in a pinch (not a serious emergency).Other Asthma Home RemediesSome people know about standing next to a very hot shower to relieve the symptoms of an asthma attack. If you don't, here is the surprise: If you have nothing else, go into your bathroom, close the door and stuff a towel underneath the door gap. Turn on the shower to the highest heat level and open the curtain. Sit on the edge of the tub or on the toilet (closed) and breathe in the steam that builds up for as long as you can stand it. It works in most cases. If it does not, dial 911.

There are various health disorders that do not hold any specific treatments, but the symptoms can certainly be avoided with necessary medications and treatments. Asthma is one such disorder whose symptoms indicate an inflammation in the bronchial tubes of the lungs as well as excessive production of a sticky secretion inside the bronchial tubes in the human body. Individuals that suffer from this disorder experience asthma attacks that can occur suddenly and can be quite scary for the person suffering from this disorder and also for the bystanders. These attacks usually occur when a person suffering from asthma comes in contact with a trigger such as an allergen, which can vary among different patients. As a result, the person faces difficulty in breathing and requires an immediate medical assistance.However, if you see someone near you suffering from such similar kind of terrible condition, then it is important for you to learn on how to treat such kind of attacks.• The most important factor that you need to learn is recognizing the symptoms. When adults suffer from an asthmatic attack, they usually intimate the same to the people near them, but such reaction is not similar with children. In order to recognize the same, you will find that during an asthmatic attack a person starts wheezing or have a bad coughing fit, which is uncontrollable. Additionally, if left untreated the person's lips or fingernails would turn blue or gray.• If you notice such a condition, it is important for you to stay calm. This is because an individual suffering from an asthmatic attack is likely to panic, which can even worsen the condition. Therefore, by staying calm you can support the patient and assure them of getting relieved very soon.• As mentioned earlier allergens are one of the main causes of asthma and different patients react differently towards various allergens. Once you have identified the cause of the attack, it is important to remove that particular object immediately or keep the patient away from the allergen. Dust, pollen, mold and pet dander are some of the common allergens, but again there might be other allergens that could trigger an asthma attack.• Individuals that are suffering from asthma usually carry an inhaler that consists of albuterol. These inhalers can be helpful during an attack as they contain a medicine, which provides an immediate relief during an attack. However, if still not controlled, it is necessary to call for emergency medical assistance.

Many people believe asthma is a disease. Asthma is actually a condition, where the bronchioles that carry oxygen to the lungs are constricted. It can also be called as an expression of our body a reaction that is stimulated due to hypersensitivity of our body.Asthmatic condition doesn't happen to one an all, when being exposed to a similar circumstances. Thus, if two people are exposed to dust, or extreme climatic change, it is likely that only one gets an asthmatic attack and is breathless, where as, other person is normal and doesn't react at all. The conclusion is asthma can be connected to the constitution of each individual. The reaction of each individual is different. Thus it is the individual sensitivity, and disposition to allergy that can cause asthma.Asthma is found in people of all age groups. Those with a family history are prone to asthma since childhood too. The presenting symptoms are difficult breathing, wheezing, and coughing. To many the reaction starts with simple sneezing or cold and then travels down to the lower respiratory tract causing congestion, tightness, and thus asthma.There are many causes that trigger an attack of asthma. One of the most common is allergies. Allergens that stimulate an attack are dust mites, mold, pollens, certain food, pet hair, smoke, and even perfume or talcum powder for some. The body can be even allergic to numerous factors. Change in weather, especially winters and high attitudes, or damp and wet places, seashore etc cause asthma to many. Smell of rotting wood, dead leaves, or basement, closed bathrooms are causative factor to most as these are places where mold exist. These are a major allergic factor to those with asthma tendency.To prevent an attack of asthma, one has to analyze what is their own causative factor and stay away from allergens and avoid allergy as far as possible. Allergy testing helps detect the probable causative factors too.

Asthma is a common disease in which the airways in the lung become inflamed and then narrow when muscles within the airway walls contract. Conventional therapies use two type of drugs viz short- term relievers and long-term controllers. While the relievers as the name suggests, treat the symptoms and eliminate them, giving short term relief, during an attack controllers are aimed at suppressing the inflammation in the airways. But this therapy may not be effective in treating severe or persistent conditions.Bronchial themoplasty is a potential new asthma treatment currently undergoing clinical testing. Developed by a medical device company called Asthmatx Inc, this procedure has the potential to provide relief to asthma patients who do not respond to conventional treatment. A clinical trial was conducted on sixteen adults with mild to moderate asthma that did not respond to current asthma treatments. The results of the study are encouraging as 75 percent of the participants reported that the new treatment allowed to function better in daily activities and reduced peak expiratory flow readings.Bronchioplasty is a new procedure, designed to reduce the tendency of narrowing of asthmatic airways. In this new procedure, the airways are treated in half-hour treatment sessions and may require up to three sessions to fully treat both lungs. The treatment, like any other endoscopy, is delivered through a bronchoscope. The procedure uses radio frequency energy to the airway to alter the ability of the muscles in the airway walls to constrict. When the constriction is reduced, it results in a reduction in the frequency as well as severity of asthma attacks in patients. Radio frequency energy is sent through a catheter inserted through the bronchoscope that heats the smooth muscle walls to approximately 149 º F.The Blockbuster Herbal Formulation for Asthma http://www.healasthma.comThis procedure is expected to have an impact on the treatment of asthma in future. It is hoped that this procedure could be useful in reducing the severity and frequency of asthma attacks and be an alternative to the conventional asthma treatments although it is not intended to cure asthma.NEW TREATMENT FOR ASTHMA

What is asthma?Asthma is a medical condition that affects many people worldwide. When inflammation in the airway (bronchial tubes) becomes inflamed, it can lead to difficulty breathing. Air is taken in, but because of the production of mucus and swelling in the airway tubes, it is difficult to release the air back out. Many triggers can bring on an asthmatic episode such as: over exertion, cigarette smoke, dust, and many times, allergies. When they are inhaled by an asthmatic these problematic conditions may occur. Some symptoms that could develop are: tightness in the chest, a wheezing or whistling sound when breathing, coughing, or tightness in the chest.The most important measure that can be done to prevent flare-ups is to avoid the triggers. Many take controller medications on a daily basis to help ward off these problematic episodes. It is necessary to take these medications even when there are no signs or symptoms present. These might include inhalers or pills. Once the asthma has developed into a breathing problem, a stronger type of medication is given to the individual usually by way of a nebulizer. Steroids are taken in by inhaling through a mask to dilate the airways and help to alleviate the breathing problem and allowing oxygen into the patient's airway more easily. If the patient is not improving after this type of treatment they may need to seek emergency assistance quickly.What are some alternative treatments for asthma?There are many alternatives for those afflicted with asthma. Some people have the desire to use measures such as herbs and vitamins. They are turning towards a more natural approach to treat the disease rather than the use of steroids and medications with dangerous side effects. Some of those may include vitamin C, ding-chan tang (DCT), or Ma Huang (ephedra.) The United States Food Administration has banned the use of Ephedra in recent years. Yoga is used regularly as a form of controlling breathing by many. By controlled breathing, close attention is paid to the inhalation and exhalation process to ensure that sufficient amounts of oxygen are delivered to the lungs.Many are seeking acupuncture treatment as a form of treatment. It is not clear how much impact it has on the treatment of asthma but many do believe it produces positive results. Relaxation techniques are being utilized as a way to decrease anxiety, which can trigger an episode of asthma. When changing treatments, it is important, to let the health care professional know because there can be an interaction to certain medications with the use of vitamins and herbs. If a blood thinner is being taken, it is important not to take Gingko biloba-- although it has proven to decrease inflammation in the airway--it also works as a blood thinner. Liquorice root is often used to settle inflammation, but it can elevate blood pressure. Research is important when opting for these types of treatment. Look for scientific backing and speak with the pharmacist or physician about possible interactions with medications you are taking.

Cats frequently get what we call feline asthma. The signs of asthma in cats is very similar to those seen in humans, which is difficulty breathing, wheezing, and coughing that might sound like gagging. If a cat is having trouble breathing, he sits with his neck extended, inhaling and exhaling with his mouth open. Asthma is not the only disease that can cause difficulty breathing in cats, so neither you nor your veterinarian should assume that asthma must be the cause.The signs of asthma in cats can come on suddenly and be very serious. It is also frightening to observe. Just like an asthmatic person who feels like he cannot breath, your cat can panic, and you must do all you can to minimize stress while he is having difficulty breathing. The best way to do that is to not create any additional stress. Do not chase him around by trying to put him in a carrier. Let him calm down first.If it is the first time your cat is having this problem breathing, take him to the veterinarian or to an emergency pet clinic. Call ahead so the clinic can be ready for your arrival. But be prepared for a stressful wait while the staff tries to find the cause of your cat's breathing difficulties.Cats having a hard time breathing are very fragile, so too much handling can worsen the condition to the point where they may even die. While trying to determine the cause of the breathing problem as quickly as possible, your veterinarian will try to eliminate any obvious problems, such as a blocked airway, or fluid around the lungs. Significant handling must be avoided during the process, allowing time to calm your cat down. In more serious cases, your cat may need to be given oxygen until he is more stable, and able to tolerate more diagnosis or treatment.If your veterinarian diagnoses feline asthma in your cat, he probably will have prescribed medications that will help ease the symptoms. When your cat is having breathing problems, give him the medication, but only if you can do so without stressing him further. Otherwise, wait for him to settle down. Use this time to call your veterinarian and discuss the symptoms, and whether your cat needs to come in for treatment. If you are told to bring him in, use the carrier he is most familiar with. Once you get to the office, go directly to the receptionist for an assessment. Your veterinarian, or his staff, can determine the severity of the asthma attack, and if needed, your cat can be immediately seen to get the medication and oxygen he needs to relieve the situation.Although no one really knows the cause of asthma in cats, minimum exposure to dust, smoke, aerosols, and other irritants is essential. Stay in touch with your veterinarian so you can always get the latest information relating to the cause, prevention, and treatment of feline asthma.

Bronchitis is quite a known chronic disease. Basically bronchitis implies irritation & inflammation in the bronchial tubes along with the neighboring organs & tissues that our body uses for breathing.The bronchial tubes in the human body filter the air passing through the respiratory tract while it sets out for the lungs. The bronchial tubes are covered with some minute hair-like projections that prevent the dirt and/or irritants (like dust and/or pollen) from entering the essential parts of our respiratory tract. The hair-like projections are termed as cilia.The long term contact with viruses, chemicals, and/or even dust particles facilitates the irritants to shatter the natural defenses of our respiratory system, eventually causing infection & inflammation.Asthmatic Bronchitis1. Also known as COPD, the asthmatic bronchitis is a pulmonary disease.2. COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.3. It typically affects the individuals who are suffering with chronic bronchitis.4. It is not easy to differentiate asthmatic bronchitis from the other lung diseases. This is due to the symptoms that are quite similar in both the cases.5. The symptoms of asthmatic bronchitis resemble those of several other respiratory tract diseases such as bronchitis, sinusitis, common asthma, and emphysema.

Does your asthma medicine make you shake? Do you tremble the moment you take it? Relax, there's no need to worry. Doctors say this is a harmless side effect of the drug that eventually disappears.Just as it takes time to buy the right shoes for your feet, asthmatics sometimes have to experiment with various drugs before they can get the right medicines with the least side effects. The ones that often cause trouble are steroids, especially those taken orally.Steroids are potent anti-asthma drugs usually given in chronic and severe cases. But their long-term use is accompanied by several side effects, the reason why they are often given as a last resort. One of them is muscle tremors.If you're not taking steroids, your trembling hands could be caused by beta-2-selective bronchodilators. These drugs which include isoetharine, metaproterenol, terbutaline, and albuterol, are effective in preventing asthma and are available in liquid, tablet or inhaled forms. However, they do have certain side effects which can be minimized if they are taken by inhalation."The degree of side effects is determined by the amount of a drug that reaches organs other than the lungs. With the typical inhaled doses, side effects - aside from a rare case of local irritation from the propellant in the spray - are minimal. With oral and injected medication and with higher doses of inhaled drugs, side effects become more chronic," explained Drs. Francois Haas and Sheila Sperber Haas in "The Essential Asthma Book (A Manual for Asthmatics of All Ages).""You may have to experiment to see which ones are most effective for you, and in what doses. But remember that all these agents can, to a varying extent, cause an increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, nervousness and muscle tremors. So be careful with them if you have hypertension, heart disease or thyroid trouble," warned Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld of the New York Hospital - Cornell Medical Center in "Modern Prevention: The New Medicine."If your only complaint from these medications is trembling, there's no cause for alarm. This is only temporary and a good indicator that the medicine is working."Skeletal muscle tremors are a much more common side effect. Activation of the beta-2 receptors in these muscles causes tremors. This occurs with lower drug doses than the other side effects do, but it does not warrant concern from patient or physician. In fact, this tremor can be useful. Its occurrence is often a concrete indicator that an effective dose has been achieved. And the degree of tremor usually diminishes within a few weeks because the beta-2 receptors in these muscles lose sensitivity," Haas concluded.Since obesity can make your asthma worse, it pays to maintain a healthy weight. You can do this with Zyroxin, a safe and natural supplement that will maximize your weight loss through its unique fat-burning ingredients. For details, visit http://www.zyroxin.com/.