What Is Asthma

The word asthma is Greek and means to breathe hard and that is the main symptom of asthma. If you have asthma, the airways in your lungs are almost always sore and inflamed and quick to respond to anything that irritates them.Asthma is best defined by its four main symptoms:- Coughing - often the first sign that asthma attack is on the way. You may either have a dry cough or a cough with phlegm, and coughing often happens at night or after exercise.- Shortness of breath - it is hard to finish one breath before starting another- Wheezing - the whistling noise made when someone having an attack breathes out. It is caused by sticky fluid, mucus, produced by the reddened and inflamed airways.- Tightness in the chest - a feeling that you have a vice sound around your chest or that someone is giving you an overenthusiastic bear hug.Triggers such as droppings of the house dust mite and pets can cause these airways to narrow suddenly. An asthma attach can be frightening because one sufferer described it as a bit like drowning and in extreme cases, asthma can kill.What is the relationship between the airways and asthma? In an asthma attack, the airways that take air from your nose or mouth to the lungs become constricted, making it hard to breathe.The problem may be caused in three different ways, the airway walls become swollen, the muscles of the airways go into spasm, and mucus collects and obstructs the airways.

Seasonal asthma refers to the condition which is characterized by the inflammation and constriction of the airways that is caused in the presence of airborne allergies, for example such as pollen in spring season. This type of asthma tends to show up in a seasonal cycle as a response to increasing levels of a number of airborne allergens as seasons keep changing.However, the severity of the symptoms of seasonal asthma is variable. The normal asthma already takes a toll on people with its tricky nature that dealing with allergies due to seasonal changes simply acts like the last straw. Generally, allergies are an overreaction to normal substances that doesn't trouble most people. Our immune system has a strong effect on how a person handles one's indoor and outdoor activities. In case of being over-sensitive to certain allergens, the immune system can build up a swelling in the lungs and shut out the air that one needs to breathe in.So, when an asthmatic patient has allergies, one can experience more frequent attacks in spring and fall seasons. This can make the symptoms of the already active asthma go out of control. Depending on one's immunity strength, it can be subtle or life-threatening. So, better late than never; one should keep tabs upon the early signs so that they can be treated well in time.Here are some common symptoms of seasonal asthmathat are frequently seen. These are the classic symptoms that basically characterize this special respiratory disorder. They are:1. Frequent coughing
2. Increased mucus production
3. Feeling of chest tightness
4. Shortness of breath
5. Rapid breathing

For thousands of years, people have been trying to find the link between the body and the mind. There has been a question as to whether, or not, the mind can be used to heal the body from diseases and disorders such as asthma. As long as people have been trying to understand this link, people have been practicing Yoga for therapeutic reasons. Although Yoga has also been known to reduce or eliminate breathing disorders, the exact reason has not officially been pinpointed. Many studies have claimed that practicing Yoga regularly can have a significant affect on asthma.When practicing Hatha Yoga to help improve the condition of asthma, there are many types of poses that can be utilized, but they generally involve an effort to correct poor posture and learning breathing habits. Many people do not realize that they are not breathing properly. Even though it is considered something that should be second nature, the way a person breathes can weaken their lungs and cause health problems.Poor posture also prevents air from entering and leaving the lungs as effectively as possible. By learning the correct posture and breathing habits, asthma suffers can significantly increase their comfort level. Yoga can also help to reduce mucous, which can greatly impede breathing. Some of the more advanced poses can help to loosen up the mucous that may have built up inside the chest and nasal cavity. A therapeutic Yoga session a couple times a week can eliminate this impediment and prevent build up.Also, by simply decreasing the stress and anxiety in one's life through the practice of Yoga, an asthma attack is less likely to flare up. A healthier body often creates a healthier mind, and this is especially true when it comes to Yoga, which has been known to decrease the impact of daily pressures. By decreasing the stress in one's life, it is more likely that asthma attacks will not be triggered or worsened by emotional flows.Yoga techniques can be used to compliment the traditional medical management. Thus someone may already be using meditation, asana, and pranayama to control his or her asthma. It is not advised to discontinue any medication or a doctor's advice. Yoga should be viewed as an adjunct therapy for treating asthma. However, with regular practice and dedicated training, it is possible to lessen the amount of prescription drugs that are needed. This alternative treatment can allow an asthma sufferer to not be controlled by their condition and feel internal relaxation.The following Yoga techniques are recommended for asthma. Anuloma Viloma PranayamaPavanamuktasanaBitilasana

If asthma is getting you down, it's possible that increasing your levels of CoQ10 could benefit your breathing as well as your energy and endurance.Coenzyme Q10 is a natural substance found in the mitochondria of every cell. Its primary function is to assist in the production of energy at the cellular level but it is also a powerful antioxidant capable of neutralizing free radicals, which are chemically unstable molecules formed when the cells interact with oxygen and other substances.Free radicals scavenge and injure other cells, and the damage they do has been shown to play a large part in a whole host of diseases ranging from cardiovascular problems to metabolic disorders like diabetes and even age-related illnesses like Alzheimer's disease.In asthma patients, free radical damage is believed to increase and exacerbate the chronic mucosal tissue inflammation characteristic of the disease. Though research on the link between CoQ10 and asthma is ongoing, preliminary findings appear to not only support this theory, but indicate that raising serum levels of the coenzyme could provide relief to asthma patients.In numerous studies it has been found that blood levels of the coenzyme tend to be significantly lower in people with asthma. Researchers speculate that sub-optimal concentrations of CoQ10 may very well play a role in the severity of asthma. Small trials have indicated that supplemental dosage of the coenzyme improved the condition.In addition, researchers have observed a link between low CoQ10 levels and the use of corticosteroid preparations commonly used to treat acute asthma attacks. In a recent open randomized crossover trial, CoQ10 was administered to 41 bronchial asthma patients in conjunction with corticosteroid inhalants for a period of 32 weeks. The results showed that the patients used the inhalants less when they were taking the coenzyme supplements.Raising the serum levels of the coenzyme could also improve energy and endurance, both of which are commonly adversely effected by asthma. A recent Japanese study showed that as little as a week of regular 300 milligram supplements had a marked positive effect on physical ability during exercise, as well as on the amount of post-exercise fatigue experienced. It was also shown to greatly enhance oxygen utilization and reduce recovery time. 

If you have asthma and vigorous exercises prevents you from burning fat and calories, below are 6 lose weight tips that can help shed those unwanted pounds, fast. Dedication, hard work, and being consistent are the keys to reach your ideal weight goal. These 6 tips do not involve starvation or fad diets, which are bad for you in the long run.Tip 1 - Drink water
Water is important to help lose weight fast. Water helps suppress your stomach by tricking to be full as well keeping you hydrated and prevent craving. Drinking water ice cold can burn as much as 100 calories a day. Hence, drink as much water as you can each day.Tip 2 -Eat smaller portion
Try to eat 5-6 small meals per day instead of traditional 3 big meals. When you eat this many meal per day you will never feel hungry or crave for food. Don't forget about breakfast because it is the most important meal of the day.Tip 3 - Include fiber to your meal
Having adequate fiber keep residues moving through your bowel. Fiber can be found in fruits and vegetables and typically low in calories, so you are reducing your calorie intake overall.

The diagnosis of an asthma patient can depend on the symptoms presented, a detailed medical history, the physical examination done by the doctor and the laboratory tests done to confirm the diagnosis. For the most part the diagnosis of asthma can be fairly easy once the results come through; however, the diagnosis has an involved process before the eventual results are determined.For asthmatic patients symptoms can include problems related to breathing such as difficulty taking a breathe, wheezy respiration, labored breathing during activities that require exertion, chest tightness and any obstruction of airflow. A true indicator for asthma can be seen when the person gasps for breath with a wheezy sound, which is a characteristic picture of asthma. In addition, having a detailed medical history that includes any history of allergy, family history of asthma, persistent coughs, cold and seasonal allergies can be contributing factors for asthmatic patient.After the diagnosis process has begun laboratory tests are usually ordered to confirm that the patient has asthma and can include blood tests for ESR and eosinophil counts that could give indication of any allergic reaction or chest infection, as these are also contributory factors. The chest x-ray confirms the expansion of the lungs as well as any infections or other abnormalities in the lungs that can contribute to asthma. The groups of tests performed to diagnose asthma are Pulmonary Function Tests, otherwise known as Spirometry. In this test the degree and access of airflow obstruction is measured along with the confirmation of its severity. These are otherwise termed FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC. The assessment of the reversibility of asthma can also be done through these tests. Carrying out tests of allergen detection through skin sensitivity tests is also a form of testing. These tests are of prolonged duration by which time the person has a fully established asthma. Still, if the allergens detection is accurate and the person needs to stay away from certain allergic substances, then asthmatic attack is preventable.One of the most experienced symptoms of asthma is a wheezing sound as air enters the respiratory system. Many other chest diseases can present the same types of breathing problems as asthma; hence an accurate diagnosis is very essential. Spirometry is the confirmatory lung test for asthma. Once the diagnosis is made, the options open to the patient vary in range from no prescription, for very mild cases of asthma, to a full course of asthmatic preventatives to help those patients who have a severe asthmatic problem.

Asthma is a kind of disease that does not choose its victims. It can either be young or old, rich or poor, or male or female. A significant number of people had been plagued with this disease. One of the most common medications of asthma is through the use of inhalers. There are inhalers that have drugs, which provide immediate relief but on a short-term basis, while there are those that are taken regularly, which prevents the onset of asthma symptoms. Whatever the type of inhaler you have been using, there are always several side effects of asthma medication. One of the commoner side effects of asthma is thrush. This is a yest infection that attacks the mouth and throat membrane lining. This infection usually manifests as white lesions found in the tongue and inside the mouth. Should the proper medication be not taken, it might lead to the spread of the infection into the various parts of the body.An effective way to avoid getting thrush is through utilizing a spacer with the inhaler. One other common side effect of asthma medicines is coughing. While you're in a frenzy to inhale the medicine, you may develop cough and spasms. Then again, all you need is a spacer to address this issue. Practicing breathing exercises when consuming your medication. In children, the most prevalent side effect of asthma medication is a stunted growth. Although this may be the case, it has been proven that the child will grow up to be normal in the later part of his adulthood.Sad to say, there is not much you can do about these effects. All you need to consider on is to keep your asthma attacks at bay. If there is no need for an emergency inhaler, the chances of taking medication is slimmer. As much as possible, try to avoid the triggers of the disease as well as the other symptoms of the condition. It doesn't matter what kind of asthma you have or what type of medication you're taking because these medications all have side effects. The three items mentioned above are just some of the most common side effects of asthma medication. These side effects can be reduced through undertaking non-medicated techniques to control asthma.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, over 20 million Americans suffer asthma, and just in the Untied States, about 5,000 people die each year of asthma attacks. The incidence of asthma has been increasing for many years, even in regions that have achieved lower levels of pollution and better air quality.Two studies supporting the idea that aspirin somehow protects against asthma has appeared in the medical literature. In 2006, an analysis of the Physician's Health Study found that men who took at least a baby aspirin every day had a 22 per cent lower risk of developing asthma in midlife, and the beneficial effect held even among smokers, men who were overweight, and the elderly.In 2008, the Women's Health Study found that women who take at least a baby aspirin (100 mg) every day have a 10 per cent lower risk of developing asthma, and aspirin is beneficial without regard to smoking, obesity, vitamin consumption, or use of estrogen replacement.Still, I wouldn't start taking an aspirin a day to keep asthma away. There are three main reasons.First, neither the Physician's Health Study nor the Women's Health Study found that aspirin treated asthma. The anti-inflammatory effects of aspirin be strong enough to prevent the small changes in the plasticity of lung tissue that lead to bigger changes later, but aspirin probably isn't sufficiently anti-inflammatory to relieve an attack.Secondly, and more importantly, about 3 to 5 per cent of people who have asthma are sensitive to aspirin. It's possible to have neither asthma nor aspirin sensitivity earlier in life and to develop both in adulthood.Thirdly, and most importantly, some stages of the flu can be mistaken for asthma. Children with flu must never be given aspirin in order to prevent the potentially deadly Reye syndrome. From the standpoint of aspirin-sensitivity, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the safer alternative.

What is Asthma?Asthma is a lung disease. It causes problems to the breathing passage of our lungs also known as bronchioles. It is caused due to chronic, long term and ongoing inflammation of the lung passage. The lung passage also called airways of the affected person become very sensitive to the triggers.The inflammation is caused or triggered due to various internal and external factors that fills the passage with mucus and also swells it. The muscles contract and narrow the passage making it difficult to breathe. This resistance of exhaling finally leads to symptoms of a typical asthma attack.Since the disease causes obstruction to the air being exhaled, it is known as an obstructive lung disease. The medical term for this is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease also known as COPD. COPD includes other diseases as well.Asthma is a disease that you shall have to live with during your everyday life and there is possibility of being exposed to the triggers. Asthma is a reversible disease unlike the other chronic lung diseases. Asthma cannot be ever totally cured but you may always keep it under control.If the disease is diagnosed at the right time and the treatment is started right away then there is a better chance of controlling the disease. If there is a proper treatment then the attacks shall be lesser and not even very severe. If there is no treatment then the attacks will be so severe that it may even lead to death.What are the symptoms?The symptoms include cough which may be accompanied with phlegm production, pulling in of the skin while breathing and shortness of breath which worsens with activity or exercise. Wheezing also is possible that begins suddenly, happens in episodes and gets worse with breathing and exercise.What is the treatment?

In 2009, an estimated 17.5 million adults in the United States suffered from asthma. Most of us have heard of this common medical condition, but what exactly is it?What is asthma? The body has a system of tubes called airways to carry air from our mouth/nose to our lungs. The largest of these is our trachea (known as windpipe). This then splits into two bronchi which then split into a network of tiny bronchioles. This network of bronchioles delivers air to the tiny sacs where gas exchange takes place (known as alveoli).Asthma is an inflammatory condition affected the smallest airways - the bronchioles. These tiny tubes can become inflamed and secrete excessive amounts of mucous causing severe difficulty in breathing. This is known as an asthma attack. The cause of asthma is thought to be a combination of environmental and genetic factors.An asthma attack is normally triggered by something, whether it be an allergen (e.g: pollen, dust, vehicle emissions, soot etc.) or an environmental condition such as cold air. Normally, an asthma attack is characterised by the following symptoms:

A wheezing sounds when breathing
Difficulty in breathing
Unable to complete a full sentence
Hyperventilation
Anxiety and panic
Reducing levels of consciousness