February 23, 2008

Steroid For Asthma - The Art Of Balanced Medication

Amongst the most popular tablets consumed by asthma patients worldwide are steroids. The course for such tablets lasts for days or even a few weeks, depending on the intensity of attack that you generally get and your body type. For some individuals, who are continuously suffering from asthma, steroids treatment may last for a very long-term, may be even years if taken on a daily basis. Before prescribing such a treatment, the doctors however do recommend that the patients take the opinion of chest specialists, to make sure that all other alternatives have been adequately explored. This is because these drugs are associated with side effects, and hence, must be used only as the last option.

Side Effects Of Steroids

There are no problems when steroids are taken for a short time span of, lets say, a few days or even some weeks. However, prolonged consumption of steroids can cause a lot of side effects such as an increased appetite and the resulting weight gain, slow growth (in case of children), thinning of bones leading to bone fractures, reduced production of cortisol, slow healing of cuts and wounds, easy bruising of skin, stomach ulcers or indigestion, puffiness of the eyes or roundness of face, swelling of ankles due to excessive fluid retention, and formation of cataract in eyes. All these complexities arise either due to the sudden stoppage of the drug consumption, or when the individual’s body needs more than the actually consumed steroid to cope up with a severe illness.

Keep Steroids Under Control

Research has proved that there is no harm in consuming steroids, but the dosage must be kept strictly under control. One can do so by taking other routine asthma medicines regularly instead of waiting for the situation to worsen and then use steroids excessively as an instant remedy. The correct method is using the correct inhaler at regular intervals with the right technique, starting medical treatment as soon as the problem is diagnosed, studying the peak flow and informing the doctor immediately after the peak flow drops or shows any other abnormality.
 
As far as possible avoid taking any steroids. And if you have to take them, try taking them on alternate days, instead of taking them every day. Also, try taking the doze during and after the meals and not in the morning, as that is the time when the body produces the cortisone for the day.

Control Your Weight Gain

Since a heavy dosage of steroids increase one’s appetite, there are chances that the patient on that medication will gain lots of weight during the course. The body generally puts on weight when it consumes more than it can actually burn. So, make a habit to eat sensibly. Try to eat three meals a day and take food that is high in fiber (wholegrain breads, cereals, fruits, and vegetables), eat a variety of foods for fulfilling your body’s daily necessities of vitamins and minerals and avoid fats. You must also take plenty of water and avoid drinking too much of alcohol, tea or coffee. Make it a habit to exercise everyday and seek the help of a dietitian in case you are unable to deal with the weigh gain on your own.  
 
It is a wonderful idea to wear a medic-alert bracelet if you are on steroid tablets. It is because if an accident occurs or your body needs an extra dose of steroids to fight with distress, the attending doctor will know instantly. Also, don’t stop taking steroids almost instantly. Slowly reduce its dosage over a period of months or so, so as to give sufficient time to your body to make its own cortisone all over again.

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February 13, 2008

Allergic Asthma Treatment - Win Over Asthma

Allergic asthma treatment is now possible for all those who suffer with this vulnerable disease due to various sorts of allergies. There can be many factors behind the recurring symptoms, such as dust, smoke, mold, and pollens. The patient suffers immense difficulty in breathing. The symptoms of allergic asthma attacks are same as those of other asthma. Some of them are short breath, wheezing, constant coughing, and heavy congestion in the chest. It is found that, about 60% of asthma cases are associated with allergies. Allergic asthma should be taken seriously by following proper treatment. Before you start the treatment, it is important to know about the allergy and its cause. There can be anything in your surrounding that must be causing the attack time-to-time. Unless you are aware of it, you won’t be able to avoid it.

What Is Triggering The Attack?

While suffering the bad phase, often patients keep wondering about the triggering agent of the attack. It can be the dust particle hidden within the fur of your coat you wear, or pollens of your favorite flowers decorated in the vase, or any ingredient of the delicacy you love to eat, or even the smoke ejected by vehicles running on the road. You can’t imagine, it can be anything. Allergies are mostly developed right from the birth of the individual. Where as, some people develop allergies, later. Whatever the case is, the first action of allergic asthma treatment should be the identification of the allergen. Once the exact cause is determined, you need to stay away from it. While determining the factors responsible, you might have to face a number of allergic reactions. This might sound difficult, but to combat the disease, you need to reach to its every component, including the root cause. 

Medications That Help Get Over Asthma

Fortunately today, there are several medications available that help you get over this dreadful disease. Many herbal preparations made from rare herbs have made life easy for huge number of patients. These herbal suspensions and tablets treat the disease with no or minimal side effects. If taken regularly, they lower down the intensity as well as the frequency of asthma attacks. They improve body’s defense mechanism in its fight against the symptoms of allergic asthma. Allergic asthma can also be seasonal. For example, many people suffer most during winters. Therefore, they need to be extra careful during this season. Many medicines are inhaled, that reaches directly in to the lungs and relaxes them. Due to excessive air pollution, even the children are born with this disease. They either inherit the same or catch it later. For easy inhalation of medicines by the children, specially designed spacers are used. Allergic asthma treatment is thus, possible in many ways among all the age groups.

Select the Right Treatment for Your Body

It is not necessary that every medication would work on every patient. It all depends upon your body composition. You need to identify the treatment that suits you. The allergic asthma treatment might not eliminate the disease from your body. However, it can minimize your sufferings largely. Your body might respond differently to different medications. Do not give up hope. All you need to do is, stay informed about the latest trends in allergic asthma treatment and keep trying them. After all, life is precious!

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February 6, 2008

Asthma Attack Information – Some Important Facts

For all those who are suffering from asthma, it is vital to gather all asthma attack information. The know-how about the disease will help you to take suitable action at any point of time, no matter where you are. Asthma attack can happen any time, without even giving you any indication. The frequency of asthma attacks may vary from person to person. Some people experience it almost everyday whereas, some are bothered occasionally.

What Happens In An Attack?

Any component of your surrounding can be the cause inflammation in your bronchi. This leads to redness, swelling, narrowing, and finally blockage of airways, resulting in sheer difficulty in breathing. The symptoms of the attack include heaviness in the chest, wheezing and severe cough. The formation of thick mucus in the air passage doesn’t let Oxygen reach the lungs. As a result, sudden decrease in oxygen level in the body worsens the situation. The patient feels difficulty in every physical activity. For such a situation, you need to carry all necessary asthma attack information. 

What Can Cause The Attack And How To Go About It?

Anything that is part of your surrounding can be the cause of an asthma attack. Apart from this, any physical activity can also be the cause of it. For example, after exercising, aerobics, or jogging, you may feel shortness of breath advancing to an attack. However, this doesn’t mean that you should restrict these activities, as they play important roles for your physical as well as emotional well being. All you need to take care about is keep handy all necessary things for emergency. Whether you are at home or away, always keep your inhaler with you. The moment you feel being attacked by asthma symptoms, blow puffs in accordance with your requirement. Try never to lose control over your emotions. Over happiness, anger or depression can invite the problem. Have calm and deep breaths. Don’t sit or stand in positions that stress you. As soon as you feel any of the symptoms, try to discontinue anything that you think can be the reason for this. If it doesn’t work, better contact your doctor for instant aid. It would be better to be aware of the place you are in. Don’t expose yourself to any kind of smoke or dust. The worst thing that can increase your sufferings is cigarette smoke, so take care you don’t inhale it even by default. You can also make alterations in your diet. Avoid foods that lead to formation of mucus. Never do self-medication, even if you master asthma attack information. Make a systematic routine, have timely food intakes, ensure you maintain personal hygiene.

Probabilities That Can Cause Asthma

Asthma is of many types. Some people suffer from in-born asthma and some develop it later. The treatment of infant asthma should be started as soon as possible, so that it doesn’t get worse. Asthma is also caused by allergic reactions due to contact with an allergen. You should find out what is causing the asthma. It can be dust, pollen, talcum powder, your perfume, or any food item. Once you know exactly what it is, simply avoid it. Even the climatic conditions also impact the frequency of asthma attacks. Some have more problems during winters. Take extra care during those days. Stick to necessary precautions to avoid this health menace. Remember, asthma can be treated, provided you follow necessary precautions and take due care. Never give up hope. Trust asthma attack information and fight the disease to live healthy.  

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February 1, 2008

Managing Asthma During Pregnancy

We do not want to spoil your joy of pregnancy, but you must know about asthma during pregnancy. It is a matter of concern for all moms-to-be. Since asthma is related to respiration, which is one of the most important functions of the body, you should keep your defenses ready to fight this condition.

Effects of Asthma during Pregnancy

There have been no reports of any abortions or development of inborn abnormalities in pregnant asthmatic women. However, reports suggest that in one-third of cases, asthma in women worsened when they got pregnant, another one-third showed no deterioration in their condition, while the remaining ones actually found their condition getting better. In rare cases, it has been found that asthma during pregnancy lead to complications in delivery.
 
In most of the cases, asthma reverts to its original condition within 3-4 months after giving birth. However, there have been cases too, where asthma during pregnancy led to the birth of premature babies or underweight babies or even had the risk of distorted babies.

Handling Asthma during Pregnancy

It would be unwise to overlook asthma during pregnancy. It causes an insufficient supply of oxygen in your blood, which, in turn, leads to deficiency of oxygen in your developing baby. This may lead to a slow growth of your baby, increasing the chances of distortions.
 
When you have a common cold or any infection in your upper respiratory tract during pregnancy, you need to be cautious, as this is an asthma trigger. Besides, keep away from people suffering from cold and such infections, lest you may catch it and worsen your condition. In addition, there have been cases, in which women, who had no history of asthma, showed signs of this condition while catching an infection of asthma during pregnancy.

Asthma Drugs

Not all drugs are safe for asthma during pregnancy. However, do not ignore the condition for the fear of medicines harming your baby. Your doctor knows best about the drugs that are regarded safe during this period. If you ignore your asthmatic condition, it might get severe. There have been incidents of respiratory failure due to acute asthma. So, it’s a matter of your as well as your baby’s life!
 
Doctors usually do not recommend allergy tests in women to diagnose asthma during pregnancy. They also don’t recommend administering allergy injections during this time, although certain allergy shots are regarded as harmless. Another thing – do not try to treat asthma yourself. It can be dangerous. Always take medicines under a doctor’s prescription and regular supervision. This holds true for those drugs that are considered safe as well.

Asthma and Delivery

A caesarean delivery needs close monitoring, as it requires the use of general anesthesia. Your surgeon should be aware of your asthmatic condition. A check-up and a breathing test are necessary before the caesarean. If you suffer from sever asthma, you should choose a hospital that is equipped with a respiratory care unit.

Asthma and Breastfeeding

Most asthmatic women refrain from breastfeeding their babies. You need not do so. In fact, those suffering from allergic asthma should certainly breastfeed. Reports suggest that babies who are breastfed exhibit lesser symptoms of allergic asthma or other kinds of allergies in younger stages of their life. But, you need to be cautious about the drugs you take for asthma, as some percentage of it is transmitted to the babies through your milk.
 
Asthma during pregnancy requires careful management, not ignorance, or fear.

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January 29, 2008

Getting By The Symptoms Of Exercise Induced Asthma

The symptoms of exercise induced asthma surprise many. As a result, they become afraid to exercise. They are afraid to get asthma through exercise. However, many would disagree that exercise induced asthma is possible. It is possible, although these are the extremes. The truth is exercise can trigger asthma attacks. However, we should not just give up exercise totally.

 
First of all, not everyone automatically get symptoms of exercise induced asthma. Besides this everyone who exercises is also not likely to get asthma. And people with asthma can also exercise. Yes, exercise is said to be one of asthma triggers. But we should not be afraid to exercise because of it.

Exercise And Asthma: Is There A Link?

When asthma patients engage in very intense and prolonged energetic activities, symptoms of exercise induced asthma usually manifest. We normally breathe through our noses. And our nose help humidify the air we breathe. And air becomes similar to what’s in our lungs. But during exercise, we breathe through our mouth. Without the aid of our nose, we get colder and drier air into our lungs. This is what causes the asthma attack. The patient’s air passage begins to swell. Mucus is also produced and gets stuck on it. This blocks the airway. And so you begin to have a difficulty in breathing. You start coughing and wheezing. And your chest begins to tighten.
 
Usually the asthma symptoms begin 5 to 20 minutes after starting the exercise. Or you would feel it 5 to 10 minutes after you rest. If this happens, learn to slow the pace of your exercise. Stick to easy and less energetic activities. Then gradually increase your exercise. This way you can measure how much you can take. But do not stop exercising completely. You should see your doctor instead. Tell him your concerns. He would know what to prescribe you. With proper asthma medication, you will be able to control your asthma. Do not let the symptoms of exercise induced asthma stop you.
 
Even professional athletes get these symptoms. But they continue their sport. Sports done in the cold weather are less acceptable though. Sports like basketball and soccer are harder too. But medication can help control the symptoms of exercise induced asthma. With professional medical help athletes are able to adjust to their condition. It only shows how serious they are in combating it. You have to be serious and disciplined enough. Then you too can do it.
 
Most of the time asthma is not triggered singly by exercise. It could also be a combination of things. When exposed to different allergens and triggers, your attacks could also increase. Infections like colds and cough could be a start. Smoke, vapors and dust around you can add to the problem. Again these do not affect each person in the same way. Some triggers may affect you more. But they may not affect the next person. What triggers their asthma may not affect you either. You should identify what triggers your attacks. Then you should try your best to avoid them. This will help lessen your attacks. And this will help you overcome your asthma.
 
If you feel asthma symptoms during exercise, consult your physician. Only the doctor can prescribe you with medication. Inhalers are known to prevent asthma attacks. When taken 15 to 20 minutes before the exercise, they can be effective. You may also opt for treating your asthma naturally. Warming up and cooling down before and after exercise would be a plus. This way your body would not surprised by your sudden burst of action. Swimming and walking are good to do too. It is fine to get a well-rounded life. You can have it. You just have to learn how to prevent the symptoms of exercise induced asthma.

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January 22, 2008

Looking For A Cure For Asthma Attacks!

Are you looking for a cure for asthma attacks? Do you understand what asthma is and what happens during an asthma attack? Before we look for a cure for asthma attacks, we must understand the cause of these attacks. Asthma is a disease of the airways in lungs. It is generally chronic. It causes inflammation in lung airways and the patient experiences breathlessness during an asthma attack. This attack is usually triggered by a stimulus such as a draft of cold air, strenuous exercise, dust particles, pollutants or anxiety. During an asthma attack, the muscles of the airways spasm, their lining swells up and narrows down the bronchi. This makes breathing difficult for an asthmatic person.

Treatment For Asthma

 
 Allopathic Treatment
 
Whenever an asthmatic seeks allopathic help for asthma, the medical practitioner conducts a spirometry test on him to determine the function level of his/ her lungs. After that, he decides the prescription for the patient. The drugs that are most often used in allopathic cure for asthma attacks are either anti-inflammatory in nature that control night time aggravation or bronchodilators that provide immediate relief, especially in sudden attacks. Sometimes steroids are also used as they resemble body hormones. Steroids are very effective in blocking inflammation.
 
Some doctors prescribe leukotriene modifiers. These drugs act against the leukotriene produced by the white blood cells present in the lungs. All these drugs can be taken by inhalation, oral administration or through injections.
 
Nutritional Treatment
 
Food plays an important role in the cure for asthma attacks. The sufferer is asked to avoid milk, processed foods, starch, refined sugars, and foods with artificial coloring or addictives. The sufferer should take fresh fruits, vegetables and whole food grains. The quantity of salt should be reduced in the diet. A wholesome vegetarian diet seems to prevent asthma attacks.
 
Water is the elixir of life. An asthmatic patient is well advised to drink a lot of water. Water keeps the patient’s airways hydrated. Including onions and garlic in regular diet also helps in preventing asthma attacks. These herbs are rich in flavonoids that block the release of histamine, which are the prime cause of the inflammatory reaction.    
 
Multivitamin supplements should be taken regularly. These supplements should contain vitamins A, C, E and B complex. Mineral supplements like magnesium and selenium should also be taken. Food containing Omega 3 fatty acids go a long way in preventing asthma attacks.
 
Herbs like turmeric, if taken with a glass of milk, is said to be very effective in asthma. A massage with mustard oil on the chest helps in loosening the phlegm. Ginger tea helps in reducing the severity of asthma symptoms.
 
Ayurvedic Treatment
 
Ayurveda claims great cure for asthma attacks. Ayurvedic medicines like elecampe work as a tonic for the respiratory system. Jimson weed helps in relaxing the bronchial spasm. Dried coltsfoot tea helps in relieving cough.
 
Asclepias tuberose acts as an expectorant. Hyssopus officinalis is a flower that acts as a vasodilator. Red clover tea also relieves the symptoms of asthma. Common mullein cures inflammation and maidenhair fern tea helps prevent asthma.
 
Although there are several remedies to choose from, you must have a complete faith in your physician and follow his advice to a T in your search for the best cure for asthma attacks.

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January 15, 2008

Asthma In Toddlers – A Reality Many Parents Face

Asthma in toddlers is something many parents do not expect to content with, but the truth is that many children aged 3-5 years are victims of asthma. Asthma occurs when the body has an allergic reaction to a substance which is termed as an allergen or an irritant. The most common allergens include pollen, dust mites, mold, dander and tobacco smoke. These allergens cause the body to produce excessive histamines that tend to inflame and greatly reduce the size of the airways in the lungs. The airways are constricted and clogged with excessive mucus making it hard for the patients to breath. In most cases asthma is manageable and cured if the allergen is identified and avoided. In some cases of asthma in toddlers the parents fail to get emergency treatment on time as they are unable to recognize the symptoms of asthma. This has at times caused avoidable deaths.

Symptoms Of Asthma In Toddlers

Asthma in toddlers manifests as a cough with apparent congestion making it hard for the parents to distinguish the condition as asthma. The cough may appear to be persistent and hacking in nature. There are some cases where the toddlers seem to have a wheezing cough. In most cases the toddlers seem to dislike physical activities that are strenuous such as running and playing games with other children as they have breathing problems. This is accompanied with other asthma symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, flared nostrils, inability to feed well due to breathing distress and muscle retraction. If the sleeping toddler appears to exhibit rapid breathing it is time the parents rushed him to the nearest emergency room as this might be a warning sign that his condition is worsening.

Asthma in toddlers has to be managed as per the guidance of the healthcare professional. The children are usually treated with bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids which help reduce the inflammation and free their airways making it easier for them to breath. It is important to have worked out an asthma management plan as the toddlers may be spending time in a day care center or a play home. The parents need to give such care givers explicit, easy-to-understand written instructions based on the instructions of their physician.
 
Asthma in toddlers may get worse if they are exposed to tobacco smoke. So keep your home and car free of smoke and avoid going out to places where smoking is not prohibited. It may help if you keep the house free from dust, mites, molds and animal dander. In some toddlers foods can cause allergic asthma to set in, so pay attention to the food being given. Milk, eggs, preserved and processed foods, chocolates and nuts have been identified as triggers in some patients. There are many cases where the toddler became symptom free and cured after the allergen was identified and contact was restricted.
 
Parents need to monitor their child's condition using devices such as the peak flow meter. This can help to warn them about an impending attack and if appropriate remedial action is taken, it will save the child from a trip to the emergency room. Never make the mistake of neglecting signs of the condition worsening as there have been some unfortunate deaths due to negligence on the parent's part. On the whole asthma in toddlers has to be managed with care under medical supervision.

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January 8, 2008

Your Asthma Diet Should Include Plenty Of Fresh Fruits And Vegetables

Asthma dietactually can be no different from a regular well balanced and nutritious meal. The patients need to carefully monitor their diet, keep journals and identify possible foods that can trigger an attack. This will help them greatly reduce the incidence of the attacks as they consciously avoid food allergens.

Foods That Are Good For People With Asthma

One topic that many agree about is that the asthma diet has to include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. It was found during various studies that people who had generous helpings of fresh fruits and vegetables were less prone to respiratory disorders and asthma attacks than those whose diet consisted mainly of processed foods. It is because they are anti-oxidants that help keep the body free from toxins.
 
Vitamin C and E are also said to be beneficial for people with asthma. Vitamin b12 has also been very beneficial to some asthma patients. It can help if the asthma diet has helpings of foods that are rich in both the vitamins and people can also take their supplements. Foods that are rich in beta-carotene, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids are also recommended. Coffee and tea are also recommended as they are recognized as bronchodialators. Some also recommend spicy foods such as chili and mustard. Onion and garlic too can be tried. Sunflower seeds and banana are also taken by some. Dried fig is also recommended as it is said to offer relief from wheezing.
 
Some people caution that foods such as cow's milk, nuts, foods containing yeast and mould, fish and eggs are not to be included in the asthma dietas they are considered potent triggers. Food coloring, preservatives and additives are known triggers too. Beer and shellfish are best avoided. Include plenty of apples, grape fruit and oranges if you are sure that they are not allergens!
 
Patients are recommended to keep a journal that will help them identify if any food item that they consumed acted as a trigger, bringing on an asthma attack. If they are able to pinpoint what they are allergic to and what kind of foods kept them healthy and asthma symptom free, they may use their asthma diet to control and manage their condition.
 
It is recommended that they drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and keep the bronchial passage moist. It is always recommended that patients consult their doctor before trying any new food item or asthma medication that has been recommended to them. This is because some people are allergic to certain foods and if they consume it unwittingly they may become victims of extremely severe asthma attacks that may be life threatening if not treated on time. Just make sure the diet has generous helpings of fresh fruits and vegetables and that you eat regular nutritious meals. Keep track of your condition by using a peak flow meter and learn to identify signs and symptoms that may alert you of an imminent attack. If you plan on eating outside, be sure to take your reliever as it can come in handy if you unwittingly eat an allergen. Plan your asthma dietwith care and learn to identify possible allergens and stay away from them.

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January 1, 2008

Causes Of Asthma Are Not A Few, But Many

Two people live in the same environment. One has asthma while the other doesn’t. Why is this so? The causes of asthma are difficult to understand. For most Americans, it is a common disease. Perhaps it’s our “westernized” lifestyle that’s responsible.

In asthma, the small passages of air, known as bronchioles, present in the lungs inflame and become narrow, making it difficult for the air to pass in and out of them. Thus, it triggers the typical symptoms of difficult breathing, wheezing, coughing, and tightness of chest. Medical experts are still not sure why the bronchioles inflame.

Triggers Of Asthma

Although the exact cause of asthma is not known, there are certain factors that trigger this condition. You can mitigate the symptoms by avoiding these triggers.
 
  • Exercise is found to trigger asthma. That doesn’t mean you should stop all exercise. Use an inhaler before you start your workout or sports. Take breaks while exercising or indulging in any physical sport.
  • Pollen and molds are well-known asthma triggers. This is common during the season of hay fever. So, watch out!
  • Dust mites present in the house are your enemies.
  • Viral infections of the respiratory tract such as common cold or flu can worsen your asthma.
  • Smoking aggravates the condition.
  • Air pollution is also a trigger. Asthmatic people should stay away from dusty environment as far as possible.
  • Certain medications are found to narrow the air passages of lungs triggering an asthma attack. A few examples are beta-blockers, aspirin, and certain eye drops used for glaucoma.
  • Certain foods, although not known why, trigger asthma. They include fish, eggs and nuts.
  • Emotions can trigger asthma. Well, this may sound weird, but it’s true. Excess laughing, or crying, stressful situations, and anxiety have all been found to activate the symptoms of asthma.

Possible Causes Of Asthma

Scientists are still working to establish the real cause of asthma. However, the following are believed to be responsible for asthma attacks:
 
  • Asthma is hereditary. If your parents had it, you are at risk too.
  • If either you or your partner smokes, there are higher chances for your child to develop asthma.
  • If you smoked during pregnancy, then your child is likely to be born with narrow air passages, which can increase the chances of asthma later in life.
  • Your lifestyle plays a role too. A house that‘s not well-ventilated accumulates dust and mites, building a favorable environment for asthma.
  • It is also believed that pets like dogs and cats can trigger an asthma attack.
Mostly, affluent people are known to have asthma due to the interiors of their home. The richly carpeted house is a favorable place for allergens to mushroom. A dirty environment is a direct invitation to asthma. Age is no bar for this disease. When allergies and your genes work together, you should be ready for an asthma attack anytime.
 
Well, you can’t do much about your genes, but you can certainly strive toward avoiding allergy-generating things in your environment, until scientists are successful in finding the real cause of asthma and its cure.
 
Asthma cannot be cured, but can be controlled. Stay away from the causes of asthma and its effects, but naturally, will stay away from you!

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Asthma Cough – One Of The Symptoms Of Asthma

Asthma cough is one of the most common complaints that most people who suffer from asthma make. It manifests as a chronic and persistent night-time cough that is not productive. The cough is not accompanied by any sputum or mucus. It is one of the first signs that can suggest that a child has asthma. It can also be a sign that the asthma is worsening and that the asthma medication needs to be increased.
 
The asthma cough is due to the malfunctioning cilia which line the airways in our lungs. When the cilia fail to work at the normal rate, a person tends to cough. The asthma cough is accompanied by a rattling sound and bronchial spasms. The cough can be persistent to the point that it may cause difficulty in breathing and in some cases may end with the patient vomiting (especially children). In some cases the cough may occur due to a cold or a viral infection but such cough usually has mucus and disappears within a fortnight or so after the fever or cold.

Why Asthma Cough Occurs

Asthma cough occurs due to the excessive production of histamines due to an allergic reaction to an allergen. When the person comes in contact with an allergen the body starts to produce antibodies against the allergen. These histamines can cause the airways to get narrow, inflamed and constricted. They also get clogged with mucus produced in large quantities due to the allergen. This makes breathing extremely hard and also trigger coughing in an attempt to get rid of the allergen such as pollen or dust mite.
 
Asthma cough is most often brought under control by using bronchiodialators and inhaled corticosteroids. They help as they can dilate or loosen the muscles found around the bronchial tubes. The corticosteroids that are inhaled reduce swelling and clear obstructions making it easier for the person to breath.
 
Many have tried green and black tea taken in combination with honey as an effective medication that can control the cough.  The theophyline and caffeine present in them have been used since ages to treat the asthma cough. The diet has to be monitored carefully and possible allergens identified and avoided. People may also ensure that they eat plenty of banana and other foods that are rich in magnesium. People have also found relief using herbs such as coltfoot and asclepias tuberosa. Many have also tried herbs such as maidenhair fern and hyssopus officinalis.
 
Patients who suffer from asthma are also tired as their sleep is disturbed due to continuous coughing. If the coughing gets worse, it may be an indication of an imminent attack. So check your peak flow meter and consult your physician right away. If your child has been coughing a lot without any mucus accompanying the cough, it is time you consulted a physician. You may ease the condition by ensuring that the home is maintained neat and free from allergens such as dust mites, molds, animal dander and pollen. Do not smoke or be around those who smoke. Maintain a journal to identify possible allergens and stay away from them. This will help reduce the cough and improve your condition. Do not neglect the asthma cough but seek medical guidance in the event that it appears to worsen despite taking the recommended asthma medications.

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