Causes of Asthma and Ways to Prevent Exacerbation

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that is triggered by inflammatory responses causing airway narrowing, excess production of mucus membranes causing mucosal edema. Recurrent episodes of asthma is oftentimes caused by a specific allergen resulting from multiple symptoms including productive cough, rigidity of the chest, wheezing sound upon exhalation and difficulty in breathing. In the previous record of Center for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States last 2001, they stated that more than 17 million of Americans have asthma and 5,000 of them died in the end of the year because of the said disease.

Asthma, compared to the rest of the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) is greatly reversible either naturally or with the use of specific treatment. Asthma patients may elicit periods of symptom-free and alternating days of exacerbation which last from minutes to hours or in worst cases, days. Target population of asthma is small children although this disease can occur at any age. The death rate of this disease continues to rise in the tally of mortality every year even though technological advancements is making its way on the most sophisticated regimes to treat this disease. And, majority of asthma patients consider this disease as a disruptive disease due to it does not impair only an individual’s physical activity such as sports but also interfering with school, work, occupational choices and ways of life.

For most cases of asthma, allergy is the most blamed cause. In such a way that if a person is exposed to various airway allergens for a long period of time, he or she has the greater risk of developing asthma. Seasonal allergens which are common includes grass, pollens and tree weeds while perennial allergens includes dust, molds, roaches or any other animal dander or fur. For acute exacerbation of asthma in asthmatic patients, the leading causes are airway irritants like air pollutants, cold temperature, heat, climate change, strong scents or fumes, smokes either from industrial plantations or cigarettes, exercise, stress, emotional distress, sinusitis with post nasal drips, medications, viral respiratory tract infections, and gastro esophageal reflux disease.

Asthmatic patients should be vigilant in submitting themselves for series of test to identify the substances which precipitates their symptoms. Most of these substances are greatly found in the environment. Thus, the environment of asthmatic patient should be modified to ensure that it is free from a substance which triggers asthma attack. Also, patients are instructed to avoid these substances as much as possible. Knowledge is the best key to improve quality of asthma care to get rid of complications that put patients at risk and even fatality. Complications include status asthmaticus, respiratory failure, and lung collapse. Obstruction in airway passages particularly during the course of asthmatic episodes results in decreased oxygen concentration in the body which is a fatal condition. Patients are in close monitoring of oxygen saturation and arterial blood chemistry. Also, fluids and electrolytes are administered due to dehydration from diaphoresis and fluid losses during hyperventilation and excessive mucus production. In this way, patients suffering from asthma are ensured of quality management to reduce case fatality.

Brent McNutt enjoys writing for Uniformhaven.com which sells dickies scrubs and landau 7502 as well as a host of additional products.

Is it Safe to Workout if You Have Asthma?

Asthma is a medical condition where you have breathing problems due to some difficulty in your lungs or the respiratory tract. With the growing air pollution levels, asthma has become a pretty frequent ailment among many people all over the world. Treatment of this often fatal disorder involves taking triggers that opens the clogged respiratory system temporarily till the next attack. Though this is an effective method to combat this problem, it is often not prudent to take too much of triggers. The safest option is to go for physical exercising.

Many people are of the opinion that asthma can work as a hindrance towards fitness training. This is because exercising is an exhausting process when the body needs more oxygen. If the breathing process is not easy, it might get very difficult to recover from a period of workout. Also asthma attacks while exercising can prove to be fatal. For this reason it’s always better to consult your physician before starting with any workout regimen. If you get the permission your next task will be to hire a personal trainer who is specifically trained in this field. He will help you to draw up an effective fitness training plan and also make sure that there is no risk involved in the process.

Most often people with asthma are apprehensive about doing strenuous exercises and rightly so. If you are a patient of this deadly disease you will do well to start light, just as much as you are comfortable with. It is good to keep in mind that a daily dose of fitness training will not only keep you in good shape, but will also help you in fighting with asthma. Once you identify the symptoms and are diagnosed with the disease, you can start off with the following steps:

Aerobic exercises are the best for asthma patients. As the name suggests, these exercises are aimed at making your respiratory and circulatory systems smoother. Light walking, running and jogging can help you burn calories too. Swimming is another option you have. This has the additional benefit of staying in a moist and cool environment.

You can engage yourself in sports that involve short spans of physical movement. Games like volleyball, baseball etc. can be good examples of this type. Gymnastics is also a good physical activity that requires discontinuous movement. This gives your body the chance to relax.

Avoid rigorous exercises like strength training and lifting weights. These may put extra pressure on your heart and make you suffer from breathlessness. Sports like soccer, field hockey, distance running, basketball and so on are also to be avoided.

Always take the necessary precautions when you go for your workout sessions. These would include the prescription drugs and the inhaler so that you can take immediate action if you get an asthma attack in the middle of your exercises. Also try and choose a warm and clean environment for your workout.

So, even if you have asthma its good to have a regular fitness training session under the guidance of a good personal trainer. This will help you in warding off this disturbing disorder and at the same time make you fit and healthy. Take care!

For other medical issues you may be concerned about be sure to review this Lincoln fitness boot camp website. For an Upland personal trainer you will definitely want to stop by his site.

Treat Asthma With Home Remedies and Exercise

Asthma is one of the chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. It is characterized by cough, difficulty of breathing, and wheezing. It is a life-disruptive disease that affects the everyday activities if not treated.

There are three types of asthma: The first is Allergic asthma which is caused by allergens like, smoke, strong fragrances, like perfume, pet dander, pollens, and for some people, also food. Another kind is Idiopathic asthma, appears as a result of colds, upper respiratory infections, or exercise. The third type is basically a combination of both allergic and idiopathic asthmas.

When there is an asthma attack, airways are blocked, and inflamed, making it difficult to breathe. Asthma attack ranges from mild to severe, lasting from minutes to hours. In some cases intensive care is required, and in other cases, it may resolve by itself without any treatment.

During the attacks, the body develops an exaggerated reaction; Air passageway narrows down producing that distinctive wheezing caused by swelling, and excessive mucus production.

If not treated right, moderate asthma could turn into a chronic condition which may require a more intensive treatment; therefore it is important to treat the asthma when first signs appear.

Since the allergic asthma is triggered by allergens it is wise to take a test to examine which allergens trigger the asthma and to avoid them as much as possible. If the problem is dust, remove it with a wet cloth or a special vacuum. Wash your hands every time you handle long-haired animals, if the trigger is animal hair and pollens.

If the attacks still appear even while trying to avoid the allergens, you can try and use home remedies for asthma which can be found around the house.

Some examples for home remedies which are easy to use at home: If you have difficulty to breathe turn the hot water in the shower until the whole bathroom is steamy, get in and breath in. This will clear the passageways and will help to smooth the breath in no time.

Water is a great solution, it helps to breathe better by dissolving the mucus and reducing secretions.

For a long time, coffee was considered to be one of the causes of the disease. Current studies show the health benefits of this beverage. Apparently, Coffee is abundant with antioxidants, which means it increases the heart rate, constricts blood vessels, and dilates the airway.

Another home remedy for asthma is honey. You can either take it pure, or mixed in warm tea. Honey is truly a miracle food, and it taste great.

Ginger is also a good treatment for asthma. A hot ginger drink is a good choice to alleviate asthma problems. You can add honey as a sweetener.

In addition to using these home remedies for treatment and prevention of asthma, there are physical activities that can help controlling the respiratory disease. Swimming is a good example it helps to clear the nasal passages from irritants, and helps to increase lung expansion and ventilation. Some activities are also useful for good posture, which can help people with pulmonary problems.

Even though home remedies and exercise are beneficial to control the asthma, it is still important to have regular checkups with your doctor. Remember that asthma can be a deadly disease.

The author is a content editor at EZMED4U, the Home Remedies Guide. For more information regarding Asthma you can visit Home remedies for Asthma

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a widespread persistent inflammatory condition of the lung airways whose cause is not totally understood. It’s a disorder of the respiratory system in which the passage of air to the lungs sporadically narrow causing coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath which often worsens at night. This tightening is typically short-term and reversible, but in severe attacks, asthma can result in death.

The term Asthma most frequently refers to bronchial asthma, another inflammation of the airways, but it is also used to refer to cardiac asthma, which develops when fluid builds up in the lungs as a complication of heart failure.

Asthma causes inflammation of the airways airflow into and out of the lungs. The muscles of the bronchial tree become taut and the lining of the air passages to enlarge, which reduces airflow and produces the characteristic asthmatic wheezing sound.

An asthma attack can also occur as an allergic reaction to an allergen or other substance (acute asthma), or as a part of a complex disease cycle, which includes reactions to stress or exercise (chronic asthma).
Alternate NamesFor Asthma Include
Bronchial Asthma, Exercise Induced Asthma – Bronchial, Reactive Airways Disease (RAD).

Types of Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

There are steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

The most common ones include:

A-Steroids

• beclomethasone (Beclovent®, Vanceril®, Becloforte®)
• budesonide (Pulmicort®)
• flunisolide (Bronalide®)
• fluticasone (Flovent®)

B-Non-Steroidal

• sodium cromoglycate (Intal®)
• nedocromil (Tilade®)

 

Corticosteroid Inhalers

Corticosteroid drugs are the most effective Preventers. They work by reducing and preventing airway inflammation, swelling and mucus.

They must be used regularly and do not have an instant effect. This means they have no value whatsoever if an effect is needed straight away.

The Side effects of Corticosteroid Inhalers
There are few side effects at low doses

• High doses might cause growth suppression; studies have shown children whose asthma is not controlled don’t grow as quickly as other children.
• side effects, in general, are usually restricted to the throat:
  • hoarseness and sore throat
  • Thrush or yeast contamination which can be prevented by rinsing the mouth and gargling, Using a holding chamber can also help prevent side effects.

 

Corticosteroid Tablets

Corticosteroid tablets or Prednisone®:

• These are used when inflammation becomes severe
• They reduce inflammation, swelling & mucus, and help bronchodilators work better
• They start to work within a few hours, but may take several days to have a full effect
• They are often used for short periods of time just to get the inflammation under control

There are lots of side effects if used on a long-term basis such as water retention, bruising, puffy face, increased appetite, weight gain and stomach irritation.

 

Other Preventers

Other preventers are Intal® and Tilade®. They are non-steroidal and again used to reduce inflammation.

• sodium cromoglycate (Intal®)
  - for mild asthma
  - this can protect against the effects of cold air and exercise
  - it requires 4-6 weeks to be effective
  - it has few side effects.
• nedocromil (Tilade®)
  - is similar to Intal®
  - is requires 3-4 weeks to be effective
  - it has a bad taste
  - it has fewer doses/canister; therefore, you will probably need more than one canister per month.
• ketotifen (Zaditen®)
  - is used for mild asthma
  - it can be useful for asthmatics who also suffer from hay fever
  - it helps to reverse inflammation of the airways
  - it can be used orally and comes in tablets or syrup
  - it requires regular use of 8-12 weeks to become effective
  - it’s side effects include drowsiness and weight gain

 

Bronchodilator Medications (Relievers)

Bronchodilators are the most extensively used medications for controlling unexpected asthma attacks and for preventing attacks brought on by physical activity or exercise. Theophylline is a bronchodilator that works by relaxing the muscles surrounding the airways.

These:-

• Are rescue medications, therefore are used only when needed, and rarely on a regular basis (unless the asthma is under inadequate control)
• Provide quick relief of symptoms shown
• Relax the muscles of the airways
• Are useful with exercise induced broncho-spasm
• Are usually in blue devices

Types of Bronchodilator Drugs

The most common bronchodilators are:

• B 2-Agonists
• Anticholinergic Inhaler
• Theophylline

• B 2-Agonists
• - salbutamol (Ventolin®, Apo-Salvent®, Novo Salmol®)
• - fenoterol (Berotec®)
• - terbutaline (Bricanyl®)
• - pirbuterol (Maxair®)

B 2-Agonists are rescue medications which:

• Relax the muscles around the airways which allows the breathing to become much easier within minutes.
• Are used only when needed and rarely on a regular basis, unless the asthma is under inadequate control.
• Make the airway muscle less likely to contract.
• Are usually in blue devices.

When to use B<SUB2< sub>-Agonists

• to relieve symptoms of cough, chest tightness, wheezing and shortness of breath
• a few minutes before exercising or before exposure to any trigger known that might worsen asthma

Side effects of B 2-Agonists include:

• trembling
• nervousness
• flushing
• increased heart rate

• Anticholinergic Inhaler

Atrovent®

Atrovent opens the airways by blocking signals from the nervous system which cause the airways to become contracted. It takes one to two hours to reach its maximum effect; therefore, it shouldn’t be used as an immediate emergency medication.

Side effects
There are few side effects, a bad taste is probably the only one.

• Theophylline
• - TheoDur®
• - Uniphyll®
• - Phyllocontin®
• -TheoLair®
• Theophylline is an oral bronchodilator which works directly to relax the airway muscle.

It can be used at night-time if shortness of breath disturbs sleep or more frequently if the asthma condition is very severe. Theophylline levels can be affected by other medications – so it’s important the physician is aware of all medications asthmatics are taking, including over-the-counter drugs.

Side effects include:

• - Diarrhoea
• - Nausea
• - Heartburn
• - Loss of appetite
• - Headaches
• - Nervousness
• - Rapid heart beat
• - Upset stomach
• - Theophylline is not now commonly used in the treatment of asthma

Narrowing of Airways in Asthma

People with asthma have extra responsive or hyper responsive airways. Their airways react by contracting or obstructing when they become irritated. This makes it difficult for them to move air in and out of their lungs.

This narrowing or obstruction is caused by:

• Airway inflammation (the airways in the lungs become red, swollen and narrow)
• Broncho-constriction (the muscles encircling the airways tighten or go into spasm)

Airway Inflammation
If a normal airway has been exposed to certain stimulus (i.e. inhaled allergen like grass pollen), it becomes inflamed, swollen and plugged with mucus. This makes the airway opening smaller and more difficult for air to get through. It’s easy to see why children, who have small airways to begin with, would have difficulty breathing if this happens.

Broncho-constriction
If the opening of a typical airway is exposed to certain stimuli (such as cold air or enthusiastic exercise), the muscle fibres surrounding the airway contract thus making the airway opening even smaller. This makes breathing for the sufferer much more difficult.

Metered Dose Inhalers (MDI)

Metered dose inhalers, MDI, or puffers, deliver an exact dose of medication to the airways when used correctly. Unfortunately many asthma sufferers don’t use MDI’s correctly and don’t receive the correct dosage. Therefore if the asthma sufferer can’t use a puffer, a holding chamber may be needed.

One advantage of using an MDI is it is very portable.

How to Use a Metered Dose Inhaler Correctly

• Remove the cap from the mouthpiece and shake the inhaler
• Breathe out to the end of a normal breath
• Position the mouthpiece end of the inhaler about 2-3 finger widths from your mouth
• Open your mouth widely and tilt your head back slightly or alternatively close your lips around the mouthpiece
• Start to breathe in slowly, then depress the container once
• Continue breathing in slowly until the lungs are full
• Once you have breathed in fully, HOLD your breath for 10 seconds or as long as you can
• If you need a second puff, wait one minute and repeat the steps

Taking Care of a Metered Dose Inhaler

• Keep the inhaler clean.
• Wash the mouth piece
• Check the expiry date.
• Check to see how much medication is in the inhaler.

Holding Chambers

Holding chambers are devices with one-way valves which hold the medication for a few seconds after it has been released from the puffer. They used by people who:

• Have trouble coordinating the hand-breath step
• Are using high-dose steroids.

Using a holding chamber can prevent

• A hoarse voice
• A sore throat.

Care of the holding chamber

Whichever holding chamber is used, it must be cleaned at least once a week with warm water, and air-dried.

Dry Powder Inhalers

General points include:

• The medicine is only inhaled when a breath is taken.
• The devices do not contain propellants to help the medication go into the lungs.
• The devices are portable and come in convenient sizes.

Proper Use of a Diskhaler®

• To load the Diskhaler®, remove the cover and cartridge unit
• Place a disk on the wheel with the numbers facing up and slide the unit back into the Diskhaler®
• Smoothly push the cartridge in and out until the number 8 appears in the window, the Diskhaler® is now ready for use
• Lift the lid up as far as it will go – this will pierce the blister
• Shut the lid
• Take breaths in and out
• Place the mouthpiece between your teeth & lips – make sure you don’t cover the air holes at the sides of the mouthpiece and tilt your head back slightly
• Breathe in deeply & vigorously
• Hold your breath for 10 seconds or as long as you can, sometimes 2 or 3 forceful breaths in are needed to make sure all the medication is taken
• If a second blister is prescribed, advance the cartridge to the next number & repeat the steps

Care of Diskhaler

Any remaining powder must be cleared to ensure proper dosage.

Proper Use of a Turbuhaler®

• Unscrew the cover and remove it
• Holding the device upright, turn the coloured wheel one way & back the other until it clicks – it is now loaded
• Breathe out
• Place the mouthpiece between your lips and tilt your head back slightly
  • breathe in deeply and forcefully
  • hold your breath for 10 seconds or as long as you can
  • if a second click is prescribed, repeat the steps

Care of Turbuhaler

Keep the Turbuhaler clean.

Nebulizers (Compressors)

A nebulizer or compressor is used chiefly for small children and elderly people. Each treatment requires sitting quietly for 20-30 minutes whilst the drug is nebulized from a liquid to a mist.

Care of Nebulizer and Equipment

Wash the mask with hot, soapy water. Rinse well and allow it to air dry before re-use.

Treatments and causes for asthma

First of all, I want to make it clear that this information is not to diagnose nor to prescribe and it should not take the place of the advice of your doctor. This is intended to complement conventional medicine, not to replace it. Consult with your doctor before starting any kind of nutritional or physical program.

Asthma is considered a spasm or inflammation of the bronchial tubes that lead to the lungs. This can be due to irritation caused by allergies to food or airborne pollution, or a sensitivity that is out of what we call the “norm.” This sensitivity could be to all the above or it can be emotional. Some researchers think it could be an inherited or genetic weakness. I have not seen enough research for this to be substantiated, so I leave that up to the experts. I do know, however, it can happen at any age yet it is more common during childhood and some kids just outgrow it. About 6 to 7% of the population has asthma, and it seems to be more common among males.

There is a lot of controversy about asthma. The main problem is not taking a breath in but in releasing the breath out. If we look at this from a psychological standpoint it has to do with letting go of certain attitudes, or holding on to certain emotions. We know that certain stress increases an asthmatic’s condition or can even bring about an attack. What this is telling many of us is that asthma can be very much tied in with our minds and emotions. I know this from some of the latest research I have read and from having an asthmatic son and stepson. I was able to put many medical and natural remedies to work with my own family.

There is much to learn about asthma and whether or not nutritional approaches can really help this condition. In my experience, asthma can be as different as the patient that has it, and every case needs to be looked at separately. I feel very strongly about this approach with all symptoms or diseases. We need to treat the whole person and not lump everyone into the same category of asthmatics, for example.

We do know that many asthmatics seem to have airborne allergies and/or sensitivity to foods. Often times the traditional allergy tests like skin or blood tests can confirm certain serious allergies. However, it’s some of the not so commonly recognized food allergies that may be the problem. By just eliminating commonly known allergens such as dairy products, wheat, peanuts, excessive sugar, and according to other nutritional doctors, certain shellfish, shrimp and sulfates, which seem to irritate the mucous lining, I know most will improve.

Eliminating dairy products would be beneficial if the person gets excessive mucus when ingesting them. Wheat is a common allergen for most people because the gluten is very hard to digest. There are very good alternative sources for calcium such as many green leafy vegetables, cabbage, and cauliflower, as well as sunflower seeds and almonds. You can purchase soy milk, almond milk or rice milk; these alternative products are less mucus forming. Once again, every individual is different. Care must be used if certain foods are eliminated and then introduced again because there may be a harsher reaction to them the second time around.

If we look at the work by Dr. Robert Young about having the body be more alkaline, we can see that many of the problems occur with food choices. The body can do quite well on a diet low in protein and high in greens, vegetables, and a little carbohydrate. I find the key is to get some expert advice if you are not a nutritionist, and none of this information is meant to replace seeing your doctor for asthma. Hopefully, it will complement and educate you to alternative approaches. Care should be taken in any change of diet and with the use of medicines or even herbs.

Many allergies to dairy products, bread or yeast, and even to eggs or corn are hard to test for in the laboratory. Many times the reaction is very subtle and not so obvious. Changing one’s diet will take time before seeing any results. You will not see dramatic results on a long term condition in a few short months. Once again, you should think of consulting a nutritional doctor for the best way to approach this condition.

Nutritional Approach

Foods to Eliminate or Cut Down On

Look for specific asthma triggers that produce, for example, excess mucus. If after eating a pizza, the kid gets a runny nose and starts to cough for the next two days, this may tell you something. This is an obvious one but many times we don’t pay close attention and there are many more subtle triggers. Foods that create a lot of gas can cause pressure on the diaphragm and sometimes trigger an asthma attack as well, so watch for that.

Eliminate or greatly reduce potential allergens such as the dairy products and replace with almond milk or soy products. Buy unyeasted breads, eliminate wheat, barley and rye gluten products, and cut out peanuts. Reduce or eliminate sodas and sweets, even reduce fruit that is too concentrated with natural sugars such as dried fruit. Juices should always be watered down for kids, anyway. Reduce salt intake and cut out artificial sweeteners, and check your labels for additives and other unnatural colors, etc. More natural foods are better for everyone, not just asthmatics. A low salt diet may reduce bronchial sensitivity and improve asthma status as well. Remember, work with the child on all levels because emotional distress is also an important asthma trigger that is often overlooked.

For Adults

The same recommendations apply as far as eliminating the foods above. Alcohol varies in its effect on individual asthmatics; it can help some (I think it calms them) or make it worse. Often it conflicts with digestion. Wine may make the condition worse because of the many sulfates used in making it.

Caffeine can have a modest, acute anti-asthma relief, probably because of its chemical similarity to the asthma medicine, Theophylline. However, I wouldn’t recommend using coffee. It should be reduced because of its high acidity. Teas could be used. I’m not fanatical about anything, but coffee on an empty stomach does not help the body, and if you are asthmatic you already have an overly sensitive body.

Foods

As I said earlier, eat lots of greens; they are great for the body. The key is to try and eliminate acid foods like meats, bread, sweets, and dairy products. Broccoli is one of the best vegetables because it is 65% protein. Eat more avocados; they are not fattening and they have the good fats (see nutrition article). Now there are green drinks on the market with many grasses that are very high in chlorophyll. Work with a specialist to get your body back to an alkaline balance. It is the strongest protection for the immune system. Eat more onions and garlic with your food. Reduce meat protein and increase protein such as tofu or fish, tuna and salmon being among the best because they are high in Omega 3 as well as fish oil, which has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect and a benefit found in treating rheumatoid arthritis. It may be helpful for asthma as well. These stimulate and heal the immune system. Use sea kelp for minerals and seasoning.

Bee pollen has proved to be helpful if eaten from local sources. If the allergies are airborne, bee pollen can strengthen the immune system and the body will start to resist the pollens it’s allergic to. Be sure to start with a few granules at a time and work up to two or three teaspoons daily. It’s great in smoothies. Discontinue if rashes or wheezing occur using those small amounts.

Herbs

(Caution! All herbs are like medicine and should not be taken for long term use unless you are consulting with your doctor.)

The best herbs or natural foods are garlic and onions but gingko biloba known best for its benefit on the mind or its "anti-senility" effects may help. During an attack, I used a lobelia, goldenseal and bee propolis tincture that worked great for the kids, not for long term use, though. Other herbs that are beneficial are mullein oil in tea or juice, slippery elm tea or tablets, horsetail, juniper berries, licorice root and Pau d’arco tea.

Ma huang, a Chinese herb (ephedra sinica), can be used as a tea twice daily but it’s not recommended for extended use. This plant is a source of the asthma medicine, ephedrine, a close cousin of Theophylline, a widely used asthma medicine. Most doctors recommend the use of the prescription medicines Theophylline or ephedrine since the potency of the tea is not consistent and can have serious side effects like nervousness and irregular heart beat.

Tylophora asthmatica in tea twice daily can be taken but it is not recommended for long term use, either. This Indian herb has been used to treat asthma in the Ayurvedic tradition for thousands of years.

Quercitin, 500 mg 3 times daily, is an important bioflavonoid, and is biochemically similar to the anti-asthma drug Intalcromolyn. In some experiments quercitin has been shown to prevent mast cells from releasing histamines, a chemical that aggravates allergic reactions.

Vitamins (Recommended doses are for adults or large teenagers)

Very helpful, for most of us as well are most anti-oxidant vitamins. Vitamin A, 10,000 –20,000 IU daily; 10,000 -20,000 IU’s daily of natural beta carotene. Vitamin C, 1500-3000 mg daily. Always take Vitamin C with bioflavinoids, one of the lungs most important anti-oxidant defenses. High doses can be given to asthmatics before an acute exposure to irritants or allergens. Vitamin B complex, 500-1000 mg daily with extra Vitamin B-6, 50-200 mg daily; Niacin (vitamin B-3) or niacinamide; Bromelain (Wobenzime from Maryln Nutriceudicals), 1000 –3000 mg daily. Bromelain is a pineapple enzyme. I’m a great believer in this nutrient for many things. It is a natural anti-inflammatory nutrient, reducing inflammation not only in the joints but it also works on the lungs. Also, pycnogenol or grape seed extract is both anti-inflammatory and an anti-oxidant. Magnesium, 300-600 mg (magnesium helps an acute asthma attack when given intravenously.) Most nutrition oriented physicians believe oral magnesium can help chronic asthma as well. Vitamin D, 500 IU daily. N-Acetyl Cysteine, 500-1000 mg. This nutrient is converted in the body to glutathione. It has definite mucous thinning and anti-oxidant effects.

Vitamin B-12, orally 1,000 mcg twice a day or for some acute conditions, an injection of Vitamin B-12, 1000 mcg weekly may be helpful (see your physician)

Amino acids l-cysteine, 500 mg twice a day on an empty stomach taken with the B vitamins and Vitamin C. Along with that, also take l-methionine, 500 mg twice a day.

Recommendation

Consult an allergist and get a food test (cytotoxic) and a skin test (intracutaneous titration). Some doctors even do the sublingual provocation and pulse tests to determine your food allergies or other airborne allergies. Always keep in mind that the interpretation of these tests is highly subjective often depending on the doctor that you are working with. Find one that also works with nutrition.

Often times it’s more accurate to eliminate suspected foods and to keep a food diary to identify trigger foods. Watch your child’s food or your own carefully. Consider eliminating the other potentially common allergen foods but only in a well-supervised approach, and be prepared to treat an acute asthma reaction when reintroducing suspected foods.

A good example of an elimination diet could be eating many of the greens in salads, brown rice, sweet potatoes, squash, or for us in Hawaii, poi, which is made from taro, a great food and hypo-allergenic to most people. Then, of course, many steamed vegetables can be eaten such as beets and their greens, asparagus, chard, squash, carrots, artichokes, string beans and spinach. Very small amounts of cooked fruits such as peaches, apricots, papaya, plums and prunes. No citrus fruits. Cooking fruits alters the protein in them making them less likely to be allergens. Then after a cleansing diet, re-introduce some of these foods, one at a time on an empty stomach, to see the results.

Take an insurance formula multi-vitamin/mineral. The best ones are liquid and they should be specific for age and weight. Listed above are doses meant for an adult or a large teenager.

Consider also a six-week trial of 1000 mcg vitamin B-12 injections for the children.

There is a good source for many of these nutrients called “Urban Air Defense” from Source Naturals, a great company.

I hope this information has been helpful to you but it is not meant to replace your doctor. Always be sure to check with your physician before undergoing any severe change in your diet or in your children’s diet.

Sources:
Richard Podell, M.D., Andrew Weil, M.D., John McDougall, M.D., James F. Balch, M.D., and Phyllis Balch, C.N.C.

Asthma treatments

Although there is no cure for asthma, effective management is available for preventing attacks and controlling and ending attacks soon after they have begun.

Asthma medications are taken orally or inhaled in vapour form using a metered-dose inhaler. This is a hand-held pump which delivers medicine directly to a person’s airways.

There are two kinds of asthma medication: bronchodilators, which reduce broncho-spasms; and anti-inflammatory medications, which reduce airway inflammation.

Immunotherapy is another treatment option for asthma caused by allergens. This form of therapy modifies a person’s allergic response by repeated exposure to small amounts of allergens.

By breathing into a PEFR, a small hand-held device called a flow meter, an asthmatic can find out when their airways are first starting to narrow. When the PEFR falls, asthma medication is probably needed to prevent an attack.

Note:
PEFR and medication should only ever be used under a physician’s guidance.

There are two basic kinds of medication for the treatment of asthma:

Long-term control medications – These are used on a regular basis to prevent attacks and not to be used for treatment during an attack.

These include : -

• • inhaled steroids (e.g., Azmacort, Vanceril, AeroBid, Flovent) prevent inflammation
  • leukotriene inhibitors (e.g., Singulair, Accolate)
  • long-acting bronchodilators (e.g., famoterol, Serevent) help open airways
  • cromolyn sodium (Intal) or nedocromil sodium
  • aminophylline or theophylline (This isn’t used as frequently as it was in the past)
  • a combination of anti-inflammatory and bronchodilators, using either separate inhalers or a single inhaler (Advair Diskus)

Quick relief (rescue) medications – which are used to relieve the symptoms during an acute attack.

• • short-acting bronchodilators (e.g., Proventil, Ventolin, Xopenex, and others)
  • oral or intravenous corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, methylprednisolone) which help to stabilize severe episodes of asthma.

People with mild asthma (infrequent attacks) can use their relief medication as needed, but those with persistent asthma problems should take their control medications on a regular basis to prevent their symptoms from occurring.

A severe asthma attack requires a medical evaluation and may even require hospitalization with oxygen, intravenous therapy and medications being required.

How to Approach Asthma Management
A winning approach to asthma management is critically dependent on using the correct anti-inflammatory medications with broncho-dilatorswhich areneeded for immediate and occasional relief of symptoms of asthma.

• Anti-Inflammatory – Preventers: Anti-inflammatory medication is used to treat the inflammation caused by exposure to inducers.
• Bronchodilators – Relievers (Rescue medication)
  Bronchodilators are used to relieve Broncho-constriction which is provoked by triggers.

Medications: Anti-inflammatory
A successful move towards decent asthma management, both in and out of an acute hospital setting is dependent upon the accurate use of anti-inflammatory treatment and bronchodilators being prescribed for immediate and occasional relief of any symptoms shown.

Anti-inflammatory medications work mostly by interfering with the activity and chemistry of immune cells, such as mast cells, which cause inflammation in the airway walls. Anti-inflammatory medication also helps rest the airway muscles that narrow and constrict during broncho-spasms.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications (Preventers)

These:-

• prevent and reduce inflammation, swelling and mucus in the airways
• put a stop to symptoms such as cough, wheeze and breathlessness
• need to be taken on a regular basis are slow acting (over hours or weeks)

Asthma Prevention

 

Avoiding known allergens and respiratory irritants can significantly reduce asthma symptoms. If somebody with asthma is responsive to dust mites, contact can be reduced by encasing mattresses and pillows in allergen-impermeable covers, removing carpets from bedrooms, and by vacuuming regularly. Exposure to dust mites and mould can be reduced by lowering indoor humidity.

If a individual is allergic to an animal that cannot be removed from the home, the animal should be kept out of that person’s bedroom at least.

Filtering material can be placed over the heating outlets to trap animal dander. Exposure to cigarette smoke, air pollution, industrial dusts, and irritating fumes should also be avoided as much as possible.

Allergy desensitisation can be helpful in reducing asthma symptoms and medication use, but the size of the advantage compared to other treatments is not known.

Asthmatics can also prevent and control attacks by limiting their exposure to environmental triggers.

• Carpets, beddings etc should be regularly cleaned.
• A mask should be worn
• Bathe pets regularly
• Steer clear of pollutants and irritants
• Cyclic allergies to pollen and mold spores can be reduced by avoiding the outside during peak periods of activity

Asthma Complications:

• Respiratory fatigue
• Pneumothorax
• Side effects of any medication used
• Death

Asthma Prognosis (Prospect)

There is no cure for asthma, though symptoms sometimes decrease over a period of time. With appropriate self-management and therapeutic treatment, most people with asthma can lead normal lives.

Although asthma often improves in children as they reach their teens, it is now realized the illness frequently returns in the second, third and fourth decades of life.

Previously data indicating a natural reduction in asthma through adolescent years has led to childhood asthma being treated as an intermittent disorder. However, it is now considered that airway inflammation is present continuously from an early age and frequently persists even if the symptoms resolve.

Furthermore, airways remodelling accelerates the process of decline in lung function over a period of time. This has led to a review of the management strategy for asthma, encouraging the early use of efficient and effective controller drugs and environmental measures from the time asthma is first diagnosed.

Asthma Diagnosis & Tests

 

Physicians typically diagnose asthma by looking for characteristic symptoms such as intermittent problems with breathing which can include wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. When these symptoms alone fail to establish a diagnosis of asthma, doctors will usually use spirometry testing.

Trigger Identification
Identifying a specific trigger of a person’s asthma is frequently more difficult than an initial diagnosis. An asthma sufferer might develop an asthma attack when using a particular cosmetic or household cleaning product. So when triggers are difficult to identify, a series of allergy skin tests are useful to determine what they are.

Correct Diagnosis
Making a correct diagnosis is tremendously important because if asthma is correctly diagnosed it can be treated more appropriately.

A diagnosis of asthma involves all of the following:

A detailed history which would include:

• A family history of asthma, allergies, hay fever and eczema; children will have a greater chance of developing the above if there is a family history of allergies and asthma
• A child’s medical history including:
• When parents first noticed the child developed breathing problems; history of nasal stuffiness (rhinitis), itchy eyes (allergic conjunctivitis) and eczema, which are common accompaniments to asthma, and hives (urticaria).
• A history of recurrent and persistent cough following a cold, frequent colds, croup, seasonal changes (i.e. worse in the spring and autumn), exercise limited by breathing problems, waking at night with symptoms.
• school absences, emergency room visits (hospitalizations)
• environmental history

Peak expiratory flow charts

Measurements of PEFR on waking, prior to taking a bronchodilator medication and before bed after a bronchodilator, are very useful in demonstrating the variable airflow limitations characterizing asthma.

It’s also useful in the longer-term evaluation of the sufferer’s disease and its response to proffered treatment. Peak flows should always be measured over several days and preferably over a weekend or short holiday if the effect of the asthma sufferer’s work exposure is also being studied.

• Physical examination: i.e. listening to the lungs with a stethoscope; examination of nasal passages etc.
• Chest x-ray to exclude the likelihood of breathing problems being caused by something other than asthma.
• Blood tests and sputum studies .
• Allergy prick skin testing: Skin tests can confirm a presence or absence of allergies; but they must, be correlated to the history of symptoms shown.
• Spirometry If testing children who are less than five years old, this test is not commonly indicated because a certain amount of effort and cooperation is required. However, it’s a very good trustworthy method of making an asthma diagnosis. Any difficult or troublesome asthma should be confirmed objectively by performing a spirometry test.
• Challenge tests: Exercise challenge tests and methacholine inhalation tests are procedures which are used most frequently in clinical laboratories to assess airway responsiveness.
• Differential diagnosis: Other possible causes of shortness of breath, wheeze, and cough plus chest tightness need to be investigated in order to rule them out. These can include such illnesses as heart disease, other lung conditions and gastro-oesophageal reflux.

A trial use of asthma medications: If asthma medications are taken and an improvement in symptoms is seen this further supports a diagnosis of asthma.

Asthma Tests may include:

• Peak expiratory flow charts
• Exercise tests
• Histamine or methacholine bronchial provocation test
• A trial of corticosteroids
• Blood and sputum tests
• Chest X-ray
• Skin tests
• Allergen provocation tests