More than 17 million people in the US alone suffer from asthma, a serious lung ailment, resulting in 5,000 asthma deaths a year. Asthma is an allergic inflammation of the lungs, which is generally triggered by pollens, molds, dust, animal dander, air pollution, chemicals, exercise, temperature changes or ingestion of certain foods. Asthma drugs, which are traditionally used to control asthma symptoms can have very serious side effects, plus they are also quite expensive. For a detailed list of asthma drugs and their known side effects see:
Fortunately there are alternative asthma treatments which are quite effective, relatively inexpensive compared to drugs and best of all they are without negative side effects. However, it is best to prevent the development of asthma in the first place.
Asthma Prevention - Measures You Can Take to Prevent the Devlopment of Asthma
Doctors and researchers agree that the single most important thing that parents can do to prevent their child from developing asthma in the first place is to eliminate or significantly reduce dust mite allergens or asthma triggers in the home.
"Clinical studies have revealed that avoidance of dust mite allergens in early childhood can prevent the onset of asthma..." Michael LeNoir Md
Dust mite allergens are known to play a major role in it's development. Researchers have determined that other important allergens (after dust mites) that also need to be eliminated from the home are cats, certain types of mold, dogs, cockroaches and tobacco smoke. It is a popular misconception that children will "outgrow" asthma. It is a severe and potentially life-threatening illness that should be taken seriously. Long term use of steroid drugs is not recommended by doctors and has serious side effects. Making these preventative environmental changes is a much more viable, healthy and preferable alternative. If you or your child are already suffering from asthma or allergies these measures will certainly help.
What are Dust Mites? Dust mites are microscopic insects and live in bedding, pillows, mattresses, blankets, upholstery, carpets etc. They thrive particularly in humid climates. They live off of dead skin cells and produce an allergen from their excrement, which is inhaled.
All Homes Contain Dust Mites No Matter How Clean They Are. Studies have shown that dust mite allergens in the home must be reduced to at least 2mcg/g dust or mite populations decreased to 100/g dust to have any significant benefit. There are several things that can be done to accomplish this.
What Can Be Done To Eliminate or Reduce Dust Mites? Researchers have found through numerous studies that these are the most effective measures: Changing the relative humidity and temperature of the home:
- Keeping relative humidity less than 50% is proven to greatly reduce the dust mite population. (Portable dehumidifiers were not shown to significantly reduce humidity).
- Mechanical ventilation with a heat recovery unit has proved to be the most effective to reduce humidity in the home.
- Using air cleaners that have HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, which will also eliminate other allergens such as pollen and animal dander.
- Cleaning using a vacuum with a HEPA filter and steam cleaning rugs and upholstery regularly.
- Washing all bedding in hot water (60 degrees C, 130 degrees F) on a weekly basis is known to kill dust mites. Drying bedding in a hot dryer.
- Dry cleaning quilts and blankets weekly will also kill dust mites.
- Placing plastic casings specifically made for dust mite control on pillows and mattresses.
- Chemicals used on carpets and upholstery which are known to kill dust mites include benzyl benzoate, permethrin, pirimiphos methyl, phenyl salicylate, tannic acid, common household disinfectants, combinations of these, and insect growth regulators. (please note: some chemicals can also trigger asthma and allergy reactions, therefore research them carefully before using).
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease-sometimes worrisome and inconvenient-but a manageable condition. With proper understanding, good medical care, and monitoring, you can keep asthma under control. Chronic condition characterized by difficulty in breathing due to spasm of the bronchi (air passages) in the lungs. Attacks may be provoked by allergy, infection, and stress. The incidence of asthma may be increasing as a result of air pollution and occupational hazard. An asthma attack can be very serious. If you have trouble breathing, call 9-1-1 for help right away. You can't cure asthma, but you can control it. Asthma is a chronic lung condition that is characterized by difficulty in breathing. People with asthma have extra sensitive or hyper responsive airways that cause symptoms of asthma. Airways react by narrowing or obstruction when something irritates them. Making a correct diagnosis is very important, because that is the only way to treat it appropriately.
Asthma is a disease that affects the breathing passages of the lungs (bronchioles). Asthma is caused by chronic (ongoing, long-term) inflammation of these passages. This makes the breathing passages, or airways, of the person with asthma highly sensitive to various "triggers." When an asthmatic person has an asthma attack the membranes inside the bronchial tubes release mucus and become inflamed. The inflammation causes the muscles to contract and create spasms. These muscle spasms are responsible for wheezing. Asthma is a common condition that causes coughing, wheezing, tightness of the chest and breathlessness.
Causes of Asthma ' The exact cause of asthma isn't fully understood at present. Sometimes, the symptoms flare up for no obvious reason, but you may notice certain triggers that set off an asthma attack or make your symptoms worse. These triggers irritate the airways in your lungs and can include: &bullinfections such as colds and flu &bullirritants such as dust, cigarette smoke, fumes &bullchemicals found in the workplace - this is called occupational asthma &bullallergies to pollen, medicines, animals, house dust mite or certain foods &bullexercise - especially in cold, dry air &bullemotions - laughing or crying very hard can trigger symptoms, as can stress &bullBronchoconstriction &bullInflammation &bullDietary changes &bullOccupational exposure &bullStrong emotional expression (including crying or laughing hard) and stress. &bullA condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease that causes heartburn and can worsen asthma symptoms, especially at night. Symptoms of Asthma &bullCoughing is the most common asthma symptom. Coughing associated with asthma generally worsens at night and early in the morning, making sleeping difficult. &bullRapid breathing is a common asthma symptom. When breathlessness occurs, you may try to breathe faster to try to get air in and out of your lungs.
&bullPeak flow numbers may be in the caution or danger range
&bullNeck area and between or below the ribs moves inward with breathing.
&bullWalking causes shortness of breath.
&bullGray or bluish tint to skin, beginning around the mouth.
Treatment
&bullControllers, also called "preventers," reduce inflammation in the airways. Controllers should be taken every day. You will know that the controller medication is working because you will, over time, have fewer and fewer symptoms. When your asthma is totally controlled and you have no symptoms, do not stop taking them.
&bullGenerally, dairy products are not good for asthmatics. They're too mucus-forming. We have heard, though, that cheddar cheese might be an exception. It contains "tyramine," an ingredient that seems to help open up the breathing passages.
&bullTurmeric is valuable in asthma. The patient should be given a teaspoon of turmeric powder with a glass of milk, two or three times daily. It acts best when taken on an empty stomach.
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Susan Millar has sinced written about articles on various topics from Asthma, Air Purifier Cleaners and Asthma. Susan Millar is a researcher and ex-asthma and allergy sufferer, providing people suffering from asthma with free asthma prevention resources. To download your free Asthma Prevention Report in pdf format,visit. Susan Millar's top article generates over 5400 views. to your Favourites.
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