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Asthma
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic obstructive condition caused by inflammation of the airways (respiratory system). Most people with this condition persistently have some kind of inflammation in their airways. Asthma attacks are generally triggered by irritants or exercise. These irritants can cause smooth muscle cells in the bronchi to constrict, making it difficult to breath.
Common Asthma Triggers
• Air pollution
• Animals
• Cigarette smoke
• Changes in temperature and humidity
• Dust
• Exercise
• Food additives
• Fumes
• Pollens
• Extremes of emotion
• Respiratory infections
• Some Medication
• Strong perfumes
• Some Chemicals
Symptoms Of Asthma
- Coughing or wheezing with physical activity.
- A decrease in your peak expiratory flow rate.
- Increased cough at night time.
- Restless sleep or waking up tired.
- Tiredness with activities that you normally could complete easily.
- Worsening allergy symptoms such as constant runny nose, dark circles under your eyes or itchy and inflamed skin.
Asthma Management
- Consult your doctor for an Asthma management plan and for any medications that maybe required.
- Learn what your asthma symptoms and triggers are.
- Always keep your asthma medication handy.
- Avoid triggers. This can help reduce symptoms and the frequency of asthma attacks.
- Yoga and breathing exercises such as Pranayama have been shown to be a powerful natural therapy for reducing the frequency and intensity of asthma attacks and in most cases decrease medication use. Consistently practicing yoga postures and pranayama (breathing exercises) increase the lung’s airflow, air capacity, stamina and efficiency.
- Use of a peak flow meter. The recording of these measurements can indicate if your asthma worsening.
- Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, homeopathy and massage prove effective for some people in managing their asthma.
Treatment and Medication
Inhaled medications are designed to deliver immediate relief straight to the lungs.
- Preventers such as Flixotide, Pulmicort and Beclozone are usually an inhaled corticosteroid medication taken to reduce swelling and decrease the body’s reaction to triggers. these are generally taken on a regular basis.
- Relievers such as Bricanyl and Ventolin are inhaled medications that relax the muscles in the air way to reduce constriction and relieve the symptoms of asthma. These are used as a reliever before contact with known triggers eg. exercise.
- Symptom controllers such as Foradil and Serevent are long-acting relievers and are always used with a preventer to keep the airways muscle relaxed and are taken twice a day.
- Combination Inhalers such as Seretide and Symbicort are classed as combination inhalers. These contain both symptom and preventative controller medicine in one inhaler.
For those with severe and frequent asthma, see your doctor as you may require a change in the treatment or an increase of your medication. Corticosteroid tablets may be prescribed by your doctor if you have severe asthma to help control symptoms.
Serious asthma attacks may require hospitalization. Generally a nebuliser is given by mask or mouth piece. Nebulisers contain a fine mist of oxygen to help relax airways. Intravenous corticosteroids may also be given through the arm or hand depending on the severity of the attack.
Symptoms of Severe Asthma Include:
• A feeling of impending doom or panic
• Breathing very fast
• Color changes in fingertips
• Inability to perform PEFR
• Severe wheezing while breathing both in and out
• Profuse sweating
• Chest tightness
• Chronic cough
• Narrowing of airways
• Little or no relief from your inhaler medication
If you have any of the above symptoms and your medications have little or no relief follow you asthma action plan as these symptoms can be potentially life-threatening. If in doubt seek immediate medical attention or call your countries emergency services for an ambulance
Natural supplements can be used in conjunction with asthma medication. Natural supplements may help aid in the long term management and the reduction of asthma attacks.
These health supplements are not designed for a “quick relief” or a substitute for asthma medications.
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