Typically, asthma attacks are the result of acute spasms in the muscles surrounding your bronchi, which constricts or narrows your airways. Inflammation to the inside walls of your bronchi increases which narrows your airways even further. To top it all off, cells in your bronchi can generate additional mucus, which adds to the narrowing. The result is that you may feel as though you are “starving for air.”

Asthma Symptoms

Symptoms you’d normally experience during an asthma episode can include chest tightness, coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing. Asthma attacks can last minutes or hours. They certainly are not all the same, some are much more severe than others. In extreme cases, vital organs will not receive enough oxygen, leading to death.

There are two forms of asthma, allergic and nonallergic. They often occur together. Because asthma symptoms may resemble those of other diseasesit is difficult to distinguish it from other conditions making asthma difficult to diagnose conclusively. For example, bronchitis, lower respiratory infections and emphysema share many of the same symptoms as asthma.

Allergic Asthma

Allergic asthma can be triggered by your exposure to something your body is allergic to. Some of the more common asthma provoking allergens, also called asthma triggers, include environmental pollutants, animal dander, food additives such as sulfites, mold, chemicals, drugs, dust mites, cockroaches, exhaust fumes, feathers, and tobacco smoke.

Non-Allergic Asthma

Nonallergic asthma can be triggered by temperature changes, laughing, cold air, extreme dryness or humidity, low blood sugar, anxiety, exercise, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), adrenal disorders and stress. Cardiac asthma is a non-allergic type of asthma caused by heart failure.

Intrinsic Asthma

Intrinsic asthma, a nonallergic asthma, tends to appear during upper respiratory viral infections, is many times associated with bronchitis or sinusitis, and usually appears during adulthood. Intrinsic asthma sufferers seem particularly vulnerable to emotional stress, exercise, changes in the weather and other factors which are related to inner feelings.

The cause of Asthma is a mystery. No one knows what causes it, although a hereditary link to Asthma was discovered in late 1999.

Adults over the age of 65 and children under the age of 16, especially those living in urban areas are most likely to suffer from asthma. It is the number one cause of school absenteeism and the number one cause of hospitalization for children.

Asthma Medications and Treatments

There are several established asthma medications and treatments, as well as several new and promising treatment options on the horizon. In general, there are three groups of allergy medications:

• quick relief asthma medications
• long term (controller) asthma medications
• allergy induced asthma medications

Within the three general groups above your doctor will recommend your asthma treatment based on your individual needs. For example, pills, inhalants and injections are available, each with their respective positive and negative effects. In fact, inhaled and systemic bronchodilators and corticosteroids are routinely prescribed, depending on the circumstances.

The bad news is that there is no cure for asthma. The good news is that asthma is very treatable and manageable.

Originally posted under: Asthma Treatment and Management - Natural Asthma Relief on Azmacare.com

Inhaled Short-acting Beta-adrenergic and Beta2-adrenergic Agonists

Inhaled short-acting beta-adrenergic and beta2-adrenergic agonists are usually the best asthma medications for immediately relieving asthma attacks. They may be taken:

• During an acute asthma attack.
• When you first begin to feel a shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness.
• Before you feel any symptoms or signs of an asthma episode but your breathing is weaker.

These bronchodilators begin their work within minutes and can last anywhere from two to six hours. Brand names include:

• Albuterol
• Bitolterol
• Levalbuterol
• Pirbuterol

Oral and Intravenous Corticosteroids

Oral and intravenous corticosteroids may be taken to treat acute asthma attacks. They can take a few hours up to a few days to be fully effective. There are serious side effects related to the long-term use of oral and intravenous corticosteroids, which may include osteoporosis (loss of bone mineral), decreased resistance to infection, thinning of the skin, high blood pressure, cataracts, and muscle weakness. Brand names include:

• Prednisone
• Prednisolone
• Methylprednisolone
• Hydrocortisone

Anticholinergic Asthma Medications

Anticholinergic asthma medications are normally used to treat acute asthma attacks, in combination with short acting beta-adrenergic and beta2-adrenergic agonists. These medications are designed to further dilate (widen) your airways after you’ve been given a short acting beta-adrenergic or Beta2-adrenergic agonist. When used alone anticholinergic asthma medications are only marginally effective. Anticholinergic asthma medications are used mainly by doctors in emergency departments. Brand names include:

• Ipratropium

Originally posted under: Asthma Treatment and Management - Natural Asthma Relief on Azmacare.com

Peak Flow Meters Used to Help Manage Asthma Symptoms

You can compare your “personal best” against your peak flow at any other time to get an objective idea of how well you’re breathing.

Unfortunately, the result of a peak flow measurement is very dependent on your efforts, so try to use the same effort every time.

A single peak flow measurement, without knowing what your “personal best” is, is not very useful.

Try to use peak flow values together with your other symptoms to evaluate the severity of your attack.

• Peak flow meters measure how well you can get air out of your lungs.
• Peak flow meters monitor how effectively your long term controller asthma medications and your quick relief asthma medications are working.
• Peak flow at any given time helps you identify your asthma triggers.
• Peak flow helps you decide when to seek emergency treatment.
• A drop in your peak flow can be an early and effective warning sign of an asthma attack.
• Peak flow readings can help you measure how well you’re responding to your asthma treatments.

Peak Flow Zones

Your “personal best” peak flow measurement can be used to determine your asthma action or treatment zones.

• Green: 80-100% of your “personal best” peak flow. Just keep doing what you’re doing.
• Yellow: 50-80% of your “personal best” peak flow. Caution – be careful. Use your quick relief medication as needed to try improve your peak flow or relieve whatever symptoms you might be experiencing. Remember – keep monitoring your peak flow after your treatments.
• Red: Less than 50% of your “personal best” peak flow. Danger – Asthma Attack Action Plan time. Use your quick relief asthma medication and seek immediate medical attention.

Peak flow meters are one of your best weapons in your fight to control your asthma, so use yours often!

Where to buy Peak Flow Meters:

• Peak Flow Meters on Amazon.com
• Peak Flow Meters on Herbspro.com
• Peak Flow Meters on Ebay.com

Originally posted under: Asthma Treatment and Management - Natural Asthma Relief on Azmacare.com

If You're Having an Acute Asthma Episode, Contact Your Doctor Immediately

Common signs of an acute asthma episode are:

• Your coughing and/or wheezing will not stop.
• You’re breathing very fast but can’t catch your breath(Tachypnea).
• Your chest feels tight.
• You’re feeling tired AND out of breath.
• You’re agitated and anxious.
• Your pulse rate has increased.
• You’ve got allergy-like symptoms, including but not limited to a runny nose, watery or itchy eyes, scratchy throat.
• Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath while you’re exercising or immediately afterward.
• You feel chest or abdominal pain.

Common signs and symptoms of increasing respiratory distress and acute breathing difficulty can include:

• Your inability to complete a sentence.
• You’re experiencing retractions (increased use of chest, neck, or abdominal muscles).
• You need to sit or lean forward in order breathe easier.

Make sure that you have an Asthma Action Plan in place so that you can successfully and efficiently regain control and normalize your breathing. Read Asthma Attack Action Plan – Are you prepared? as a primer if you haven’t set one up for yourself yet.

Also, be sure to read Asthma Triggers – Do you know what yours are?, Asthma Triggers – Is Your Home Causing Your Asthma?, Asthma and Outdoor Air Pollution in Southern California and Indoor Asthma Triggers – Asthma Proof Your Home if you’re unclear about your triggers or what you can do to help yourself.

The absolute best way to get through an acute asthma episode is to never have to deal with one. There is no reason why you can’t fully and confidently participate in the life of your choice. Camp, hike, bike, jog, ski, join sports leagues, take exercise classes. Just be sure you have planned ahead – just in case.

Originally posted under: Asthma Treatment and Management - Natural Asthma Relief on Azmacare.com

• Tobacco use or second-hand smoke
• Exposure to cold air or sudden temperature change
• Colds or respiratory infections
• Air pollution or fumes
• Allergic reactions to pollen or mold
• Chalk dust
• Animal dander from cats, dogs, and other furred animals
• Paints
• Feathers or feathered animals
• Cleaning agents
• Cockroaches
• New furnishings or equipment
• Dust, dust mites
• Pesticides
• Vigorous exercise
• Strong odors such as dry erase markers, magic markers, perfumes or glue/paste

You can and should minimize your exposure from potential triggers from the environment by:

• Avoiding tobacco use or second-hand smoke.
• Reducing indoor humidity.
• Have your heating and ventilation systems serviced and cleaned regularly.
• Limiting your outdoor activities when pollen counts are high.
• Keep your environment clean and dust free.
• Avoid using strong-smelling cleansers and heavy perfumes.
• Warm-up before doing any vigorous exercise.
• Wear a scarf around your face during cold weather.
• Take a flu shot annually to protect yourself from flu exposure.
• Avoid furred or feathered pets.
• Reduce carpet and upholstered furniture in your home.

Try to isolate your particular triggers and do everything you can to avoid or minimize your exposure to them. The best way to deal with an asthma episode is to not have one.

If you’re interested in more detailed articles on asthma triggers, please see: Is Your Home Causing Your Asthma?, Asthma and Outdoor Air Pollution in Southern California and Asthma Proof Your Home.

Originally posted under: Asthma Treatment and Management - Natural Asthma Relief on Azmacare.com

Write Your Own Asthma Action Plan

Talk to your doctor and your health care providers right away. Ask them to be clear about what actions they recommend you take and what they suggest you do in a worst case scenario. Ask them questions if you’re unclear about what they’re telling you to do.Make sure you’re satisfied with their answers!

Do not stop there.

Talk to family, friends and even co-workers about what steps they can help you with, if needed. Your life and well being could depend on it. Below are two videos which may help you in understanding how important an asthma action plan is:

Here are some steps generally included in many recommended asthma action plans:

1. Take a quick relief asthma medication immediately!
2. Remain calm.
3. Sit in a comfortable position and lean forward to help yourself breathe.
4. Breathe slowly and deeply.
5. Immediately call your health care provider or seek emergency care if:
   • Your symptoms haven’t improved within 20-30 minutes of taking your quick relief asthma medication.
   • Your peak flow measurement is in the red zone.
   • You’re having trouble walking and talking because of shortness of breath.
   • You’re struggling to breathe.
   • Your fingernails or lips are turning blue.
6. Do the best you can to measure your peak flow before and after treatment.

Treatment, education and teamwork can greatly improve your quality of life and improve your chances for the successful and effective soothing of your asthma symptoms.

Prepare and practice your action plan until you know exactly what to do and exactly who to contact in a worst case scenariowithout hesitation or second thought. Your life depends on it.

Originally posted under: Asthma Treatment and Management - Natural Asthma Relief on Azmacare.com

Dog and Cat Dander Can Lead to Asthma Attacks and Breathing Problems

The National Survey of Lead and Allergens in Housing, conducted from 1998 to 2002, conducted by the NIEHS (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences) in conjunction with researchers from HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development), showed that 100% of US homes had detectable levels of cat and dog allergens. Even though cat ownership was reported in only 24% of the surveyed homes and dog ownership was reported in only 32% of the surveyed homes.

Nearly 100% of the homes surveyed had levels of cat and dog allergen which exceeded the threshold for allergic sensitization and over 30% had allergen levels high enough to produce asthma symptoms and asthma episodes.

In other words, even if you don’t own a dog or cat, chances are you’ve got cat and dog allergens all over your home at fairly significant levels.

The survey also showed that 46% of the houses surveyed had levels of dust mite allergens high enough to produce allergic reactions. Over 20% of all the surveyed homes had combined allergen levels high enough to trigger asthma symptoms and asthma episodes in genetically susceptible individuals.

As if that weren’t enough, survey results also show that over 65% of American homes have detectable levels of cockroach allergens, whether you see them or not.

The highest cockroach allergen concentrations are found in high-rise apartment buildings, urban settings, older homes, and low income households. Roughly 10% of the surveyed homes had cockroach allergen levels above the threshold for triggering asthma symptoms.

What can you do? NIEHS scientists, in collaboration with researchers from other asthma research centers have developed intervention strategies designed to reduce exposure to asthma triggers found in the home.

Read Asthma Proof Your Home.

Originally posted under: Asthma Treatment and Management - Natural Asthma Relief on Azmacare.com

Writing in a Diary May be an Effective Asthma Treatment For You

Unfortunately, many of the drugs used to successfully control and alleviate asthma cause jittery nerves, mood swings, and insomnia.

Here are two amazingly effective, yet very simple asthma treatments:

Start a Diary

A study conducted by the North Dakota State University found that people with asthma and arthritis can markedly improve their health, simply by setting aside time–20 minutes a day three to seven days a week–to write.

Of the 70 patients participating in the one-month study, 47% showed definite improvement, as opposed to only 24% who showed improvement without writing.

The researchers concluded that putting your thoughts and observations on paper relieves stress and eases the mind.

Use Imaging Techniques

Children with asthma experience much more successful treatment through mind and body control training, according to numerous recent studies. For example, a very successful technique used by Richard Firshein, D.O., based in New York City, focuses on teaching children not to panic when they realize an asthma attack is approaching.

Children’s thoughts are carefully and calmly guided to focus on images and smells that please them. Some of the most successful imaging includes the warm sun, hot dogs or a favorite pet. At the same time, they are taught to bring their breathing under control.

This helps children feel less helpless and afraid.

Medications are certainly not your only weapons in your fight against asthma. Study after study has repeatedly shown that your mind can actually be one of your most effective weapons. Easing your stress by writing a diary and concentrating on calming images could change your life, for the better.

Originally posted under: Asthma Treatment and Management - Natural Asthma Relief on Azmacare.com