The direct health care cost of asthma in the United States is $11.5 billion annually. Lost productivity and other indirect costs add another $4.6 billion. $5 billion are spent every year on prescription drugs used to treat asthma and $1.7 billion is attributable to lost productivity due to death.

Asthma epidemics related to atmospheric contamination–caused by the abundance of dust and chemical particles, especially in enclosed environments–are very well known and well documented. Major risk factors in occupational exposure to toxic substances, such as polyurethane and urethane, which are used in the adhesives and plastics industry; rubber epoxy resins from paint; dry cleaning chemicals; textile cleaners fumes; and many others may also play a major role.

The meteoric rise in the global incidence of asthma has baffled researchers. Possible causes, which are currently being researched include food additives, genetics, pollution, toxins, global warming, and allergens. Asthma researchers and asthma specialists speculate that the epidemic rise in the number of new asthma cases every year for the past 30 years is due specifically to rising levels of environmental pollution.

What can you do to protect yourself and your family? You can start with Asthma Relievers – Fruits and Vegetables and Catch Your Breath Now.

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

Freeway Congestion is a Leading Cause of Air Pollution

In the US, asthma continues to strike our kids. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, the rate at which kids developed asthma doubled between 1980 and 1995. By 2001, 6.3 million kids had asthma.

Few researchers are prepared to state definitively why asthma rates have continued to climb during the past two decades. However, many researchers and investigators point to several factors that seem inextricably linked to this disorder, which is marked by wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing spells.

CO2 Buildup

A report from the American Public Health Association and researchers at Harvard puts a lot of the blame for the high rate of asthma on global warming, smog and the atmosphere’s growing burden of carbon dioxide.

In this increasing burden of toxins released into the atmosphere, the rate of asthma among toddlers has grown to be particularly worrisome. Their rate of asthma has climbed more than twice the national average: by 160% between 1980 and 1994.

According to these researchers (Inside the Greenhouse: The Impacts of CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) and Climate Change on Public Health in the Inner City), global warming—which involves large increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide released by internal combustion engines and industrial processes— has fomented the asthma epidemic in several ways:

• Extra heat in the atmosphere has stimulated rapid plant growth that results in more fungus, pollen and spores; this causes allergies that often lead to asthma. Weeds like ragweed, which release allergenic particles, have greatly increased during the past few years.

• Extreme weather has caused more floods and damp houses, leading to more indoor air pollution from molds.

• Diesel pollutants are now combining with pollen and mold to irritate lungs, causing troublesome allergic reactions.

Bus Fume Hazards

The report notes that in neighborhoods like Harlem, in New York City, 25% of all children suffer asthma. Rates are particularly high in children who live in apartments that are located along bus routes.

A finding that surprised the scientists is the fact that carbon dioxide released by city traffic in the burning of coal and natural gas persists over urban areas, causing a dome of CO2 pollution.

Research on air quality in New York City, Phoenix and Baltimore shows that these lingering CO2 domes contain from 400 parts per million (ppm) of carbon dioxide to 600 ppm. Those levels are significantly above the global average of 379 ppm. Over the course of the Earth’s history, going back more than 400,000 years before the Industrial age, research shows the atmosphere has averaged only 180 to 280 ppm.

Nighttime Distress

According to Robert Fink, MD: “Asthma can be a nocturnal disease, at its worst between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., when cortisol [a hormone that regulates many bodily functions] levels are lowest” (Pediatric Asthma: Diagnosis and Treatment Goals, Medscape).

Dr. Fink says that if problems with breathing are bad enough to interfere with sleep, a health practitioner should be consulted to analyze the difficulty.

Catch Your Breath with Herbal Relief

Since asthma is linked to allergies, herbs that help to quell respiratory allergies can possibly lower your risk of asthma.

A blend of standardized herbal extracts that contains phyllanthus emblica (Indian gooseberry or amla), terminalia chebula (harda or haritaki), terminalia bellerica (bedda nut tree), albizia lebbeck (Indian walnut), zingiber officinale (ginger root), piper longum (Indian long pepper), and piper nigrum (black pepper) has been found to improve breathing and reduce the effect of allergies (FASEBJ 2004; VOL. II:A912, Abs. 600.8). Other studies have shown that these herbs can relieve nasal congestion, ease sneezing and clear bothersome mucus (J AM Coll Nutr 22(5): Abs 46, 2003).

Antibiotic Avoidance

Avoiding antibiotics may also lower the risk of asthma. “Over the past four decades there has been an explosive increase in allergy and asthma in westernized countries, says Mairi Noverr, Ph.D., a researcher who has looked at the line between antibiotic use with asthma and allergies.

“We propose that the link between antibiotic use and dysregulated pulmonary immunity is through antibiotic-induced long-term alterations in the bacterial and fungal GI microflora.”

In other words, Dr. Noverr’s research shows that beneficial bacteria in people’s intestines which take part in strengthening immunity and regulating the immune response to pollen, may have been harmed by the over prescription of antibiotics by physicians.

Dr. Noverr and his fellow researchers gave lab animals antibiotics before exposing them to Candida albicans (a yeast infection).

They then exposed the animals to mold spores. The result: a greater sensitivity to inhaling the spores and breathing problems similar to what people experience during hayfever season (104th General Meeting American Society of Microbiology).

“The studies presented here are the first direct demonstration that antibiotic therapy can promote the development of an allergic airway response,” says Dr. Noverr.

On a global scale, the outlook for asthma is worrisome. As other countries continue their industrial growth, the burden on the Earth’s atmosphere will grow. Meanwhile, few serious measures are being taken to reduce global warming, and the U.S. national diet frequently neglects lung-friendly vegetables and fruits.

Within that uncertain scenario, you can still boost your chances of healthy lungs: Eat more fruits and vegetables. Stay away from smoky buses. Hope for clear skies.

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

A Southern California Factory Spewing Toxic Chemicals into Our Air.

A recent study conducted by the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, recently studied the air pollution levels of 10 Southern California cities.

The researchers found that the closer children live to a freeway, the greater their chances of being diagnosed with asthma. In addition, they found that children were also more likely to develop asthma symptoms if the air around their homes had higher levels of nitrogen dioxide. Nitrogen dioxide is a toxic pollutant emitted from the tailpipes of motor vehicles.

As a direct result of that study, the NIEHS has launched a new research program investigating and attempting to identify the genetic risk factors that predispose people to asthma. Using gene expression profiling, researchers will be screening thousands of genes in the hopes of identifying which of those genes are activated when a patient’s airways become obstructed or inflamed.

The goal of this study is to determine which genes make certain people susceptible to different types of asthma. It will attempt to explain why some people develop asthma living in and around urban centers, while others do not.

Read Catch Your Breath Now for more information on the effect of outdoor air pollutants on asthma.

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

If You Suffer from Asthma, It's Best to Keep Animal Dander Out of Your Home

Surprisingly enough, it doesn’t even matter if you own any pets, or have ever seen cockroaches or dust mites scurrying about. (Be sure to read “Asthma Triggers – Is Your Home Causing Your Asthma?” for more trigger information).

A surprising finding from a study conducted from 1998 to 2002 by the National Institute Of Environmental Health Sciences, shows that 100% of US homes have detectable levels of dog and cat allergens. In fact, most homes had levels of dog and cat allergens, exceeding the threshold for allergic sensitization.

The problem is only 24% of the surveyed homes reported cat ownership, while only 32% reported dog ownership.

So whether you live with a pet or not, according to the NIEHS, you are certainly living with pet dander.

Thankfully, as it turns out, one of the most cost effective and beneficial asthma management techniques is free and doesn’t require any special training. Keep your home clean.

Researchers from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, in collaboration with scientists from Harvard University and the University of Washington found that the simple act of washing your bedding in hot water, putting allergen impermeable covers on your pillows, box springs and mattresses, in addition to vacuuming and steam cleaning your carpets and upholstered furniture will significantly reduce dust mite and pet dander allergen levels.

Unfortunately, you have no control over the best predictors of dust mite allergen levels. The age of your home and your home’s indoor humidity level have the most significant impact on the amount of dust mites found in your home. Your only recourse if you live in an older home in a humid area, is to move, if you can afford it.

Over 60% of American homes have detectable levels of cockroach allergens. Recent studies have provided evidence which suggests exposure to cockroach allergens are the single most important risk factor for asthma in inner-city households.

Whether you’ve seen them scurrying about your kitchen or not, if you live in a high-rise apartment building, an urban setting, or in an older home, chances are you’re living with them and have been for quite a while.

The good news, according to a National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences study conducted in 2005, is that all it takes to reduce cockroach allergen levels in your home by 84% to 96% is a thorough cleaning and professional pest control.

Unfortunately, much of the asthma research conducted by government agencies, universities and privately funded entities, has focused on indoor allergens. As more and more data has proven, outdoor pollutants seem to play an even larger role in triggering asthma symptoms and asthma episodes.

Read about a recent study on asthma and air pollution conducted in Southern California.

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

Sulfites Found in Wine Can Be Dangerous for Asthmatics.

Unfortunately, many restaurants use sulfiting agents–including sodium bisulfite, potassium meta bisulfate, and sulfur dioxide–to prevent discoloration and bacterial growth in green salads, cut and sliced fruit, frozen shellfish, and many other foods.

The types and severity of reactions to sulfites in sensitive individuals vary, and may include breathing difficulties, anaphylactic shock, severe headaches, abdominal pain, stuffy and or runny nose, flushing of the face and a “hot flash” feeling, diarrhea, irritability, and/or feelings of anger. These symptoms seem to occur quickly, usually within 20 to 30 minutes after consuming sulfites.

Here’s an eye opening video on sulphites:

Obviously, sulfites pose a greater danger to some people than to others. In particular, asthma sufferers, people with a history of allergies, or a deficiency of the liver enzyme sulfite oxidase can suffer great harm. In the United States alone, sulfites have been implicated in at least 13 deaths.

You will always find it easy to determine if a food product contains sulfites. Sulfiting agents may appear in food ingredient lists in many varieties. For example, sodium sulfite, sodium bisulfite, sodium meta-bisulfite, potassium bisulfite, potassium meta-bisulfite and sulfur dioxide.

You can safely assume that any ingredient included on a food product’s ingredient list ending in -sulfite to be a sulfiting agent. If you believe you have suffered a reaction after ingesting a food which you believe contained sulfites, you should be cautious of ingesting any of the foods and beverages listed in the table below.

Fresh Fruits and Beverages

• Avocado dip (guacamole)
• Coleslaw
• Grapes
• Mushrooms
• Potatoes
• Prepared cut fruit or vegetable salads

Fish and shellfish

• Canned seafood soups
• Clams
• Crabs
• Dried fish
• Fresh shellfish, especially shrimp
• Frozen, canned, or dried shellfish
• Lobster
• Oysters
• Scallops
• Shrimp

Prepared or Processed Foods

• Beet sugars
• Breading mixes
• Breakfast cereals
• Brown sugar
• Canned fruit pie fillings
• Canned mushrooms
• Caramels
• Corn, maple, and pancake syrups
• Cornstarch
• Dietetic processed foods
• Dried or canned soups
• Dry salad dressing mixes
• Frozen, canned, or dried fruits and vegetables
• Frozen French fries
• Glazed fruits
• Hard candles
• Horseradish
• Jams and jellies
• Maraschino cherries
• Noodle and rice mixes
• Olives
• Onion relish
• Pickles
• Potato chips
• Sauces and gravies
• Sauerkraut
• Shredded coconut
• Trail mixes
• Wine vinegar

Miscellaneous

• Apple cider
• Baked goods
• Beer
• Bottled, canned, or frozen fruit juices
• Bottled, canned, or frozen vegetable juices
• Cocktail mixes
• Colas
• Cordials
• Cornmeal
• Frozen doughs
• Fruit drinks
• Gelatin
• Instant tea mixes
• Wines

If you suspect you have had a negative reaction to one of the above listed foods or to one that isn’t listed, be sure to make a note of the brand and type of food or beverage you’ve consumed.Check the label and see if the ingredient list includes a sulfite. If it does, and you can’t live without that particular fruit or beverage, try to find a replacement that’s missing the sulfite.

If you can’t find a suitable replacement, we would suggest you stop eating that particular brand or type of food or beverage. You’ll feel better.

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

• Unless absolutely necessary, do not administer antibiotics to children under six months of age (European Respiratory Society Conference, Vienna, 09/03).
• Children under the age of three should consume full-cream milk and butter daily (PIAMA Birth Cohort Study 2003; 58:567-72).
• Stay out of indoor swimming pools; their chemicals can make lungs more susceptible to asthma (Occup & Environ Med 2003; 60:385-94).
• Avoid hormone replacement therapy when you reach menopause (Arch Int Med 2/23/04).
• Don’t smoke; don’t let family members be exposed to secondhand smoke. According to Robert Fink, MD “[T]he hospitalization rate for asthma in children is 50% higher if there is a smoker in the household.”
• Open windows at home to clear the house of indoor air pollutants.
• Avoid products, such as hairspray, that come in pressurized cans.
• Practice stress relief, and transmit this information to your children.
  “[E]motionally induced’ asthma is a real entity,” says Dr. Fink. “It has been shown that crying or laughing can elicit a histamine response”– that is, a release of the chemical responsible for allergic reactions.

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