For so many people around the world, the symptoms of asthma – wheezing, coughing and breathlessness have become a way of life. The American Lung Association puts asthma down as the seventh-ranked chronic health condition in the United States and the leading chronic illness in children. It is estimated that 23.2 million Americans suffer from asthma. Large numbers of people are hospitalized each year in addition to a significant number of deaths, resulting in health care costs of a whopping $14.5 billion for asthma treatment.

Asthma is a respiratory system disease. The name is derived from a Greek word that means ‘panting’. The air passages narrow, causing shortness of breath, a tight feeling in the chest, wheezing and sometimes a severe cough. Severe asthma attacks can lead to respiratory arrest and even death

Both the causes and triggers for asthma are multiple. An asthma attack occurs when the airway is irritated resulting in broncho-constriction or constriction of the passage to the lungs. Examples of triggers include sudden exposure to cold air and allergens, heavy exercise or even emotional stress.

Many people have a predisposition to asthma, some develop allergies to pollen, smoke, foods, perfumes, chemicals, animal fur, insects, sudden weather changes and biological contaminants such as mold. Stress and viral infections can also be causative factors in the development of asthma. Today one of the leading causes is thought to be pollution, though this has not been proved conclusively.

An oversensitive immune system also known as atopy is a common feature of those that suffer from asthma. Usually the immune system protects the body against harmful substances such as bacteria and viruses. Sometimes it reacts to normally harmless things like dander, dust, mold, strong smelling perfume and pollen, even chemicals such as bleach and other pollutants. It has been observed that children of smokers tend to suffer from chronic asthma thanks to second hand smoke. The chances of allergies increase with hot, dry and windy weather. Most asthma sufferers are able to predict roughly when the asthma attack would come on as it is usually during a particular time of year.

There are things that can be done to assist in the treatment of asthma and allergic reactions. The wearing of masks during the pollen season or when working with chemicals or pollutants may be beneficial. Keeping the windows shut and removing indoor plants has also helped. For those who are allergic to dander, ensuring your home is pet-free and using synthetic materials for bedding is advisable. Changing air filters in heating and air conditioning systems frequently and regular vacuuming will help to combat asthma. Regular checks for molds and fungal growth in the home are a must as they are notorious for triggering an attack.

A better understanding of the condition can be useful in the treatment of asthma. Asthma inhalers or bronchodilators are the most preferred form of medication for immediate relief. Antihistamines are also used to treat allergic symptoms. In extreme cases, cortisones are prescribed. Some prefer natural therapies such homeopathy or acupuncture. For chronic suffers, regular breathing exercises such as those practiced in yoga maybe helpful. Care should be taken not to overdo any form of physical activity as this could trigger off “exercise-induced” asthma.

A number of dietary factors have been implicated in the prevention and causes of asthma however conclusive evidence is lacking. There is increasing recognition of an association between obesity and asthma particularly in children – the exact nature has yet to be established however achieving an ideal body weight is likely to be helpful.

Some studies suggest a diet rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and E maybe associated with decreased occurance or severity of asthma. Medical researchers observed that asthmatics have high levels of oxidants and low levels of antioxidants in their diet. In a sample study it was seen that those who suffer from asthma usually have a lowest intake of fresh fruit and raw vegetables. A role for Omega 3 fatty acids has also been postulated due to their anti-inflammatory action.

Conclusive evidence is lacking but a balanced diet high in fruit and vegetables and oily fish may be helpful in the treatment of asthma.

Mitamins Team
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/practical-approaches-in-the-treatment-of-asthma-98413.html

If you have ever experienced an asthma attack, you know how bad it can feel. Not being able to breathe can be a terrible thing to live with. Fortunately there is asthma treatment available whether you need it long-term or just for a moment to catch your breath.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is considered a disease because it is something that someone has to live with on a daily basis. Basically, your airway passage becomes inflamed making it difficult for you to breathe. The way that your body reacts to this inflammation is similar to experiencing an allergic reaction. This is why sometimes asthma is referred to as a reactive airway disease.

Who Does Asthma Affect?

Asthma is a disease that affects people of all ethnicities, genders, and ages. Right now it is the most common disease in children. Asthma is seen primarily in children, because as a person ages their attacks begin to decrease in number and severity.

It isn’t known why some people experience asthma and others don’t. Something of interest about asthma though, is that it is increasing in developed countries. Researchers can only guess why this is. Some things that seem to trigger an asthma attack are smoke, pollution, cleaning products, allergens, cold and dry weather, over-exertion, stress, upper respiratory infection, acid reflux, menstruation, sulfites etc. It is important that you pay attention to what precedes your asthma attacks. That way if you find your trigger, you can reduce your attacks by avoiding the trigger.

Treating your Asthma Condition

Asthma is a condition that cannot be cured. The only way to treat asthma is to try to control it and the earlier it is detected, the easier it will be to control. Treating asthma is key to decreasing the number of asthma attacks you experience. If you choose not to treat your asthma, your attacks could increase in severity and even become terminal.

Asthma treatment can be long-term or quick-relief. Long term treatment requires the asthma victim to take medicine on a daily basis. Over time the condition will decrease in the severity and the number of attacks by controlling the airway from getting inflamed.

A quick-relief treatment is when you reverse an asthma attack by relaxing the bronchial muscle. To get a quick-relief from the asthma, you can use oral or inhalant medication. The most commonly used quick-relief medicine is the metered-dose inhaler. Through breathing in the inhalant you are able to quickly get air into your lungs by clearing the passage way.

If you or a family member are living with asthma, it needs to be treated. Look online for more information on the types of treatment and the medication brands to see what might work. Then talk to your doctor about the treatment to see if he/she can give you a prescription to try. Remember, the earlier you treat the asthma the better.

Eddie Lamb
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/asthma-treatment-for-your-health-69426.html