How do I tell my friend his smoking is effecting my asthma?

August 7th, 2008
asthma
Rabin R asked:


I recently been diagnosis w/ asthma. Today I almost pass out from second hand smoke @ work. My co-worker smokes but also let his clothes smoke with him - After his smoke break I literally have to leave - he knows I have asthma - how can I tell him without consequences from manager and other co-workers or making him feel bad?

Hector
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What are good cardio workouts for people with asthma?

August 4th, 2008
asthma
rowan asked:


Allergy season is coming and my asthma will be aggravated, especially when running. Any suggestions on good cardio that I can sustain and keep up my exercise routine much appreciated. FYI: I use Advair.

Cory
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Effects of Asthma Medicine on Pregnancy!

August 1st, 2008
asthma
Neelima Reddy asked:


Women suffering with asthma always have doubts that “will asthma medicine harm my child?” As five percent of pregnant women are asthmatic, this is a common problem. The important news is that asthma medicine is known to be very safe during pregnancy. So, pregnant women can enjoy asthma free pregnancy with asthma medicine.

Your asthma symptoms may get worse or may be better or does not change at all during pregnancy. If your asthma is severe, chances are it can become worse during pregnancy.

If you want a healthy baby, you should be healthy. It is very important to treat asthma in pregnancy because the risks of uncontrolled asthma in pregnancy are greater than the risks of asthma medicine.

There is no information about the safety of new asthma drugs in pregnancy because a woman who is pregnant and who might become pregnant does not take part in the safety tests during the testing of drugs, because of the fear of harming the baby.

Even the drug manufacturers do not take risk with unborn babies. New asthma drug should be avoided during pregnancy if possible.

But the old asthma medicine has been used from years. These old asthma medicines have been used for years during pregnancy and are known to be safe in pregnancy and the drugs which are not safe are not used as long before they are declared as unsafe.

Pregnant women have doubt about the use of inhalers. The doctors believe that the amount of medicine you get from an inhaler is small and goes directly to the lungs and it is not likely to harm your baby.

Effects of asthma in pregnancy:

Especially in the third trimester, asthma improves with pregnancy. Due to the increasing size of uterus, sensation of breathlessness occurs and this is mistaken as worsening of asthma.

Many women experience worsening asthma symptoms as they stop using asthma medicine due to the fear of side effects on the unborn child. Women who stop their asthma medicine have worsened asthma symptoms and are more at risk of early labor and poor growth of baby.

Asthma medicine and pregnancy:

Visit your doctor soon after realizing that you are pregnant to discuss about the best way to manage the symptoms of asthma with asthma medicine. The doctor will prescribe effective asthma medicine during pregnancy and continue to workout throughout your pregnancy to ensure the treatment is effective without side effects.

Taking asthma medicine during pregnancy:

• Follow the directions according to your doctor about when to take asthma medicine and how much dosage to take.

• Talk to your doctor before taking any new asthma medicine.

• Don’t stop taking asthma medicine unless and until your doctor tells you to.

Controlling your asthma in pregnancy:

• You have to take the asthma medicine as prescribed during pregnancy.

• Monitor your asthma using a peak flow meter and observe your breathing symptoms.

• Call your doctor if your asthma medicine is not working well.

• Avoid things that trigger your asthma attack.

• You can take a flu shot if you are pregnant during flu season. Visit Asthma Treatment

Emma

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Fight Asthma With Vitamins And Over The Counter Products

July 31st, 2008
asthma
David Cowley asked:


Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by episodes or attacks of inflammation and narrowing of small airways in response to exposure to environmental stimuli. Asthma attacks can vary from mild to life threatening. The main symptom of Asthma is shortness of breath as the result of the bronchial passages becoming narrowed through exposure to some type of stress, either physical (allergy) or psychological.

During an asthma attack, histamine and leukotrienes are produced by respiratory system, which results in a rapid constriction of the smooth muscle of the bronchial tubes. The bronchial tubes narrow and reduces the amount of air that can pass.

Asthma is a seriously debilitating and sometimes life-threatening disease that affects more than 8 million adults in the United States. The incidence of asthma cases has surged in recent years, although researchers are not sure why. Asthma is the most common chronic pulmonary disorder in the United States. Asthma prevalence has been increasing to epidemic levels, especially in areas with high urbanization. More than 5,000 deaths are attributed to asthma attacks each year.

Asthma is experienced during the life span of approximately 10% of the population, resulting in morbidity and mortality costing a substantial economic burden on individuals and on society. Although the research in asthma has advanced rapidly in recent years, the etiology of asthma remains unclear. Asthma is not contagious, and although it appears to follow some genetic pattern. Researchers have found that an asthma attack can be caused by heredity, air pollution, food allergy, infections, emotional disturbances, and dozens of other factors.

Almost 5% of adult-onset asthma cases were recognized as having work-related symptoms. A worker reporting improvement of symptoms after being gone from the workplace over the weekend or after a vacation and then reporting a worsening of symptoms upon returning to the workplace is labeled as having work-related asthma.

Among the various risk factors of asthma, those of occupational origin are gaining more importance with time due to use of various chemicals in industries which potentially induce hypersensitivity and predisposition to asthma. In addition, there has long been evidence that physicians do not adequately assess the work-relatedness of many diseases, including asthma. It appears that providers seldom recorded information about occupation in notes on asthma unless they considered the symptoms triggered by workplace exposures.

Although prescription medication for the treatment of asthma are abundant and are improving in effectiveness, there are inherent risks and side effects with most of them. Despite many newer drugs for asthma, people are dying more frequently from this illness. It is apparent that asthma is not well controlled in many individuals.

Vitamin C Beta Carotene Vitamin D
Vitamin E Butterbur Vitamin A
Pantothenic Acid Glucosamine Manganese
Omega Smooth Flavonoids

Vitamin C is nature’s protective nutrient, essential for defending the body against pollution and infection and enhances the human body immune system.

Beta Carotene protects the mucus membranes of the mouth, nose, throat and lungs. It also helps protect Vitamin C from oxidation, which enables it to perform at optimum efficiency.

The Journal of Clinical Investigation report published in December 8, 2005 revealed that taking Vitamin D supplements could help improve the effects of steroid drugs used to treat Asthma.

Vitamin E protects the lung tissue from inhaled pollutants and aids in the functioning of the immune system.

Butterbur is a common herbal extract that is highly effective asthma therapy. As far back as the 17th century, butterbur was used to treat cough, asthma, and skin wounds.

A number of studies have suggested that taking antioxidants such a Vitamin A reduces the risk of bronchoconstriction associated with asthma. Vitamin A is stored in the liver and fat cells of the human body and can reach toxic levels. DO NOT take more than the recommended dosage of Vitamin A.

Many find pantothenic Acid to be very helpful against asthma symptoms. It is another form of non-toxic Vitamin B.

Glucosamine is an anti-inflammatory and may give some relief from asthma symptoms.

Magnesium has been employed in the treatment of acute asthma, but its use has not become universal, nor has it been studied for the treatment of chronic asthma. Manganese has been found deficient in bronchial biopsies of asthmatic patients, indication manganese replenishment could aid in the treatment of asthma.

Omega smooth is a delicious tasting liquid that is derived from fish oil. Regular fish comsumption has been associated with a reduced risk of children having asthma attacks.

Flavonoids are the brightly colored pigments found in most fruits and vegetables. When consumed, they have antioxidant properties and have been associated with improved lung junction.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and not to be construed as medical advice.

Justin

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What is the best way to avoid an asthma attack?

July 29th, 2008
asthma
EnglishTea asked:


I have asthma, (not too severe) but i often have a hard time breathing simply after laughing or working out. any suggestions. (i have an albuterole inhaler.)

Alexander
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How can I control my asthma naturally without using drugs?

July 28th, 2008
asthma
Neecy asked:


I’ve suffered with asthma since childhood. I’ve convinced that it can’t be cured. I’ve learned to live with it but I’m sick of using inhalers and taking medication. Are there any safe and effective natural treatments for asthma that will control attacks and breathing without the use of drugs or inhalers?

Javier
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What is the difference between Asthma and Chronic Bronchitis?

July 27th, 2008
asthma
§♫♪‹(•¿•)›☼»-(¯`v´¯)-»\\ asked:


They recently diagnosed me with Asthma and have me on two types of inhalers.
I really think it’s Chronic Bronchitis.

What symptoms distinguish these two ailments from each other?
I’m 42 and lived with a smoker for 25 years.

Roberto

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Asthma Cure: Home Remedies for Asthma, Asthma Causes

July 24th, 2008
asthma
Peter rodrick asked:


Asthma is constant disease that affects the airways or the tubes that brings air in and out of the lungs. Asthmatics have inflamed airways or the inside walls of the airways are swollen with too much mucus creation making breathing hard. Signss include wheezing, chest pains, obscurity breathing and coughing. Asthma is a very uncomfortable and life-threatening disease if not treated properly.

Asthma attacks differs from person to person, but stern asthma attack is life threatening. The airways may shut due to too much swelling and mucus production; in this case your body vital organs will not receive sufficient oxygen and this may cause death. You have to know how to treat your asthma before it could get severe.

Asthma is an antique Greek statement meaning ‘out of breath or shortdrawn breath’. It is an allergic situation resulting from the reaction of the body to one or additional allergens, and is the most upsetting of respiratory diseases. An asthma patient gets recurrent attacks of breathlessness, in between which he may even be totally normal.

Asthma Symptoms

Winded for breath

Patients suffering from asthma emerge to be gasping for breath. Really, they have more difficulty in inhalation out than breathing in, and this is caused by spasms or unexpected involuntary muscular contractions of the minor air passages in the lungs.

Asthma Causes

Allergic reaction caused by weather situations

A range of factors causes asthma. It may be due to an sensitivity caused by weather conditions, food, drugs, perfumes, and other irritants. Allergies to dust are the most ordinary.

Asthma Cures

1. Asthma treatment via Honey

Honey is one of the most common home cures for asthma. It is supposed that if a jug of honey is held beneath the nose of an asthma patient and he inhales the air that comes into contact by means of it, he starts breathing easier and deeper.

2. Asthma treatment with Figs

Amongst fruits, figs have proved very precious in asthma. They provide comfort to the patient by draining off the phlegm. Three or four dry figs must be cleaned thoroughly with warm water and soaked during the night.

3. Asthma treatment with Lemon

Lemon is one more fruit found useful in the treatment of asthma. The juice of one lemon, diluted in a glass of water and taken with meals, will bring good quality results

4. Asthma treatment via Indian Gooseberry

Indian gooseberry has also proved precious in asthma. Five grams of gooseberry mixed with one tablespoon of honey forms an useful medicinal tonic for the treatment of this ailment. It must be taken every morning

5. Asthma treatment by means of Bitter Gourd Roots

The roots of the bitter gourd plant have been used in folk medicine for asthma since earliest times. A teaspoon of the root paste, mixed with an identical amount of honey or juice of the tulsi leaves, given once every night for a month, acts as an exceptional medicine for this disease.

6. Asthma treatment via Drumstick Leaves

A soup prepared from drumstick leaves, and taken once daily, has been found useful in the treatment of asthma. Adding a handful of leaves to 180ml of water and boiling it for five minutes prepare this soup. After being allowed to cool, a little salt, pepper, and limejuice might be added to this soup.

7. Asthma treatment with Ginger

A teaspoon of fresh ginger juice, mixed with a cup of fenugreek decoction and honey to taste, acts as a brilliant expectorant in cases of asthma. The decoction of fenugreek can be made by addition of one tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in a cupful of water. This remedy must be taken once in the morning and once in the evening.

8. Asthma treatment via Garlic

Garlic is an additional effective home remedy for asthma. Ten garlic cloves, boiled in 30 ml of milk, create an excellent medicine for the early stages of asthma. This mixture must he taken once each day by the patient. Steaming ginger tea with two minced garlic cloves in it, can also help to keep the trouble under control, and must be taken in the morning and evening.

9. Asthma treatment via Bishop’s Weed

The herb bishop’s weed has been found precious in asthma. Half a teaspoon of bishop’s weed must be mixed in a glass of buttermilk and taken two times each day. It is an effective medicine for relieving difficult expectoration caused by dried-up phlegm. A hot poultice of the seeds must be used for dry fomentation to the chest two times daily. The. patient can also breathe in steam twice a day from boiling water mixed with ajwain. It will widen the bronchial passages.

10. Asthma treatment with Safflower

Safflower seeds are helpful in the treatment of bronchial asthma. Half a teaspoon of powder of the dry seeds, mixed with a tablespoon of honey, can be taken one or two times a day in treating this disease. This acts as an expectorant and decreases the spasms by liquefying the tenacious sputum. An infusion of five grams of flowers mixed with one tablespoon of honey, taken once every day, is also helpful in this disease.



Paul

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Understand Asthma

July 21st, 2008
asthma
Juliet Cohen asked:


Asthma is a disorder affecting the airways of the lungs. The inflammation makes the airways very sensitive, and they tend to react strongly to things that you are allergic to or find irritating. People with asthma have very sensitive airways that narrow in response to certain “triggers”, leading to difficulty in breathing. Asthma attacks are not all the same—some are worse than others. In a severe asthma attack, the airways can close so much that not enough oxygen gets to vital organs. This condition is a medical emergency. People can die from severe asthma attacks. Approximately 20.5 million Americans currently have asthma. Many people with asthma have an individual or family history of allergies, such as hay fever (allergic rhinitis) or eczema. Asthma symptoms can also be triggered by respiratory infections, exercise, cold air, tobacco smoke and other pollutants, stress, food, or drug allergies. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications provoke asthma in some patients.

Most people with asthma have wheezing attacks separated by symptom-free periods. Asthma is more common in boys than in girls. But after puberty asthma is more common in females. Asthma is an allergic disease that affects the bronchi or air passages. When the allergic reaction takes place, the bronchi constrict and get clogged with mucous, making breathing very difficult. Asthma affects the airways, the small tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. If you have asthma, your airways are sensitive and easily become swollen. A total of 47 patients had high levels of exhaled nitric oxide. Of those patients, 41 started using inhaled corticosteroids, and 36 noted improvement in their cough. Asthma may be very mild, or it can be very severe. An asthma attack can become very serious. Asthma is one of the leading causes of children missing school. Asthma coughs, on the other hand, are most often dry coughs caused by bronchial spasms. Asthma can be controlled by taking medicine and avoiding the triggers that can cause an attack.

Asthma is treated with two kinds of medicines: quick-relief medicines to stop asthma symptoms and long-term control medicines to prevent symptoms. Asthma and eosinophilic bronchitis can be treated with inhaled corticosteroids, which combat inflammation in the airways to reduce asthma symptoms. Antimuscarinics/anticholinergics (ipratropium, oxitropium, and tiotropium), which have a mixed reliever and preventer effect. Omalizumab, an IgE blocker; this can help patients with severe allergic asthma that does not respond to other drugs. Quick-relief medications and Long-term-control medications. These are used regularly to control chronic symptoms and prevent asthma attacks. Xolair is used in children over 12 years old and adults with moderate to severe asthma caused by an allergy, if all other treatments have failed. Short-acting bronchodilators — often called “rescue” or “quick-relief” medications —stop the symptoms of an asthma attack in progress. Allergy-desensitization shots may help if you have allergic asthma that can’t be easily controlled by avoiding triggers.

Asthma. Treatment Tips

1. Antimuscarinics/anticholinergics (ipratropium, oxitropium, and tiotropium), which have a mixed reliever and preventer effect.

2. Omalizumab, an IgE blocker; this can help patients with severe allergic asthma that does not respond to other drugs.

3. Quick-relief medications and Long-term-control medications are used regularly to control chronic symptoms and prevent asthma attacks.

4. Xolair is used in children over 12 years old and adults with moderate to severe asthma caused by an allergy, if all other treatments have failed.

5. Short-acting bronchodilators — often called “rescue” or “quick-relief” medications —stop the symptoms of an asthma attack in progress.

6. Anticholinergic medications, such as ipratropium bromide may be used instead.

7. Antihistamines, often used to treat allergic symptoms that may underlie the chronic inflammation.

8. Cromolyn and nedocromil, which are used to treat mild persistent asthma.

Dale

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Are beagles good dogs for people with asthma?

July 20th, 2008
asthma
linzel_03 asked:


I love beagles, but I have terrible asthma and allergies. I plan on going to get allergy shots, and after receiving those for awhile, I hope to get a beagle puppy. Does anyone know if Beagles are ok dogs for people with asthma?

Dawn
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