Asthama

ASTHAMA

Overview

Asthma attack

Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

For some people, asthma is a minor nuisance. For others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack.

Asthma can't be cured, but its symptoms can be controlled. Because asthma often changes over time, it's important that you work with your doctor to track your signs and symptoms and adjust treatment as needed.

Symptoms

Asthma symptoms vary from person to person. You may have infrequent asthma attacks, have symptoms only at certain times — such as when exercising — or have symptoms all the time.

Asthma signs and symptoms include:

·         Shortness of breath

·         Chest tightness or pain

·         Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing

·         A whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling (wheezing is a common sign of asthma in children)

·         Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu

Signs that your asthma is probably worsening include:

·         Asthma signs and symptoms that are more frequent and bothersome

·         Increasing difficulty breathing (measurable with a peak flow meter, a device used to check how well your lungs are working)

·         The need to use a quick-relief inhaler more often

For some people, asthma signs and symptoms flare up in certain situations:

·         Exercise-induced asthma, which may be worse when the air is cold and dry

·         Occupational asthma, triggered by workplace irritants such as chemical fumes, gases or dust

·         Allergy-induced asthma, triggered by airborne substances, such as pollen, mold spores, cockroach waste or particles of skin and dried saliva shed by pets (pet dander)

When to see a doctor

Seek emergency treatment

Severe asthma attacks can be life-threatening. Work with your doctor to determine what to do when your signs and symptoms worsen — and when you need emergency treatment. Signs of an asthma emergency include:

·         Rapid worsening of shortness of breath or wheezing

·         No improvement even after using a quick-relief inhaler, such as albuterol

·         Shortness of breath when you are doing minimal physical activity

Contact your doctor

See your doctor:

·         If you think you have asthma. If you have frequent coughing or wheezing that lasts more than a few days or any other signs or symptoms of asthma, see your doctor. Treating asthma early may prevent long-term lung damage and help keep the condition from worsening over time.

·         To monitor your asthma after diagnosis. If you know you have asthma, work with your doctor to keep it under control. Good long-term control helps you feel better from day to day and can prevent a life-threatening asthma attack.

·         If your asthma symptoms get worse. Contact your doctor right away if your medication doesn't seem to ease your symptoms or if you need to use your quick-relief inhaler more often. Don't try to solve the problem by taking more medication without consulting your doctor. Overusing asthma medication can cause side effects and may make your asthma worse.

·         To review your treatment. Asthma often changes over time. Meet with your doctor regularly to discuss your symptoms and make any needed treatment adjustments.

Causes

It isn't clear why some people get asthma and others don't, but it's probably due to a combination of environmental and genetic (inherited) factors.

Asthma triggers

Exposure to various irritants and substances that trigger allergies (allergens) can trigger signs and symptoms of asthma. Asthma triggers are different from person to person and can include:

·         Airborne substances, such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander or particles of cockroach waste

·         Respiratory infections, such as the common cold

·         Physical activity (exercise-induced asthma)

·         Cold air

·         Air pollutants and irritants, such as smoke

·         Certain medications, including beta blockers, aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen (Aleve)

·         Strong emotions and stress

·         Sulfites and preservatives added to some types of foods and beverages, including shrimp, dried fruit, processed potatoes, beer and wine

·         Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acids back up into your throat

Risk factors

A number of factors are thought to increase your chances of developing asthma. These include:

·         Having a blood relative (such as a parent or sibling) with asthma

·         Having another allergic condition, such as atopic dermatitis or allergic rhinitis (hay fever)

·         Being overweight

·         Being a smoker

·         Exposure to secondhand smoke

·         Exposure to exhaust fumes or other types of pollution

·         Exposure to occupational triggers, such as chemicals used in farming, hairdressing and manufacturing

Complications

Asthma complications include:

·         Signs and symptoms that interfere with sleep, work or recreational activities

·         Sick days from work or school during asthma flare-ups

·         Permanent narrowing of the bronchial tubes (airway remodeling) that affects how well you can breathe

·         Emergency room visits and hospitalizations for severe asthma attacks

·         Side effects from long-term use of some medications used to stabilize severe asthma

Proper treatment makes a big difference in preventing both short-term and long-term complications caused by asthma.

Prevention

While there's no way to prevent asthma, by working together, you and your doctor can design a step-by-step plan for living with your condition and preventing asthma attacks.

·         Follow your asthma action plan. With your doctor and health care team, write a detailed plan for taking medications and managing an asthma attack. Then be sure to follow your plan.

Asthma is an ongoing condition that needs regular monitoring and treatment. Taking control of your treatment can make you feel more in control of your life in general.

·         Get vaccinated for influenza and pneumonia. Staying current with vaccinations can prevent flu and pneumonia from triggering asthma flare-ups.

·         Identify and avoid asthma triggers. A number of outdoor allergens and irritants — ranging from pollen and mold to cold air and air pollution — can trigger asthma attacks. Find out what causes or worsens your asthma, and take steps to avoid those triggers.

·         Monitor your breathing. You may learn to recognize warning signs of an impending attack, such as slight coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath. But because your lung function may decrease before you notice any signs or symptoms, regularly measure and record your peak airflow with a home peak flow meter.

·         Identify and treat attacks early. If you act quickly, you're less likely to have a severe attack. You also won't need as much medication to control your symptoms.

When your peak flow measurements decrease and alert you to an oncoming attack, take your medication as instructed and immediately stop any activity that may have triggered the attack. If your symptoms don't improve, get medical help as directed in your action plan.

·         Take your medication as prescribed. Just because your asthma seems to be improving, don't change anything without first talking to your doctor. It's a good idea to bring your medications with you to each doctor visit, so your doctor can double-check that you're using your medications correctly and taking the right dose.

·         Pay attention to increasing quick-relief inhaler use. If you find yourself relying on your quick-relief inhaler, such as albuterol, your asthma isn't under control. See your doctor about adjusting your treatment.

Home Remedies For Asthma :

While there are many medical treatments for asthma, here are some natural remedies for asthma that can provide some relief:

1. Mustard oil

Mustard oil mixed with camphor is a potent combination for asthma treatment. Massage the mixture all over the chest, till you get relief from the asthma. Warming the oil before massaging it ensures you feel the warmth which provides quick relief.

 
2.     Eucalyptus oil
One handy measure to keep asthma at bay is through eucalyptus oil. Drip a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil in a bowl of boiling water and take its steam. This helps in opening up any nasal blockages to facilitate easy breathing.
 
3.     Figs
When it comes to an effective home remedy against asthma, figs is up there among the best. Soak dried figs overnight in water. Eat them first thing in the morning. Drink the residual water.
Often instant noodles contain monosodium glutamate (MSG) as also tertiary-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) - a chemical preservative derived from the petroleum industry for their taste enhancing and preserving properties. Although, intake of these ingredients is allowed upto a limit, regular intake can lead to health problems.
 
4.     Ginger
Given the multiple benefits for your heath and body, it is hardly surprising that ginger is considered a superfood. It is also very effective against asthma. Prepare a potion with equal quantities of ginger, honey and pomegranate - consume it 2-3 times a day.
 
5.     Coffee
Caffeine in coffee helps in asthma treatment. It clears the nasal passage allowing you to breathe easily. If you do not prefer coffee go for black tea. But, limit intake to 3 cups a day.
 
6.     Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are very useful in managing inflammatory conditions. It is helpful to treat just about every condition including heart disease, depression, seasonal affective disorder, in addition to asthma.
 
7.     Evening primrose oil
The oil contains a fatty acid (GLA), which can have a positive anti-inflammatory effect. In some cultures, it forms part of traditional treatment for asthma.
 
8.     Belly breathing technique
This technique maximizes air distribution in your lungs. You can lie down or sit up. Concentrate on your breathing. Preferably breathe slowly through your nose. When you inhale your abdomen should go out as opposed to your chest. Exhale slowly with your abdomen pushing inward. Ideally exhalation should be twice as long as inhalation
 
9.     Butyeko breathing exercise
This technique aims at consciously reducing either breathing rate or breathing volume. The method involves sitting upright with relaxed chest and belly muscles while breathing. Focus, close your eyes and look up. Breathe through your nose gently with closed mouth. Breathe slow and shallow. Exhale slowly until it seems there is no air left in the lungs. Hold breath as long as possible and then revert to gentle breathing.
 
10.  Pursed lip breathing technique
This technique is helpful during an asthma attack. Since during an attack air is trapped in your lungs, this helps get more air out and make breathing easier. This involves inhaling slowly through the nose and then exhaling through pursed lips, or exhaling slowly as if whistling.

Asthma and Nutrition

The incidence of asthma has risen in the United States during the past three decades, and many researchers believe that our changing diets have something to do with it. As Americans eat fewer and fewer fruits and vegetables and more processed foods, could it be that we’re bumping up our risk of developing asthma? Several research studies have suggested this, and others are ongoing, but the connection between diet and asthma remains inconclusive.

There’s evidence that people who eat diets higher in vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, flavonoids, magnesium, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids have lower rates of asthma. Many of these substances are antioxidants, which protect cells from damage.

One recent study of asthma and diet showed that teens with poor nutrition were more likely to have asthma symptoms. Those who didn’t get enough fruits and foods with vitamins C and E and omega-3 fatty acids were the most likely to have poor lung function. A 2007 study showed that children who grew up eating a Mediterranean diet -- high in nuts and fruits like grapes, apples, and tomatoes -- were less likely to have asthma-like symptoms.

• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. We still don’t know which fruits and vegetables might have an effect on asthma, so the best advice is to increase your intake of a wide variety of them.
• Eat foods with omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids -- found in fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines and some plant sources, like flaxseed -- are believed to have a number of health benefits. Although the evidence that they help with asthma is not clear, it’s still a good idea to include them in your diet.
• Avoid Trans fats and omega-6 fatty acids. There’s some evidence that eating omega-6 fats and Trans fats, found in some margarines and processed foods, may worsen asthma, and other serious health conditions such as heart disease.

What Else Affects Asthma Symptoms?

Nutrition -- good or bad -- isn’t the only way that asthma might be affected by diet. Here are some examples:

• Diets High in Calories. If you eat more calories than you burn, you’ll gain weight. That’s bad not only for your general health, but for your asthma specifically. People who are obese are more likely to have more severe asthma symptoms, take more medication, and miss more work than people who maintain a normal weight .

• Food Allergies . Many people have food intolerances such as lactose intolerance, but these are not true allergies and rarely worsen asthma. Only about 2% of adults with asthma have true food allergies to milk, eggs, shellfish, peanuts, or other foods. When exposed to even small amounts of the foods to which they have become allergic, these people can have life-threatening anaphylactic attacks, including bronchospasm, which requires immediate asthma medication.

• Preservative Sensitivities. Sulfites, which are used to keep food fresh and stop the growth of mold, can trigger temporary asthma symptoms in a few people with asthma. Sulfites can give off sulfur dioxide that can irritate the lungs. Sulfites are no longer added to fresh fruits and vegetables in the U.S. But they are still used in many processed foods, and may also be in condiments, dried fruits, canned vegetables, wine, and other foods.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD). Up to 70% of all people with asthma also have GERD (reflux of stomach acid), which can make asthma more difficult to control. Sometimes, GERD doesn’t cause typical heartburn symptoms. If you have GERD, you may need to take medicine. Weight loss is often all that is necessary to eliminate GERD. You should also try eating smaller meals and cutting down on alcohol, caffeine, and any foods that you notice trigger GERD symptoms. Avoid eating just before bedtime.

Before you make any big changes to your eating habits, it’s always a good idea to talk to your health care provider or asthma specialist first. Depending on your asthma diagnosis -- and considering your general health and the severity of your asthma symptoms -- your health care provider might have specific advice for how to improve your diet.