Showing posts with label Asthma. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Asthma. Show all posts

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Asthma Control: Tips on How to Cure your Asthma Naturally

With over 17 million people in the United States alone suffering from Asthma and consequently seeking some form of asthma control, this respiratory disease has proven to be a very debilitating hindrance to optimal health. Breathing is the very essence of life and for this disease to hinder its natural process, an effective Asthma control will be essential.

Characterized by wheezing sounds, tightness in the chest, difficulties breathing and at times cough spells and sore throats, I had my first asthma attack as a kid and up until about 6 years ago had these attacks rather frequently. This made for many sleepless nights (why with reaching for my ventolin inhaler) and boring days locked in doors. This was simply because I didn't have the cardio-vascular endurance to withstand play coupled with the added fear of allergic reactions to grass, dust or even a friendly pat on the back which could trigger an asthma attack at any time landing me right back in the bed for a week minimum.

This (with acne and lethargy) was my state of health for years till I started to take up Yoga, considering its mild, yet very effective abilities to exercise the body without any vigorous demands. I was introduced to Pranayama, the Sanskrit name for Breathing Exercises and was told of the benefits of such techniques as the Bellows Breath for asthma control and was also shown how such simpler Square breathing exercises
could be beneficial for curing and preventing asthma along with improving my overall health. 

The author of the Complete Illustrated Book of Yoga, Swami Vishnu Devananda attested to curing many patients with asthma symptoms by correcting their breathing habits and with the introduction of a proper diet and exercise. Based on my experiences, I will now provide you with similar and up to date information on the tried-and true techniques and methods of attaining successful and permanent asthma control techniques. 

The first step to keep in mind whenever you are breathing is to make the conscious effort to ensure that it is done deeply. This can only be attained initially by conscious efforts but, with time and practice it becomes a natural process, like it was always intended to be. 

To gain the most amount of air with minimal effort, ensure that when inhaling, you allow for the dome of the abdomen to have an outward curve. Contrary to popular belief and instructions given by vocal coaches and even some doctors, do not raise the shoulders or stiffen the diaphragm when inhaling as this constricts the inflow of air for the lungs.

For a good illustration of natural breathing as described above, simply observe an infant.
You would notice a baby always breathes deeply from the abdomen although it is with a seemingly effortless approach. (I guess that is another reason why the great seers and prophets say "to learn from little children eh?"<


A simple test to establish proper breathing habits will be the following exercises. When executing them, ensure that they are done on an empty stomach and in a place with plenty of fresh air. Also, make sure that you breathe through the nose as often as possible.

Asthma Control: Breathing Exercises to Use

1. Inhalation and Exhalation:
-Either laying flat on a bed or sitting erect commence to breathing deeply, using a stop-watch or metronome to keep track of the time. The desired ratio here is 1:2. Minimum time for inhalation should be 4 seconds gradually building up to 16. (With the time for exhalation now being 8 seconds gradually building up to 32) consciously perform this exhilarating exercise for several weeks.

2. Inhalation-Retention-Exhalation
-When you are properly established in exercise #1 the next stage included is retention. In ancient yogic texts, the required ratio would be 1:4:2 (inhalation, retention and exhalation) The minimum schedule again for this exercise is 4 seconds, gradually building up to a maximum of 16 seconds (inhalation that is) Practice this for several days or weeks till you master it and it becomes second nature.

Although, from the indications above, you'd notice that more emphasis is laid on proper breathing over diet as a step for a natural asthma control, do keep in mind that it is advised that you avoid Mucus-Forming foods such as Animal flesh and products, Most Grains, Junk and Processed Foods and even some so-called health-food products like Soy, Yeast, Bragg's Liquid Aminos and Vinegar.

Abstinence from the products above is a must and a fact that has been in effect in several programs aimed at correcting respiratory health such as the "Breath Retaining Program For Asthmatics" developed by the Russian, Dr. Buteyko. Within weeks of adhering to this advice, many chronic asthmatics have been able to give up the use of ventolin inhalers.

Replace these items with Fruits, Leafy and Root Vegetables and if desired less harmful whole grains like Brown rice, Quinoa, Amaranth and Millet occasionally.

Also make sure to combine your meals properly and not to consume liquids of any kinds while eating so as not to constrict proper movement of the visceral organs that lie underneath the all important diaphragm. In addition, make the effort to avoid the use of microwaves, conventionally grown produce and polluted tap water for your optimal health.

Asthma need not be a part of your life anymore; you too can effectively apply these natural asthma control methods with the steps outlined above. So empower yourself for a successful asthma control today with proper breathing and dietetic habits. 

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Treatments for Viral Asthma

Viral asthma can often lead to life threatening circumstances so it is advisable that one must take proper medication, once they are diagnosed with such a disease. Professional medical help should be considered at all time to prevent aggravation of such disease.

The general treatments available for viral asthma include bronchodilators and corticosteroids. If children are suffering from such disease then special care should be taken for them as often the asthma occurs intermittently and can be easily treated with reliever medications whenever such symptoms occur.

Medications used to treat asthma depends on the severity and frequency of the viral attacks and short acting beta2 agonists such as salbutamol and terbutaline can be used to relieve the pain. Several other oral corticosteroids can also be used to treat viral asthma but inhaled corticosteroids such as beclomethasone and budesonide are preferable forms of treatment as they are easy to deliver and have long-lasting effect. One must however remember that severe form of asthma requires hospitalization as the patient is supposed to be given continuous flow of oxygen along with intravenous and oral steroids.

Some forms of alternative therapies such as acupuncture and ayurvedic or herbal medicine has come up recently to treat different types of asthma, but their sanctity and efficacy is variable and remains a mystery.

There are several treatments available for viral asthma but you should choose the medication that best suits your body. Do not try to overreact when diagnose with this disease as it is easily curable and you soon be fit enough to get on with your daily routine.

Clean Air Purifiers to Relieve Asthma Symptoms

Health conscious individuals utilize air purifiers in their home to provide clean air for every day living and minimize their exposure to harmful pollutants found in most any space.

Today, air purifiers are manufactured by various companies for the purpose of eliminating pollutants, such as smoke, dust and/or pet dander, cleaning agents, aerosol sprays, and insect poisons. Remember, these dangerous pollutants are not visible in your home. A research of air purification systems will reveal that some of the models are capable of removing almost all of the harmful pollutants in your rooms. Employers are conscious of the desire of employees for a clean air environment to work in all day. Many spend 8 to 10 hours a day at work and breathing pollutants can be harmful. There are many manufactured with the workplace in mind.

Individuals who suffer from respiratory problems, such as asthma, or other breathing problems will benefit a great deal breathing pure air free of harmful chemicals. Purifiers are a must have for a smoker and those living with one since one of the benefits of a purifier placed in a room is that it eliminates harmful chemicals that exist in cigarettes.

Also, an air purifier is the answer to increasing the ventilation throughout your home. You can place one in all of your rooms or purchase one unit depending on the size and number of rooms in your residence and your preference. There are numerous choices available for any size residence.

People who are unfortunate enough to be living with lung cancer or heart disease will find air purifiers helpful since they work to produce high quality air throughout the house. Those with good health will also definitely benefit from one since your place will be more enjoyable and desirable to live in with clean air.

Clean Air Purifiers to Relieve Asthma Symptoms

Health conscious individuals utilize air purifiers in their home to provide clean air for every day living and minimize their exposure to harmful pollutants found in most any space.

Today, air purifiers are manufactured by various companies for the purpose of eliminating pollutants, such as smoke, dust and/or pet dander, cleaning agents, aerosol sprays, and insect poisons. Remember, these dangerous pollutants are not visible in your home. A research of air purification systems will reveal that some of the models are capable of removing almost all of the harmful pollutants in your rooms. Employers are conscious of the desire of employees for a clean air environment to work in all day. Many spend 8 to 10 hours a day at work and breathing pollutants can be harmful. There are many manufactured with the workplace in mind.

Individuals who suffer from respiratory problems, such as asthma, or other breathing problems will benefit a great deal breathing pure air free of harmful chemicals. Purifiers are a must have for a smoker and those living with one since one of the benefits of a purifier placed in a room is that it eliminates harmful chemicals that exist in cigarettes.

Also, an air purifier is the answer to increasing the ventilation throughout your home. You can place one in all of your rooms or purchase one unit depending on the size and number of rooms in your residence and your preference. There are numerous choices available for any size residence.

People who are unfortunate enough to be living with lung cancer or heart disease will find air purifiers helpful since they work to produce high quality air throughout the house. Those with good health will also definitely benefit from one since your place will be more enjoyable and desirable to live in with clean air.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Important Information About Asthma

Asthma is the chronic disease that can cause inflammation of the airways and can give the result of the difficult breathing. As Asthma will affect every person differently, there is no one treatment that can alleviate Asthma symptoms for you. Here is information for you.

History
The doctors in the ancient Greece first used term of "Asthma" to describe the patients who were breathless or even gasping for air. The Asthma was attributed to internal imbalances that could be treated with the improved diet and also healthy lifestyle changes.

Classification
Asthma can be classified based on the frequency of the attacks and also the result of the pulmonary test. Fewer that the two attacks of a week will be considered intermittent Asthma, the two or more will be considered mild, and the daily or even contagious attacks will be considered severe.

Inheritance
According to the Medicine Net, every person has the 6 percent chance of developing the Asthma if neither parent has the Asthma There will be 30 percent chance if the one of parent is asthmatic and then a 70 percent chance if both of the parents suffer from Asthmatic.

Myths
The two common myths are the one that will grow out of Asthma and another that is contagious. It is important to know that both of these statements are false.

Triggers
According to the Medicine Net, 50 percent of most adults and then 80 percent of the children are suffering from the asthma also have allergies. Non-allergen asthma triggers will include exercise, respiratory infections, tobacco smoke, some medications and also emotional factors that are including laughing, crying and also stress.