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Asthma Article One Asthma seems, over the last few decades, to have become one of the biggest health issues affecting the world's population; medical science has not yet been able to fully explain this continued rise although some good theories exist. Although it is treatable, that is no consolation to the millions of sufferers worldwide who have trouble breathing when they have an asthma attack. The seriousness of this respiratory condition should not be underestimated, as left untreated, it can result in death when a bad attack occurs. Initially, the asthma sufferers should carry out strict observation and a diary of when the attacks occur. The severity and frequency of attacks will determine the course of treatment and these fit into three broad categories:
For sufferers with mild persistent attacks, low-dose glucocorticoids, a mastcell stabilizer or leukotriene modifiers are to be taken in addition to relievers. As the seriousness of the asthma condition increases, additional medication is required. Irrespective of the seriousness of the condition, they will all use a standard reliever as well. The asthmatics themselves must also recognize just what situations or conditions trigger their attacks then they will be able to avoid those situations. Medical science has now confirmed that the poorer the air quality the greater the chance that this and other respiratory problems will occur. The medications used to help prevent and treat attacks is very effective but should only be used sparingly; they can cause serious side effects if used on a regular basis, including:
Now yoga is being used as a natural substitute to medication as some yoga disciplines are centered on breath control which many asthma sufferers are finding beneficial to their condition and overall well-being. Nutritional supplements and good diet will help improve the immune response and the overall health of the patients. A good nutritional diet will also help improve the immune system but the importance of the asthma patient managing their condition should not be underestimated. Article Two In a relatively short space of time, asthma has become one of the most serious health conditions around the world; each year sees a further increase in the number of people affected. Causing the airways to close up in reaction to allergens in the atmosphere, asthma is a chronic condition that can at least be treated. This is a respiratory condition that when not treated properly can easily result in death, if the attack is not attended to in time or is severe. Keeping a constant check on their condition is the most important step for an asthma sufferer. The severity and frequency of attacks will determine the course of treatment and these fit into three broad categories: *The prevention of attacks *Relief medication for minor attacks *Providing treatment for when serious attacks occur Fortunately for patients with only mild version of the condition, a Bronchodilator will be used to provide short term relief; this will be the only form of medication that mild asthmatics will probably ever need to use. For patients with frequent but still mild attacks then a low-dose glucocorticoid or a leukotriene modifier should be all that is required as well as a standard Bronchodilator. Those who experience serious asthma attacks will require a stronger treatment with oral glucocorticoids. A standard reliever or ‘Bronchodilator' will still be used in addition to any other medication they may have prescribed. After a period of time most asthmatics will have learned to recognize what events trigger the attacks. They will then be able to avoid these triggers and this should lessen if not completely stop the attacks. Medical science has now confirmed that the poorer the air quality the greater the chance that this and other respiratory problems will occur. Medications available over the counter and from the doctor can be very useful but should not be relied upon; serious side effects can be caused by long term use of medication and the stronger the treatment, the worse the problems can be, for example: *Constantly fatigued *Feeling dizzy *Loss of interest in sex *Feelings of sadness *Damage to the liver and sometimes other organs Increasingly patients with respiratory conditions are opting for more natural remedies that do not have side-effects. These are formulated to treat the condition and not the effects. The drugs used contain a catalyst which is designed to soothe and reduce the hyperactivity experienced by the body during an attack and thereby, strengthening it. The same effect is sought by the natural medications but by using organic ingredients that have no side-effects. Breathing techniques such as pranayam, buteyko and yoga practices are also helpful to asthma sufferers as they naturally help the breathing and the general well-being of patients. Complementary medicines are proving popular as they do not leave dangerous drug residues in the system. Natural medication can also be used that will not leave harmful chemicals in the system; it is most important that the sufferer learns to control their asthma condition. Article Three In recent years, asthma has become a significant health problem worldwide; part of this concern is the increasing number of young people who are being diagnosed with the condition. For sufferers of asthma, this chronic condition is serious as they have difficulty breathing when their air passages react adversely to atmospheric and other allergens. Sudden attacks can happen to even the best prepared individual and severe attacks can kill. Initially, the asthma sufferers should carry out strict observation and a diary of when the attacks occur. Once the severity of the condition is know there are three main ways to treat it: *Preventative medications *Relief medication for minor attacks *Emergency treatment Fortunately for patients with only mild version of the condition, a Bronchodilator will be used to provide short term relief; fortunately, for a large number of asthmatics no other medication other than this will be required. Other medication is available for patients who have mild but frequent attacks like a mastcell stabilizer or leukotriene modifier. In severe asthma cases, oral glucocorticoids may be added to these treatments during attacks. A standard reliever or ‘Bronchodilator' will still be used in addition to any other medication they may have prescribed. The asthmatics themselves must also recognize just what situations or conditions trigger their attacks then they will be able to avoid those situations. This particular respiratory problem has become to be recognized as a condition that is most associated with poor air quality and the reason why city dwellers are more likely to suffer. While the medications can sometimes help control the symptoms, they are often a temporary measure and do not address the root cause; prescription drugs may also cause serious side effects such as: *Feelings of constant tiredness *Dizzy spells *No sexual interest *Depression *Damage to the liver More and more patients who suffer with a respiratory condition are choosing natural medicines that address the root cause, over pharmaceutical drugs that trick the body's immune response system. The purpose of the medication is to settle the body's hyperactivity which is caused as a result of the attack. It also helps soothe the effects by using a catalyst. However, the natural medications that are used contain natural catalysts which do not cause any side-effects and help restore the body's equilibrium. Some yoga disciplines are based around breathing techniques and now many asthma sufferers are using these techniques to control their situation and improve their health. Drugs can leave residues which complementary therapies do not and the immune system can be strengthened by nutritional supplements. The main focus however, should be on the asthma patient learning to control their own condition.
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