People who have asthma and acid reflux often find themselves in some kind of medical trouble every now and then. Studies show that asthma and acid reflux interact in such a way that the acid reflux often makes the asthma attack more often and more severe, as compared to people who do not have asthma and acid reflux at the same time.
People with Asthma and Acid Reflux Often Have More Attacks of Both Diseases
As of now, a conclusive study of this situation is yet to be conducted. Medical professionals and scientists still don’t have any concrete explanations on how these two types of diseases interact with each other and cause more attacks.
However, in some studies conducted where researchers and medical professionals tried to inject acid into the gullets of people who have asthma, it was noted that the patients who participated in the experiment had more severe asthma attacks than what they usually have. In some cases, the patient suffered simultaneous attacks of asthma and acid reflux that they find it more difficult to breath without any pulmonary aids.
In explaining the phenomenon why those people with asthma and acid reflux have more severe attacks of both diseases, some scientists ventured into saying that when a person has an asthma attack, there is a change in the pressure in the chest of the patient which altered their breathing patterns. As the asthma and acid reflux patient labor to breath, liquid from the stomach is forced to travel in the direction towards the esophagus. Acid may travel with the liquid from the stomach towards the esophagus causing that burning sensation in the throat.
As the person having as asthma attack continues to breath laboriously, he or she will force more liquid into the esophagus causing more discomfort. In some instances, the patient will fell added pressure in the chest area as he or she starts to get heartburns too.
How to Prevent Asthma and Acid Reflux
Both asthma and acid reflux are chronic diseases which are triggered by certain things such as food, smoke and the general lifestyle of the patient. To prevent asthma and acid reflux attacks, the patient should start paying attention to what he or she will eat or drink. Note that acid reflux is usually triggered by caffeine, too much oil and strong flavors in the food. On the other hand, asthma may be triggered by allergens and non-allergens in the food and the environment. For a person suffering from both of these ailments, finding out what triggers these diseases can help with a cure.
January 4th, 2007
For many people an episode of asthma may be triggered by outside factors, like allergens that present in their air around them. Allergies vary by person, but a common asthma allergy is pet dander. Dander is another word for the dead skin that flakes off of an animal’s body on a daily basis. Humans go through this shedding process as well, but are often not allergic to their own skin cells.
If the asthma allergy is not severe, it might be managed by vacuuming frequently to remove pet danger from any carpets or other surfaces and brushing the animal daily to remove any dander trapped in its coat. Another option, in warmer weather might be to open a window and increase air circulation in the room.
Allergens tend to build up in the air when there is no circulation. However, this method also requires frequent cleaning of the room because, if there are dander particles resting on surfaces of the room, increasing circulation may only serve to stir up these particles into the air which would exacerbate the asthma allergy.
Although many people consider pets to be a part of their family, it may be necessary to let the animal go to a new home if the problem persists or becomes more severe. Prolonged exposure to the allergen could have damaging effects on the asthmatic’s respiratory system.
Hidden Danger in Yard Work
Some asthmatics suffer from an allergic reaction to pollen, grass, and other plants found in their own back yard. Since these items are most prevalent in the spring and summer months, it may be difficult for someone with this asthma allergy to engage in normal activities during these months.
To help a loved one manage this problem, one might use a lawn mower that collects its own clippings, so as to minimize the cut grass the asthmatic is exposed to. They might also remove any weeds or pollen producing plants from the yard. This may not eliminate the problem altogether but anything that can lessen the effects of the allergen and help the asthmatic breathe more easily is beneficial.
Naturally, it is not recommended that a person with this type of asthma allergy work in any type of field that requires extended periods of time exposed to these elements, such as gardening or landscaping. Prolonged exposure could trigger an asthma attack, thus it all comes down to figuring out what asthma triggers to avoid.
January 2nd, 2007
An asthma diagnosis can be a scary thing. The first thing you need to understand is that you are not alone in dealing with your asthma. More than 20 million people in the United States are managing an asthma condition. The good news is that with your doctor’s care and a comprehensive asthma action plan, you can be on the road to taking control of your asthma and effectively managing your symptoms. The key is going to be in the type of plan that you develop. A good asthma action plan should be discussed through a partnership between you as the patient and your doctor.
Step One: Monitoring Your Symptoms
The first part of your asthma action plan should be a method to monitor your asthma symptoms. This can be done a couple of different ways. The first way is to evaluate signs of your asthma on a daily basis. The other is to use a peak flow device that will give you an indication of how well you are blowing air out of your lungs. The peak flow monitor is usually an inexpensive plastic tool that can prove to be invaluable part of your asthma action plan.
Whichever method you and your doctor decide is best for you, the important part is to perform your evaluation daily. This will train you in your awareness of your symptoms so that you can quickly recognize when you need to change or intensify your asthma treatment. You can keep a chart that will track your symptoms, treatments and possible triggers every day. Not only will this help you treat your asthma more effectively, it will also give you peace of mind in knowing that you are taking control of your condition.
Step Two: Avoid Triggers
Once you have a good idea of what triggers your asthma, the next step of your asthma action plan should be to avoid those triggers as much as possible. If your asthma is brought on by viruses like colds, you know that you should step up treatment at the first sign of a sniffle. If the trigger is an allergic reaction to something, you can avoid the item that gives you trouble or talk to your doctor about treating allergies to things that you simply cannot avoid. In extreme cases of allergy-induces asthma, your doctor might recommend immunotherapy to cure you of your allergies.
Step Three: Medications
There are two types of medications that asthma sufferers can consider. One is a preventative therapy that involves a medication to control the inflammation of the bronchial tubes. This is generally a steroidal treatment, and is often given by inhaler. The other type of medication that is often prescribed for asthma patients is to treat severe symptoms or “attacks.” These are also usually done by inhaler, but can include oral steroids. The good news is that there are many effective treatments for asthma. With a good asthma action plan in place you will have the confidence to know what type of treatment you need and when you need it.
December 31st, 2006
Asthma is a serious disease, but can be easily treated with medication. There are 2 major types of asthma medication: asthma controller medication, and rescue medication.
Controller Asthma Medicine
Asthma controller medicine is used for people suffering from severe asthma. Controller medicine is a long-term medicine that is used to prevent, or control, the occurrence of asthma symptoms. Asthma controller medicines come in 2 main categories: anti-inflammatory, and bronchodilators.
Anti-inflammatory asthma medicine reduces the swelling and mucus production in the lungs brought on by a reaction to irritants. These irritants can be allergies, smoke, stress, strenuous activity, or certain foods. Anti-inflammatory asthma medicine can be administered orally with a pill, or with an inhaler containing a corticosteroid. Anti-inflammatory asthma medicine can greatly reduce the severity and frequency of asthma attacks.
Bronchodilators are asthma medications that help relax the muscles around the airways that tend to restrict and cause asthma attacks. Bronchodilators can be inhaled twice daily, or taken orally with a pill or syrup.
Rescue Asthma Medicine
Rescue asthma medicines provide quick, temporary relief, from sudden asthma attacks. These medicines are usually used by mild asthma sufferers, for those severe asthma flare ups. There are two types of rescue asthma medicines: short acting bronchodilators, and anticholinergics.
Short-acting bronchodilators relax the muscles quickly to relieve asthma symptoms. Once taken, the short-acting bronchodilators can ease the asthma symptoms in under 20 minutes.
Anticholinergic asthma medicine works by blocking the creation of mucus build up in the airways. This aides your breathing by keeping a potentially dangerous situation from getting worse. When the airway becomes swollen due to irritation, mucus can cause the airways to become completely blocked, cutting off all airflow. Anticholinergic asthma medicine keeps that mucus from forming in the first place.
Treating Your Asthma
Asthma sufferers can breathe easier with the medicines available on the market. Asthma medicines come in inhalers, pills, and in some cases, shots. Asthma doesn’t have to be a life threatening disease; you can control your asthma, and reduce the chances of an attack simply by taking your medication. Ask your doctor what asthma medications are right for you and your specific severity of asthma.
Every year, there are more advances in the treatment of asthma. Do some research and read up on the disease. Knowing about your condition and how to treat it in addition to medication can help you live a full life, without the restrictions brought on by asthma.
December 29th, 2006
To reverse the constriction of bronchi, which results in great difficulty in breathing and is known as asthma, use may be made of asthma medications. These are anti-asthmatic drugs that may be sub-divided into relievers, symptom controllers, as well as preventers. How they are used depends on the method of action as well as duration.
The first of the widely used asthma medications are known as relievers, which includes salbutamol or terbutaline. These are two substances which have been designed to dilate the smooth muscle of the bronchi to allow air to flow freely, and are usually found in a blue inhaler.
When breathing becomes difficult, the patient needs to inhale receptors, and the best method to do so is to take a puff and wait for a minute before taking the next puff. This makes it possible to allow the bigger airways to dilate and the drug, when it gets to the smaller airways, does so on the second puff and alleviates the asthmatic condition. However, continuous use makes the airways of the lungs desensitized to the action of such preventers.
Symptom Controllers & Preventers
Symptom controllers are similar to preventers and are used as asthma medication, even though they have much longer sidechains. These controllers include salmeterol, formoterol and bambuterol, which are all long-acting agonists. Another asthma medication is the asthma preventer, which may be some corticosteroids that are inhaled or taken by oral means and work through the alteration of the production of chemicals that result in an asthmatic response.
The number of corticosteroids is many and includes beclomethasone, budesonide, fluticasone, dexamethasone and prednisolone which are mostly brown-colored inhalers that are marketed under names such as Becotide, Flixotide and Pulmicort. However, these products do give the patient side effects such as redistribution of fat, increased appetite, blood glucose problems, as well as putting on extra weight and may also result in thinning of the skin, decreased immunity and slower healing as well as osteoporosis.
Asthma medications such as these preventers, due to their side effects, require that the dose of corticosteroid be reduced greatly and the patient need take only the least amount required. This is reason enough to use inhaled steroids for prevention since they target the lungs more than oral preparations. Such asthma medications should be used with great care, and only the minimum amount should be used and in least frequency, which means that taking four puffs twice daily is better than two puffs four times in a day.
December 27th, 2006
The treatment of patients with asthma has been considerably transformed with the advent of the asthma inhaler. This inhaler can be used to enable children as well as adults to get medicine directly into the lungs, anytime and anywhere. There are many different types of asthma inhalers that can be used to help relieve as well as control symptoms of asthma, and two common types are metered-dose inhalers and the dry powder asthma inhaler.
Just One Part of Asthma Treatment
Utilizing the asthma inhaler is but a part of the treatment plan that may also require checking the lung function with the help of a peak flow meter as well as to get rid of asthma triggers. Knowing about the asthma inhaler that is available for use as well as knowing how to use them will help manage the asthma and get the best from the available treatment plan. The metered-dose inhaler uses a chemical propellant to get the medication out of the inhaler which may require squeezing or direct inhalation. The dry powder inhalers do not contain chemical propellants to force out the medication from the inhaler but rather releases when inhaled and it is faster than the metered-dose inhaler.
The asthma inhaler is used to provide the asthmatic with different asthma medications. Some of these medications are for long-term control, while others provide instant relief. Inhaled asthma medications include: short-acting bronchodilators, long acting bronchodilators, corticosteroids, cromolyn or nedocromil and corticosteroids plus long- acting bronchodilators.
The basic working of the asthma inhaler is, in the case of metered-dose inhalers, by using a pressurized canister that can be squeezed at the top which causes a fine mist to be released. There are also some metered-dose inhalers that do not require squeezing because they are breath actuated and one may place one’s lips on or near the mouthpiece of the inhaler to inhale the mist.
In the case of the dry powder inhaler, one must place the lips on the mouthpiece and inhale faster than in the case of the metered-dose inhaler and the dry powder inhaler is often considered as being easier to use than the metered-dose inhaler due to hand-lung coordination not being required. Whichever type of inhaler a person uses, it is important that it be used properly to make the medication more effective and often, there may be some difficulty experienced when taking asthma medication regularly, more so in the case of corticosteroids.
December 25th, 2006
If you have asthma you should stay active, as it is good for the health and well-being. In some cases, physical exertion caused by exercising may trigger an attack of asthma, and managing this should form a part of any asthma management plan. Asthma exercise is good for a person, since regularly exercising will help manage asthmatic conditions. One should spare some time for asthma exercise, as it would lead to a healthier and more active lifestyle. There should be nothing stopping a person suffering asthma from participating in almost every sport or exercise.
Asthma exercise should be avoided if the asthmatic condition is out of control, one has a cold or flu, or the peak flow meter reading is lower than eighty percent of the normal best. One should remember that asthma exercise is an important part of a person’s life, and controlling the amount is more necessary in cases where it causes asthmatic attacks. Breathing exercises are helpful for the person having asthma, and one may get guidance from a doctor or practitioner and plan the asthma exercise routine under their supervision.
Breathing Exercises That Help Improve the Strength of the Diaphragm
There are certain breathing exercises that can be used by asthmatics, and these include benefits like improving the strength of the diaphragm, getting more air into the lungs, helping to bring up deep-seated mucus as well as keeping the lungs and chest walls mobile. Asthma exercise helps to strengthen the breathing muscles, boosts the immune system, as well as helps keep the body weight healthy.
These benefits go a long way in helping improve asthma in patients, and the key to asthma exercise is to make sure that the asthma is already under control before starting the asthma exercise routine. It is a well-known fact that even people with asthma may exercise. and there are many famous athletes that have managed their asthma successfully in the sport of their choosing.
Before undertaking asthma exercise, one should remember to keep the blue rescue inhaler on hand at all times and to check that the asthmatic condition is under control, as doing an asthma exercise when the condition is not under control may prove to be dangerous.
One should also take medication as directed, and in case one experiences difficulty in breathing, use should be made of the rescue medicine such as the blue inhaler. In addition, one should properly warm up and cool down before and after the asthma exercise routine, remember to protect oneself from asthma triggers, and to also stop exercising in case the symptoms show up while exercising.
December 23rd, 2006
Asthma is a lung disease that is annoying and can be fatal if not treated. Asthma can be controlled with the proper treatment and medication. Asthmatics can live a long life despite this restricting disease.
Asthma is more than a reaction brought about by running too fast. Asthma is a disease that causes the airways to spasm, or constrict due to a reaction to irritants. If you’re allergic to pollen, pet hair, smoke, or freshly cut grass and you have asthma, you are more likely to have an asthma attack.
Asthma doesn’t have to be a debilitating disease; you can live a full life if you get treatment. Many people with asthma want to know if there is a cure. Is there an asthma cure? Can you be rid of asthma attacks for good?
Treatment Through Medication
Unfortunately, there is no asthma cure. Fortunately, asthma can be treated with medication supplied by your doctor. There are two main types of asthma medication: anti-inflammatory, and bronchodilators.
Anti-inflammatory asthma medication is a steroid that is delivered to the airway through an inhaler. The steroid (corticosteroid) acts as an airway strengthener, decreasing mucus production, and reducing the swelling caused by a reaction to irritants.
Bronchodilators relax the lining of the bronchial tubes allowing more air to flow through. During an asthma attack, the airways swell and constrict which makes taking a breath much harder. While there is no asthma cure, you can control your asthma with medication to a point where you can live as if you don’t have asthma at all.
Treatment Through Lifestyle Changes
If you have asthma that is triggered by environment irritants, you can treat your asthma by simply avoiding those irritants. This isn’t an asthma cure, but it is a practical method of relief. Being allergic to pollen doesn’t mean avoiding all plant life; it means staying inside during high pollen days, or taking an OTC allergy medicine. If you’re allergic to pets, just don’t hang around animals. If you’re allergic to smoke, avoid coming in contact with a smoker, places that allow smoking, and BBQs.
If your asthma is triggered by strenuous activity, you don’t have to cut back on your fun; simply cut back on having too much fun. For example, instead of running a mile in 6 minutes, take your time and jog it in 15. If you have problems climbing the stairs, take the elevator. If you have problems vacuuming the floor or doing normal chores, find someone who can help you.
Not Asthma Cures, Asthma Control
Because there is no cure for asthma, many people see asthma as a death sentence. Asthma doesn’t have to be the end of life; it just signals a need to change your lifestyle. Controlling asthma is as easy as learning what your triggers are and dealing with them.
December 21st, 2006
Pregnancy is the most wonderful time for most women. It is also a time that tends to be filled with concern and worry for that new life that you are wholly responsible for. If you suffer from asthma, your concern for your unborn baby might be even higher. After all, if you experience an asthma attack where your oxygen intake is lowered, how will that reduction of oxygen affect your child?
Your concerns are justified, since asthma during pregnancy can provide additional risk for you and your baby. The good news is that asthma can usually be effectively controlled during your pregnancy, greatly increasing the probability that you will carry your baby for a healthy nine-month term.
Asthma Medication During Pregnancy
Most expectant mothers worry about any and all medications that they must take during pregnancy. If you have daily medicines that you take to control your asthma, you might be tempted to stop using them for fear of harming your baby. Most of the time, your fear is unfounded. Many medications that are used to treat asthma are safe to use during pregnancy.
A much greater risk would be to go off of your medication and suffer from severe asthma attacks as a result during your pregnancy. Still, you should talk to your doctor about the medications that you are taking. The best time to do this is before you get pregnant, but this is not always a possible scenario. The most important thing to remember is that you should not stop current prescriptions or begin new therapies until you have checked with your doctor as to the safety and effectiveness of each medication.
How Asthma Affects Women During Pregnancy
It is hard to predict how asthma might affect your pregnancy. The odds are split fairly even. For about a third of expectant moms, asthma symptoms became worse during pregnancy. Another third found an improvement in asthma symptoms and the rest saw no real difference. If your asthma was mild before your pregnancy began, the odds are in your favor for having a healthy pregnancy with few asthma problems throughout.
If you do find that your asthma seems to be harder to control during your pregnancy, you will probably experience the most severe symptoms during the last trimester. The good news is that asthma attacks during labor and delivery are rare, and most asthma symptoms will return to normal within about three months of the birth of your baby.
December 19th, 2006
Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions in the United States. Estimates show that over than 20 million people struggle daily with the ongoing symptoms of asthma.
For some, the condition will worsens and becomes so persistent that the patient is eventually diagnosed with asthmatic bronchitis. This disease will occur when an asthma sufferer also falls prey to bronchitis.
With a case of asthmatic bronchitis, the condition of the airways has deteriorated to the point that airflow is obstructed and even with the use of daily asthma medications and preventative care. The patient becomes unable to get rid of the mucous that has built up in the respiratory tract.
Still no one really knows why some asthma sufferers develop asthmatic bronchitis. Some theories include factors such as exposure to cigarette smoke or other environmental toxins.
The Symptoms
One of the symptoms of asthmatic bronchitis is a very tight cough that may or may not be accompanied by mucous production. Since the typical asthma cough is generally a dry and non-productive cough, if you have asthma and begin coughing up mucous or sputum you should contact your doctor right away.
Other symptoms might include a feeling of being out of breath and a general tightness in the chest. It may even become painful to take a breath. You may have episodes of wheezing or trouble with a cough that keeps you up at night. It is possible you might see a pattern of recurring infection. All of these symptoms can indicate asthmatic bronchitis, and you should contact your doctor right away to find out about treatment.
Choices for Treatment
Treatment for this asthmatic bronchitis can include inhaled medications that work both for relief of present symptoms and prevention of further symptoms. It may also include oral steroid and antibiotic medications to fight infection.
If you are a smoker, your doctor will probably want you to quit smoking as soon as possible, since this habit will absolutely exacerbate your symptoms.
Also you might also want to try a humidifier in your bedroom if you live in a dry climate. The moist air will help to loosen the mucous that has settled in your bronchial tubes, making it easier to cough it out. Your doctor should monitor your symptoms carefully, since complications like severe pneumonia and sinusitis can result and require hospitalization.
Sometimes severe cases of asthmatic bronchitis themselves will require hospitalization to get the symptoms of the disease under control. The good news is that with your doctor’s help, you can successfully treat and overcome your asthmatic bronchitis.
December 17th, 2006
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