Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Asthma - Breathe Easier
Asthma is a serious medical condition involving the bronchial tubes (the tubes that allow air to travel to the lungs). Someone who has asthma has trouble breathing normally because the muscles of the bronchial tubes have irregular spasms. These spasms actually block the flow of air to the lungs. Other than difficulty breathing, asthma causes such problems as: an increase in pulse rate (heartbeat), dry coughing, feelings of tightness in the chest cavity, and excessive wheezing (a whistling sound caused by air moving through irregularly narrowed airways).
There are two types of asthma. Extrinsic asthma is a type of asthma that is caused by taking in (usually through inhaling) external things that irritate the body. Things that cause extrinsic asthma include: normal allergies (dust partials or animal hair), everyday pollution, smoking or being around smokers, being near certain industrial or household chemicals, or even taking aspirin. Intrinsic asthma is a type of asthma that is caused by internal problems. Things that cause intrinsic asthma include: emotional trauma, doing strenuous physical activity or exercise, upper respiratory infections, and gastro-esophageal reflux (damage the lining of the esophagus).
Asthma can be a life threatening issue if it is not properly treated. An asthma attacks can be short lived or last for days. Some people have seasonal asthma caused by changes in weather and pollen in the air. Extrinsic asthma can be controlled in different ways. You can reduce dust and chemical levels around your house and work. Special pillows and bed sheets are made to protect your bed from many allergens. This can help asthma sufferers sleep better. Stay away from dairy products, as that they have been proven to constrict the bronchial tubes even further in people with asthma.
If you have asthma you should talk to a medical professional. Things such as inhalers or medications can be prescribed. Caffeine has been shown to help fend off asthma in some cases. If you have an asthma attack without your medication, coffee may help. Unfortunately, people with intrinsic asthma tend to not respond as well to medical treatment as those with extrinsic asthma. Although, people younger than forty, will not usually develop intrinsic asthma.
There are two types of asthma. Extrinsic asthma is a type of asthma that is caused by taking in (usually through inhaling) external things that irritate the body. Things that cause extrinsic asthma include: normal allergies (dust partials or animal hair), everyday pollution, smoking or being around smokers, being near certain industrial or household chemicals, or even taking aspirin. Intrinsic asthma is a type of asthma that is caused by internal problems. Things that cause intrinsic asthma include: emotional trauma, doing strenuous physical activity or exercise, upper respiratory infections, and gastro-esophageal reflux (damage the lining of the esophagus).
Asthma can be a life threatening issue if it is not properly treated. An asthma attacks can be short lived or last for days. Some people have seasonal asthma caused by changes in weather and pollen in the air. Extrinsic asthma can be controlled in different ways. You can reduce dust and chemical levels around your house and work. Special pillows and bed sheets are made to protect your bed from many allergens. This can help asthma sufferers sleep better. Stay away from dairy products, as that they have been proven to constrict the bronchial tubes even further in people with asthma.
If you have asthma you should talk to a medical professional. Things such as inhalers or medications can be prescribed. Caffeine has been shown to help fend off asthma in some cases. If you have an asthma attack without your medication, coffee may help. Unfortunately, people with intrinsic asthma tend to not respond as well to medical treatment as those with extrinsic asthma. Although, people younger than forty, will not usually develop intrinsic asthma.
