How To Manage Asthma Effectively

Can it be prevented? We can’t prevent asthma, however we can take steps to control the disease and prevent its symptoms. There is no cure for asthma, but once it is diagnosed, it can be managed with a proper treatment plan.  We can also avoid the triggers for an asthma attack once we have identified them. Read this to understand more http://www.patientsengage.com/conditions/asthma/causes-risk-factors

There are different aspects to management of asthma Treatment: http://www.patientsengage.com/conditions/asthma/treatments Food and nutrition There’s no special asthma diet. Avoid foods that exacerbate asthma symptoms. Some research suggests the following may help. You can discuss it with your doctor: Diets higher in vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, flavonoids, magnesium, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids may help asthma. Many of these substances are antioxidants, which protect cells from…

Asthma is treated with two types of medicines: Long-term control and quick-relief medicines.  Long-term control medicines help reduce airway inflammation and prevent asthma symptoms. These include: Inhaled corticosteroids: These are the most effective line of treatment for long-term relief of the inflammation and swelling that makes airways sensitive.  Cromolyn: This medicine helps prevent airway inflammation. It is taken using a device called nebulizer. As we breathe in, the…

What tests do you need to have done Medical history and physical examination: The doctor will ask about your family history of asthma and allergy. He will listen to your breathing and look for signs of asthma or allergies. The signs include wheezing, a runny nose or swollen nasal passages, and allergic skin conditions (such as eczema). He may recommend some of the following diagnostic tests: Lung Function test: One example is Spirometry test. In this test, you will take a deep breath and blow…

Types of asthma  Allergic asthma: Allergies can make asthma symptoms worse. So it is best to avoid the things you are allergic to.  Asthma without allergies: Sometimes asthma can be triggered without allergens. For instance, an upper respiratory infection, such as cold and flu, can set off the asthma. Exercise induced asthma: Some otherwise healthy people can develop asthma symptoms only when exercising. Any type of physical exertion or sports leads to coughing, difficulty breathing…

Symptoms include the following: Wheezing: There is a scratchy or whistling sound when you breathe Coughing: Coughing is worse at night or early in the morning, making it hard to sleep Chest tightness or pain: You feel like something is squeezing or sitting on your chest Shortness of breath: This may feel like you can't get air out of your lungs Children may also exhibit the following: Fatigue (your child may slow down or stop playing) Problems feeding or grunting during feeding (infants)…

Are you at risk of developing asthma Are you: Prone to developing allergies (known as Atopy). This is an inherited tendency. Have parents with asthma Had respiratory infections during childhood Exposed to airborne allergens or to viral infections during your chidhood when your immune system was developing Exposed to chemical irritants, industrial dust or pollutants in your workplace What causes or triggers an asthma attack These include: Allergens from dust, animal fur, cockroaches, mould,…

Struggling with air pollution, smog, haze? Nutritionist Kohila Govindaraju recommends how you can load up on antioxidants and water to boost immunity and protect yourself. Whether it is air pollution in North India or haze and rising PSI levels in Singapore, air pollution increases the level of free radicals in the body that attack and damage healthy cells.  Here is how you can load up on antioxidants and water to boost immunity and protect yourself. Think of what our immune…

Asthmatic Sanjeev S from Ahmedabad, India, used to sleep with an oxygen cylinder next to his bed during his school days. But, no longer. He shares his challenges and triumphs, and the three exercises that help him breathe better.  I’ve been asthmatic since a young age. The asthma attack continues on a low level all through the year, but flares up when certain triggers are present. For example, smoke, smells, dust, certain foods like maize (corn) and yoghurt etc. Change…

Urdhwahastottansana opens up the chest, improves blood circulation around the thoracic area and the heart and is beneficial for respiratory disorders, hypertension and heart problems Meaning Urdhwa means upward, hasta is hands, uttana is stretching and asana is posture. Benefits of Urdhwahastottansana 1. This asana stretches both sides of the body, so it massages, loosens and exercises the sides of the ribcage and the waist 2. Opens up the chest 3. Improves blood circulation around the…