Managing you asthma

Of all the respiratory problems around the world it is asthma which has become the number one concern; it is also a worry because the increase in the number affected has happened over a short time period. 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. 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.

There are ways to reduce the risks of attacks though by carefully monitoring the condition which is the responsibility of the asthma sufferer on a daily basis. Once the severity of the condition is know there are three main ways to treat it; carrying out preventative measures, treating small attacks and dealing with serious life threatening attacks.

Whilst all sufferers will be given some form of Bronchodilator to help with short term relief for attacks, patients who only have a mild form will probably never need to use anything else. For people with mild persistent attacks, low-dose glucocorticoids, a mastcell stabilizer or leukotriene modifiers are to be taken in addition to relievers. In severe asthma cases, oral glucocorticoids may be added to these treatments during attacks.

It is also important that asthmatics learn what actually triggers an attack so they are able to stay clear of the triggers and possibly stop attacks completely. The problem is now believed to be made worse as a result primarily of atmospheric pollution which tends to be found in industrial areas and cities.

Any medication is designed to relieve attacks but long term use can cause detrimental side-effects like fatigue, frequent dizzy spells, impotence, liver damage and depression. 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.

Every attack causes the body to become weak due to the stress placed upon it, so the drugs used have a catalyst to help calm the body down and make it stronger. By using natural medication, the side-effects are eliminated because they contain natural catalysts to soothe the body and restore it to a calm state.

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. Ultimately, the most important factor is the asthma patient learning to manage their own condition.