FAQ’S IN COPD
The questions and answers below should give you an understanding of what steps you can take to help you feel better.
Is there a special type of diet I should follow?The best diet to follow is a healthy one. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Eat little meals often and avoid heavy meals, which can make breathing even more difficult. And if you're having trouble sleeping, consider cutting back on caffeine.
How often should I visit my doctor?It's a good idea to see your doctor regularly. If your condition worsens or you feel as though your medicine isn't working as well as it should, see your doctor.
Is it okay to exercise?Even minimal activity is good for you. It may actually improve your overall strength and endurance. So why not try some walking, dancing, and stretching exercises? Before you start an exercise program, talk to your doctor.
Do I need to maintain a certain weight to keep healthy?Yes, it's important to maintain a healthy weight, especially if you have COPD. Added pounds can increase the work your heart and lungs need to do. And excess weight around the abdomen may constrict the diaphragm, making it difficult to fully expand the lungs.
On the other hand, losing too much weight can reduce the body's muscle mass, including the respiratory muscles, making breathing more difficult. In addition, the increased energy it takes to breathe requires more calories than you may be getting. So the cycle of weight loss and muscle wasting continues.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
TIPS FOR QUITTING SMOKING...
Tips for quitting
Talk with your family, including your children, as well as friends and coworkers, to make quitting easier. Share your goals with them and enlist their help and understanding.
Talk with your doctor or other healthcare professional and follow his or her instructions.
Make a list of people you can lean on to help support you through different situations.
Throw away any cigarettes, tobacco, lighters, or ashtrays that may tempt you. DON'T keep anything hidden "just in case."
Avoid reminders of your smoking days.
Opt for nonsmoking areas as much as possible.
Focus on not smoking one day at a time—don't worry about tomorrow, next month, or next year.
Review your progress often and congratulate yourself.
Reward yourself by investing the money you save from not buying cigarettes or tobacco.
Remember, just one cigarette can undo all your hard work. So try hard to fight any cravings.
Refuse to give up.
Remember why you want to stop smoking.
http://www.cancer.org/The American Cancer Society Web site includes information about smoking and prevention and cessation programs. The Prevention and Early Detection section highlights smoking as a leading cause of many cancers.
http://www.nci.nih.govThe National Cancer Institute (NCI) Web site provides information about how the NCI coordinates the government's cancer research program. It details information on cancer, smoking risks, and the benefits of quitting.
http://www.lungusa.org/The American Lung Association, which conducts programs addressing smoking cessation, prevention, and the protection of nonsmokers' health, has a Web site that provides a variety of educational materials for the public and healthcare professionals.
http://www.quitnet.comQuitNet® helps smokers kick their nicotine addiction; providing tools, information, and support for people quitting smoking.
There are many things you can do to feel better and enjoy more of life's simple joys.
Keep a positive attitude.COPD doesn't need to stop you from taking time each day for friends, family, and hobbies. Spending time doing the things you love with people you love will help you feel better.
Quit smoking.It's the most important lifestyle change you can make to improve your condition.
Build a relationship with your doctor.Discussing your symptoms with your doctor can be a key step toward feeling better. He or she can help create a treatment plan that's right for you.
Learn to relax.Never rush. Pay attention to how you feel and don't overdo it.
Eat well and exercise.A healthy lifestyle will increase your overall strength and endurance, not to mention improve your mood. Work with your doctor to create an exercise and diet plan that's right for you.
Keep a journal.Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be very therapeutic.
Find a hobby.Take up photography, knitting, or bird-watching. Learning something new may help you stay positive.
Listen to music.Country, jazz, or rock 'n' roll. Whatever keeps your toes tapping.
Breathe with pursed-lips.Breathe in normally, but slowly, through your nose, with your mouth closed. Pucker, or "purse," your lips as if you were going to whistle. Breathe out slowly through your pursed lips.
Stay close to friends and loved ones.Just feeling connected can give you peace of mind.
Take one day at a time.Living in the moment can help you keep a perspective on things.
Just knowing that other people understand what you are going through can help you have a better perspective. And even make you feel better. We’ve compiled a list of Web sites that can connect you to support groups for people who have COPD.
Note: The Web sites below are external to GlaxoSmithKline. GlaxoSmithKline does not possess editorial control over the content of the information provided in the Web sites below and therefore does not warrant their accuracy and completeness.
Web sites
American Lung Associationhttp://www.lungusa.org
COPD-ALERThttp://www.copd-alert.com
EFFORTS—Emphysema Foundation for OurRight to Survivehttp://www.emphysema.net
National Emphysema COPD Association (NECA)http://www.NECAcommunity.org
The National Emphysema Foundationhttp://www.emphysemafoundation.org
National Home Oxygen Patients Association (NHOPA)http://www.homeoxygen.org
National Lung Health Education Programhttp://www.nlhep.org
Pulmonary Education and Research Foundation (PERF)http://www.perf2ndwind.org
Setting Priorities for Retirement Years (SPRY) Foundationhttp://www.spry.org
Talk with your family, including your children, as well as friends and coworkers, to make quitting easier. Share your goals with them and enlist their help and understanding.
Talk with your doctor or other healthcare professional and follow his or her instructions.
Make a list of people you can lean on to help support you through different situations.
Throw away any cigarettes, tobacco, lighters, or ashtrays that may tempt you. DON'T keep anything hidden "just in case."
Avoid reminders of your smoking days.
Opt for nonsmoking areas as much as possible.
Focus on not smoking one day at a time—don't worry about tomorrow, next month, or next year.
Review your progress often and congratulate yourself.
Reward yourself by investing the money you save from not buying cigarettes or tobacco.
Remember, just one cigarette can undo all your hard work. So try hard to fight any cravings.
Refuse to give up.
Remember why you want to stop smoking.
http://www.cancer.org/The American Cancer Society Web site includes information about smoking and prevention and cessation programs. The Prevention and Early Detection section highlights smoking as a leading cause of many cancers.
http://www.nci.nih.govThe National Cancer Institute (NCI) Web site provides information about how the NCI coordinates the government's cancer research program. It details information on cancer, smoking risks, and the benefits of quitting.
http://www.lungusa.org/The American Lung Association, which conducts programs addressing smoking cessation, prevention, and the protection of nonsmokers' health, has a Web site that provides a variety of educational materials for the public and healthcare professionals.
http://www.quitnet.comQuitNet® helps smokers kick their nicotine addiction; providing tools, information, and support for people quitting smoking.
There are many things you can do to feel better and enjoy more of life's simple joys.
Keep a positive attitude.COPD doesn't need to stop you from taking time each day for friends, family, and hobbies. Spending time doing the things you love with people you love will help you feel better.
Quit smoking.It's the most important lifestyle change you can make to improve your condition.
Build a relationship with your doctor.Discussing your symptoms with your doctor can be a key step toward feeling better. He or she can help create a treatment plan that's right for you.
Learn to relax.Never rush. Pay attention to how you feel and don't overdo it.
Eat well and exercise.A healthy lifestyle will increase your overall strength and endurance, not to mention improve your mood. Work with your doctor to create an exercise and diet plan that's right for you.
Keep a journal.Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be very therapeutic.
Find a hobby.Take up photography, knitting, or bird-watching. Learning something new may help you stay positive.
Listen to music.Country, jazz, or rock 'n' roll. Whatever keeps your toes tapping.
Breathe with pursed-lips.Breathe in normally, but slowly, through your nose, with your mouth closed. Pucker, or "purse," your lips as if you were going to whistle. Breathe out slowly through your pursed lips.
Stay close to friends and loved ones.Just feeling connected can give you peace of mind.
Take one day at a time.Living in the moment can help you keep a perspective on things.
Just knowing that other people understand what you are going through can help you have a better perspective. And even make you feel better. We’ve compiled a list of Web sites that can connect you to support groups for people who have COPD.
Note: The Web sites below are external to GlaxoSmithKline. GlaxoSmithKline does not possess editorial control over the content of the information provided in the Web sites below and therefore does not warrant their accuracy and completeness.
Web sites
American Lung Associationhttp://www.lungusa.org
COPD-ALERThttp://www.copd-alert.com
EFFORTS—Emphysema Foundation for OurRight to Survivehttp://www.emphysema.net
National Emphysema COPD Association (NECA)http://www.NECAcommunity.org
The National Emphysema Foundationhttp://www.emphysemafoundation.org
National Home Oxygen Patients Association (NHOPA)http://www.homeoxygen.org
National Lung Health Education Programhttp://www.nlhep.org
Pulmonary Education and Research Foundation (PERF)http://www.perf2ndwind.org
Setting Priorities for Retirement Years (SPRY) Foundationhttp://www.spry.org
Thursday, April 17, 2008
INHALED STEROIDS IN EMERGENCY REDUCES HOSLPITALISATION..
Inhaled steroids in the accident and emergency department
The article:
Edmonds ML, Camargo CA Jr, Pollack CV Jr, Rowe BH. Early use of inhaled corticosteroids in the accident and emergency department treatment of acute asthma (Cochrane Review). In The Cochrane Library, 1, 2001. Oxford:
The problem:
Can the use of inhaled steroids help patients having asthma attacks when they have to receive treatment in the accident and emergency department?
The study:
This study was a review of clinical trials conducted by the Cochrane Airways Group. The researchers found 6 clinical trials that included 352 adults and children with acute asthma who were treated at the accident and emergency department. Of these patients, 179 were given inhaled steroids and 173 were not. Hospitalisation rates and lung function were compared in the two groups.
The result:
Adults who were not taking concomitant oral steroids had a significantly lower rate of hospitalisations when they were given an inhaled steroid in the accident and emergency department compared to those who did not receive an inhaled steroid. For those who were taking oral steroids before they had to go to the accident and emergency department, the need for hospitalisation was only slightly reduced when they were given inhaled steroids. Those who did get inhaled steroids also had a slight improvement in lung function. There were few adverse effects for either adults or children with the inhaled steroids.
The conclusion:
Inhaled steroids can reduce admissions to hospital for patients with asthma attacks who are not receiving oral steroids. For children, inhaled steroids are at least as effective as oral steroids.In adult patients who have not received systemic steroids, inhaled steroids decreases future admissions to the hospital. There is insufficient evidence that inhaled steroids alone can be used in place of systemic (oral or injected) steroids therapy. While these conclusion may also be true for children, there is insufficient information to confirm it.
I AM PREGNANT ! SHALL I TAKE ASTHMA MEDICINES
THIS IS ONE STUDY DONE DURING PREGNANCY, MANY STUDY'S ARE THERE FOR EASY UNDERSTANDING ,JUST HAVE A LOOK...Asthma and pregnancy
The article:Jadad AR, Sigouin C, Mohide PT, Levine M, Fuentes M. Risk of congenital malformations associated with treatment of asthma during early pregnancy. Lancet 2000; 355; 119.
The problem:
We know little about the risk of birth defects for asthmatic women who continue their asthma treatment during the first 3 months of their pregnancy.
The study:
A group of researchers from McMaster University in Canada did an extensive search for studies on this topic that had been published in medical journals up to February of 1999.They analyzed studies that compared the number of birth defects in babies of women who took asthma treatments during the first 3 months of pregnancy with the number of birth defects in babies of women who did not have asthma.
The result:
The researchers found 3 studies, two from the US and 1 from Sweden.The studies looked at the effects of steroids, Beta2-agonists, theophylline, sodium cromoglycate, antihistamines and decongestants.None of the studies found an increased risk of birth defects in women who took asthma treatment during the first 3 months of their pregnancy.The number of women who received Beta2-agonists in the studies was 668. The biggest study looked at the effects of budesonide, an inhaled steroid, on more than 2000 women.
The conclusion
The authors of the article concluded that more studies with thousands of women are needed to confirm the results of the studies done to date. In the meantime, asthmatic women and their family physicians should be aware that the best available evidence suggests that asthma treatment taken during the first three months of pregnancy does not increase the risk of birth defects.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Is smoking the main cause of COPD?
Smoking is responsible for the vast majority of COPD cases. Cigarette smoke can induce inflammation and directly damage the lungs. It is believed that this inflammation can then lead to COPD.
Smoking cessation is the single most effective—and cost-effective—intervention to reduce the risk of developing COPD.
Smoking cessation is the single most effective—and cost-effective—intervention to reduce the risk of developing COPD.
COPD..AN GIFT FROM CIGARETTE..!
What is COPD?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with COPD, or if you think you may have it, you probably want to know what it is and what you can expect.
COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It's a term for a condition in which the airflow into and out of the lungs is reduced due to chronic bronchitis or emphysema, or a combination of both. It may be comforting to know that you are not alone: an estimated 20 million people know how you feel.
Although there is no cure for COPD, the good news is that it is treatable.
Causes of COPDSmoking causes 80 to 90 percent of all cases of COPD. By quitting smoking, you can reduce the risk for and symptoms of COPD.
COPD has other causes, too, including:
Secondhand smoke
Exposure to air pollution at work and in the outdoor environment
Heredity
Symptoms of COPD associated with chronic bronchitisApproximately 80 percent of people with COPD have symptoms of chronic bronchitis. This disease occurs when the lining of the bronchial tubes becomes inflamed and produces excess mucus that clogs the airways. While many people will suffer a brief episode of acute bronchitis with coughing, chronic bronchitis occurs when a mucus-producing cough lasts for months, or even years.
EmphysemaMany patients with emphysema, a condition caused by the weakening and breaking down of the air sacs at the end of the bronchial tubes, also have chronic bronchitis. ADVAIR DISKUS 250/50 has been proven to work in people with COPD associated with chronic bronchitis, whether or not they also have emphysema. The effectiveness of ADVAIR DISKUS 250/50 in patients with emphysema alone has not been studied.
Common conditions patients with COPD may experienceBecause many patients with COPD are former or current smokers, diseases associated with smoking (for example, heart disease and cancer) are common. If you still smoke, quitting now and visiting your doctor regularly are the best ways to reduce your chances of suffering from these conditions.
COPD may also be associated with decreased bone strength. There are tests your doctor can perform in order to determine whether or not your bones are losing strength.
Additionally, because COPD patients are generally older, they may experience common eye problems like cataracts and glaucoma. It's a good idea to get regular eye exams. Use salt in moderation. Too much sodium can cause you to retain fluids, which can interfere with your breathing. Also, snack healthfully. Prepackaged snack foods like potato chips and cookies typically contain large amounts of salt, fat, and sugar; they also usually have little in the way of nutrients. It's best to eat fresh, healthy foods. Healthy snacks also help keep up your energy. Finally, drink lots of fluids, unless you are told not to by a healthcare professional. Go light on the soft drinks; fruit juices are better choices, and water is best of all. Keeping your body hydrated may help loosen phlegm, mucus, or sputum so that they can be more easily dislodged by coughing.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with COPD, or if you think you may have it, you probably want to know what it is and what you can expect.
COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It's a term for a condition in which the airflow into and out of the lungs is reduced due to chronic bronchitis or emphysema, or a combination of both. It may be comforting to know that you are not alone: an estimated 20 million people know how you feel.
Although there is no cure for COPD, the good news is that it is treatable.
Causes of COPDSmoking causes 80 to 90 percent of all cases of COPD. By quitting smoking, you can reduce the risk for and symptoms of COPD.
COPD has other causes, too, including:
Secondhand smoke
Exposure to air pollution at work and in the outdoor environment
Heredity
Symptoms of COPD associated with chronic bronchitisApproximately 80 percent of people with COPD have symptoms of chronic bronchitis. This disease occurs when the lining of the bronchial tubes becomes inflamed and produces excess mucus that clogs the airways. While many people will suffer a brief episode of acute bronchitis with coughing, chronic bronchitis occurs when a mucus-producing cough lasts for months, or even years.
EmphysemaMany patients with emphysema, a condition caused by the weakening and breaking down of the air sacs at the end of the bronchial tubes, also have chronic bronchitis. ADVAIR DISKUS 250/50 has been proven to work in people with COPD associated with chronic bronchitis, whether or not they also have emphysema. The effectiveness of ADVAIR DISKUS 250/50 in patients with emphysema alone has not been studied.
Common conditions patients with COPD may experienceBecause many patients with COPD are former or current smokers, diseases associated with smoking (for example, heart disease and cancer) are common. If you still smoke, quitting now and visiting your doctor regularly are the best ways to reduce your chances of suffering from these conditions.
COPD may also be associated with decreased bone strength. There are tests your doctor can perform in order to determine whether or not your bones are losing strength.
Additionally, because COPD patients are generally older, they may experience common eye problems like cataracts and glaucoma. It's a good idea to get regular eye exams. Use salt in moderation. Too much sodium can cause you to retain fluids, which can interfere with your breathing. Also, snack healthfully. Prepackaged snack foods like potato chips and cookies typically contain large amounts of salt, fat, and sugar; they also usually have little in the way of nutrients. It's best to eat fresh, healthy foods. Healthy snacks also help keep up your energy. Finally, drink lots of fluids, unless you are told not to by a healthcare professional. Go light on the soft drinks; fruit juices are better choices, and water is best of all. Keeping your body hydrated may help loosen phlegm, mucus, or sputum so that they can be more easily dislodged by coughing.
Why can't people with COPD seem to catch their breath?
When affected areas of the lung become enlarged, they trap "stale" air and don't effectively exchange it with fresh air, causing shortness of breath. Over time the lungs can become badly damaged, leaving fewer functioning areas where air can be exchanged.
When affected areas of the lung become enlarged, they trap "stale" air and don't effectively exchange it with fresh air, causing shortness of breath. Over time the lungs can become badly damaged, leaving fewer functioning areas where air can be exchanged.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
MOM THANK'S FOR GIVING ME ROTAHALER ..! SMILE OF AN KID IS EQUAL TO MILLION FLOWERS..
YOU SEE THE MAGIC OF PREVENTER..
PREVENTERS ARE THE MEDICINES SHOULD TAKEN EVERYDAY..
THAT CONTAINS GLUCO-CORTICO STEROIDS..THAT HEAL YOUR KID'S INFLAMMATION IN ASTHMA ,
PREVENTERS SHOULD BE TAKEN EVERYDAY..IF THE SYMPTOMS PRESENT ARE NOT..IT'S VERY IMPORTANT.
CORTICO STEROIDS ARE ABSOLUETLY VERY SAFE ..SPORT'S MAN USING THE STEROID'S THAT IS ANABOLIC STEROID..GLUCO-CORTICO STEROIDS ARE VERY DIFFERENT THEY ARE NOT AFFECTING THE GROWTH OF YOUR CHILDREN .
SO , KEEP YOUR CHILD'S SMILE FOREVER........
CIPLA THE PIONEER IN RESPIRATORY MEDICINES GUIDE YOU HOW TO MAKE YOUR CHILD SO HAPPY,ROTAHALER DOES IT.WATCH OUR JEETENGE HUM ! VIDEO.
ALSO FOLLOW THIS TO BRING BACK THE SMILE OF YOUR CHILD..!
1. Primary prevention:
o Smoking cessation in parents and future parents
o Encourage breastfeeding
Babies exposed to tobacco smoke are more likely to get asthma. If a woman is exposed to tobacco smoke during pregnancy, her baby may also be more likely to get asthma.
Obesity may be linked to asthma, as well as other health problems.
2. Secondary prevention:
o In committed families different approaches to reduce house dust mite exposure
o Removal of pets from the home is recommended when allergic
o Weight loss for obese patients
3. Many children with asthma miss school days. When this happens, have your child call a friend to ask about the work he or she missed. Doing this both keeps your child's schoolwork current and provides him or her with the social contact that school provides.
4. Children may doubt their ability to participate in sports or band. However, if your child uses his or her medications and keeps asthma symptoms under control, he or she will probably be able to participate in activities.
5. Children may be embarrassed about taking medication at school. It may be less embarrassing if your child can take the medication at home or is allowed to keep the medication with him or her at school. However, at times it may be necessary for your child to go to the school nurse or office to take medication.
6. Children may feel they are different from their peers because of the need to avoid situations that trigger asthma symptoms, such as going to the homes of friends with pets. Inviting those friends to your home can help your child interact with other children. However, visitors may carry pet allergens on their clothing and other items, so be aware that your child may need to increase his or her use of asthma-control medications during such visits.
7. Children may be concerned about having an asthma attack at school or around friends. They may fear that they will die during an attack. If symptoms are controlled daily, children will have fewer, less severe asthma attacks.
Most asthma attacks result from a failure to successfully control asthma with medications. By strictly following your child's doctor's recommendations and correctly giving medication to your child, it is possible to prevent asthma attacks from occurring in most children. This can greatly reduce the impact of asthma on your child's life.
Parents sometimes think that their child's asthma is life-threatening even when it is mild. Many parents of children with asthma believe that asthma can affect their child's emotional well-being. You can work with your health professional to learn ways of dealing with asthma to take away some, if not most, of your and your child's anxiety.
Family therapy, such as counseling, may be helpful to children with asthma. A review of studies showed that peak expiratory flow and daytime wheezing improved in children who had therapy compared with those who didn't and that children showed overall improvement from therapy.
o Smoking cessation in parents and future parents
o Encourage breastfeeding
Babies exposed to tobacco smoke are more likely to get asthma. If a woman is exposed to tobacco smoke during pregnancy, her baby may also be more likely to get asthma.
Obesity may be linked to asthma, as well as other health problems.
2. Secondary prevention:
o In committed families different approaches to reduce house dust mite exposure
o Removal of pets from the home is recommended when allergic
o Weight loss for obese patients
3. Many children with asthma miss school days. When this happens, have your child call a friend to ask about the work he or she missed. Doing this both keeps your child's schoolwork current and provides him or her with the social contact that school provides.
4. Children may doubt their ability to participate in sports or band. However, if your child uses his or her medications and keeps asthma symptoms under control, he or she will probably be able to participate in activities.
5. Children may be embarrassed about taking medication at school. It may be less embarrassing if your child can take the medication at home or is allowed to keep the medication with him or her at school. However, at times it may be necessary for your child to go to the school nurse or office to take medication.
6. Children may feel they are different from their peers because of the need to avoid situations that trigger asthma symptoms, such as going to the homes of friends with pets. Inviting those friends to your home can help your child interact with other children. However, visitors may carry pet allergens on their clothing and other items, so be aware that your child may need to increase his or her use of asthma-control medications during such visits.
7. Children may be concerned about having an asthma attack at school or around friends. They may fear that they will die during an attack. If symptoms are controlled daily, children will have fewer, less severe asthma attacks.
Most asthma attacks result from a failure to successfully control asthma with medications. By strictly following your child's doctor's recommendations and correctly giving medication to your child, it is possible to prevent asthma attacks from occurring in most children. This can greatly reduce the impact of asthma on your child's life.
Parents sometimes think that their child's asthma is life-threatening even when it is mild. Many parents of children with asthma believe that asthma can affect their child's emotional well-being. You can work with your health professional to learn ways of dealing with asthma to take away some, if not most, of your and your child's anxiety.
Family therapy, such as counseling, may be helpful to children with asthma. A review of studies showed that peak expiratory flow and daytime wheezing improved in children who had therapy compared with those who didn't and that children showed overall improvement from therapy.
MOM HELP ME TO BREATH..? GIVE AN NORMAL LIFE TO YOUR CHILD..!
Helping Your Child Live With Asthma
Children with asthma need the help of parents, other caregivers, teachers, and health care professionals to keep their asthma under control.
You can help your child with asthma keep it under control. For example, you can:
Take your child to the doctor for regular checkups and treatment.
Make sure your child has an asthma self-management plan and that you know how to follow it.
Help your child learn about asthma and how to control it.
Help your child learn what things cause his or her asthma symptoms and how to avoid them, if possible.
Protect your child from tobacco smoke by not smoking and not allowing people to smoke in your home.
Find ways to reduce your child's exposure to allergens that bring on asthma attacks, like pollen, dust mites, cockroaches, or animal dander.
Make sure your child knows how to take asthma medicines correctly (if your child is old enough to use an inhaler without your help).
Make sure that your child uses a peak flow master to help monitor and control asthma.
Encourage your child to take part in physical activity. Work together to keep his or her asthma under control. Your child can be active.
Talk to your child's other caregivers, teachers, or coaches about his or her asthma; give them copies of your child's asthma self-management plan.
What could be the most terrible thing than seeing your child out of breath and almost wheezing his/her lungs out for breath.
Gasping for breath is the most common condition for asthma in toddlers.
If you think childhood asthma is terrible, then it is very essential for you to realize that asthma in toddlers is most horrible.
For most of the children who are suffering from asthma, treatment is as necessary as when they were toddlers. So, it is very essential for your kid to get tested for asthma as soon as possible.
Recent study has proved that more than five million children are suffering with asthma, in which 1,73,000 are suffering from severe manifestations.
Children with asthma need the help of parents, other caregivers, teachers, and health care professionals to keep their asthma under control.
You can help your child with asthma keep it under control. For example, you can:
Take your child to the doctor for regular checkups and treatment.
Make sure your child has an asthma self-management plan and that you know how to follow it.
Help your child learn about asthma and how to control it.
Help your child learn what things cause his or her asthma symptoms and how to avoid them, if possible.
Protect your child from tobacco smoke by not smoking and not allowing people to smoke in your home.
Find ways to reduce your child's exposure to allergens that bring on asthma attacks, like pollen, dust mites, cockroaches, or animal dander.
Make sure your child knows how to take asthma medicines correctly (if your child is old enough to use an inhaler without your help).
Make sure that your child uses a peak flow master to help monitor and control asthma.
Encourage your child to take part in physical activity. Work together to keep his or her asthma under control. Your child can be active.
Talk to your child's other caregivers, teachers, or coaches about his or her asthma; give them copies of your child's asthma self-management plan.
What could be the most terrible thing than seeing your child out of breath and almost wheezing his/her lungs out for breath.
Gasping for breath is the most common condition for asthma in toddlers.
If you think childhood asthma is terrible, then it is very essential for you to realize that asthma in toddlers is most horrible.
For most of the children who are suffering from asthma, treatment is as necessary as when they were toddlers. So, it is very essential for your kid to get tested for asthma as soon as possible.
Recent study has proved that more than five million children are suffering with asthma, in which 1,73,000 are suffering from severe manifestations.
Friday, April 4, 2008
IS IT AN COLD ARE ASTHMA ? CHILDHOOD ASTHMA AN ICEBERG DISEASE..!
Cold or asthma?
Most of you might get confused with normal cold and asthma in toddlers. These tips can be useful for you in identifying those signs of asthma in your kid. Some of them include: Cold or asthma?
Most of you might get confused with normal cold and asthma in toddlers. These tips can be useful for you in identifying those signs of asthma in your kid. Some of them include:
Asthma in toddlers is mainly characterized with persistent cough which sounds like as if the lungs are crammed.
Very rarely, the cough involved in asthma will come out as wheezing.
Flaring nostrils can be due to the inflammation in the air passages.
Muscle retractions, particularly at the chest area.
If your kid is breathing more rapidly than the usual in sleep, then it could be a sign of asthma. At this stage, your child needs immediate medical attention, because this is the worst condition of breathing in your toddler.
Lack of enthusiasm is also one of signs for asthma in toddlers.
Losing stamina while playing is also one of the signs to suspect asthma in toddlers.
Difficulty of breathing in your child while you are feeding is also another symptom for asthma.
Asthma in toddlers is mainly characterized with persistent cough which sounds like as if the lungs are crammed.
Very rarely, the cough involved in asthma will come out as wheezing.
Flaring nostrils can be due to the inflammation in the air passages.
Muscle retractions, particularly at the chest area.
If your kid is breathing more rapidly than the usual in sleep, then it could be a sign of asthma. At this stage, your child needs immediate medical attention, because this is the worst condition of breathing in your toddler.
Lack of enthusiasm is also one of signs for asthma in toddlers.
Losing stamina while playing is also one of the signs to suspect asthma in toddlers.
Difficulty of breathing in your child while you are feeding is also another symptom for asthma.
Asthma in toddlers is not permanent!
When your doctor analyzes that your kid is having asthma, don’t get worried about it or don’t loose your heart. Asthma in toddlers is not a life long problem and it is not compulsory that your kid have to live with those inhalers through out the life.
Asthma in toddlers can be cured easily, if it is treated promptly in right time. In many cases, asthma in toddlers vanishes in his\her adulthood and more over your child will become resistant against the disease.
When ever you suspect that your kid is suffering with asthma, immediately take them to the doctor for proper medication.
Essential tips involved in the treatment of asthma in toddlers
Cigarette smoking is the best trigger for asthma, so try to avoid smoking near your kid and also don’t take them into smoky environment.
Always try to keep the bedding of your kid clean and dust free.
Try to limit the exposure of your child to laborious outdoor play in spring and fall seasons.
Stress and emotions are also most dangerous triggers of asthma in toddlers. So, try to relax or calm down your children when ever they feel stress.
Allergy induced asthma is one of the most common forms of asthma. Almost 50% of all adults and 90% of kids are affected with this allergic asthma.
When ever you are exposed to the substances to which your body is sensitive, called allergens, your body immune system produces histamines.
Histamines are responsible in causing inflammations and allergies to your body.
In allergy induced asthma, these histamines mainly affect your bronchial passages and lungs due to which you can feel difficulty in breathing and respiration.
Is asthma linked with allergies?
Allergies are considered as the main sources for asthma. If you have allergic asthma, then inhaling allergen substances like pollen, dust mites which are invisible, molds and animal dander can mainly cause the inflammation.
When these allergens enter into the respiratory organs of your body, they will immediately try to trigger the inflammation with swelling of air passages, leading to asthma.
The linings of the nose are similar to the lining of your airways and these passages are more prone to the allergic inflammatory process. When the allergens enter into your body, immune system responds immediately and releases IGE antibodies.
These IGE antibodies are mainly responsible for the adverse allergic reactions like scratchy eyes, tightening of air passages and also itchy skin.
Apart from allergic asthma, the other forms and triggers of asthma include excessive exercises; some of non allergic infections like cold are also responsible for causing asthma.
Most of you might get confused with normal cold and asthma in toddlers. These tips can be useful for you in identifying those signs of asthma in your kid. Some of them include: Cold or asthma?
Most of you might get confused with normal cold and asthma in toddlers. These tips can be useful for you in identifying those signs of asthma in your kid. Some of them include:
Asthma in toddlers is mainly characterized with persistent cough which sounds like as if the lungs are crammed.
Very rarely, the cough involved in asthma will come out as wheezing.
Flaring nostrils can be due to the inflammation in the air passages.
Muscle retractions, particularly at the chest area.
If your kid is breathing more rapidly than the usual in sleep, then it could be a sign of asthma. At this stage, your child needs immediate medical attention, because this is the worst condition of breathing in your toddler.
Lack of enthusiasm is also one of signs for asthma in toddlers.
Losing stamina while playing is also one of the signs to suspect asthma in toddlers.
Difficulty of breathing in your child while you are feeding is also another symptom for asthma.
Asthma in toddlers is mainly characterized with persistent cough which sounds like as if the lungs are crammed.
Very rarely, the cough involved in asthma will come out as wheezing.
Flaring nostrils can be due to the inflammation in the air passages.
Muscle retractions, particularly at the chest area.
If your kid is breathing more rapidly than the usual in sleep, then it could be a sign of asthma. At this stage, your child needs immediate medical attention, because this is the worst condition of breathing in your toddler.
Lack of enthusiasm is also one of signs for asthma in toddlers.
Losing stamina while playing is also one of the signs to suspect asthma in toddlers.
Difficulty of breathing in your child while you are feeding is also another symptom for asthma.
Asthma in toddlers is not permanent!
When your doctor analyzes that your kid is having asthma, don’t get worried about it or don’t loose your heart. Asthma in toddlers is not a life long problem and it is not compulsory that your kid have to live with those inhalers through out the life.
Asthma in toddlers can be cured easily, if it is treated promptly in right time. In many cases, asthma in toddlers vanishes in his\her adulthood and more over your child will become resistant against the disease.
When ever you suspect that your kid is suffering with asthma, immediately take them to the doctor for proper medication.
Essential tips involved in the treatment of asthma in toddlers
Cigarette smoking is the best trigger for asthma, so try to avoid smoking near your kid and also don’t take them into smoky environment.
Always try to keep the bedding of your kid clean and dust free.
Try to limit the exposure of your child to laborious outdoor play in spring and fall seasons.
Stress and emotions are also most dangerous triggers of asthma in toddlers. So, try to relax or calm down your children when ever they feel stress.
Allergy induced asthma is one of the most common forms of asthma. Almost 50% of all adults and 90% of kids are affected with this allergic asthma.
When ever you are exposed to the substances to which your body is sensitive, called allergens, your body immune system produces histamines.
Histamines are responsible in causing inflammations and allergies to your body.
In allergy induced asthma, these histamines mainly affect your bronchial passages and lungs due to which you can feel difficulty in breathing and respiration.
Is asthma linked with allergies?
Allergies are considered as the main sources for asthma. If you have allergic asthma, then inhaling allergen substances like pollen, dust mites which are invisible, molds and animal dander can mainly cause the inflammation.
When these allergens enter into the respiratory organs of your body, they will immediately try to trigger the inflammation with swelling of air passages, leading to asthma.
The linings of the nose are similar to the lining of your airways and these passages are more prone to the allergic inflammatory process. When the allergens enter into your body, immune system responds immediately and releases IGE antibodies.
These IGE antibodies are mainly responsible for the adverse allergic reactions like scratchy eyes, tightening of air passages and also itchy skin.
Apart from allergic asthma, the other forms and triggers of asthma include excessive exercises; some of non allergic infections like cold are also responsible for causing asthma.
How to protect your self and your children from allergy induced asthma?
Try to be cautious whenever you are doing outside work like gardening. Raking and gardening can stimulate pollens [Controlling Pollen Allergies] and molds. If you are working in a yard, remember to wear a filter mask. This mask will prevent the pollen and mold to enter into your lungs by filtering process. Wearing a mask is really very useful in reducing the risk of allergy induced asthma.
Try to avoid electronic air purifiers in your houses, as they can create ozone. Inhaling ozone is very dangerous for your body’s air passages. A HEPA air cleaner works very effectively in removing the dust and smoke from your room provided your fan is ON. The only disadvantage with these air cleaners is they can’t reduce the exposure of your house from dust mites.[Dust Mite Allergy]
If you have pets, then regular allergen skin testing is highly recommended for better protection towards allergy induced asthma. Every one of you might love pets, but if they are allergic to your body, then it is very essential to keep them out doors or try to keep pet house for them. At least try to avoid pets in your bed room.
Try to avoid unnecessary outside work when pollen count is more in the atmosphere and also remember to keep your windows and doors closed.
Dust mites are invisible and mainly reside on the carpet, pillow covers and bed sheets. So, try to clean them regularly in order to avoid allergies.
Try to be cautious whenever you are doing outside work like gardening. Raking and gardening can stimulate pollens [Controlling Pollen Allergies] and molds. If you are working in a yard, remember to wear a filter mask. This mask will prevent the pollen and mold to enter into your lungs by filtering process. Wearing a mask is really very useful in reducing the risk of allergy induced asthma.
Try to avoid electronic air purifiers in your houses, as they can create ozone. Inhaling ozone is very dangerous for your body’s air passages. A HEPA air cleaner works very effectively in removing the dust and smoke from your room provided your fan is ON. The only disadvantage with these air cleaners is they can’t reduce the exposure of your house from dust mites.[Dust Mite Allergy]
If you have pets, then regular allergen skin testing is highly recommended for better protection towards allergy induced asthma. Every one of you might love pets, but if they are allergic to your body, then it is very essential to keep them out doors or try to keep pet house for them. At least try to avoid pets in your bed room.
Try to avoid unnecessary outside work when pollen count is more in the atmosphere and also remember to keep your windows and doors closed.
Dust mites are invisible and mainly reside on the carpet, pillow covers and bed sheets. So, try to clean them regularly in order to avoid allergies.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
LIVING WITH ASTHMA....RELEIVERS AND PREVENTERS.
RELEIVERSA reliever is a drug that provides relief from asthma symptoms and is the most commonly used asthma medication. During an attack, the airways constrict, so short acting relievers are taken to relax the smooth muscle.
Relievers do not reduce the underlying inflammation associated with asthma and therefore do not prevent asthma attacks. A good rule of thumb is to take a preventer medication if you are using your reliever more than 3 - 4 times a week.
PREVENTERS
Anti-inflammatory medications are often called preventers as they help to control the underlying inflammation in the airways associated with asthma.
They are sometimes classified as "long-term control medication". This is confusing as "long-acting control medication" also includes long-acting reliever medications which have a different way of working.
Preventers are taken daily whether asthma symptoms occur or not. A common mistake is for asthmatics to stop taking their preventer when they have fewer symptoms. Their asthma slowly worsens again, the need for relievers increases and this can result in a serious, uncontrolled asthma attack. Never stop your preventive medication without consulting your doctor.
It is current medical practice for anyone who uses a bronchodilator more than 3 - 4 times a week to take a preventer medication.
Is My Asthma Under Control?
Initially, doctors may only prescribe a short acting reliever medication. However if this medication is required more than 3 to 4 times a week, your asthma is not well controlled and you probably need a preventive medicine. If you are already taking preventive medication, and are still using your short-acting reliever more than four times a week, then a review is needed of your medication.
This is because studies over the past ten to fifteen years have shown that the overuse of relievers deplete their usefulness and have been linked to a deterioration in asthma control. This has led to a new approach to asthma management with the emphasis on daily use of preventive medication and minimal need for relievers.
HOW TO TREAT ASTHMA..
How Is Asthma Treated?
With proper treatment, you should ideally have these results:
Your asthma should be controlled.
You should be free of asthma symptoms.
You should have fewer attacks.
You should need to use quick-relief medicines less often.
You should be able to do normal activities without having symptoms.
Medicines for Asthma
There are two main types of medicines for asthma:
Quick-relief medicines (Releiver's)—taken at the first signs of asthma symptoms for immediate relief of these symptoms. You will feel the effects of these medicines within minutes.
With proper treatment, you should ideally have these results:
Your asthma should be controlled.
You should be free of asthma symptoms.
You should have fewer attacks.
You should need to use quick-relief medicines less often.
You should be able to do normal activities without having symptoms.
Medicines for Asthma
There are two main types of medicines for asthma:
Quick-relief medicines (Releiver's)—taken at the first signs of asthma symptoms for immediate relief of these symptoms. You will feel the effects of these medicines within minutes.
Long-term control medicines(preventer's)—taken every day, usually over long periods of time, to prevent symptoms and asthma episodes or attacks. You will feel the full effects of these medicines after taking them for a few weeks. People with persistent asthma need long-term control medicines.
Releivers:
releivers are only to control sudden symptoms like breathlessness.the most common and well known releiver is asthalin.
Preventers:
preventers are the partners of your life, they only help an asthmatic to lead an normal life.they control and kick asthma behalf of you.you should take preventers every day eventhough the symptoms present or not.
HOW I KNOW I HAVE ASTHMA?
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Asthma?
Common asthma symptoms include:
Coughing. Coughing from asthma is often worse at night or early in the morning, making it hard to sleep.
Wheezing. Wheezing is a whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe.
Chest tightness. This can feel like something is squeezing or sitting on your chest.
Shortness of breath. Some people say they can't catch their breath, or they feel breathless or out of breath. You may feel like you can't get enough air in or out of your lungs.
Faster breathing or noisy breathing.
Not all people have these symptoms, and symptoms may vary from one asthma attack to another. Symptoms can differ in how severe they are: Sometimes symptoms can be mildly annoying, other times they can be serious enough to make you stop what you are doing, and sometimes symptoms can be so serious that they are life threatening.
Symptoms also differ in how often they occur. Some people with asthma have symptoms only once every few months, others have symptoms every week, and still other people have symptoms every day. With proper treatment, however, most people with asthma can expect to have few or no symptoms.
Common asthma symptoms include:
Coughing. Coughing from asthma is often worse at night or early in the morning, making it hard to sleep.
Wheezing. Wheezing is a whistling or squeaky sound when you breathe.
Chest tightness. This can feel like something is squeezing or sitting on your chest.
Shortness of breath. Some people say they can't catch their breath, or they feel breathless or out of breath. You may feel like you can't get enough air in or out of your lungs.
Faster breathing or noisy breathing.
Not all people have these symptoms, and symptoms may vary from one asthma attack to another. Symptoms can differ in how severe they are: Sometimes symptoms can be mildly annoying, other times they can be serious enough to make you stop what you are doing, and sometimes symptoms can be so serious that they are life threatening.
Symptoms also differ in how often they occur. Some people with asthma have symptoms only once every few months, others have symptoms every week, and still other people have symptoms every day. With proper treatment, however, most people with asthma can expect to have few or no symptoms.
WHAT CAUSES ASTHMA ?
What Causes Asthma?
It is not clear exactly what makes the airways of people with asthma inflamed in the first place. Your inflamed airways may be due to a combination of things. We know that if other people in your family have asthma, you are more likely to develop it. New research suggests that being exposed to things like tobacco smoke, infections, and some allergens early in your life may increase your chances of developing asthma.
What Causes Asthma Symptoms and Attacks?
There are things in the environment that bring on your asthma symptoms and lead to asthma attacks. Some of the more common things include exercise, allergens, irritants, and viral infections. Some people have asthma only when they exercise or have a viral infection.
The list below gives some examples of things that can bring on asthma symptoms.
Allergens
Animal dander (from the skin, hair, or feathers of animals)
Dust mites (contained in house dust)
Cockroaches
Pollen from trees and grass
Mold (indoor and outdoor)
Irritants
Cigarette smoke
Air pollution
Cold air or changes in weather
Strong odors from painting or cooking
Scented products
Strong emotional expression (including crying or laughing hard) and stress
Others
Medicines such as aspirin and beta-blockers
Sulfites in food (dried fruit) or beverages (wine)
A condition called gastro esophageal reflux disease that causes heartburn and can worsen asthma symptoms, especially at night
Irritants or allergens that you may be exposed to at your work, such as special chemicals or dusts
Infections
It is not clear exactly what makes the airways of people with asthma inflamed in the first place. Your inflamed airways may be due to a combination of things. We know that if other people in your family have asthma, you are more likely to develop it. New research suggests that being exposed to things like tobacco smoke, infections, and some allergens early in your life may increase your chances of developing asthma.
What Causes Asthma Symptoms and Attacks?
There are things in the environment that bring on your asthma symptoms and lead to asthma attacks. Some of the more common things include exercise, allergens, irritants, and viral infections. Some people have asthma only when they exercise or have a viral infection.
The list below gives some examples of things that can bring on asthma symptoms.
Allergens
Animal dander (from the skin, hair, or feathers of animals)
Dust mites (contained in house dust)
Cockroaches
Pollen from trees and grass
Mold (indoor and outdoor)
Irritants
Cigarette smoke
Air pollution
Cold air or changes in weather
Strong odors from painting or cooking
Scented products
Strong emotional expression (including crying or laughing hard) and stress
Others
Medicines such as aspirin and beta-blockers
Sulfites in food (dried fruit) or beverages (wine)
A condition called gastro esophageal reflux disease that causes heartburn and can worsen asthma symptoms, especially at night
Irritants or allergens that you may be exposed to at your work, such as special chemicals or dusts
Infections
STILL CONFUSSED WHAT'S ASTHMA..?JUST CLICK THIS ..!
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic disease that affects your airways. The airways are the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. If you have asthma, the inside walls of your airways are inflamed. The inflammation makes the airways very sensitive, and they tend to react strongly to things that you are allergic to or find irritating. When the airways react, they get narrower, and less air flows through to your lung tissue. This causes symptoms like wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe), coughing, chest tightness, and trouble breathing, especially at night and in the early morning.
Asthma cannot be cured, but most people with asthma can control it so that they have few and infrequent symptoms and can live active lives.
When your asthma symptoms become worse than usual, it is called an asthma episode or attack. During an asthma attack, muscles around the airways tighten up, making the airways narrower so less air flows through. Inflammation increases, and the airways become more swollen and even narrower. Cells in the airways may also make more mucus than usual. This extra mucus also narrows the airways. These changes make it harder to breathe.
Asthma attacks are not all the same—some are worse than others. In a severe asthma attack, the airways can close so much that not enough oxygen gets to vital organs. This condition is a medical emergency. People can die from severe asthma attacks.
So, if you have asthma, you should see your doctor regularly. You will need to learn what things cause your asthma symptoms and how to avoid them. Your doctor will also prescribe medicines to keep your asthma under control.
Taking care of your asthma is an important part of your life. Controlling it means working closely with your doctor to learn what to do, staying away from things that bother your airways, taking medicines as directed by your doctor, and monitoring your asthma so that you can respond quickly to signs of an attack. By controlling your asthma every day, you can prevent serious symptoms and take part in all activities.
If your asthma is not well controlled, you are likely to have symptoms that can make you miss school or work and keep you from doing things you enjoy. Asthma is one of the leading causes of children missing school.
Asthma is a chronic disease that affects your airways. The airways are the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. If you have asthma, the inside walls of your airways are inflamed. The inflammation makes the airways very sensitive, and they tend to react strongly to things that you are allergic to or find irritating. When the airways react, they get narrower, and less air flows through to your lung tissue. This causes symptoms like wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe), coughing, chest tightness, and trouble breathing, especially at night and in the early morning.
Asthma cannot be cured, but most people with asthma can control it so that they have few and infrequent symptoms and can live active lives.
When your asthma symptoms become worse than usual, it is called an asthma episode or attack. During an asthma attack, muscles around the airways tighten up, making the airways narrower so less air flows through. Inflammation increases, and the airways become more swollen and even narrower. Cells in the airways may also make more mucus than usual. This extra mucus also narrows the airways. These changes make it harder to breathe.
Asthma attacks are not all the same—some are worse than others. In a severe asthma attack, the airways can close so much that not enough oxygen gets to vital organs. This condition is a medical emergency. People can die from severe asthma attacks.
So, if you have asthma, you should see your doctor regularly. You will need to learn what things cause your asthma symptoms and how to avoid them. Your doctor will also prescribe medicines to keep your asthma under control.
Taking care of your asthma is an important part of your life. Controlling it means working closely with your doctor to learn what to do, staying away from things that bother your airways, taking medicines as directed by your doctor, and monitoring your asthma so that you can respond quickly to signs of an attack. By controlling your asthma every day, you can prevent serious symptoms and take part in all activities.
If your asthma is not well controlled, you are likely to have symptoms that can make you miss school or work and keep you from doing things you enjoy. Asthma is one of the leading causes of children missing school.
AT FIRST KNOW YOUR LUNGS..
See this is your lung, very simple to understand.if you rent any triggers in any of this parts asthma will came,so avoid triggers.i think it's very easy to beat asthma first kick triggers....
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
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