Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by episodes or attacks of inflammation and narrowing of small airways in response to exposure to environmental stimuli. Asthma attacks can vary from mild to life threatening. The main symptom of Asthma is shortness of breath as the result of the bronchial passages becoming narrowed through exposure to some type of stress, either physical (allergy) or psychological.
During an asthma attack, histamine and leukotrienes are produced by respiratory system, which results in a rapid constriction of the smooth muscle of the bronchial tubes. The bronchial tubes narrow and reduces the amount of air that can pass.
Asthma is a seriously debilitating and sometimes life-threatening disease that affects more than 8 million adults in the United States. The incidence of asthma cases has surged in recent years, although researchers are not sure why. Asthma is the most common chronic pulmonary disorder in the United States. Asthma prevalence has been increasing to epidemic levels, especially in areas with high urbanization. More than 5,000 deaths are attributed to asthma attacks each year.
Asthma is experienced during the life span of approximately 10% of the population, resulting in morbidity and mortality costing a substantial economic burden on individuals and on society. Although the research in asthma has advanced rapidly in recent years, the etiology of asthma remains unclear. Asthma is not contagious, and although it appears to follow some genetic pattern. Researchers have found that an asthma attack can be caused by heredity, air pollution, food allergy, infections, emotional disturbances, and dozens of other factors.
Almost 5% of adult-onset asthma cases were recognized as having work-related symptoms. A worker reporting improvement of symptoms after being gone from the workplace over the weekend or after a vacation and then reporting a worsening of symptoms upon returning to the workplace is labeled as having work-related asthma.
Among the various risk factors of asthma, those of occupational origin are gaining more importance with time due to use of various chemicals in industries which potentially induce hypersensitivity and predisposition to asthma. In addition, there has long been evidence that physicians do not adequately assess the work-relatedness of many diseases, including asthma. It appears that providers seldom recorded information about occupation in notes on asthma unless they considered the symptoms triggered by workplace exposures.
Although prescription medication for the treatment of asthma are abundant and are improving in effectiveness, there are inherent risks and side effects with most of them. Despite many newer drugs for asthma, people are dying more frequently from this illness. It is apparent that asthma is not well controlled in many individuals.
Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with treating Arteriosclerosis such as Vitamin C, Beta Carotene, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Butterbur, Vitamin A, Pantothenic Acid, Glucosamine, Manganese, Omega Smooth and Flavonoids.
Vitamin C is nature's protective nutrient, essential for defending the body against pollution and infection and enhances the human body immune system.
Beta Carotene protects the mucus membranes of the mouth, nose, throat and lungs. It also helps protect Vitamin C from oxidation, which enables it to perform at optimum efficiency.
The Journal of Clinical Investigation report published in December 8, 2005 revealed that taking Vitamin D supplements could help improve the effects of steroid drugs used to treat Asthma.
Vitamin E protects the lung tissue from inhaled pollutants and aids in the functioning of the immune system.
Butterbur is a common herbal extract that is highly effective asthma therapy. As far back as the 17th century, butterbur was used to treat cough, asthma, and skin wounds.
A number of studies have suggested that taking antioxidants such a Vitamin A reduces the risk of bronchoconstriction associated with asthma. Vitamin A is stored in the liver and fat cells of the human body and can reach toxic levels. DO NOT take more than the recommended dosage of Vitamin A.
Many find pantothenic Acid to be very helpful against asthma symptoms. It is another form of non-toxic Vitamin B.
Glucosamine is an anti-inflammatory and may give some relief from asthma symptoms.
Magnesium has been employed in the treatment of acute asthma, but its use has not become universal, nor has it been studied for the treatment of chronic asthma. Manganese has been found deficient in bronchial biopsies of asthmatic patients, indication manganese replenishment could aid in the treatment of asthma.
Omega smooth is a delicious tasting liquid that is derived from fish oil. Regular fish comsumption has been associated with a reduced risk of children having asthma attacks.
Flavonoids are the brightly colored pigments found in most fruits and vegetables. When consumed, they have antioxidant properties and have been associated with improved lung junction.
Always consult your doctor before using this information.
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