| - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - General Asthma Information Asthma is a respiratory disease that causes obstruction of the airways. During an asthma attack, the small airways in the lung suffer spasms, which impede the outward movement of air. These frightening attacks can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. Asthma sufferers say this feeling is much like suffocation or drowning because they cannot get enough air. There are two types of asthma: Allergic, which is triggered by allergens, such as animal dander, mold, chemicals, feathers, fumes and tobacco smoke. Non-allergic, which can be triggered by temperature changes, anxiety, fear, laughing, stress and low-blood sugar. Asthma affects an estimated 17 million Americans each year. Asthma can be difficult to diagnose because it masquerades as other diseases, like bronchitis, emphysema and lower respiratory infections. Blood tests, chest x-rays and other tests are necessary when asthma is suspected. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Causes of Asthma Asthma is caused by the spasms in the smooth muscles surrounding the bronchi and bronchioles (small airways in the lungs), causing the passageways to partially close. The spasms are accompanied with increased mucus which clogs the bronchioles/bronchi and worsens the attack. It is often triggered by an allergic response and the immune system produces histamine; thus, any type of allergen can precipitate an asthma attack. Cardiac asthma, a less common form of asthma, is caused by heart failure. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Symptoms of Asthma Symptoms of asthma include difficulty breathing (especially exhalation), sudden fits of coughing, wheezing and tightness in the chest. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Possible Lifestyle Changes for Asthma Eat a diet high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and protein. Avoid ice cream and other cold foods and drinks. Exercise regularly, but moderately if increased activity tends to increase asthma attacks. Find ways to decrease stress and anxiety to help ward off attacks. Consider removing carpeting to remove dust mites, germs and bacteria that can trigger asthma attacks. Cover mattresses and pillows with plastic casings to keep them clean and dust-free. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - In accordance with FDA regulation, we do not make any therapeutic claims for any Dietary Supplements in accordance with the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act. Beneficial Dietary Supplements Pantothenic Acid reduces stress. Vitamin B Complex stimulates the immune system. Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids protects lung tissue and reduces infection. Coenzyme Q10 can counter histamine. Magnesium and Calcium increases lung capacity. Multivitamin and Mineral Complex enhances immune system function. Bee Pollen strengthens the immune system. Lobelia enhances respiratory function. Nettle relieves respiratory problems caused by asthma. REFERENCES: Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition, Phyllis Balch, CNC; James F. Balch, M.D. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Buy Beneficial Dietary Supplements and Products Below. |