Tag Archives: asthma

Health

Understanding Asthma Pathophysiology

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In this article we will take on understanding asthma pathophysiology including causes, symptoms, and possible remedies.

Getting to Understand Asthma

For easy understanding, the facts will be organized in various subheadings and, at times, bullet points will be utilized.

1. What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a respiratory system condition in which the airways of a patient narrows, swells and produces mucus.

Patients experience breathing difficulties, and this causes coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing.

For some people this condition is just a minor nuisance, but for others it can be a major problem, interfering with their day-to-day activities, or it may even lead to a life-threatening asthma attack.

Getting to Understand Asthma

2. What Are The Causes of Asthma?

It is still not clear why some people get infected with asthma while others don’t, even when exposed to similar environmental conditions.

Probably, the discrepancy is due to a combination of genetic factors, which are inherent, and environmental factors.

Generally speaking, exposure to substances that cause an allergy is known to trigger symptoms and signs of asthma.

These triggers are different from person to person, and may include the following:

a.  Air contaminants such as fumes and smoke.

b.  Physical activities can cause exercise-induced asthma.

Getting to Understand Asthma

c.  Menstruation also triggers asthma in some women.

d.  Preservatives and sulfites added to some foods and          beverages may trigger asthma in some people.

e.  Gastroesophageal reflux disease, a condition whereby stomach acids back up in the throat, is a known cause of asthma.

f.  Some medications such as aspirin and beta blockers among others also can cause asthma in some people.

g.  Other common causes include cold air, strong emotions, and stress.

3. What Are The Symptoms of Asthma?

Asthma symptoms are not hard to detect. They range from minor to severe, but they vary from one person to another.

The asthma signs and symptoms are as listed below:

a. Wheezing and coughing attacks. This can get worse when there is viral infection of the respiratory system such as a flu or cold or other viral infections such as we have experienced of late.

b. Patients may also experience whistling sounds when inhaling.

c. Shortness of breath is a common symptom.

d. Chest tightening and pain

e. Patients may experience difficulties in sleeping due to constant coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

When the above symptoms become more troublesome, and breathing becomes more difficult, then it may more often necessitate the use of a quick-relief inhaler.

Getting to Understand Asthma

At this point then patients should realize that their asthma condition is worsening.

4. What Are The Remedies For Asthma?

There are a myriad of asthma medicines available, but it may be difficult for patients to choose which one to buy.

It is important to know that asthma medicines occur in two different types, the controller and the quick relief.

The controller type is taken to prevent a patient from asthma attacks and symptoms. They can be used on a day-to-day basis.

The relief type  is taken when a patient already has an attack, for the purpose of nullifying the symptoms.

Getting to Understand Asthma

However, it is important to always seek the advice of a doctor in the case of the symptoms.

  Remember that asthma can be life-threatening!

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Health

Upper Respiratory Infections

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Especially in this era of Covid-19 everyone on the planet has good reason to be  concerned about upper respiratory infections.

Upper Respiratory Infections and How to Avoid Them

The symptoms are obvious-scratchy throat, runny eyes, sneezing and coughing, and a slight fever.   

Maybe it’s just the start of a cold or maybe it’s something more.   It could be an upper respiratory infection, even Covid-19 or one of it’s dreaded variants.

Here’s how you can avoid one, and what you should do if you have one.

Recognize the Symptoms

Often, an upper respiratory infection will mimic the symptoms of a cold: the patient may run a slight fever, suffer from a scratchy or sore throat, and sneeze or cough often.

This can also be accompanied with feeling slightly achy or chilled, just as with a cold.Upper Respiratory Infections and How to Avoid Them

 Though they usually are not caused by a bacterial infection, a viral infection can be a likely culprit. 

A cold may certainly evolve into an upper respiratory infection.

Any time someone who suffers from emphysema or has had pneumonia begins to develop an upper respiratory infection, medical attention is necessary so the infection won’t worsen and turn into something far worse.

Asthma sufferers must also be careful around those with upper respiratory infections, as they are far more susceptible than the average person.

Avoidance and Treatment

Upper Respiratory Infections and How to Avoid Them

One of the best ways to avoid an upper respiratory infection is to stay out of crowds, especially in fall and winter, when the weather and other conditions-such as children returning to school-which may precipitate a more physically crowded environment.

Wash hands often with anti-bacterial soap or if soap and water are unavailable (such as when traveling) use an anti-bacterial hand sanitizer or hand-sanitizing lotion or gel.

Should a coughing or sneezing fit occur, cover the mouth and nose, and try to sneeze “into” the shoulder or elbow to avoid spraying with contaminated mucus or sputum.

Upper Respiratory Infections and How to Avoid Them

Nowadays, with the Covid pandemic in progress, we are all being encouraged to wear a facial mask around the nose and mouth, and try to avoid large groups, especially of children and the elderly, as these two age groups are far more susceptible to lung trouble and upper respiratory infections.

If the infection doesn’t begin to clear itself from the body within a few days, or if symptoms last longer than 14 days,(or if you know that you have been exposed to or tested positive with the Covid virus) seek medical attention.

Most respiratory infections are caused by an irritant in the mucus membranes of the nose or throat.

Sometimes the irritant can be viral but sometimes be caused by bacteria. If this is the case, a doctor may have to. prescribe anti-biotic medication before the infection evolves into emphysema or pneumonia.

Upper Respiratory Infections and How to Avoid Them.

Upper respiratory infections can happen to anyone at any time, but they are more likely to occur in the fall or winter months, and are more likely to cause difficulties for small children, the elderly, or anyone who may already suffer from respiratory difficulties.

The best way to avoid infection is to frequently wash hands, avoid crowds, and seek medical attention when appropriate.

Since having a strong immune system is vital in preventing and fighting upper respiratory infections, you may also wish to avail yourself of a very inexpensive and helpful digital PDF work called “How To Bolster Your Immune System” which you can order here

At the moment they are offering this e-book at a 70% discount, which, depending on where you live,  should make the cost under $15  USD  or CAD, even if there are taxes.  

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Health

How To Prevent The Covid – 19

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The symptoms are obvious-scratchy throat, watering eyes, sneezing and coughing, and a slight fever.

Some Quick Tips to Gain a Stronger Immune System

Maybe it’s just the start of a cold or maybe it’s something more. It could be an upper respiratory infection such as Covid -19.

Here’s how you can avoid one, and what you should do if you have one.

Recognize the Symptoms

Often, an upper respiratory infection will mimic the symptoms of a cold.

The patient may run a slight fever, suffer from a scratchy or sore throat, and sneeze or cough often. They may complain about feeling slightly achy or chilled, just as with a cold.

Upper Respiratory Infections and How to Avoid Them

A cold may certainly evolve into an upper respiratory infection if the patient continues to sneeze and cough, and this is especially true if someone near them has a cold and they happened to walk past while this person was in the throes of a sneezing or coughing “fit”.

Though they often are not caused by a bacterial infection, a viral infection can be a likely culprit as well.

Any time someone who suffers from emphysema or has had pneumonia begins to develop an upper respiratory infection, medical attention is necessary so the infection won’t worsen and turn into something far worse.

Upper Respiratory Infections and How to Avoid Them

Asthma sufferers must also be careful around those with upper respiratory infections, as they are far more susceptible than the average person.

Avoidance and Treatment

One of the best ways to avoid an upper respiratory infection is to stay out of crowds.

This is especially true in fall and winter, when the weather and other conditions-such as children returning to school-may precipitate a more physically crowded environment.

Wash hands often with anti-bacterial soap or if soap and water are unavailable (such as when traveling) use an anti-bacterial hand sanitizer or hand-sanitizing lotion or gel.

Upper Respiratory Infections and How to Avoid Them

Should a coughing or sneezing fit occur, cover the mouth and nose, and try to sneeze “into” the shoulder or elbow to avoid spraying with contaminated mucus or sputum.

If you work in a health-related field, wear a facial mask around the nose and mouth.

Also try to avoid large groups of children and the elderly, as these two age groups are far more susceptible to lung trouble and upper respiratory infections.

If the infection doesn’t begin to clear itself from the body within a few days, or if symptoms last longer than 14 days, seek medical attention.

Most respiratory infections are caused by an irritant in the mucus membranes of the nose or throat.

Upper Respiratory Infections and How to Avoid Them

But sometimes the irritant can be viral or be caused by bacteria. If this is the case, a doctor may have to prescribe anti-biotic medication before the infection evolves into emphysema or pneumonia.

Upper respiratory infections can happen to anyone, but they are more likely to occur in the fall or winter months.

They are more likely to cause difficulties for small children, the elderly, or anyone who may already suffer from respiratory difficulties.

The best way to avoid infection is to frequently wash hands, avoid crowds, and seek medical attention when appropriate.

Upper Respiratory Infections and How to Avoid Them

You can be the one to take control of your own well being.

In case, you have to roll out a few improvements in your dietary patterns and in your way of life, then do it!

I trust you will discover it to be well justified.

Since having a strong immune system is vital in preventing an d fighting the Covid – 19 virus, you may also wish to avail yourself of a very inexpensive and helpful digital PDF work called “How To Bolster Your Immune System” which you can order here

At the moment they are offering this e-book at a 70% discount, which, depending on where you live,  should make the cost under $15  USD  or CAD, even if there are taxes.  In addition they are including four more related e-books as  bonuses, which makes this offer a real winner if it is acted upon right away.

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