Asthma is a health problem that affects millions of Americans.

It can appear in anyone at anytime, however the symptoms do vary as does the severity and how often or how frequently they affect the asthmatic.

People under the age of forty, especially children, are most likely to get asthma, and those people usually have other health issues such as being a smoker or living with a smoker, having allergies, or having a family history of health issues of asthma or related health problems.

Asthma is a chronic health problem, and it cannot be cured. While it is not cured and people do have asthma their entire lives, some people seem to be able to manage it better than others, some even to the point that no one knows they have it.

Asthma is a disease of the bronchial tubes or a disease of the airways of the lungs. when a person has an asthma attack, the muscles in their airways tighten, the lining of their airways swell, and they produce thick mucus that also interferes with their breathing.

People with asthma have more sensitive airways than other healthy people, and this contributes to having asthma.

While a sensitive airway may lead to nothing more than mild coughing and wheezing occasionally asthma can be a serious health problem, and often causes difficulty breathing, wheezing, non-stop coughing, shortness of breath, and often people with asthma have a hard time with even daily activities.

The signs of an asthma attack are varied. Some people have more of these health issues when having an asthma attack, and others have less of these health issues when having an asthma attack.

Symptoms of an asthma attack include rapid breathing, a tightening of the neck and chest muscles which sometimes causes chest pain or pressure, often people in the throes of an asthma attack have trouble talking, and can have anxiety or panic attacks along with the other health symptoms of an asthma attack. They can also have a pale and sweaty face, and blue lips or fingernails.

There are many things that can trigger an asthma attack in an otherwise healthy person.

The most common triggers for asthma include:

Allergens

o the skin, hair, or feathers of animals, such as cats, dogs, etc.

o Dust mites found in house dust.

o Tree and grass pollen.

Irritants

o Drastic weather changes

o Changes in air temperature, for example, if you move from warm indoor air to cold air outdoors.

o Cooking or paint oders

o Scented products, candles, air fresheners, etc.

o Allergens that you are exposed to at your place of work such as chemicals, dusts, smells, etc.

Also some medications, and food additives, even things that are supposed to be healthy for a person such as exercise can trigger an asthma attack. even things like weather or strong emotions can set off an asthma attack.

Luckily, there are many treatments of asthma, and most people live a healthy life and learn to manage their asthma is healthy ways.

Learn More About the Symptoms of Asthma and How You can Treat and Live with Asthma at Treatment for Asthma [Asthma-Explained.com/asthma-treatment.html].

Author: Mike HermanArticle Source: EzineArticles.com Cellphone, smartphone

 MANILA, Philippines – last week, we learned that smoking kills. is it about time that we kill (the) smoking (habit)? Like any addiction, it can be almost impossible to stop because of the associated pleasure smoking brings. But quitting may be the only way to get back your health if it’s not too late.

Benefits of quitting. A 2001 University of California study revealed the immediate effects of not lighting up:

Within 20 minutes, blood pressure decreases; pulse returns to its normal level.

After eight hours, carbon monoxide levels in the blood return to normal, oxygen level increases.

After 24 hours, chance of heart attack starts to decrease; breath, hair, and body stop smelling like smoke.

After 48 hours, damaged nerve endings begin to recover; sense of taste and smell improves.

After 72 hours, the body is virtually free of nicotine; bronchial tubes relax and breathing becomes easier;

After 2–12 weeks, lungs can hold more air; exercise becomes easier, and circulation improves.

The long-term effects of quitting include:

After 1 year, the risk of coronary heart disease is cut in half.

After 5 years, the risk of stroke falls to the same as a non-smoker.

After 10 years, the risk of lung cancer is cut in half and the risk of other cancers decreases significantly.

After 15 years, the risk of coronary heart disease drops, usually to the level of a non-smoker.

Smoking cessation. to date, there are seventeen (!) methods of quitting smoking. They all deal with getting off nicotine dependence, the main chemical culprit in the addiction. So make no mistake about it – withdrawal symptoms start as early as four hours after stopping and peaks at 3 to 5 days but tapers off in two weeks. Expect the physical effects of tingling in the hands and feet, sweating, intestinal disorders (cramps, nausea), dizziness, headache, cold symptoms as the lungs begin to clear (sore throat, coughing, and other signs of colds and respiratory problem). and if that’s not enough, watch out for: Temper tantrums, insomnia, anger, depression, irritability, and anxiety. (QuitSmokingSupport.com). and oh by the way, weight gain (nicotine is an appetite suppressant, too).

What works. There’s just stopping (“cold turkey”); pharmacological — nicotine replacements in the form of lozenges, patches, sprays, and inhalers; anti-depressant bupropion, the nicotinic receptor agonist varenicline which controls the withdrawal symptoms; and of course cigarette substitutes like the electronic cigarette or herb preparations (non-tobacco). Hypnosis and acupuncture are alternative approaches.

Individual or group counseling is available in hospitals that offer smoking cessation services. So get help. Don’t do it alone because there are also support groups.

It is not too late to quit smoking. But you must commit to stop. not only restaurants or buildings can be “smoke-free.” Dr. Pujalte is an orthopedic surgeon.

She returned from her grandmother's, who runs an in-home daycare, on 3/13 and she has been sick ever since. She doesn't seem to be feverish, though she is unusually clingy/needy and in a generally poor mood. It's a non-productive cough from what I can tell, but I don't know if she's perhaps swallowing any phlegm that does come up. She has mild congestion, though no difficulty breathing, and a runny nose. I have been giving her cough medicine and it helps a little. It's been a little over a week and though it doesn't seem to be getting worse it isn't getting any better either.

A cough is the body's response to inflammation or irritation in the throat, larynx, bronchial tubes or lungs.some coughs are dry, while others are considered productive.here are a few simple home remedies that will help to overcome cough. have honey in a hot drink before bed time. More remedies at useinfo6.blogspot.com/

Subject: Coughing

Sorry, no graphic for this one, and don't laugh, it works 100% of the time although the scientists at the Canada Research council (who discovered
it) aren't sure why.

To stop nighttime coughing in a child (or adult as we found out personally), put Vicks Vaporub generously on the bottom of the feet at bedtime, then cover with socks.

Even persistent, heavy, deep coughing will stop in about 5 minutes and stay stopped for many, many hours of relief.

Works 100% of the time and is more effective in children than even very strong prescription cough medicines. In addition it is extremely soothing and comforting and they will sleep soundly.

I heard the head of the Canada Research Council describe these findings on the part of their scientists when they were investigating the
effectiveness and usage of prescription cough medicines in children as compared to alternative therapies like accupressure. just happened to tune in A.M. Radio and picked up this guy talking about why cough medicines in kids often do more harm than good due to the chemical makeup of these strong drugs so, I listened.

It was a surprising finding and found to be more effective than prescribed medicines for children at bedtime, and in addition, to have a soothing and calming effect on sick children who then went on to sleep soundly.

Lolly tried it on herself when she had a very deep constant and persistent cough a few weeks ago and it worked 100%! She said that it felt like a warm blanket had enveloped her, coughing stopped in a few minutes and believe me, this was a deep, ( incredibly annoying!) every few seconds uncontrollable cough, and she slept cough free for hours every night that she used it.

My cat seems to be having asthma symptoms and I am taking him to the vet at 5 PM. He hasn't had a complete attack (if thats even what it is) since about 6 AM, hes just been grunting and breathing a little funny. If the vet x-rays him when hes not having symptoms can he still tell if my cat has asthma?

Yes, they look for certain changes in the bronchial tubes – like inflammation. it will be there even if he's not currently coughing. Ideally your cat will cough right in front of the vet /

A physical exam and a complete history will determine if they take an x-ray (sedation is not always necessary – it depends on the attitude of the cat). They can see changes in the lungs & bronchi. Also, heartworm disease in cats show up more as lung/breathing problems than they do in dogs.