Symptoms Of Asthma

The symptoms of asthma are sometimes frightening, both to the patient and, especially in the case of a child, to the parents, because it makes the essential-to-life act of breathing so difficult. During normal breathing, the muscles around the airways are relaxed, and air moves freely in and out. For someone with asthma, those muscles tighten, restricting the airways. In addition, the lining of the airways is inflamed and swollen, and the irritation can cause the mucus membrane in the lining to produce excessive mucus, adding obstruction to the other symptoms that are making breathing very difficult.

Further, the airways of people with asthma are sensitive, and often react to triggers such as: Emotional upsets and stress, upper respiratory tract infections, breathing cold air, and even exercising too hard. The more common triggers that bring on symptoms of asthma are airborne. Dust, mold, animal dander, and bee pollen are among the "usual suspects" when an attack occurs. Food or medications can also be to blame. A patient soon learns what allergens he must avoid to keep from having attacks, and adjusts his life accordingly. Sometimes it'S hard to determine exactly what someone is allergic to, but it can be done. An allergist can do skin tests that will determine exactly what allergens are causing symptoms of asthma, and devise a treatment plan.

If dust is the culprit (and it is the most common one), the patient's home, and most particularly his bedroom, can be made relatively dust free, making the patient less of a target for symptoms of asthma. Pillows and mattresses can be encased in dustproof covers, and curtains that are dust magnets traded for those that are not. Stuffed animals must be washed frequently or discarded, while any real animals must either live outside or be bathed frequently to avoid having the patient exposed to their dander. Carpets are dust magnets, so should be removed from his environment and replaced with tile or wood floors. Since second-hand smoke is a big trigger for an asthma attack, any smokers who come into the asthmatic's home must refrain from lighting up inside. Food and medicine allergies usually get a quick reaction, so there is little doubt of the cause when it occurs.

When exercise is determined to be the cause of symptoms of asthma, then slowing down may keep symptoms from occurring. This is especially hard for children, but they can learn to pace themselves if they understand what's at stake. No one wants to invite an episode of illness, and even very young children can understand that concept. Since there is no cure, prevention is the best avenue for an asthmatic to take. There are, however, medications to alleviate symptoms. For those who prefer homeopathic medicines, Lobelia is known for relaxing respiratory muscles, and ginkgo biloba is a recommended treatment. Other herbs such s mullein, licorice root, marshmallow root or slippery elm is said to soothe irritated tissues, and fenugreek and thyme are recommended for loosening and removal of mucus and phlegm. More conventional treatments include antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal steroid sprays.

Asthma is just one reaction to allergens. There are numerous other symptoms of allergies that people have to contend with, and they vary from mild to life threatening. The mildest reaction is hives that appear near the exposure site. This is accompanied by an annoying itch, but disappears fairly quickly and leaves no after effects. A more serious rash sometimes appears as large blotches or blisters that are painful, and sometimes are accompanied by swelling that is uncomfortable.

If you haven't experienced it, you have certainly seen people with hay fever type symptoms of allergies. Millions of people suffer with Sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, etc. during the height of pollen seasons. Food allergies can cause vomiting, a rash, or even swelling of the throat, creating a very dangerous situation. Common causes of food allergies are seafood and peanuts. If the first reaction is relatively mild, further exposure could get worse, so a person who is allergic to a food will never knowingly expose himself to it again.

The wide range of symptoms of allergies is surprising, and for that reason they are not always immediately recognized as allergic reactions. Headaches, heart palpitations, and fatigue can be related to food or environmental allergies. Joint and muscle pains are sometimes related to substance sensitivity as well. Very often the reaction occurs so swiftly after exposure to a substance that there is no question in the patient's mind what caused it, but other times the reaction is either delayed or is so mild the connection isn't made until there are repeated occurrences. Once there is a suspicion that one is suffering symptoms of allergies, an expert should be consulted for a definite diagnosis and treatment. The most effective treatment for people suffering from symptoms of allergies is avoidance, but that is only possible when the allergen has been identified. Friends and family of people suffering from chronic allergy problems, will find the right words of comfort in scripture: "Say to him: 'Long life to you! Good health to you and your household! And good health to all that is yours!" (1 Samuel 25:6)

Add to: File Insurance Business article Teen Photo Images