Asthma – One of the biggest health issues

Asthma seems, over the last few decades, to have become one of the biggest health issues affecting the world’s population; each year sees a further increase in the number of people affected. Although it is treatable, asthma is still a chronic condition which affects the function of breathing of every person who is affected by it. This is a respiratory condition that when not treated properly can easily result in death, if the attack is not attended to in time or is severe.

Keeping a constant check on their condition is the most important step for an asthma sufferer. Depending on the condition, there are three main steps for treatment and they are:

• The prevention of attacks
• Ensuring relief medication is available when minor attacks occur
• Medical treatment for serious attacks

Bronchodilators are recommended for short-term relief for all patients but those with mild occasional attacks need no other medication; many asthmatics will only ever need this form of medication.

For patients with frequent but still mild attacks then a low-dose glucocorticoid or a leukotriene modifier should be all that is required as well as a standard Bronchodilator. As the seriousness of the asthma condition increases, additional medication is required. In all cases they will all still use a standard reliever as well. The asthmatics themselves must also recognize just what situations or conditions trigger their attacks then they will be able to avoid those situations. The condition is very strongly associated with air pollution, which causes the condition to worsen in people who suffer breathing related conditions.

In recent years many treatments and medicines have become available to help but none should be relied upon for regular use; prescription drugs may also cause serious side effects such as:

• Fatigue
• Dizzy spells
• No sexual interest
• Feelings of despair
• Damage to the liver and sometimes other organs

Increasingly patients with respiratory conditions are opting for more natural remedies that do not have side-effects. These are formulated to treat the condition and not the effects. Every attack weakens the body’s system a little as it becomes hyperactive where the task of the catalyst in medication is to calm and soothe this hyperactive system. The same effect is sought by the natural medications but by using organic ingredients that have no side-effects.

Some yoga disciplines are based around breathing techniques and now many asthma sufferers are using these techniques to control their situation and improve their health. Complementary medicines are proving popular as they do not leave dangerous drug residues in the system. A good nutritional diet will also help improve the immune system but the importance of the asthma patient managing their condition should not be underestimated. Also see: Asthma Control Plan (pdf link).