The Correlation Between Hormone Imbalances And Asthma With The Natural Relief

According to research, patterns of development of asthma in the general public have indicated the possibility of some sort of hormonal role. Asthma involves inflammation that constricts muscles in the airways, causing attacks of wheezing and shortness of breath. An estimated 20 million Americans, including 14 million adults, are affected by asthma. The thought process is that changes in estrogen and progesterone levels that occur during the menstrual cycle may cause constriction of the airways. In a study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, 70,000 women were examined for the likelihood of developing asthma after menopause. The study concluded that postmenopausal women taking synthetic estrogen were more than two times likely to develop asthma than their counterparts not taking estrogen. The results were similar for women who were taking synthetic estrogen and progestin. However, for women who find a relationship between their menstrual cycles and asthma or develop asthma later in life while using synthetic hormones, there is a way to balance out the hormones using natural bio-identical progesterone. One theory is that the decrease in progesterone levels that occurs a few days before the menstrual cycle may contribute to the heightened probability of an asthma attack. Progesterone has been found to decrease the contractility of smooth muscle and contribute greatly to the relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle induced by isoproterenol. Progesterone has also been found to act as a bronchodilator in women who experience premenstrual worsening of asthma. The sudden drop in progesterone levels before the menstrual cycle can trigger bronchoconstriction. Because progesterone is important in the regulation of microvascular leakage in airways, a decrease in progesterone may lead to airway mucosal edema. Progesterone may also have anti-inflammatory effects on the body. Natural Ways to Alleviate Hormone Imbalances and Asthma include: * Keep a diary of your symptoms and compare it to your menstrual cycle. Notice any patterns. * Aspirin and other non-steroid medications such as Advil and Aleve can worsen asthma symptoms. These drugs are commonly used for relief of menstrual cramps and have recently been proven unsafe to use on a regular basis. Natural progesterone is excellent in the relief of menstrual cramps. * Educate yourself about natural progesterone for the use of hormone imbalance. * Body cleansing and detoxification: every six months perform a total liver/gallbladder, digestive tract and parasite cleanse. * Diet. Concentrate on foods that don’t promote mucus production such as raw organic fruits and vegetables, limited whole grains, organic seeds, organic-free-range poultry and cold-water fish. Include one clove of garlic in your daily diet. Use two tablespoons of ground flaxseed daily for omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s act as an anti-inflammatory on the body. Eliminate all dairy, sugar, pre-packaged foods and fried foods. Avoid foods that cause gas. Try to eat five small meals a day. Bottom line: Eat as close to nature as possible. * Water. Drink half your body weight in ounces of pure, clean water every day. This will continually flush toxins from the system. According to experts, water is helpful after an asthma attack in breaking up mucus. * Vitamin C - 1,000 mg two to ten times daily. You must build up to bowel tolerance. Vitamin C has antihistamine benefits which will help with inflammation. It is best to use a Vitamin C that is not corn-derived as corn is a very common allergen and much of the corn in the US is genetically modified. Tapioca derived is the best Vitamin C. *Aromatherapy. Diffuse high-quality essential oils through a diffuser. Oils that open the airways and loosen congestion are lavender, tea tree and eucalyptus. * Exercise. Exercise increases the ability for the lungs to take in oxygen. Walking for 30 minutes each day is preferable. If it is cold outside, then use a treadmill in the home. Educate yourself about deep breathing and do this daily. Exercise also helps to alleviate some symptoms of menopause and PMS. * Air Purification. Use an ionic air purifier to keep the air clean in your home and office. This is especially important if you work in an office or live in a home that is older than five years. As you can see using a whole-body approach will help to alleviate hormonal imbalance which may result in the alleviation of asthma, especially during the days before and after the menstrual cycle. Asthma is controllable and in many instances reversible but it takes desire, discipline and determination.

Self-Care Measures For Asthma Relief

For optimal asthma relief, it is important to take responsibility for self-care. With the help of your physician, you can get the best asthma relief by checking your peak flow daily, developing an Asthma Action Plan with your physician, keeping an asthma diary, avoiding asthma triggers, and using natural asthma therapies to help increase relaxation. Getting the best asthma relief means staying on top of your asthma triggers, signs and symptoms, and medications to prevent asthma problems. * Using a Peak Flow Meter for Asthma Care: Using a peak flow meter may help you manage your asthma symptoms. With asthma, the inability to exhale air out of the lungs is responsible for a many of the symptoms of asthma. A peak flow meter is an inexpensive, portable, handheld device that is used to measure how well air moves out of your lungs. Measuring your peak flow using this meter is an important part of managing asthma and preventing you or your child from becoming seriously ill. * Developing an Asthma Action Plan: Your physician can assist you in developing an asthma action plan. This asthma action plan can help you to manage your asthma and prevent asthma attacks. The asthma action plan is designed to tell you what to do when you experience changes in the severity of your symptoms and in your peak flow numbers. * Keeping an Asthma Diary: Keeping an asthma diary allows you to record your asthma symptoms, triggers, and treatment, so you can monitor your asthma. With the asthma diary, you can also record your peak expiratory flow (PEF) readings, compare your PEF readings with your asthma zones, and keep track of how often you use asthma medications for a sudden asthma attack. * Managing Your Child’s Asthma at School: It is important to communicate with your child’s teachers and other caregivers for optimal asthma relief when your child is away from home. Managing your child’s asthma at school is vital even if the child has only a mild case of asthma and even for children who do not need to take medicines when they are at school. * Controlling Asthma Triggers: Controlling asthma triggers is possible if you know which triggers or allergens cause your symptoms. Your asthma triggers may be dust mites, molds, pollens, pets, cockroaches, and household irritants. Secondhand tobacco smoke may also be a trigger in your home or workplace. Other asthma triggers include ozone, environmental toxins, strong odors, weather fronts, cold air, and humidity. Once you know your asthma triggers, make plans to avoid these triggers at home, at work, and during recreational activities. * Natural Asthma Remedies: Natural asthma remedies may include treatment such as herbs, dietary supplements, acupuncture, chiropractic, massage therapy, biofeedback, homeopathy, nutrition, and botanicals. The problem is there are few research studies on natural therapies. Natural therapies such as yoga breathing exercises may help people with asthma learn how to control their breathing and relieve stress, a common asthma trigger. Massage therapy may increase relaxation, helping the person with asthma breathe easier. Dietary changes are another natural remedy as you avoid foods that may trigger asthma symptoms. It is important for your doctor to be aware of any herbs or supplements such as sleep aids for insomnia you are taking as they may interfere with your asthma medications.

Asthma Relief Medications, Help Manage Asthma Symptoms

Along with avoiding your triggers and staying healthy, asthma relief medications play an important role in managing asthma. Long-term control medications keep your asthma under control on a day-to-day basis. Quick- asthma relief medications treat symptoms once they start. If your asthma is triggered by airborne allergies, you may need allergy medications along with asthma medications to help keep your asthma under control. You will need to work closely with your doctor to determine which asthma medication or combination of asthma medications works best for you. Your age, your symptoms and possible side effects all play a role in choosing the dose and type of asthma relief medications you need. Asthma medications are different in dose and type for children, women who are pregnant, and for people who have certain health problems or who take certain other medications like for example, an over the counter constipation treatment. Asthma symptoms often change over time. This means you will need to monitor your asthma carefully and work with your doctor to adjust your asthma medications as needed.

Asthma Relief: Is It Safe To Use Natural Remedies?

Are you looking for some natural asthma remedies to relieve your asthma symptoms? Many people turn to natural remedies when they have a chronic or long-term illness, thinking these medications might give them relief. Such alternative medicine for asthma might include herbs, dietary supplements, acupuncture, chiropractic and massage therapy, biofeedback, homeopathy, nutrition and botanicals. There are many natural remedies for asthma touted to relieve asthma symptoms. However, because there have been few or no research studies on most types of alternative medicine for asthma, the effectiveness and safety of many are unknown. Here are some examples of natural asthma remedies: * Herbs and Natural Dietary Supplements. Many different herbs, plants, and supplements have been used with asthma, including Tylophora (Indian ipecac), butterbur, ephedra (ma huang), katuka, grapeseed, boswellia, and dried ivy. Since none have been definitively shown to help symptoms of asthma, they are generally not recommended. Ma huang (ephedra), a very common herb used in dietary supplements, has been used for years as a bronchodilator. Ephedra was recently banned by the FDA. Several studies have looked at using vitamin C supplements and omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) for asthma symptoms. Again, there is not enough evidence to recommend these natural therapies. * Yoga. Oftentimes, stress triggers symptoms of asthma. But breathing exercises used in yoga have been found to help some people with asthma control breathing and relieve stress, a common asthma trigger. * Asthma Diet. Restricting dairy products and sugar has reported help some children with childhood asthma. * Acupuncture. This Chinese medicine method uses needles on pressure points to relieve symptoms. While some people with asthma have found that acupuncture can significantly reduce asthma attacks and improve lung function, studies are not conclusive. * Biofeedback. Learning to increase the amount of air inhaled has reduced fear and anxiety during an asthma attack for some people with asthma. Most people think of herbs as being natural and therefore safe to take. However, many herbs have not been thoroughly tested, and, as mentioned, the FDA does not regulate them, therefore, herbs for anti aging skin care are still in question. Some herbs used to cure asthma have been found to interact with other medications. For example, ginkgo biloba, used to decrease inflammation in the lungs, could cause bleeding problems in people also taking the blood thinner Coumadin. Licorice root, used to soothe the lungs of people with asthma, can increase blood pressure. Ephedra has been used as a bronchodilator but has also been linked to some unexplained deaths. It is very important that you always inform your physician if you are taking any herbs, dietary supplements, and other so-called natural asthma remedies. Some herbs may worsen your asthma or other medical condition, or they may interfere with prescribed asthma medicines you are taking.

Asthma Relief Plays A Key Role In Preventing Chronic Asthma Symptoms

Asthma relief plays a key role in gaining good control of your asthma. Asthma is a chronic (lifelong) disease that involves inflammation of the airways superimposed with recurrent episodes of decreased airflow, mucus production, and cough. Choosing the proper asthma medication is crucial in avoiding asthma attacks and living an active life. Treatment with asthma medication focuses on: * Taking asthma relief that controls inflammation and prevents chronic symptoms such as coughing or breathlessness at night, in the early morning, or after exertion (long-term control medications). * Providing asthma relief to cure asthma attacks when they occur (quick-relief asthma medication). * Avoiding asthma triggers. * Monitoring daily asthma symptoms in an asthma diary. * Monitoring peak flows with daily asthma tests. Generally, there are two types of asthma medication which can give you long-term control or quick relief of asthma symptoms. * Anti-inflammatory drugs. This is the most important type of therapy for most people with asthma because these asthma medications avoid asthma attacks on an ongoing basis. Corticosteroids are an important type of anti-inflammatory medication for people suffering from asthma. These asthma medications reduce swelling and mucus production in the airways. As a result, airways are less sensitive and less likely to react to triggers. * Bronchodilators. These asthma medications relieve the symptoms of asthma by relaxing the muscle bands that tighten around the airways. This action rapidly opens the airways, letting more air come in and out of the lungs. As a result, breathing improves. Bronchodilators also help clear mucus from the lungs. As the airways open, the mucus moves more freely and can be coughed out more easily. These asthma medications relief can be administered in different ways and treating your asthma the right way would be the best gift ideas for holiday season. Successful treatment should allow you to live an active and normal life. If your asthma symptoms are not in good control, you should contact your physician for advice and look at a different asthma medication relief that may work best for you.

Three-Step Asthma Relief, Keep Your Symptoms At Bay, Reduce Flare-Ups And Prevent Complications

Asthma relief is tailored for each person and can change over time. Everyone who has the condition can benefit from asthma relief to alleviate tight, inflamed airways. But asthma triggers, severity and exact symptoms are different for each person and so is the best asthma treatment plan. You will need to work closely with the physician to develop a written asthma treatment plan that is right for you. Follow your treatment plan and adopt these 3 steps to help you get better control of your asthma. Step 1. Track Your Symptoms. Record your peak flow measurements and your symptoms in a diary every day. Always take the diary with you when you go to the doctor, so you can review it together and make any needed changes to your asthma treatment plan. Keep an asthma diary to record: * Increased shortness of breath or wheezing - a whistling sound when you exhale. * Disturbed sleep caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing. * Chest tightness or pain. * Quick-relief inhaler use, including when you need to use your inhaler and how many puffs you take. * Decreased productivity at work (especially true if it affects your performance in your website design Lexington project), school or home due to asthma symptoms. * Increased asthma symptoms during exercise. * Anything that seems to trigger asthma flare-ups, such as secondhand tobacco smoke or pollution. Step 2. Check Your Lung Function. Lung function tests can help determine your level of asthma control. Decreased lung function is a sign you need to adjust your medications according to your treatment plan. If you are following your treatment plan but still have decreased lung function, work with your doctor to adjust your asthma medications. There are 2 primary lung function tests: Peak Flow, Spirometery. Step 3. Adjust Your Asthma Treatment. By tracking your symptoms and following your asthma relief plan, you can identify when you need to adjust your medications to avoid or cure an asthma flare-up. * Quick-Relief Inhalers. Most people with asthma need to use quick-relief (rescue) inhalers from time to time. These inhalers contain a short-acting bronchodilator such as albuterol. They quickly open up your airways and make breathing easier. If you have mild asthma or asthma triggered by exercise, you may need to use your inhaler on a regular basis especially before your exercise. Make sure you know how to use your inhaler properly. It won't keep your asthma under control if you do not use it correctly. When asthma symptoms are bad, you may need to use your quick-relief inhaler more often. Frequent use of a quick-relief inhaler to cure flare-ups is a sign of poorly controlled asthma. * Long-term Control Medications. If you have persistent asthma, you will probably also need to take long-term control medications such as inhaled corticosteroids. These preventive medications cure the airway inflammation that causes asthma signs and symptoms. Taken on a daily basis, these medications can reduce or eliminate asthma flare-ups and your need to use a quick-relief inhaler. If you follow your asthma relief plan, but you are still having bothersome symptoms, consult your doctor. You may need to increase or change your medication. On the other hand, if your asthma is well controlled all the time, you may be able to reduce the amount of medication you take. This is known as the "stepwise" approach to asthma control. For some people with seasonal allergy triggers, medication may need to be "stepped up" or "stepped down" at certain times of the year.

Three Promising Alternative Asthma Relief

Complementary and alternative asthma treatments range from breathing exercises to herbal remedies. There is limited information about whether most of these asthma treatments really work, but many people try them and claim they help. Here's what the evidence says. More research is still needed to determine just how effective they are, but breathing exercises, yoga and physical exercise are a few of the most promising complementary and alternative asthma treatments. * Breathing Exercises. Breathing exercises may improve your quality of life, help reduce asthma symptoms and reduce the amount of medication needed to control your asthma. Two breathing exercises that have been studied: 1.) The Buteyko Breathing Technique. Developed in the 1950s, this method was used to cure asthma in the former Soviet Union. In recent years, it has gained popularity elsewhere. This technique teaches you to habitually breathe less. This prevents breathing too much (hyperventilation). This breathing-type technique also includes advice about relaxation and stress reduction, medication use, nutrition and general health. 2.) The Papworth Method. This sequence of relaxation and breathing techniques involves deep belly breathing (called diaphragmatic breathing), nose breathing and matching your breathing to suit whatever activity you are doing. Some evidence suggests this technique significantly reduces asthma symptoms. While breathing exercises for asthma are gaining recognition and popularity in the US, few experts are trained to provide instruction. If you decide to try breathing exercises, you may have to rely on instructional videos or books. Most of this videos and books are available online and that they have great Internet Marketing campaign. * Yoga. This gentle form of exercise has been practiced for thousands of years. There are many types of yoga, but all kinds entail doing a series of stretching poses. In addition to providing the benefits of exercise, yoga also incorporates breathing techniques called pranayama - which may help reduce asthma symptoms. While more studies are needed to determine how helpful yoga is in treating asthma, doing yoga on a regular basis might help relieve stress and improve your overall fitness and well-being. * Exercise. You can and should keep physically active if you asthma. Staying active helps control your symptoms and helps you stay healthy. Regular exercise strengthens your lungs so that they do not have to work so hard at breathing. Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity on most days. If you have been inactive, start slowly and gradually increase your activity over time. And, you do not have to do your daily exercise all at once. Doing something that gets your blood pumping and gets you breathing harder for a few short periods such as ten or fifteen minutes at a time - works too. Bear in mind that exercising in cold weather may trigger symptoms. If you do exercise in cold temperatures, wear a face mask to warm the air you breathe. And do not exercise in temperatures below zero. Activities such as golf, walking and swimming are less likely to trigger attacks, but be sure to discuss any exercise program with your doctor.