Asthma scholarship
Friday, August 29th, 2008Boy dies after asthma attack - Maidenhead Advertiser
 Maidenhead Advertiser |
Boy dies after asthma attack
Maidenhead Advertiser, UK - A boy has died after suffering an asthma attack at Longridge Boating Centre near Marlow. Joe cronin, 11, was having lunch with friends while on a holiday … |
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Second Hand Smoking: Medical or Physiological Effects
Secondhand smoke is a combination of the smoke produced from a burning cigarette and the smoke exhaled by the smoker. Second-hand smoke is also known as passive smoke or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). Mostly the term second-hand smoke is used as opposed to ETS because the latter infers a relationship between tobacco smoke and the environment in general resulting in confusion about its exact meaning. Such environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) can be easily recognized by its distinctive odor as it contaminates the air and gets retained in clothing, curtains and furniture, etc. However, it is not just limited to irritation; ETS represents a dangerous health hazards across the globe. Over 4,000 different chemicals have been identified in ETS, and around 50 of these chemicals are known carcinogens. Some of the commonly found chemicals in secondhand smoke include, but are not limited to: 0 Benzopyrenes: These are otherwise found in coal tar, one of the most potent cancer-causing chemicals. 0 Formaldehyde: It is normally used to preserve dead animals. 0 Hydrogen cyanide: It is used in rat poison! 0 Ammonia: It is used to clean floors and toilets. Breathing second-hand smoke can be more dangerous than inhaling smoke through a cigarette. It has twice as much nicotine and tar as the smoke that people smoking inhale and five times more carbon monoxide, a deadly gas that starves your body of oxygen. Harmful effects of Passive Smoking: People who do not smoke, and who are exposed to the toxic chemicals in second-hand smoke on a regular basis, can suffer serious and life-threatening health problems. In the long term, people exposed to second-hand smoke have a greater risk of suffering from lung cancer, nasal sinus cancer, heart disease, stroke, and breathing problems, including increased coughing, wheezing, pneumonia, bronchitis, and asthma. In fact every time a person breathes in second-hand smoke, he/she consumes over 100 harmful chemical agents - carcinogens and toxins. People who live with someone who smokes and are exposed to tobacco smoke on a regular basis have around 30 per cent increased risk of developing lung cancer and heart disease. Even as little as 8 to 20 minutes of passive smoking can cause physical reactions linked to heart disease and stroke, such as increased heart rate, less oxygen to the heart, and constricted blood vessels that increases blood pressure and makes the heart work harder. Effects on Infants: Children are at even higher risk because their lungs are still in a stage of development and can be more easily damaged by second-hand smoke. Infants also inhale more amount of the smoke because they breathe much faster than adults. Infants who breathe second-hand smoke have a greater chance of dying from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), also known as crib death. More than three times as many infants die from second-hand smoke-related SIDS as from child abuse or homicide. Effects of tobacco smoking on children is more than adult person. Children who are exposed to second-hand smoke have double the risk of getting bronchitis and pneumonia. Second-hand smoke can affect children0s behavior and their ability to understand and reason. Studies have shown that children who are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke score lower on tests in reading, math, logic and reasoning skills. For children with asthma, exposure to even small amounts of second-hand smoke can trigger an asthma attack. Breathing second-hand smoke can increase the number of asthma attacks. Exposing children with asthma to second-hand smoke in the home increases the number of emergency room visits and hospital stays. Exposure to second-hand smoke can cause children without asthma to develop it. About the Author: This Article is written by Tarun Gupta, the author of Health Information Articles. More information on the subject is at Second Hand Smoking: Medical or Physiological Effects, and resources from other home health and wellness testing sources are used such as Second Hand Smoking Test.
Source: KnowHow-Now.com
Coffee; Good or Bad-You Decide
Coffee drinkers have multiplied dramatically in the last decade as hundreds, actually thousands, of coffee cafés and coffee houses have opened up all over the country and all over the world. Arab traders introduced qahwah seeds to the world and the first cultivation began in the Arabian Peninsula around 1500 years ago. Sometime later the Turks served the drink to Italian merchants who then introduced it to Europe in the 1600’s. The story of the coffee beans’ discovery comes from a goat herder who noticed his flock jumping with more energy after eating what looked to be cherries from a plant. That was the ignition point for the use as we know it today.Many have had concerns with excessively coffee consumption as it may result is health problems over time. Medical researchers, for decades, have cautioned their patients on long term use of coffee due to its negative impact on the cardiovascular system as well as the adrenal glands. The caffeine laced energy drink craze propelled this thought process into mainstream thinking. It all may be true but I think it important to entertain another viewpoint that may carry some weight. Let’s have a look at some proclaimed benefits of drinking coffee either moderately or excessively.An 18 year study of 126,000 people and conducted by researchers at Harvard University resulted in the risk reduction of diabetes that was in the single digits. Three to six cups, however, reduce that risk by 54% in men and 30% in women. Although more research is appropriate Vanderbilt University’s Dr. Tomas DePaulis, Harvard Phd advocates the theory that more good than bad comes from coffee consumption. Studies have shown that those who drink coffee on a regular basis are 80% less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease. Other research shows that 2 cups per day can reduce colon cancer risk by 25%, an 80% reduction in the risk of liver cirrhosis, and cut gallstone risk in half. DePaulis says that people who smoke and are heavy drinkers have less heart disease and liver damage when they consume large amounts of coffee compared to those who don’t.It has been documented that asthma attacks are reduced and can be controlled much easier with regular coffee consumption. Cavity prevention and headache cessation are believed to be affected by coffee.As you can see there are cases to be made on both sides of the opinion board. In defense of regular or excessive coffee consumption we must consider the antioxidant power of the bean itself. Coffee as an antioxidant drink may be a stretch for some but research supports this idea? Antioxidants are necessary in reducing inflammation caused by free radical damage. Free radicals are the result of cellular oxidation and are the free floating destroyers of cells and their DNA. Antioxidants neutralize those free radicals and minimize their impact on the health of the body. Those heavy drinkers and smokers need all the antioxidant protection they can get.Another study from Brazil has shown that children who drink coffee with their milk in the morning are less likely to suffer from depression.Looking at the potential negative impact coffee can have on the human body (mainly from excessive use) it is clear that it can cause increased nervousness, hand trembling, and cause a rapid heartbeat. This is as a result from the adrenal glands being stimulated by caffeine, causing a ratcheting up of the nervous system for fight or flight mode. In this day and age neither is as necessary as they once were so the continuous upswing in adrenaline production combined with inactivity begins to take its toll on the cardiovascular system by raising cholesterol levels which may lead to clogged arteries. It is prudent for pregnant women, heart patients, and osteoporosis patients to avoid excessive coffee use if any at all.On the ugly side it is important to be aware of the chemicals, accidently or on purpose, that are added to coffee. One very well known coffee chain is known for cleaning their machines with a chemical that is a known carcinogen. The chemical residue that is inevitable in the brewers works its way into the cup you purchase.All in all, at the end, of the day, like everything else, I recommend coffee in moderation. Lean to the realm of organic coffee if possible.—Unlock the secrets of slowing or even reversing the aging process with the new Antiaging Special Report! Get yours FREE!! at http://naturalcellrenewal.com
Source: KnowHow-Now.com
Home Remedies For Asthma
1. Asthmatics should keep away from cold weather and relieve themselves form constipation. The latter leads to distended abdomen and puts pressure on the lungs, aggravating asthmatic attacks. 2. They should try to drink lukewarm water as much as possible. The construction of the respiratory channels during asthma is dilated with lukewarm water, enabling more airflow. Cold drinks and sour fruit juices causes inflammation and construction of the bronchial tubes. 3. Stress and strain are major causes of almost all diseases. They disturb the digestive system and aggravate asthmatic attacks. Pranayam is one way to overcome stress and strain. It should be practised for at least half an hour daily to remain calm. 4. Asthmatic patients should avoid eating bananas, which produces phlegm and obstructs the already constricted bronchial tubes of the respiratory tract. 5. They should prefer milk (light not concentrated), spinach, soybean, dry grapes, carrots, garlic, ginger, onion, lesser cardamom, turmeric, spearmint, cheese, Indian gooseberry, sesame etc. 6. Immerse your feet in warm during attacks. 7. Asthma is mostly to allergy. Stay away from dust, smoke and pollution. 8. Smoking should be strictly prohibited as it takes a person closer to death day by day. 9. Turmeric acts both as a preventive and curative treatment for allergic asthma. Half to one teaspoon of turmeric (according to patient0s tolerance and severity for disease) taken with warm milk reduces the intensity of attack. 10. Turmeric can also be taken along with honey in the morning on empty stomach to reduce the intensity of attack. 11. Have a high fibre diet to avoid constipation. Soybeen, Bengal gram (kale chane), fruits like apple, figs, guava, lemon and orange are rich in fibre. Grains rich in fibre are barley, oatmeal and maize. Wheat flour, jowar, bajra, and whole wheat are rich in fibre. Coriander seeds, cumin seeds, dry pepper and turmeric also contain fibre. Drumstick, carrot, dry peas, rajmah (add garlic and ginger to pass wind or gas) may also be given. 12. Take 15 fresh dray grapes with seeds (large raisin), clean them with water and soak in 150 gms of water at night. In the morning they will swell up. Remove the seeds and chew one by one. In the remaining water add a little sugar and drink it. With this treatment for a month, the lungs are strengthened and poisonous wastes removed from the body, thus decreasing the frequency of asthma attacks. Chronic cold, cough and stomach ailments are cured. Constipation, piles, bleeding through the nose and mouth ulcers are also benefited to some extent. Red blood cells increase. With the purification and increase in blood, the person becomes stronger. 13. Dry grapes soaked in water at night and kept in cold milk for half an hour and then chewed, gives energy. But it is contraindicated in case of diabetes mellitus. 14. Raisins when taken along with black pepp3er, almonds and a little butter at night help in sleeping coolly without disturbance due to cough. 15. For old people with asthma, warm this mixture and take it. It is more useful in winters. 16. 1-2 teaspoonfuls of Spiegel seeds with warm water twice a day prevents asthma attacks. 17. Grind kheel of Borax (heat Borax in an iron vessel so that it spreads and store in a bottle) and liquorice and mix equal amounts of both in a bottle. Take half gram to one gram of it twice or thrice with honey or warm water. In children give one eight gram. 18. Do not give curd or banana in excess quantity and fried, heavy or chilled products to asthmatics. Curd is said to obstruct the channels of circulation due to its heavy nature. 19. For one-year-old child with asthma, make a paste of five leaves of holy basil with honey and for a baby of less than a year give two drops of Tulsa leave juice with honey. 20. Do not have rice, oils, sour products, watermelon etc. 21. Do not stay awake at nights. This increase anxiety and strain, both aggravators of asthma attacks. 22. Do not have non-vegetarian food. This causes constipation due to low fibre content in the food. Constipation increases the load on the chest. Take green vegetables, fruits and the like. 23. Mix one gram of dry ginger powder and one gram of black pepper in one teaspoon of molasses or honey. 24. If mucous has dried up in the chest, boil 20 gms of linseed in 300 gms of water. When one-third the water if left, sieve and add 10 gms of sugar candy. Drink one teaspoonful of this many times every hour. Mucous is excreted through this method. Till you are not relieved, keep drinking it. 25 Figs are very useful for asthma patients; it serves as a very good tonic for old people too. 26. Dry pomegranate peels and keep them in a jar. Boil two raisins and some part of peel in 250 ml of milk. Drink this milk twice a day. This mixture is very helpful for children who are unable to remove sputum from the chest. 27. Boil around 35 fenugreek seeds in 250 ml of water; remove from flame when one-third is left. Add one teaspoonful of ginger juice and one teaspoonful of honey for patients, especially during winters. 28. Regular chewing of fennel helps expel infected mucous from the chest. 29. Boil 4-5 cloves in 125 ml of water. Add one teaspoonful of honey and drink the mixture twice or thrice a day. 30. Garlic is a versatile herb that is excellent for chest infections, relieving asthma, flue, cold and ear infections. 31. Vitamin E is very useful for asthma. This vitamin is present in coconut, ghee, grapes, sunflower oil, soybean and tomato. About the author For more helpful information visit http://www.himalayahomeremedies.com/
Source: KnowHow-Now.com
What Are The Primary Asthma Attack Symptoms?
Asthma is a terrible condition. You can live much of your entire life and only experience the mildest of symptoms, or you can live each and every day with the fear that it will be your last. These are two opposite ends of the spectrum, but they are almost entirely true of most cases of severe breathing difficulties. Asthma attacks can be life stopping event or even fatal. Knowing the danger signals can help you recognise an imminent attack, and allow for life-saving time to take the proper medications and/or precautions. How to Recognize an Asthma Attack Asthma can be a very cunning disease. Raspy breathing, troubled or heavy breathing, and light to violent coughing can sometimes be attributed to outside influences (i.e. smoke, or exercise). But in the case of an asthma sufferer, they might be the onset of the early stages of an extremely bad asthma attack. Severe wheezing on its own doesn0t necessarily mean an asthma attack is coming on, but when this wheezing is heard and felt while both breathing in and out (inhaling and exhaling), you might be in the first throes of an asthma attack. This raspy wheezing isn0t just heard, it can be felt when you or your carer places a hand upon your chest. If you have the experience of a persistent cough that is accompanied by another asthma attack symptom, you may be developing for an asthma attack. Bear in mind that while a hacking cough in itself isn0t a symptom, coughing uncontrollably is an indication that you are having an asthma attack. Mild or severe chest pains or feeling pressure on the chest is another asthma attack symptom that may be confused with another problem- that is a heart attack. If you feel you have excruciating pain and pressure in your chest, but do not feel that the pain is traveling out to your left shoulder and arm, it is probably an asthma attack. The pain is a symptom that your body is trying hard to draw in fresh air. It can also be caused by your bronchial tubes or lungs tightening up. These are some of the foremost asthma attack symptoms that you need to be aware of. If you are experiencing any one or maybe more of these asthma attack symptoms you should; Stop whatever you are doing, try to administer your medication - usually an inhaler or other drugs as prescribed, also try to get some help, and above all try to relax. Taking your medicine is very important to your recovery and survival. If you find that your medicine isn0t helping or not working quickly enough to relieve the symptoms, or that you asthma attack symptoms are getting worse, have someone call the emergency services. Don0t take chances as calling for some assistance could save your life. Now that you are know what the three main asthma attack symptoms are, you now know what to look for, and forewarned is forearmed! About the author Steven Lucas Hampshire, UK http://asthma.know-all.info
Source: KnowHow-Now.com
The Dangers Of Untreated Reflux Acid
Knowing how to modify your diet to treat and prevent acid reflux is very important if you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), because long-term and frequent reflux acid can lead to many serious health complications that, in rare cases, can even be life threatening. What type of problems can occur? Constant occurrences of acid refluxed into the esophagus can eventually lead to inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis). If the inflammation isn0t allowed to heal, other health complications can result such as: Coughing and asthma attacks 0Refluxed acid can stimulate nerves within the esophagus related to the lungs. This can lead to a constriction of the airways triggering coughing in non-asthmatics, and can result in an asthma attack in those who suffer from asthma. Aside from acid aggravating nerves linked to the lungs, aspiration (acid refluxed into the lungs) can occur. Aspiration can cause inflammation within the lungs, leading to symptoms such as coughing, choking, and/or shortness of breath. Continuous lung inflammation can result in scarring on the lungs, as well as lung infections that can cause pneumonia. Ulcers 0 Prolonged esophagitis can lead to damage in the esophagus lining. Once damaged, reflux acid can break through the esophagus lining and a lesion known as an ulcer can form where the tissue surface of the esophagus wall has been eaten away by the acid. Ulcers are often painful because they can trigger additional inflammation that causes erosion of the esophageal blood vessels, which, in turn, can lead to bleeding in the esophagus. If bleeding becomes severe, a person may require a blood transfusion or surgery. Ulcers can heal by forming scar tissue once inflammation stops. Strictures 0 A stricture occurs when the inner cavity of the esophagus unnaturally shrinks and narrows due to the scar tissue of a healed ulcer. A severe stricture can cause swallowed food to become stuck in the esophagus. If the food cannot pass through the esophagus, a person may have to have the food surgically removed, as well as undergo a procedure that stretches the stricture. Barrett0s esophagus 0 Approximately 10% of people with GERD will develop a condition known as Barrett0s esophagus. Barrett0s esophagus usually occurs when the lower esophagus has been damaged by prolonged reflux acid which causes the cells that exist there to undergo metaplasia (cellular change). Metaplasia changes the composition of the cells that line the lower esophagus wall, and also changes the color of the esophagus from its healthy pink to a salmon color. The cellular change occurs so that the cells in the esophagus closely match those that exist within the stomach and intestine to help them better withstand the acid exposure. Although this may sound beneficial to GERD sufferers, the reality is that Barrett0s esophagus can be very painful and the cellular change increases the risk of esophageal cancer. Esophageal cancer 0 Esophageal cancer occurs in the inner layer of the esophagus and usually develops from Barrett0s esophagus. Although esophageal cancer is very serious and life threatening, it is estimated that less than 1% of people with Barrett0s esophagus will actually develop esophageal cancer. Therefore, while the risk is there, it is minimal, especially for those who treat their acid reflux and have their Barrett0s esophagus condition closely monitored by their gastroenterologist. The complications related to reflux acid can be avoided by simply learning how to prevent acid reflux before it occurs. Speak to your doctor about the best treatment methods for your GERD condition. About the author Grab your free copy of Kathryn Whittaker’s brand new Acid Reflux & GERD Newsletter here http://www.naturally-stop-acid-reflux.com/?source=is which is overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you combat Acid Reflux and GERD.
Source: KnowHow-Now.com
Boy, 11, dies after asthma attack - Bucks Free Press
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Boy, 11, dies after asthma attack
Bucks Free Press, UK - By Tom Pochciol AN ELEVEN-year-old boy has died after suffering an asthma attack while at a water sports activity day. Joe Cronin was taking part in the … |
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Common conditions often trigger asthma symptoms - Fort Leavenworth Lamp
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Common conditions often trigger asthma symptoms
Fort Leavenworth Lamp, KS - There are a variety of environmental and behavioral factors that can bring on asthma symptoms and ultimately lead to a full-blown asthma attack. … |
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