The stress of living with a chronic disease reveals itself in many ways among the various family members.
Someone with asthma may be more likely to
• get involved in fights
• be less cooperative
• be stubborn
• depressed
• anxious
• Withdrawn
• Be timid
Parents of kids with asthma are more likely to suffer from
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Depression and
• Appetite loss
Siblings of kids with asthma may
• Feel guilty, thinking that somehow they have caused the illness.
• They also may be jealous or angry because of the additional attention their sibling receives
• or they may be afraid that they may get the asthma themselves
• Some may also feel embarrassed by the symptoms that their sibling displays
Financial Strain
Nebulizer - RM 15-20 each time, at clinic
Medication for the inhaler
• Nonsteroidal RM 20
• Steroidal RM 40
Drugs - for when needed RM 20
But………………….
These are not the only costs…………………
1. MEDICAL RELATED COSTS
Pharmaceutical
Medical Consultations
Hospital
Indirect Medical - Secondary illnesses
CM - such as acupuncture, homoeopathy, physiotherapy or chiropractice
Ambulance
2. INDIRECT COSTS .
Absenteeism
Lost Productivity At Work
Travel Cost and Time For Treatment
http://www.healthinsite.gov.au/expert/Asthma___Expert_View
Showing posts with label Asthma. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Asthma. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
6 steps to management of asthma and yoga breathing exercises
To get back the natural and automatic diaphragmatic breathing, and not the thoracic type of breathing
To concentrate on exhalation especially at the commencement of an attack
Increasing the flexibility of the chest wall and to relax the accompanying muscles of the respiratory system and
To correct other problems commonly associated with chronic asthma
Since few of us are immune to the constant stresses and strains of modern life, most of us tend to take short shallow breaths, using only a half to two thirds of our lung capacity.
And asthmatics chronically over-breathe, often at a rate two to three times faster than normal which robs the cells of essential fuel versus providing more oxygen.
The more stress, pressure and emotion we experience, the more restricted the breath becomes, as the alarm bells of the sympathetic nervous system are constantly being rung.
This perpetuates the cycle of stress, anxiety and shallow breathing. This in turn deprives the body of oxygen
Benefits
Increased efficiency of each breath
Increased lung capacity
Increased flow of oxygen to all parts of the body
Increase concentration, creativity and cognitive brain functions
Increase relaxation and calmness by releasing tension
Improved mind and body control, helping control emotions and relieve tension.
Improved abdominal and diaphragm control and strength.
Step 1
If you recognise any of the following symptoms then you probably have moderate to severe
asthma:
• If you need asthma medication most weeks of the year.
• If you have needed urgent medical attention for asthma in the past year or so.
• If your peak flow measurement is consistently below expected, despite optimal
treatment.
Assess the severity of your asthma and have it checked by your doctor.
Step 2
When you are at your best you should ideally have:
• No symptoms.
• Best possible peak flow measurements and
• Your chest should sound normal when your doctor examines you. It may take a few
weeks of medication to achieve your best. Monitoring peak flow measurements at
home can help you to check your progress.
When you have reached your best you will probably feel much better.
Step 3
Find out what sets off your asthma and try to stay away from it. These triggers could be:
• House dust, pollens, pets, moulds.
• Tobacco smoke.
• Things around your workplace or school, like wood dust, flour dust, chemical fumes,
animals and many other things.
• Food preservatives, colourings and monosodium glutamate (MSG).
Air pollution and respiratory infections, such as colds or bronchitis, commonly trigger asthma
but are difficult to avoid.
Exercise is good for everyone including people with asthma. Although it can trigger asthma it is important not to avoid exercise. Exercise induced asthma (EIA) can usually be easily controlled through medication and an appropriate exercise regime. Talk to your doctor or local
Asthma Educator to learn how to control asthma during exercise.
Step 4
If you need medications these should be as simple, safe and effective as possible.
This is why inhaled medications are most often used for asthma.
There are four types of inhaled medication that your doctor might advise you to use.
• “Relievers” (such as Bricanyl, Ventolin, Asmol, Airomir and Epaq) are called
bronchodilators. These provide relief of asthma symptoms and are used in asthma first
aid.
• “Preventers” (such as Flixotide, Qvar, Pulmicort, Intal, Tilade, and Singulair) help to
keep your asthma under good control preventing asthma attacks. These will only work
if you use them regularly.
• “Symptom Controllers” (such as Oxis, Foradile, and Serevent)
• “Combination Medications” (such as Seretide and Symbicort) these combine a
Symptom Controller and a Preventer in one device.
Your doctor will prescribe the medications which are best for you.
Step 5
Together with your doctor you can work out a plan so that you can:
ﾕ Recognise when your asthma is getting worse.
ﾕ Know how to treat it quickly.
ﾕ Know how and where to get the right medical assistance.
Early attention to worsening asthma may prevent you from having a serious attack. Ask your
doctor for an Asthma Action Plan.
Step 6
Asthma can usually be kept under control. Follow your 6 point management plan and see
your doctor for regular check-ups, not just in emergencies. You should have your asthma
reviewed by your GP every 6 months.
To concentrate on exhalation especially at the commencement of an attack
Increasing the flexibility of the chest wall and to relax the accompanying muscles of the respiratory system and
To correct other problems commonly associated with chronic asthma
Since few of us are immune to the constant stresses and strains of modern life, most of us tend to take short shallow breaths, using only a half to two thirds of our lung capacity.
And asthmatics chronically over-breathe, often at a rate two to three times faster than normal which robs the cells of essential fuel versus providing more oxygen.
The more stress, pressure and emotion we experience, the more restricted the breath becomes, as the alarm bells of the sympathetic nervous system are constantly being rung.
This perpetuates the cycle of stress, anxiety and shallow breathing. This in turn deprives the body of oxygen
Benefits
Increased efficiency of each breath
Increased lung capacity
Increased flow of oxygen to all parts of the body
Increase concentration, creativity and cognitive brain functions
Increase relaxation and calmness by releasing tension
Improved mind and body control, helping control emotions and relieve tension.
Improved abdominal and diaphragm control and strength.
Step 1
If you recognise any of the following symptoms then you probably have moderate to severe
asthma:
• If you need asthma medication most weeks of the year.
• If you have needed urgent medical attention for asthma in the past year or so.
• If your peak flow measurement is consistently below expected, despite optimal
treatment.
Assess the severity of your asthma and have it checked by your doctor.
Step 2
When you are at your best you should ideally have:
• No symptoms.
• Best possible peak flow measurements and
• Your chest should sound normal when your doctor examines you. It may take a few
weeks of medication to achieve your best. Monitoring peak flow measurements at
home can help you to check your progress.
When you have reached your best you will probably feel much better.
Step 3
Find out what sets off your asthma and try to stay away from it. These triggers could be:
• House dust, pollens, pets, moulds.
• Tobacco smoke.
• Things around your workplace or school, like wood dust, flour dust, chemical fumes,
animals and many other things.
• Food preservatives, colourings and monosodium glutamate (MSG).
Air pollution and respiratory infections, such as colds or bronchitis, commonly trigger asthma
but are difficult to avoid.
Exercise is good for everyone including people with asthma. Although it can trigger asthma it is important not to avoid exercise. Exercise induced asthma (EIA) can usually be easily controlled through medication and an appropriate exercise regime. Talk to your doctor or local
Asthma Educator to learn how to control asthma during exercise.
Step 4
If you need medications these should be as simple, safe and effective as possible.
This is why inhaled medications are most often used for asthma.
There are four types of inhaled medication that your doctor might advise you to use.
• “Relievers” (such as Bricanyl, Ventolin, Asmol, Airomir and Epaq) are called
bronchodilators. These provide relief of asthma symptoms and are used in asthma first
aid.
• “Preventers” (such as Flixotide, Qvar, Pulmicort, Intal, Tilade, and Singulair) help to
keep your asthma under good control preventing asthma attacks. These will only work
if you use them regularly.
• “Symptom Controllers” (such as Oxis, Foradile, and Serevent)
• “Combination Medications” (such as Seretide and Symbicort) these combine a
Symptom Controller and a Preventer in one device.
Your doctor will prescribe the medications which are best for you.
Step 5
Together with your doctor you can work out a plan so that you can:
ﾕ Recognise when your asthma is getting worse.
ﾕ Know how to treat it quickly.
ﾕ Know how and where to get the right medical assistance.
Early attention to worsening asthma may prevent you from having a serious attack. Ask your
doctor for an Asthma Action Plan.
Step 6
Asthma can usually be kept under control. Follow your 6 point management plan and see
your doctor for regular check-ups, not just in emergencies. You should have your asthma
reviewed by your GP every 6 months.
Causes/Triggers of Asthma
The exact cause of asthma isn't known. Researchers think a combination of factors (family genes and certain environmental exposures) interact to cause asthma to develop, most often early in life. These factors include:
An inherited tendency to develop allergies, called atopy.
Parents who have asthma.
Certain respiratory infections during childhood.
Contact with some airborne allergens or exposure to some viral infections in infancy or in early childhood when the immune system is developing.
The factors(triggers) that can set off an asthma attack include:
Parents who have asthma.
Certain respiratory infections during childhood.
Contact with some airborne allergens or exposure to some viral infections in infancy or in early childhood when the immune system is developing.
The factors(triggers) that can set off an asthma attack include:
inhaled allergens (such as dust mites, pollen, and cat and dog allergens).
tobacco smoke.
air pollution.
exercise.
strong emotional expressions (such as crying or laughing hard).
chemical irritants.
certain drugs (aspirin and beta-blockers).
tobacco smoke.
air pollution.
exercise.
strong emotional expressions (such as crying or laughing hard).
chemical irritants.
certain drugs (aspirin and beta-blockers).
pathophysiology
pathophysiology:
-airway inflammation
-intermittent airflow obstruction
-bronchial hyperresponsivness
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/296301-overview
In allergic (extrinsic) asthma, the most common form, the respiratory
crisis is triggered by allergies in pollen, mold, animal dander, food,
dust mites, or cockroaches. Exposure causes release of histamine,
interleukins, and several other inflamatory chemicals, which
triggers intense airway inflammation.
Nonallergic
(intrinsic) asthma is not caused by allergens but can be triggered by
infections, drugs, air pollutants, cold dry air, exercise, or emotions.
Within minutes, bronchospasm occurs,along with wheezing, coughing and
possible fatal suffocation.
6-8 hours later, interleukins attract eosinophils to the bronachial
tissue. The eosinophils secrete protiens that paralyze the cilia,
damage the epithelium, and scar and cause long term damage to the
lungs. The bronchioles also oedematize and get plugged with thick
stucky mucus.
Saladin, unity of form
-airway inflammation
-intermittent airflow obstruction
-bronchial hyperresponsivness
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/296301-overview
In allergic (extrinsic) asthma, the most common form, the respiratory
crisis is triggered by allergies in pollen, mold, animal dander, food,
dust mites, or cockroaches. Exposure causes release of histamine,
interleukins, and several other inflamatory chemicals, which
triggers intense airway inflammation.
Nonallergic
(intrinsic) asthma is not caused by allergens but can be triggered by
infections, drugs, air pollutants, cold dry air, exercise, or emotions.
Within minutes, bronchospasm occurs,along with wheezing, coughing and
possible fatal suffocation.
6-8 hours later, interleukins attract eosinophils to the bronachial
tissue. The eosinophils secrete protiens that paralyze the cilia,
damage the epithelium, and scar and cause long term damage to the
lungs. The bronchioles also oedematize and get plugged with thick
stucky mucus.
Saladin, unity of form
Definition, Types, Incidence and Prevalence of Asthma
Definition
Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes (airways) that causes swelling and narrowing (constriction) of the airways. The result is difficulty breathing. The bronchial narrowing is usually either totally or at least partially reversible with treatments.
Types of Asthma
1. Allergies and Asthma
Allergies and asthma often go hand-in-hand. Allergic rhinitis (also called hay fever) is inflammation of the inside lining of the nose and is the single most common chronic allergic disease. In those with allergic rhinitis, increased sensitivity (allergy) to a substance causes your body’s immune cells to release histamines in response to contact with the allergens. Histamines along with other chemicals lead to allergy symptoms. The most common allergens enter the body through the airway.
With allergic rhinitis, you may feel a constant runny nose, ongoing sneezing, swollen nasal passages, excess mucus, weepy eyes, and a scratchy throat. A cough may result from the constant postnasal drip. Many times asthma symptoms are triggered by allergic rhinitis. Your doctor may prescribe medications to control the allergies and, in doing so, the cough and other asthma symptoms may subside.
2. Exercise-Induced Asthma
Exercise-induced asthma is a type of asthma triggered by exercise or physical exertion. Many people with asthma experience some degree of symptoms with exercise. However, there are many people without asthma, including Olympic athletes, who develop symptoms only during exercise.
With exercise-induced asthma, airway narrowing peaks five to 20 minutes after exercise begins, making it difficult to catch your breath. You may have symptoms of an asthma attack with wheezing and coughing. Your doctor can tell you if you need use an asthma inhaler (bronchodilator) before exercise to prevent these uncomfortable asthma symptoms.
Cough-Variant Asthma
In the type of asthma called cough-variant asthma, severe coughing with asthma is the predominant symptom. There can be other causes of cough such as postnasal drip, chronic rhinitis, sinusitis, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD or heartburn). Coughing because of sinusitis with asthma is common.
Asthma is a serious cause of cough that is common today. Cough-variant asthma is vastly underdiagnosed and undertreated. Asthma triggers for cough-variant asthma are usually respiratory infections and exercise.
For any persistent cough, contact your doctor. Your doctor may order specific asthma tests, such as lung function tests, to show how well your lungs work. You might need to see a lung specialist for further tests before an asthma diagnosis is made.
Incidence and Prevalence
The prevalence of asthma in Australia is among the highest in the world: between 10% and 15% of children and between 10% and 12% of adults have asthma. Although it is not a major cause of death, asthma is one of the most common problems managed by doctors and is a frequent reason for the hospitalisation of children, especially boys.
In Malaysia, asthma is among the commonest conditions treated in the health
clinics. More than 73 % of outpatient attendances in the health clinics have been
managed for respiratory symptoms and asthma is one of the cases note to be
treated in health clinics.
Chan (1994) reported that 5 % of all outpatients in Ipoh General Hospital were
treated for asthma. Report was also shown that the hospital discharge due to
asthma was on the rise in the past five years (1990 - 1995). The mortality
statistics was also showed the similar trend.
http://www.medicinenet.com/asthma/page2.htm
http://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/types-asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes (airways) that causes swelling and narrowing (constriction) of the airways. The result is difficulty breathing. The bronchial narrowing is usually either totally or at least partially reversible with treatments.
Types of Asthma
1. Allergies and Asthma
Allergies and asthma often go hand-in-hand. Allergic rhinitis (also called hay fever) is inflammation of the inside lining of the nose and is the single most common chronic allergic disease. In those with allergic rhinitis, increased sensitivity (allergy) to a substance causes your body’s immune cells to release histamines in response to contact with the allergens. Histamines along with other chemicals lead to allergy symptoms. The most common allergens enter the body through the airway.
With allergic rhinitis, you may feel a constant runny nose, ongoing sneezing, swollen nasal passages, excess mucus, weepy eyes, and a scratchy throat. A cough may result from the constant postnasal drip. Many times asthma symptoms are triggered by allergic rhinitis. Your doctor may prescribe medications to control the allergies and, in doing so, the cough and other asthma symptoms may subside.
2. Exercise-Induced Asthma
Exercise-induced asthma is a type of asthma triggered by exercise or physical exertion. Many people with asthma experience some degree of symptoms with exercise. However, there are many people without asthma, including Olympic athletes, who develop symptoms only during exercise.
With exercise-induced asthma, airway narrowing peaks five to 20 minutes after exercise begins, making it difficult to catch your breath. You may have symptoms of an asthma attack with wheezing and coughing. Your doctor can tell you if you need use an asthma inhaler (bronchodilator) before exercise to prevent these uncomfortable asthma symptoms.
Cough-Variant Asthma
In the type of asthma called cough-variant asthma, severe coughing with asthma is the predominant symptom. There can be other causes of cough such as postnasal drip, chronic rhinitis, sinusitis, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD or heartburn). Coughing because of sinusitis with asthma is common.
Asthma is a serious cause of cough that is common today. Cough-variant asthma is vastly underdiagnosed and undertreated. Asthma triggers for cough-variant asthma are usually respiratory infections and exercise.
For any persistent cough, contact your doctor. Your doctor may order specific asthma tests, such as lung function tests, to show how well your lungs work. You might need to see a lung specialist for further tests before an asthma diagnosis is made.
Incidence and Prevalence
The prevalence of asthma in Australia is among the highest in the world: between 10% and 15% of children and between 10% and 12% of adults have asthma. Although it is not a major cause of death, asthma is one of the most common problems managed by doctors and is a frequent reason for the hospitalisation of children, especially boys.
In Malaysia, asthma is among the commonest conditions treated in the health
clinics. More than 73 % of outpatient attendances in the health clinics have been
managed for respiratory symptoms and asthma is one of the cases note to be
treated in health clinics.
Chan (1994) reported that 5 % of all outpatients in Ipoh General Hospital were
treated for asthma. Report was also shown that the hospital discharge due to
asthma was on the rise in the past five years (1990 - 1995). The mortality
statistics was also showed the similar trend.
http://www.healthinsite.gov.au/topics/Asthma
http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/acm/aia08/aia08.pdf
http://www.medicinenet.com/asthma/page2.htm
http://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/types-asthma
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
CAM
Acupuncture
This is the ancient Chinese treatment of inserting very fine needles into specific parts of the body to influence the flow of energy. Some studies show that:
· Acupuncture can give short-term relief from asthma symptoms
· No long-term benefits have been documented yet
· People whose asthma is triggered by allergens benefit more than those who experience exercise induced asthma
Chiropractic
This is expert manipulation of the spine. Some research has shown that chiropractic has a beneficial effect on airway circulation and lung capacity.
Herbal therapy
- Rhizomes : treat asthma by removing phlegm, pungent, warming, anti-spasmodic sedative herb with a terrible smell, which increases perspiration and acts as an expectorant and diuretic
- Great mullein (Verbascum Thapsus) : bitter, cooling herb which soothes and lubricates tissues, has expectorant and analgesic effects and helps healing.
- Asafoetida, bayberry, cardamom, cayenne, colt’s foot, comfrey, echinacea, eucalyptus, fennel, garlic, gingko, lobelia, parsley, roman chamomile, saffron and thyme.
Homeopathy
This includes preparing a special medicine containing tiny amounts of the allergic substance. The patient then takes the medicine and ‘trains’ their immune system to recognise the allergen as safe. Research has shown that homeopathy may be helpful for some people with asthma. One drawback is trying to pinpoint the exact allergen since most people with asthma have more than one.
Hypnosis
This is a deep state of relaxation that allows the patient to focus their complete attention on one thing or idea. Hypnosis is helpful in some cases, particularly for reducing stress, but not all people can be hypnotised. Relaxation techniques such as meditation or visualisation could be worthwhile if stress is a trigger.
Supplements
Vitamin C, the mineral magnesium and fish oils have found to be helpful in some studies, but not in others.
Don't take echinacea or royal jelly
People with asthma should never take echinacea or royal jelly. They can have serious side effects for people with asthma and other allergies. Severe reactions may include:
· Asthma attacks
· Breathing difficulties
· Severe allergic reaction
· Death.
Things to remember
· Complementary therapies should never replace your asthma medication and usual treatment.
· The limited research on complementary therapies means that no one is sure of their exact effect or worth.
· Always discuss complementary therapies first with your doctor.
· Never abandon your medication and mainstream management techniques.
This is the ancient Chinese treatment of inserting very fine needles into specific parts of the body to influence the flow of energy. Some studies show that:
· Acupuncture can give short-term relief from asthma symptoms
· No long-term benefits have been documented yet
· People whose asthma is triggered by allergens benefit more than those who experience exercise induced asthma
Chiropractic
This is expert manipulation of the spine. Some research has shown that chiropractic has a beneficial effect on airway circulation and lung capacity.
Herbal therapy
- Rhizomes : treat asthma by removing phlegm, pungent, warming, anti-spasmodic sedative herb with a terrible smell, which increases perspiration and acts as an expectorant and diuretic
- Great mullein (Verbascum Thapsus) : bitter, cooling herb which soothes and lubricates tissues, has expectorant and analgesic effects and helps healing.
- Asafoetida, bayberry, cardamom, cayenne, colt’s foot, comfrey, echinacea, eucalyptus, fennel, garlic, gingko, lobelia, parsley, roman chamomile, saffron and thyme.
Homeopathy
This includes preparing a special medicine containing tiny amounts of the allergic substance. The patient then takes the medicine and ‘trains’ their immune system to recognise the allergen as safe. Research has shown that homeopathy may be helpful for some people with asthma. One drawback is trying to pinpoint the exact allergen since most people with asthma have more than one.
Hypnosis
This is a deep state of relaxation that allows the patient to focus their complete attention on one thing or idea. Hypnosis is helpful in some cases, particularly for reducing stress, but not all people can be hypnotised. Relaxation techniques such as meditation or visualisation could be worthwhile if stress is a trigger.
Supplements
Vitamin C, the mineral magnesium and fish oils have found to be helpful in some studies, but not in others.
Don't take echinacea or royal jelly
People with asthma should never take echinacea or royal jelly. They can have serious side effects for people with asthma and other allergies. Severe reactions may include:
· Asthma attacks
· Breathing difficulties
· Severe allergic reaction
· Death.
Things to remember
· Complementary therapies should never replace your asthma medication and usual treatment.
· The limited research on complementary therapies means that no one is sure of their exact effect or worth.
· Always discuss complementary therapies first with your doctor.
· Never abandon your medication and mainstream management techniques.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)