asthma treatments

asthma treatments questions and answers

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Q: Can anyone tell me the causes and treatments for asthma please?
its for a college assignment but i'd like some insight from someone who actually had asthma or is close to someone with it. Thanks! water table?

A: More evidence based that patient info but this link might help

Q: What's the difference between croup and asthma? are treatments different? how?


A: Croup is a honky sounding cough caused by edema of the vocal cords. Asthma is a condition of the lungs that makes breathing difficult. Yes, treatment is vastly different.

Q: Are there any other treatments for asthma than just using the inhaler all of the time?
I know there are some instances where I need to take more of the inhaler than I'm allowed to take. I am only prescribed to take 2 puffs every 4 hours but sometimes it doesn't seem to work all of the time and I take more. I know that some people say that taking the inhaler will do heart and brain damage but why and how? Also, why do I to need to take the inhaler more often than I'm allowed?

A: Here some tips for control asthma 1. use inhaler regularly three time in 24 hours not use more. because it has side effect also but other medicine have lot of side effects. 2. care about these things don,t use cold water care about dust and don,t use carpet in your room, care when change the season these all things effect on asthma. try to see the Dr. on daily basis.

Q: for cat asthma are there any treatments beyond bronchodilators, aspirator,steroids?
50 mg a day Theophylline led to increased severe asthma attacks,soft stool and general listness. Discontined. Presently on 5mg pernisone twice daily, more alert and mobile, firm stool but mild attack today. He is not a lap cat, will only tolerate being rubbed, not petted. Does not like to be held even before he was sick so an aspirator would not be effective. Am looking for relief for my cat that improves his ability to breathe. Don't expect him to be cured just want him to get better. Any suggestions, natural remedies that work? Or what should I ask of my vet now?

A: The short story is that a severe asthmatic is at high risk of death from being unable to breathe... natural remedies may be useful supportive therapies, but you need the big guns of chemical drugs to try to keep this cat's life sustained. Here's lots more: 1) A vet's diagnosis is critical to eliminate other illnesses that have similar symptoms, to help you identify the severity of the disease, and to help periodically adjust their treatment (sounds like you're already doing this) 2) Remove obvious irritants from the cat's environment: smoking, dust, chemicals, perfumes used in cleaning beddings and carpets, etc. This may help a little but isn't a cure, and often triggers of attack symptoms remain mysterious. 3) Recall that for severe asthmatics, an attack can cause permanent damage (collapsed lung), and even without an attack the ever-present inflammation causes progressive damage (scarring and loss of lung capacity similar to emphysema). It is critical to arrest the progress of the disease. The most reliable way is anti-inflammatory drugs, and our most effective ones are corticosteroids. 4) A very small change in the diameter of the inflamed, mucus-laden brionchioles (breathing tubes inside the lungs) can have a very big effect on being able to breathe. This is why bronchodilators are so important for stopping an attack in progress, they help the airways open up just a little more. So for treatment options: a) If the cat can be handled (either it is trusting or can be lovingly caught and given the 'burrito cat' treatment wrapped in a towel), then the most advanced and very effective daily use of inhaled fluticasone/Flovent (steroid) and as-needed albuterol(bronchodilator) through a feline aersol chamber and mask, is the preferred treatment. Many thousands of asthmatic cats are using this treatment approach and achieving better quality of life. b) If the cat will take pills, prednisone is a cheap and often effective solution. Inhaled albuterol through the aerosol chamber is still the best bronchodilator, because it is immediate and has few side effects. I've tried the pill and injected bronchodilators (terbutaline, theophylline). Theophylline had no effect. Terbutaline injected was more traumatic and in pill form much slower acting, than inhaled albuterol. c) If the cat can be rarely handled, injected steroids are an option, but it may difficult to regulate the effects - every month my cat would be at death's door in a giant attack again. Both b) and c) injected/ingested steroids may cause other health and behavioral problems as they are systemically absorbed. That's another reason a) is preferred. I cowrote a website on feline asthma listed as the source for this comment.

Q: My ratty, Jazz, has just been diagnosed with Asthma :( ... home treatments?
Ventolin** i mean! not Venolin. Has anyone ever used home-steam treatments on their rats for congestion due to Asthma? For example, vicks in hot water, venolin inhalers etc? He's being treat with steroids (a mix of injections and tablets) at the moment which are doing him wonderful but I thought there might be some other way of keeping his nasal passages clear from home. Thanks

A: I've heard of vicks being used for a rat before, a bowl of hot water put next to the cage and a towel over it to direct it into the cage for about 2 minutes to begin with and slowly moved up to 5 minutes (no longer because apparently it can make them panic which would just make the breathing worse) Whether or not it made any difference I couldn't say, but the rat did live a normal life span dispite the asthma.

Q: Alternative treatments for asthma?
I have recently been diagnosed with mild/moderate asthma stemming from severe allergies. I am on a steroid inhaler, and albuterol when needed, but is there anything else I can do to reduce my dependance on the inhalers? Natural, holistic treatments that can help me breathe easier? No, I will not stop with the inhalers. I just want to reduce my dependance and improve my overall lung function without ADDING anymore medication. Would air purifiers help?

A: There is no cure for asthma and one does not out grow it. You can become symptom free however the underlying cause is always there. The best non medication treatment for asthma is learning your asthma triggers and avoiding them. If you are unable to identify the triggers or if you can't avoid them, you will need asthma medications. Anyone diagnosed with asthma should have a rescue inhaler with them at all times for that "just in case" moment. If you have to use the rescue inhaler more then 2 times per week, you will need a preventive medication. You will need an asthma action plan to log your medications and when to use them. Track your signs and symptoms as well as your peak flow readings. No one should be limited in their daily activities because of asthma. It can be managed. Action plan http://www.lungusa.org/atf/cf/%7B7A8D42C2-FCCA-4604-8ADE-7F5D5E762256%7D/AAP.PDF http://noattacks.org/ http://www.singulair.com/montelukast_sodium/singulair/consumer/asthma/index.jsp?WT.svl=1 http://www.asmanex.com/asmanex/application

Q: Where could I find some information on Asthma treatments?
internet website

A: Mucous Free Diet - Meditation - jogging or Fat Flush Plan - exercise Or you can take a lot of medication???

Q: Help With Asthma Home Treatments Please?
ok so heres there story im 21 years old this wed..and ive had asthma for a year and half now and when i had my first attack i had insurance so i went to a dr and got an inhaler..im almost positive my attacks are due to allergens and dust..i just ordered an air purifier so im hopinh that helps but heres the real problem i dont have any health insurance right now cant afford it im going to be applying for this free insurance on thurs but it might take awhile to go through i need to know if theres some home treatments or things i can buy medicine wise or natural things that can help get me through till i have insurance..its pretty bad right now i have little of my last inhaler left and i feel i need it way to much so is there anything that can help right now i have alot of tightness in my chest thats my problem when being awake but when i lay down and wake up i wake up wheezing please give me all the tips you can thanks

A: Try Febreze Allergen Reducer spray. It is not expensive, but it really helps

Q: Non medical treatments for asthma?
I've just been diagnosed with asthma; was afflicted while suffering a cold, and according to the doctor, my excessive coughing is how my asthma introduced itself. I do feel a difference as far as my breathing and my energy, as if my lung capacity has been cut in half. On top of that, I'm still coughing like a maniac because I feel something lodged in there. I can safely say that this whole ordeal sucks @$$. I was given a prescription for albuterol (inhaler) which works fine and all, but I don't want to grow dependent on it. Any tips on increasing my lung capacity and control my coughing (breathing excercizes, vitamins, detox, etc) would be greatly appreciated.

A: you could try this, ive seen them before and its meant to increase your lung capacity through resistance breathing - i havent actually tried one as my asthma is under control. the website is : - http://www.powerlung.com I have found that exercising more helps alot as this also increases the lung capacity and makes them stronger. If my breathing feels uncomfortable, i sometimes breathe in steam (head over a bowl of boiling water with a towel sorta thing!) which helps soften any mucus in my lungs and makes it easier to cough out. I hope this helps, if you are still struggling, ask to see an asthma nurse who maybe be able to give you some more advice.

Q: Alternative Asthma treatments?
Does anyone know of any that work?

A: Homeopathic Remedies for Asthma :- Dyspnoea aggravates during winter, worse from exposure to dust, change of weather, cold drinks,exertion, inhaling smoke and in the morning. Hoarseness of voice. Cough with pain in the chest Cassia sophera Q or 30. 4 hourly Dry cough;worse rest; dyspnoea at 4 P.M Penicillinum 200, 4 hourly During acute attack; when there is anxiety, fear and dyspnoea Aconite Q(Mother Tincture) and Ipecac Q(Mother Tincture) 1/2 hourly, 5-10 drops alternatively In children with spasm, secretion of mucous and infection (as an intercurrent remedy) Bacillinum 1M, fortnightly (6 Doses) In adults with spasm, secretion of mucous and infection (as an intercurrent remedy) Tub Koch 1M, fortnightly one dose (6 Doses) In sycotic patients; worse during daytime; better knee-chest position and sea side Medorrhinum 200 or 1M, fortnightly one dose (3 Doses) For patients coming for homoeopathic treatment after taking steroids etc, bad affects of chilly patient Thuja 200 or 1M, once weekly (3 Doses) For chilly patient; worse after taking cold drinks or being angry; anxiety, restlessness and unquenchable thirst Arsenic Album 30, 2 hourly In children with history of worms Cina 10M or 50M, once weekly (3 Doses) Bronchial asthma with high eosinophil count; thyroid disturbance Thyroidin.1M once weekly (3 Doses) Better while lying on the back with arms and legs spread apart Psorinum 200 oe 1M, once weekly (3 Doses) Worse on falling asleep and after sleep, worse after taking sour food or vinegar, etc Lachesis 30 or 200, 3 hourly (3 Doses) Excessive dyspnoea, cough and much mucous secretion, emphysema Antim Ars 6X or 30, 3 hourly (6 Doses) Dyspnoea in the middle of night and early morning; wants windows open Sulphur 200 or 1M, once weekly (3 Doses) Respiratory trouble due to foundry or traffic pollution Acid Sulphurosum 30 or 200, 4 hourly Patient cannot breath properly only while standing Cannabis Sativa 200 or 1M, 4 hourly (6 Doses) Asthma of stone cutters, silk/cotton mill workers(should be used with great care) Silicea 30 or 200, 4 hourly(S.O.S) Smell of flowers causes asthma Ailanthus G 30, 4 hourly Desires fanning during acute attack though body may be cold Carbo Veg 30, 1/2 hourly Difficult and hurried breathing; feels as if every breath is last; loss of thirst Apis Mel 30, 4 hourly Attacks during rainy season and dampness with loosening of bowels at each attack Natrum Sulph 6X or 30, 4 hourly Due to nervousness; spasm and constriction of chest; better drinking water Cuprum Met 30 or 200, 4 hourly Due to anger; suffocative tightness of chest Chamomilla 200 or 1M, 4 hourly Worse in dry, cold weather and better in damp weather Hepar Sulph 30 or 200, 4 hourly Patient cannot breath properly while lying in bed Grindelia Q(Mother Tincture) and Blatta Or Q(Mother Tincture) 2 hourly, 5 -10 drops alternatively Asthma worse at night, when well selected remedies fail Syphilinum 1M, once weekly (3 Doses) Due to suppressed emotions; grief(psychosomatic); little expectoration; worse inhaling smoke Ignatia 1M or 10M, 4 hourly (3 Doses) Amelioration while passing stools; worse inhaling dust Pothos Foe 6X or 30, 4 hourly Difficulty in getting air into the lungs, better at sea; worse after coming on land; asthma of seafaring man Bromimum 30 or 200, 4 hourly Want of breath on least motion; to stimulate respiratory centers to increase oxygen on the blood Aspidosperma Q(Mother Tincture) 2 hourly, 5 -10 drops Due to strong odours; of gastric origin; dyspnoea and constriction of chest Sanguinaria 30 or 200, 4 hourly Collapse due to acute attack; paralysis of lungs; cyanosis Acid Hydro 30 or 200, 1/2 hourly (3 Doses) Catarrhal asthma; desire for open air; uterine disorders Sabina 30 or 200, 4 hourly Dry, splenic asthma; dyspnoea and stiches in chest Scilla Mar 30, 4 hourly Hysterical asthma; cough; worse warmth of bed Nux Moch 30 or 200, 4 hourly Nervous, spasmodic asthma; chocking on falling asleep Valeriana Q(Mother Tincture) or 30, 4 hourly Take the remedy which is similar to your symptoms. No side effects or complications if taken as directed, please do not exceed the given dosage and under any circumstances do not try to mix any remedies and avoid Chocolates, Mints, Coffee, Red Meat, Alcoholic and Carbonated drinks, Spicy Rich Food while taking any Homeopathic remedies, and keep the medicines away from direct sunlight, heat strong smells and perfumes and do not store them in the fridge. Curing without any side effects or Complications Thats the Beauty of Homeopathic Medicine (Cures Par Excellence) Take Care and God Bless you.

Q: If you have taken asthma treatments all your childhood could it..?
could it- -stunt your growth (im a good 7-8" shorter than my sister, was at my age, and i was told i am not supposed to grow anymore- im 5' 1") -make your bones brittle (when i run my ankle bones slam together, my knees hurt all the time, my back is always in alot of pain) -cause you to have the shakes (when i was little when i took my treatments, afterwards i would have the shakes or shivers, call it what you like- i know its said that if you have a sugar deficiency, but i can promise you i consume enough sugar- lol, but now i have the shakes but i have not taken treatments in yrs.) i sound complainy i know but im worried please help thanks i have taken steroids, for years in my childhood but i am in high school now, so idk if that would affect me now. i would love to talk to a doctor about it, but my mom refuses to take me to a doctor, like last week i asked her if i could get my teeth cleaned (bc i just got my braces off in may, and i havent had them cleaned in close to 2 yrs.) and she liked freaked out on my saying that i just love thinking of things to make her do

A: If you've taken steroids (either oral, like prednisone or inhaled, like Advair, Flovent or Beclomethasone), it can cause you to become Calcium deficient, which can lead to brittle bones later in life. However, this probably isn't what's causing your joint pain now. Many people shake after an albuterol treatment, but the shaking goes away within an hour or so...your current shaking is definitely not from the treatment you had as a kid. Your symptoms sound unrelated to your asthma treatment, but definitely worth talking about with your doctor. Good luck.

Q: My mother has asthma & emphyzema, can Hyperbaric Chamber Therapy treatments help her breathing?
My mother has been suffering from chronic lung problems for about 10 years. A family acquaintance who also has the same lung problems to the extent that she wasn't able to make her bed without getting extremely winded , apparently she did a Hyperbaric Chamber Therapy Treatment and it helped her so much that she didn't need assistance with an oxygen tank for 4hrs. My mother needs to be on oxygen day and night as well. Has anyone heard of this type of treatment? I looked at what the Hyperbaric Chamber does for healing, but is there that great of an improvement for someone with chronic lung problems? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

A: Tha answer is, unfortunately, that this is unlikely to offer any benefit, and may cause harm. People with COPD sometimes require a certain level of carbon dioxide in their blood, to stimulate the respiratory center in the brain. Too much oxygen can depress this drive, and people can become apnoeic (stop breathing). This is why people on domiciliary oxygen (like your mother) are on low flow oxygen (1-2 L). The only interventions that have been proven to improve mortality in COPD patients (ie improve survival) is to STOP SMOKING, and low-flow continuous oxygen. Nothing has been shown to heal or reverse COPD.

Q: My 18 months son has asthma?what are the treatments?
hi there, Can anybody help me on how i avoid my son from asthma attacks he frequently have cough and flu?

A: SOME asthma attacks are cause by a type of allergic reaction or trigger. If you can find out what this is, try to get rid of it. Common ones are dust, pollens, excessive physical activity, heightened emotions etc or the trigger might be the flu or cold. So, that is one way. However, if your son has genetic asthma (inherited from parents) or what I call random asthma (name speaks for itself, causes random attacks), there isn't much you can do. Just make sure you have a plan for if he does have a serious attack (ie. the hospital) and talk to your doctors about more you can do. Good luck.