Asthma Symptoms and Remedies

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the lungs, in which the bronchi (the airways) are reversibly narrowed. About 300 million people worldwide suffer from asthma and asthma affects approximately 6-7% of the world’s population. Asthma causes the smooth muscle in the bronchi to constrict, making it more difficult to breathe.

Asthma is considered a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as are emphysema and chronic bronchitis, however the airway obstruction in asthma is reversible. Also, in asthma only the bronchi are affected and not the alveoli. Asthma may interfere with daily activities, such as walking, getting up and down the steps or any activity that requires strength and endurance. Asthma symptoms may be seasonal and be connected to very specific trigger factors, which often differ between patients.

Asthma symptoms vary from patient to patient and fall on a spectrum from mild to severe. There exist two asthma states: chronic asthma (steady-state) and the acute asthma (attack), each state has different signs and symptoms.

Chronic asthma (steady-state) is characterized by these signs and symptoms:

• shortness of breath (only at exertion)
• nighttime coughing
• a frequent throat-clearing cough
• wheezing (not always present)

Symptoms may be present during certain parts of the day, may gradually decrease or get worse.

Acute asthma (attack) symptoms are:

• shortness of breath (sometimes even when resting)
• wheezing
• tightness in chest

The symptoms of an asthma attack may be so severe that they become life threatening. Asthma attacks are often treated with a rescue inhaler containing short-acting beta-2 agonists. Long-term treatment of asthma include inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting beta-2 agonists and even monoclonal antibodies such as omalizumab and mepolizumab. The best way to take care of asthma in the long run is to identify and prevent exposure to trigger factors (see below), lower emotional and physical stress and by using prescription medicine (as discussed by you and your doctor).

Asthma Causes
Asthma has both genetic and environmental causes (triggers). Many asthma patients have family members who have lung conditions. Environmental trigger factors include bad air quality (often found in urban areas), high ozone levels in the atmosphere, other air pollutants including cigarette smoke, allergens such as pollen, mold, dust, dust mites, pet dander or rapid temperature changes. In addition, asthma can also be triggered by exersise. Recently, some researchers have suggested that the rise in asthma prevalence can be connected to the rise in acetaminophen pain killer use.

Additional Asthma Causes
Some studies have suggested that asthma may be linked to GERD, Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease. It may be possible that the chronic aspiration of gastric acid results in a worsening of inflammation in the lungs. To establish a relationship between GERD and the presence of asthma, pH esophageal monitoring has to be performed.

Natural Remedies That May Help Asthma Symptoms
Although no natural asthma remedy exists, supplements, vitamins and herbal extracts are available that could help reduce the severity of asthma symptoms:

• Vitamin C: low levels of vitamin C have been linked to decreased lung function. Taking vitamin C may improve lung function and protect against exercise-induced asthma
• Vitamin B: In particular vitamin B-complex is able to help the body cope with the effects of stress and could therefore be beneficial to asthma
• Green Lipped Mussel (Perna canaliculus): Endemic to New-Zealand, this bi-valve mollusc (in extract form) is able to inhibit the 5-lipoxygenase pathway, which is responsible for the formation of leukotrienes. This may help curb the inflammatory processes

Eneli, I., Sadri, K., Camargo, C. and Barr, R.G. (2005). Acetaminophen and the risk of asthma: the epidemiologic and pathophysiologic evidence. Chest 127: 604–12.

Natural Remedies for Migraine

Migraine, often referred to as migraine headache, is a neurological condition that affects more women than men (3:1). The word migraine comes from a French term, which is a derivative of an old Greek term “hemikrania“, meaning “half” and “skull”.

Millions of people suffer from migraine headaches, which are often referred to as migraine attacks. It is important to differentiate migraine attacks from regular headaches and cluster headaches. Migraines have the following main symptoms (lasting 4-72 hours):

• a pulsating headache (usually on one side of the head)
• nausea or vomiting
• increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• headache is preceded by the appearance of an “aura” in 30% of sufferers, which is the unusual sensation of a visual, olfactory or other sensory experience

Migraines seem to be linked to fluctuating hormone levels, as evidenced by 75% of adult patients being women. Migraine headaches can either be less frequent or more frequent during pregnancy.

Migraines are often treated with traditional over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin, acetaminophen (paracetamol) or analgesics containing a combination of aspirin, acetaminophen and caffeine.

How to prevent a migraine attack?

Migraine headaches seem to be triggered by certain factors, which can differ from person to person. These trigger factors include allergies, bright lights or sounds, fluctuating hormone levels, emotional or physical stress, changes in sleep patterns, alcohol, smoking and food ingredients (see next).

What not to eat?

The following food items are considered migraine triggers:

• Gluten: Several studies have found that gluten elimination from the diet can prevent or eliminate a migraine attack in a number of patients. For people who have celiac disease, migraines may be caused by a gluten sensitivity
• MSG: Mono-Sodium Glutamate has often been reported as a migraine trigger
• Tyramine: tyramine is found primarily in fermented food (aged cheeses, smoked meat, beer, wine)

Herbal treatments for migraines

Some migraine sufferers may not want to take painkillers or products containing caffeine (for example if you have high blood pressure). Migraine relief may come from these herbal remedies:

• Feverfew
• Passionflower
• Lemon balm
• Chamomille
• Ginger
• Ginkgo
• niacin (a B vitamin)

References

Lay, C.L. and Broner, S.W. (2009). Migraine in women. Neurol. Clin 27: 503–511.

Gabrielli, M., Cremonini, F., Fiore, G. et al. (2003) Association between migraine and Celiac disease: results from a preliminary case-control and therapeutic study. Am J Gastroenterol 98:625-9.

How a Pair of Orthotics Can Relieve Metatarsalgia

How Shoes Can Cause Ball-of-foot Pain

A stylish pair of top designer shoes is one of the most sought-after items in a woman’s closet. Consequently, heels have become a stand-alone fashion statement on their own. Unfortunately, these styles of shoes can cause a myriad of conditions in the precious feet. Among them: metatarsalgia, hammertoes, bunions, and arch support conditions. Not surprisingly, the University of Maryland reported that tight shoes, especially those with a lifted heel, can both irritate and cause foot and toe conditions. Men can also experience the dangers of tight shoes. Ill-fitting boots for working or shoes worn to the office can be of particular concern. For both men and women, physical activities and sports can be a main factor in foot discomfort.

Why Poorly-Fitting Shoes Can Cause Ball-of-foot Pain

High-heeled shoes cause your body weight to be pushed forward unnaturally. This causes more pressure onto the front of the foot rather than equally distributing the weight of the body over the whole foot. Inadequate cushioning in shoes, such as heels, can be a major factor in painful foot conditions. Muscles and fat in the pads of the feet, including the heels and ball of the foot, also help cushion the foot. But the foot cannot accomplish this alone. Shoe cushioning and arch support help to add to the foot’s natural ability to guard against injury during activities like running and jumping. Be sure to wear proper shoes with adequate cushioning and arch support.

Tight shoes are another key cause of painful feet for men and women. In females, shoes with toe areas that are narrow or that squeeze the toes together, are the causes for most foot discomfort experienced. High heels also cause conditions , since they fail to give feet adequate arch support, another main factor in painful foot conditions. For men, hard, flat work shoes can present their own set of of problems. Simply put, arch support is missing in these types of shoes, so they are not good choices for daily-use footwear. As reported by the Mayo Clinic, bad shoe selection can bring on the occurrence of fallen arches, especially during repeated physical strain on the feet such as in athletic activity or lifting heavy things.

How Orthotics Can Treat Ball-of-foot Pain and Improve Arch Support

An effective solution to relieving ball of foot pain and poor arch support is through the use of orthotic inserts. These are different from the inserts found at the local store. They are made for any style of footwear, even high-heeled shoes. They provide the vital cushion and support to feet so they can perform optimally and stay pain free.