Yoga in general:
Yogic practices are welcome in all parts of the world as they are the simple techniques to attain good health and general well being as well. Yoga has always amazed all human beings as it can bring relief from a disease quickly where even a medicine will struggle to bring immediate cure. Also it will help the mind to remain calm and relaxed always and cuts the person from the rest of the world, where he is ever so busy, running, stressful and tiring as well. Yoga for Asthma patients has also been a success in the recent years. As we have seen Yoga has the power to bring out the best from a person and cleans him from all the diseases. Even Asthma gets defeated when the asthma patient goes for yogic practices. It is very much possible to completely cut down on Asthma attacks and the patient can hope to start a new life free from all diseases.
These practices are also known for its flexibility that it is also for children to do them. The asanas and the Pranayama which is a well known breathing technique are taught and it is one of the best yogic practices available. The Pranayama technique maintains the rhythm of normal breathing and it is one of the best medicines available for Asthma as it clears the lungs of all compressions and the breathing becomes very easy and soothing as well.
The asanas include the Pranayama, which is generally a must do exercise. The other yogic exercises include Easy Pose known as Sukhasana and Shoulder lifts which is good for the breathing process to be stabilized always. Several other poses like Half Spinal Twist and the resting asana is well recommended by not only the Yogic teachers but also other well known people in the medical field.
The various poses taught in Yoga for Asthma are meaningful and should be done with complete determination and passion. As they say only if you feel you are doing better with the medicines, then you will actually get better. Similar to that the patient should feel he is doing it to throw asthma away from his body. The passion itself can completely reverse the condition of a patient. Also these yoga practices should be repeated at home to sustain the good effects and to throw away the effects of asthma.

What can be done?
Well the job is simple and very achievable. The best thing to do is to stay away from the triggers which are the main sources of problem. For some asthma patients these triggers may be simple pollen to the well know polluting gases that we are mostly seeing today. Though the reasons may be many, it is still in our hands to control the asthma attacks. Firstly the doctor’s advice must never be broken and the asthma patient should always seek medical help in case of emergency. Also the medicines given by the doctor should always be carefully taken to prevent further attacks of asthma.
The other easy to prevent Asthma is to use an Asthma peak flow meter which is very useful in predicting the attacks so that you can stay normal. Normally the asthma peak flow meter helps in predicting the attacks as they can track the movements of the air passages in the lungs. So it is a effective one as it helps in predicting the attacks early so that you can have your attack control medicines and control the attack. Also going for some medicines in the case of frequent attacks helps a great deal.
Also another very good method of preventing attacks is the usage of air purifiers for asthma which are doubly efficient in purifying the air that the patient breathes. In this way the patient can hope to breathe in moist free, pure air and it helps a great deal in preventing attacks for the person for a long time. Normally these air purifiers should be used only after getting permission from the doctor. Normally these purifiers are very safe and easy to use and those people who are susceptible to smoke causing Asthma and those who remain in place where there is a lot smoking, then this product is the most suitable for them. Also these air purifiers can remove lead and other pollutants as well thus making you feel safe from the attacks.

Miscellaneous Methods:
Other methods include the usage of herbal medicines which can help the asthma patients a lot as they have almost immediate effect and are also preferred in some parts of India where there is no access to medicines. So if you thought that only antibiotics can help then think again. Also some food items may cause problems for many people suffering from asthma and they need to be prevented as well.

In General:
The treatment of Asthma is one of the challenges that the medical world is facing today owing to the lack of proper preventive methods in our life. Going by the medical developments over a decade there are treatments available for both immediate and long term relief for the affected patients. So there is no need to panic if you are affected with the disease as treatment for Asthma is available as well as reliable.

Is it curable?
As we have seen earlier it is difficult to cure the disease as it is almost impossible to remove the infection as it may be present in any of the respiratory passages, like Bronchi, Trachea, Wind Pipe, etc. But yes it can be surely controlled with the medicines available today. Many doctors say that we ourselves are responsible for the development of diseases like Asthma thanks to Pollution which is becoming more and more prevalent. Though we cannot escape it as it is spreading everywhere, it is possible to reduce it through some changes. First it is better to clean our houses especially areas with full of dust and we should make sure that we are creating a dirt free environment wherever we go. By this method Asthmatic attacks can be prevented to some extent.
Also the Peak Flow meter indicates whether a asthma attack is about to take place or not. So you can take some readings and if you feel that it is down or up by more, then take care that you take your medicines are available and take them immediately.

Medicines to treat it:
There are two effective medicines available today to treat it in the form of bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory that helps to reduce the extent of suffering from the disease. The anti-inflammatory reduce the growth of the inflammatory cells in the sir passages. Also they are most recommended for treating acute asthma attacks. They are taken either orally or inhaled through a special inhaler called as Meter Dose Inhaler. The liquid form is generally prescribed for children and they are inhaled or either given orally.
The Bronchodilators as their name suggests increase the diameter of the Bronchi, the airway where exchange of gases occur in the body. They help in the breathing process of the patient. Also for some patients who get repeated attacks of Asthma, it is better that they go for Immunotherapy which involves the supply of the allergens to the patient’s body to desensitize him. It is another very effective method in the treatment for Asthma.

Overview:
Since we are looking at the warning signs of Asthma, let us also take a look on some of the symptoms before a attack. Though symptoms are more common in a asthmatic, sometimes, these symptoms tell a different story altogether that we have not heard of. If we take a deep look on some of the symptoms, we get to know that an asthma patient has coughing especially which is more prominent towards night. Also the patient suffers from wheezing, shortness of breath along with Chest Pain having a feeling of being tight and high discomfort. These are the symptoms of the disease and hence they are the signs before an attack on a person.
But these are the signs that help in the diagnosis of Asthma and yes they do occur just before a attack. But they cannot be called as the early signs of the disease as it may be seen in a asthma attacked patient. But if we see the other side of it, we slowly realize that symptoms alone are not the signs of asthma as the disease before it takes full control of a patient’s breathing processes normally starts off with a flurry of signs warning the patient of a possible onset of the dreadful disease known as Asthma.

Early Warning Signs:
Normally early warning signs are possible for almost all the killer diseases and it is in our own hands to interpret them carefully. Yes it is very important we assess Asthma early as well. Early Assessment can not only prevent future attacks but also gives a chance of getting complete cure. Let us take a look on some of the key early warning signs of asthma. The first one deals with Frequent, irritating cough which generally comes in the night. Also the other symptoms include Shortness of breath or occasional loss of breath, feeling tired most of the time especially while during exercises. Other signs of asthma include wheezing accompanied with coughing along with general tiredness.
Also the warning signs include dizziness and being moody as well. Also the Asthma Peak Flow Meter indicates any chance of an attack of asthma. So it is better to use it regularly and check if there is any change in the reading. Also the patient may feel that he has become more susceptible to all respiratory disorders and the early signs also include sleeping troubles as well.

About the Medicine:
This steroid medicine is very important for an asthmatic and should always be kept in his hands so that any attack can be possible avoided. Also if a person is hospitalized due to an asthma attack, the doctors first go for Prednisone as this steroid medicine has anti-inflammatory effects which can widen the air spaces inside the lungs thus stopping the attack immediately. It has been on use for a long time and is still a famous medicine that is popular worldwide.
This medicine can be given either orally, as syrup or as an injection during emergency when a attack takes place. This steroid medicine is normally given in large doses when a patient has a severe attack of Asthma and is used to calm the airway passages inside the lungs from inflammation. Normally this steroid medicine is prescribed for those having possibilities of attaining severe attacks of the disease. Always inhaled Prednisone is much effective as it directly reaches the lungs whereas oral intake takes time to show its actions and is not used much during attacks.

How they help?
As seen earlier they are very effective medicines of preventing the attacks. Also they are used to control an asthma attack as well. They are normally prescribed by the doctors to be taken at regular intervals as they are very helpful. Also other medicines are prescribed along with it to facilitate good and effective treatment. Also if the attack is hard to combat then the medicine is given with few more of other asthma medications as well. However it is generally advised that the patients consult their doctor and have medicines as excess consumption can lead to other complications.

Precautions:
The steroids must be taken at regular intervals in low doses or as prescribed by the doctor as they keep maintaining good breathing techniques in the patient’s body. Also over usage for a long time can result in other problems like Cancer and other immune suppressive problems leading to further entry of diseases. Taking Calcium as a supplement will help prevent problems. This prevents osteoporosis and also thinning of bones.
Harmful effects of these medicines are many as well like Weight gain, High Blood Pressure and Diabetes Mellitus risk. Also as we have seen the thinning of bones and the breakdown of the immune system may also occur and hence it is generally advised to go by the doctor’s words on dosage.

In Detail:
Well almost all the asthma patients may be wondering if there is any way of treating the disease. Many turn up for antibiotics that help in controlling Asthma attacks. Your doctor may prescribe all the medicines and you will be buying it. Since then the number of asthma attacks occurring everyday has not come down much indicating that antibiotics are not very effective in controlling the disease. Also the doctors do tell that consumption of too many antibiotics is not good for the health as it may cause undesirable changes in the body leading to various other complications which are not related to asthma at all.
Seeing all the cons of the antibiotics that we use today, it is well understood that there is an inclination towards other forms of medications than the usual antibiotics to prevent asthma attacks. Scientists were seriously working for developing some new asthma medications to completely reject antibiotics from the scene of treatment. That led to the development of other forms of medicine including natural treatment as well. Let us look on some of the best that nature offers:

New Asthma Medications:
Yes, in today’s world, it is a reality that we have New Asthma Medications to completely keep Asthma under check and even prevent the attacks in the future as well. Let us take a close look on some that we have other than natural antibiotics that we know. A plant called Tylophora Indica is the best example for a medicinal plant for treating Asthma. Its extracts are well known for treating Asthma as it is well known for its anti-inflammatory actions and is well known in India as a very effective plant for treating the disease. Also the herb Boswella which is called as a magic medicine as it effectively reduces the number of attacks in a patient is a well known medicine for this disease.
Also another called Butterbur is another well known antihistamine product that is helpful I reducing the symptoms of the disease Also by doing this it also increase the general well being of the asthma patient.

Miscellaneous Medications:
Also before going for search of all other medications, it is important to realize that we have the medicines in our own hand. Yes smoking and tobacco chewing is one of the poisonous things that a man should not possess. Also staying away from the allergens helps. So we should be wise enough to choose what is good and leave the wrong ones that cause problems. This method on its own can cure Asthma or completely prevent it from attacking.

Common Effects:
The common effects of asthma are well known to all of us. It comes out in the form of coughing, sneezing and other breathing problems. Though the effects vary from one person to another, they are almost the same irritating ones for the asthmatics. These effects are mainly seen in the form of asthmatic attacks which may be frequent or often. Though these effects are life threatening, it becomes very simple for a asthmatic who is experiencing them everyday.
Also these effects may occur during regular exercises. When a asthmatic is undergoing vigorous exercise it becomes difficult for the lungs and it may become the reason for a asthma attack. Also Breathlessness is another very serious effect of this disease asthma. It is also important for a asthmatic to avoid contact with common allergens and other viral respiratory diseases as they are the other harmful effects of asthma.

Other Effects:
The other effects of this disease are irritating as well. Besides coughing and sneezing the other effects are dangerous. Others include Nasal flaring, which is the irregular breathing due to the allergens being present deep inside the air passages of the lungs. They cause suffocation to the patient. Also rapid pulse is another serious effect of this disease as rapid pulse will give the person, the fear of dying. Also another serious outcome of rapid pulse is sweating which adds to the agony of the patient. The patient will feel like he is being strangled by someone due to these effects. Also the other effect of asthma includes occasional bluish discoloration of the face and sometimes even the lips. Though this effect is very rare and is not normally reported by many patients suffering from this killer disease.
Also retraction of intercostals spaces causes hindrances to breathing and breathing becomes more difficult. In such cases the patient should immediately seek medical help. Also these effects are long lasting and they cause more trouble for the patients. Among all these effects of asthma, the major one is the hindrance caused to breathing as an asthmatic can never hope for a normal breath without the help of the inhalers which only give temporary relief from the problem.
Also children affected with asthma have their own symptoms as they can get an attack anytime and for most of the times, the attacks are severe and my cause a lot of problems. They mainly suffer from Breathlessness and coughing. Some children may be unable to bear the effects of the disease as well, proving that it is a cruel disease sparing none in this world!

In Detail:
Brittle Asthma, as the name suggests is one of those diseases which can easily claim a life. Sometimes this type of attacks occurs when the patient becomes more susceptible to the various allergens in the environment. Though smokers are the most affected ones from this disease, this disease can affect children as well. Normally the children suffer more than adults as they have a weak lungs and air passages and they are not competent enough to face the symptoms of this disease. But the sad fact is that the children are the ones who are not spared particularly by this disease.

Symptoms of this Disease:
As in any other disease, the symptoms are very severe and some times even life threatening as well, depending on the severity of the allergen breathed in. Doctors say that this is one of the wildest diseases in the world and more importantly the wildest type of Asthma. Brittle Asthma as it is called has claimed many lives and it is still demanding more lives. So it is in our hands to identify the disease immediately after we get the symptoms. To identify the symptoms of Brittle Asthma, let us learn about it in detail.
Uncontrolled recurrence of Asthma attacks that too at unexpected times is the main symptom to identify this killer disease. Doctors also claim that this is the main characteristic feature of the disease and is useful during diagnosis. Being the deadly form of Asthma, its attacks are violent and sometimes may even lead to loss of consciousness. So it is very important to stay away from the allergens to stay safe from the attacks. Also those patients having acute asthma for a prolonged period have a higher chance of developing this disease and the sad fact is that the patients also develop difficulty in breathing and they may require immediate hospitalization. Also the timing of the attacks is hard to predict.
As in any other case of Asthma, this one too comes with coughing and sneezing, sometimes violently as well. These symptoms are very violent and are a characteristic feature of this disease.

Treatment:
Though treatment facilities are there for this disease, still it is considered to be incurable. The doctors may demand for immediate hospitalization and the affected patients are given care in the hospital. Some large doses of medicines may be required to keep the attacks in check as well. Brittle Asthma can only be controlled and never cured.

Heart of the Matter:
Pregnant mothers sometime fall in the crossfire of Asthma when they are diagnosed with this cruel disease. Records suggest that about 7-8% of the women are diagnosed with Asthma when they come for treatment. These records speak about India itself and there are several millions of mothers who are pregnant are often found walking with this disease. The effects of pregnancy on asthma affected women vary from women to women and the symptoms too do not match with one another.
The saddest part is that the child’s life may be in danger if the mother continues with the same old medicines that she takes for Asthma Treatment. So the doctors say that the mother should give utmost care for herself so that the child too remains normal, safe and healthy. For this purpose the mother has to consult the doctor and ask for review of medicines so that the child’s life is not put under any danger whatsoever. Normally it has been seen that the mother develops a attack of asthma between the 24 and the 34 weeks of pregnancy. So the mother should be extremely careful during this period and should seek timely advice from the doctor.

Risk Factors:
There are a few risk factors that enhance the effect of Asthma during pregnancy. These risk factors include poor bodyweight of the new born due to inadequate supply of oxygen. This is mostly due to the uncontrolled asthma attacks as the fetus mainly depends on the mother for its needs and when a attack comes, then the child too suffers along with the mother.
Also problems like Premature Labor, Still birth, Pre-eclampsia which involves swelling, high blood pressure, and the presence of protein in the urine and excessive vomiting of the new born. Common Sense is what is needed by the mother to save her child and should consult her doctor.

What to do?
The mother should think twice and should stay away from all those allergens which cause an attack. The mother if not already affected by the disease should be careful that she does not fall into the trap set by Asthma. She should be very careful at least for the sake of her child. Also smoking does not help the cause of the mother’s health. So staying away from the triggers is the best option available for pregnant mothers. Asthma Pregnancy can be dangerous and should be prevented.

What is it?
Asthma Peak Flow meter is a portable, handheld device which is used to measure the peak flow to your lungs. The Peak Flow is nothing but the amount of air breathed in to the lungs. The good thing about it is the fact that now with a Peak Flow Meter you can predict asthmatic attacks before they occur as any deviation from the standard reading means you are in with a chance of having a attack. It is simple as you just need to breathe in fully and then exhale fully and it will show the reading.
If you happen to wonder what happens to you inside that this Asthma Peak Flow Meter recognizes is simple. Before an asthmatic attack your air muscles tighten themselves making it difficult for the smooth flow of air inside and outside from your lungs. The main function of the Asthma Peak Flow meter is to alert you with its reading about a possible attack as it carefully tracks your breathing speed and force. In fact it alerts you even before the symptoms stars occurring in your body. Immediately the patient should consult his doctor and ask for medical assistance. Also ask for necessary medicines during a sudden massive attack of Asthma, though it may not occur if you take the preventive medicines well in advance after seeing the reading in the Peak Flow Meter.

Take Care:
Not always the reading in your meter corresponds to a possible attack as the readings may vary even if you have other health problems as well. So it is necessary that the patient knows the symptoms completely and then take action and not always go by the reading. As always it is better to stay from the infection itself!!!! Also get a Peak Flow meter only when advised by your physician as there are various types of it available in the market for different ages.

How to use the Peak Flow Meter:
After the patient buys one Asthma Peak Flow Meter under the guidance of your physician, the fist step is to learn how to use it. The patients should either sit straight or stand and then take the reading. The patient then should take a deep breath so as to fill the meter. Also the patient should place the mouth in the mouth piece with keeping the tongue far behind and breathe out. The reading then should be noted and the same procedure is carried for about 7 times. You will have a reading which is the highest and record it. That is the desired reading. Keep track of the readings everyday.