Allergic Asthma – symptoms & recommendations

My Chest Felt Like It Was Being Crushed by a 10 Ton Weight…

Every time I strained to breathe, my chest heaved. What little air I was getting seemed to escape before I even caught a breath. I gasped and wheezed like a broken vacuum cleaner. I coughed and coughed to no avail.

I knew right then that I was the victim of a vicious attack…

An Asthma Attack.

“It Was As If The Air I Was Getting Was No Longer Nourishing My Lungs…”

After years of dependency on rescue inhalers, I talked to my doctor about other options I’d heard about. He told me that the best way to help treat my asthma was to prevent an attack before it even started.

That’s when he revealed to me that I had Allergic Asthma.

My asthma was triggered whenever I inhaled something that I could be allergic to. This could include things like pollen, molds, pet dander and dust mites, but could also be caused by certain chemicals called sulfates, which are commonly added to everyday snack foods like potato chips.

My breathing problems could also be caused by the environment. Dust, smog and smoke (especially cigarette smoke) could all be culprits in causing allergic asthma. Even common things like perfume, household cleaners and cooking fumes could cause an attack!

Other people had reported that strenuous exercise, certain medicines (like aspirin) and even the weather had been to blame for their allergic asthma! Now I was really concerned.

How Could I Stop an Attack if There Were So Many Things that Could Cause It?

That’s when my doctor gave me several steps that I could take immediately to reduce my chances of having an asthma attack. Recommendations like:

• Eating more coldwater fish such as salmon and tuna, which are a great source of Omega Fatty Acids – nutrients which decrease the risk of having an asthma attack.Hemp Hearts and Hemp Oil are also excellent sources of these “good fats” and can be used on everything from salads to lasagna. Why not get some tasty Hemp Bars?
• Taking a daily multivitamin with antioxidant Vitamin C (1000 mg), Vitamin E (400 IU) and Beta-Carotene (Vitamin A). These potent nutrients help soothe the irritation of the bronchial tubes (the passages that bring air into your lungs).
• If attacks are frequent, take 500mg of Magnesium, a powerful mineral that naturally helps to open your lungs and relieve chest tightness.
• Practicing deep-breathing techniques and visualizations such as those used in yoga and tai-chi. These exercises are also helpful for young childrenwho may panic because they feel as if they cannot breathe.
• Using the calming essential oils of aromatherapy such as thyme and lavender, which naturally relax the body and release tension that can restrict breathing.
• Keeping my home and workplace free of harsh chemicals or irritants that could lead to an attack. Purchasing items such as hypoallergenic bedding, HEPA air filters and purifiers and natural household cleaners could also help decrease the chance of having an attack.

Allergic Asthma & Respiratory Information

THE IMMUNE SYSTEM AND ALLERGIC ASTHMA

Allergic asthma begins with exposure to an allergen, such as pollen or animal dander, which is usually inhaled. Your body becomes sensitized, when it recognizes the allergen as a foreign substance and begins to produce special antibodies to fight off the invaders. The antibody is a protein called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). IgE binds to mast cells to release histamine, a chemical that causes the smooth muscles lining the bronchial passage to tighten. The muscle linings constrict the small air passages, or bronchi, of the lungs, which keeps air from leaving the lungs.

Asthma involves the lower respiratory system, which includes:

• the trachea (windpipe)
• lungs
• the main bronchi, which are air tubes that branch off from the trachea and go into the lungs
• the bronchioles, which are smaller tubes that branch off the main bronchi within the lungs
• the alveoli, which are terminal air sacs

ALLERGIC VS NONALLERGIC ASTHMA

Asthma can be allergic or nonallergic. Individuals with allergic asthma, have attacks usually triggered by inhaling an allergen to which they become sensitized. Nonallergic asthma, meanwhile, can be brought on by exercise, respiratory infections, and even changes in the weather.