Asthma And other respiratory Disorders

Diseases of the respiratory system occur primarily in the bronchioles and the alveoli. Much rarer, unless you count choking and drowning, are conditions that affect the larger passageways of the lungs such as the trachea and the bronchi. That means that the focus of today's newsletter is on diseases that affect the bronchioles and alveoli. We're talking about COPD, emphysema, bronchitis, asthma, allergies, flu, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary embolisms. Since we've already laid the groundwork in our previous two newsletters covering the Anatomy and Physiology of the respiratory system, let's jump right in and start looking at the major diseases of the respiratory system -- and what natural alternatives exist to help deal with them.

Note: you're going to notice that some specific recommendations appear over and over and are recommended for dealing with multiple conditions. It doesn't make them magic bullets or miracle cures. It just means that diseases of the lungs tend to affect the same areas of the lungs -- the alveoli and bronchioles -- albeit in slightly different ways. Therefore, there is some redundancy in dealing with those diseases. Also, to avoid overwhelming the newsletter with links, I will provide support links on different solutions the first time they appear only.

List Of Respiratory Diseases 

Common respiratory diseases treated by respiratory care physicians and other specialists include:

• Asthma - constriction of hypersensitive airways;
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - lung disease causing shortness of breath;
• Chronic Bronchitis - inflammation and permanent scarring of the bronchial tubes
• Emphysema - damage to air sacs walls causing loss of elasticity;
• Pleurisy - inflammation of the pleural membrane lining lungs and the chest cavity;
• Lung Cancer - malignant tumors that develop in lung tissue
• Acute Bronchitis-inflammation of the bronchial tubes;
• Influenza - serious infection cause by the influenza virus;
• Pneumonia - infection of the lungs caused by a virus or bacteria;
• Sinusitis - inflammation of the sinus cavities;
• Common Cold - infection caused by a virus;

Common Cold.

Colds are upper respiratory infections that are exceedingly contagious. Colds are caused by hundreds of different rhinoviruses - different from influenza viruses. Cold viruses are spread through sneezing and coughing and by touching contaminated objects. Most people recover from colds within two weeks by treating respiratory infection symptoms with over-the-counter medications. Antibiotics have no effect on viruses and should not be taken as a cold remedy. If respiratory infection symptoms become worse, last longer than two weeks or mucus becomes yellow or green, cold suffers should see a physician. Cold symptoms may include:

• Sneezing;
• Runny nose;
• Cough;
• Sore throat;
• Congestion;
• Low-grade fever;
• Headache;
• Muscle aches.

Prevention and Treatment of Respiratory Disease - Common Cold.

• Frequent hand washing;
• Increased liquids;
• Pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprophen;
• Cough suppressants;
• Decongestants;

Influenza.

Influenza is serious respiratory tract infection caused by the influenza virus. Flu is highly contagious, spread from person to person from airborne viruses. Because there are so many flu viruses and viruses are capable of changing, it is impossible to prevent flu outbreaks. Although a recent anti-viral drug and flu immunizations have been successful in preventing many people from succumbing to a respiratory virus, treatment primarily consists of treating respiratory symptoms, which may include:

• Runny nose;
• Fever and chills;
• Cough;
• Aches in muscles and joints;
• Sore throat;
• Upper respiratory congestion;
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Prevention and Treatment of Respiratory Disease - Influenza.

• Annual flu immunizations;
• Anti-vital medication (amantadine);
• Frequent hand washing;
• Analgesics for muscle and joint aches;
• Increased liquids.

Asthma.

As many as10 percent of Americans, more than 20 million people, have asthma. Approximately 4,000 people die each year from asthma. People with asthma have hypersensitive respiratory system airways that, when triggered, constrict. Constricted airways reduce the flow of air and cause trouble breathing. Asthma is associated with wheezing, caused when air is forced through restricted air passages.

Asthma attacks can be brought on by triggers, such as air pollution, tobacco smoke, factory fumes, cleaning solvents, infections, pollens, foods, cold air, exercise, chemicals and medications. Triggers are highly individual and may not be related to allergens. Many asthmatics are not allergic to common allergens such as mold, ragweed, dust or pollens.

However, many individuals are both allergic and asthmatic, making control and management crucial. It is imperative that people who find they are debilitated by either allergies or asthma seek medical assistance immediately. Both respiratory conditions are treatable and manageable.

Asthma Myths & Facts.

Myth: Asthma is caused by emotions or psychological conditions.

Fact: Emotions may exacerbate asthma, but the hypersensitive respiratory airways were present before emotions were introduced.

Myth: A child's asthma is not caused by lack of a strong bond with the mother.

Fact: No scientific evidence has ever existed to support this.

Myth: Asthma is psychosomatic and should be treated by psychiatrists or psychologists.

Fact: Asthma and allergies are physical conditions of physical hypersensitivity of the respiratory system. Asthmatics do not cause their own asthma attacks.

Prevention and Treatment of Respiratory Disease - Asthma.

• Remove allergens from the home, including dust, dust mites, cleaning chemicals, pets and carpets.
• Encase mattresses and box springs in allergen-proof products.
• Wash all linens, blankets, quilts and comforters at least once a week in hot water.
• Use only allergen-proof pillows and blankets.
• Clean the home thoroughly and often.
• Asthma patients should leave the house during cleaning.
• Treat any mold with a 10-percent solution of bleach and water.
• Repair any water leak immediately to discourage mold.
• Establish a no smoking policy in the home.
• Investigate neighborhoods thoroughly before you move to avoid environmental pollution.
• Investigate workplace environments to avoid exposure to fumes, mold or dust. 
• Drink at least eight glasses of water daily, to thin mucus in the respiratory system airways.

homeopathic medicine