Asthma + Original Articles

Ever wonder if you might outgrow this condition? We have the facts. Not So Easy to Outgrow Asthma You can outgrow that childhood stutter and teenage acne, but if you have asthma, it’s not always as easy to turn it into a thing of the past. While some illnesses can be cured with medications, asthma is a chronic, lifelong condition that can be controlled but usually doesn’t completely go away.

It may seem impossible, but you asthmatics can survive this cold season without getting sick. As the temperature drops and more people head indoors, cold and flu germs will be circulating in full force. And while no one wants to get sick, if you have asthma, you know that you're at increased risk for experiencing side effects. But you don't have to feel doomed to suffer from the consequences.

The popular saying, "Don’t cry over spilled milk" should be taken seriously if you're asthmatic—crying can actually make your breathing symptoms worse. Emotion as an Asthma Trigger For people who suffer from asthma, the fact is that deep emotions, including the act of crying, can irritate their very sensitive airways. To understand how and why, keep in mind the way your body reacts when you experience stress or other strong emotions.

Millions of asthmatics are going natural to ease their symptoms. Find out the pros and cons of this growing trend. Would you consider trying a natural herbal remedy to treat your asthma symptoms? If so, you're not alone. This alternative approach has been gaining in popularity, but beware.  While some herbs and spices may help to relieve the discomfort of asthma, others can put you at risk for serious side effects.

Apples have long been touted for their numerous health benefits--and they just may help you reduce your asthma symptoms as well. Can an apple a day keep the doctor away? If you suffer from asthma, you may find that eating apples on a regular basis can indeed offer protective benefits against asthma symptoms. In fact, the apples and asthma connection is so strong that pregnant women who eat apples even find that their unborn children will ultimately reap some of the positive effects on their lungs.

Obesity can increase your chances of experiencing dangerous complications from asthma. We tell you why. Did you know that being overweight can increase your risk of being hospitalized for asthma? This is especially true for women, although both sexes can experience the connection, which can be extremely dangerous-and sometimes fatal. A Vicious Cycle The reason why asthma and obesity co-exist isn't completely clear, but experts do know that the relationship can be a vicious cycle.

Some studies show that the amount of sodium you consume might be related to your asthma symptoms. Are you looking for new ways to get your asthma under control? If so, you may be considering lifestyle changes that would keep your symptoms at bay. One such approach?  Cutting back on your salt intake. Do Salt and Asthma Have a Link? A low sodium diet offers a wide range of health benefits, including lower blood pressure, improved weight management and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

Asthmatics can be more prone to catching infections—including swine flu. Follow our tips to protect yourself this winter. Open up the newspaper or turn on the television these days and you will likely find mention of the Swine (H1N1) Flu pandemic. But while everyone is at risk for catching this new illness, if you have asthma or other chronic health conditions, you may be especially concerned about the effect that getting sick can have on your already sensitive airways.

Got fall asthma? Follow our guidance to breathe easier this season. The arrival of autumn brings cooler temperatures, colorful leaves and trick or treating on Halloween. But do you also associate this time of year with a worsening of your asthma symptoms? Some asthmatics find that the changing weather typical of fall and early winter can be enough to trigger their condition.

If your allergies get worse at night--your bedroom may be to blame. Does it seem as if your allergy symptoms get worse at night when you try to sleep? If so, allergens trapped in your bedroom may be to blame for causing you to lie in bed awake.  But you don't have to stay up until the sun comes up, sniffling, sneezing and itching.

Asthmatics suffer uncomfortable symptoms year round—but flu season can be dangerous. If you suffer from asthma, it's more important than ever that you take steps to protect yourself from the threat of the flu this winter. That's because there are two influenza strains that you must be aware of—the seasonal flu that typically circulates and poses health risks to asthmatics every year and swine (H1N1) flu.

If you use statin therapy to manage high cholesterol and also happen to suffer from asthma, you could find that your breathing may also have benefits Other Possible Benefits of Cholesterol Medicine This  finding was released at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology annual meeting in the winter of 2009.  Researchers who looked at claims data of patients who suffer from both...

It's no secret that smoking is bad for you, but if you have asthma, it may be worse than you even thought. If you suffer from asthma, you already know that smoking cigarettes can make your symptoms much worse. And not smoking doesn't make you immune from these effects--second hand smoke can be just as dangerous, upping your risk for a host of dangerous health problems.

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New research has made critical correlations between asthmatics and suicide risk. If you suffer from asthma, you know that coping with the condition can be extremely challenging. But can you imagine ending your life as a result of having this condition? While this may sound very extreme, some of the latest research has found that there is a real link between asthma symptoms and suicidal tendencies.

Find out how this particular way of eating can help you breathe better. As the popular saying goes, 'you are what you eat,' but did you realize that what you eat impacts how well you breathe as well as impacting how you feel? As a matter of fact, some of the latest research reveals that eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fats is not only very good for you can actually improve your asthma symptoms as well.

If washing your hair seems to make your eczema worse, read on for tips on how to minimize your discomfort. If you suffer from eczema, have you ever wondered if the fragrance and other ingredients contained in your shampoos, conditioners and other hair care and beauty products can cause your symptoms to flare?  If so, you're definitely on the mark.  In fact, researchers confirmed the connection.

Having asthma shouldn't impact your college life. We have tips on management. When you pack up to head for college, you can pick and choose which of your favorite items from home that you want to bring with you. But unfortunately, when it comes to bringing your asthma, you have absolutely no choice in the matter. That being said, even though you can't leave your symptoms behind, there are some asthma management steps you can take to help keep them under control most of the time.

Magnesium can play a critical role in asthma prevention and treatment--find out how here. You may have heard that magnesium can be used to treat severe forms of asthma with success and might even be considering whether to try taking magnesium supplements yourself--either along with, or instead of, your regular treatment regime in an effort to better keep your breathing problems in check.

With a little effort and planning, you may be able to head off your asthma headaches and keep your most uncomfortable symptoms well under control. If you experience frequent headaches and notice that your asthma symptoms usually appear along with your painful, throbbing head, you may wonder what the connection is. Some researchers do believe that headaches and asthma can be related-and if your asthma is allergic in nature, this can make the relationship even stronger.

The link between your race and your likelihood of developing asthma is explored. Although you might not think that a chronic condition such as asthma would play favorites among different races, the fact is that people of certain ethnic backgrounds seem to have a higher predisposition to this disease. But if you are Asian, your risk for developing asthma may be lower than that of some of your neighbors, according to data reported by the American Lung Association.

Find out the surprising facts on gender and asthma. Did you know that asthma actually discriminates by age and by sex? And while this may sound surprising, it is actually the finding of several recent studies.  In childhood, boys are more likely to suffer from this chronic lung condition than their female peers.

Occupational asthma can be difficult to diagnose and manage. We have tips to help you do so. Workplace-Based Triggers If you are one of the many people who experiences occupational asthma, determining exactly what it is that makes you sick can pose a large challenge, particularly if you work in a varied workplace and come into contact with many different potential triggers.

If you have a child with asthma whose symptoms aren't well managed, you might want to revisit the treatment strategy to be sure it is in sync with his or her needs. If you have a child with asthma whose symptoms aren't well managed, you might want to revisit the treatment strategy to be sure it is in sync with his or her needs. This is because there is growing awareness in the medical community that for some children who are taking inhaled corticosteroids, this medication just isn't doing the trick.

If you’ve noticed that your asthma symptoms get worse during bad rainstorms, you're not alone. Researchers have long recognized the link that exists between asthma and weather. If you've noticed that your asthma symptoms get worse during bad rainstorms, you're not alone.  Researchers have long recognized the link that exists between asthma and weather, with thunderstorms seeming to a particularly big trigger for this condition.

If you have asthma, you’re likely concerned about air pollution, since poor air quality and asthma seem to go hand in hand. Recent research seems to confirm this fact and offers insight into some things you can do to help protect your breathing and your health. The Link More than 22 million Americans suffer from asthma symptoms, and statistics reveal that the rate of people affected is rising faster than any other disease today. If you fall into this group, the quality of the air you breathe may be one of the triggers that make you cough and wheeze.

If you have asthma, your odds of having GERD may be significantly increased. Two Related Conditions The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology reports that as many as 70 percent of all people who are diagnosed with asthma also have co-existing GERD symptoms, too. In addition, many people with the most severe asthma symptoms that don't seem to respond to traditional treatment methods could find that their condition are actually related to their GERD.

If you’re one of the many Americans with a gourmet coffee habit, you may find that the cost of this indulgence could be stretching your already tight budget. But if you also happen to suffer from asthma, read on before deciding to cut caffeine—research is showing that asthma and coffee might be a very good match. The Facts about Asthma and Coffee For more than a decade, researchers have been studying the effects that coffee has on asthma symptoms in a variety of situations. The findings of multiple studies reveal that asthma and coffee seem to have a strong correlation.

Learn how adult-onset asthma and harmful bacteria are connected. Do you remember how old you were when your asthma was first diagnosed? If you are one of the many Americans with adult onset asthma, which means that your asthma symptoms didn't occur until you were older and they may have come on after you had a cold or other illness, then you may be interested in learning about some new—and highly controversial—research findings about possible asthma causes that could change the course of your treatment.

Learn how you can help your teen take control of his asthma. Teen Asthma If you have a child who is dealing with this chronic health condition, you know that it can affect him or her on so many levels. As a result, teen asthma can be a real cause for concern, and not just for your teen, but also for you as the parent.

If you are the parent of a child with asthma, you probably have many concerns about your youngster’s wellbeing. Here, all the information you need to keep your youngster breathing easily. Asthma currently affects approximately 6.8 million children in the United States and is one of the leading reasons that kids are admitted to the hospital, since when childhood asthma isn’t well managed, it can lead to all sorts of health complications.

If you’re looking for relief from your worst asthma symptoms, you’re in good company. More and more people today are turning to a range of natural remedies in an attempt to treat this and other chronic conditions. What are Alternative Treatments Natural remedies are alternative therapies, or a natural cure, that people try instead of, or in addition to some of the more traditional approaches that are recommended by modern medicine. Alternative treatment options that people try today can range from using different herbal treatments to eating certain foods to engaging in exercises to strengthen breathing.

Timing is everything. If you have a family history of asthma and are thinking of having a baby soon, some experts suggest you do your best to plan the season in which your child will be born in order to reduce the risk of newborn asthma. While this may sound strange at first, the birth timing can actually impact your baby's health status, according to some new research findings.

Taking statin drugs are found to have an unintended benefit of helping some users who were on corticosteroid inhalers to improve their asthma. When it comes to controlling your asthma, you probably take a multi-pronged approach that involves using medicine, avoiding triggers, and following an asthma management plan to stay on top of any changes. This strategy seems to help most patients to keep their symptoms under control.

If you find your asthma symptoms seem to heat up on hot summer days, the humidity and high temperatures just may be to blame. The Weather Connection For some people, cold weather seems to be their biggest trigger. But for others, the heat and humidity of summer can cause their asthma to kick into gear.  While how the summer asthma relationship comes into play isn't completely clear, there is some concrete evidence in terms of how the two things go hand in hand.

When nocturnal asthma symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath disturb your sleep, you can find yourself feeling tired and unable to focus the next day. Possible Causes According to the experts, the odds of your asthma kicking in at night can be extremely high. And while there are different possible explanations to explain why asthma seems to be worse at night, some doctors blame nocturnal asthma symptoms on the fact that airways can narrow while you are asleep and allow more mucus to build up inside.

Doctors today seem to recognize a strong link between asthma and reflux, making it important to treat both conditions when they occur hand-in-hand. Do you ever notice a connection between what you eat and when your asthma kicks in? If so, you could be suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease, which is also called GERD or acid reflux. Doctors today seem to recognize a strong link between asthma and reflux, making it important to treat both conditions when they occur hand-in-hand, in order to relieve discomfort and also to help you to breathe better.

Got dampness and mold in your home? If so, your household mold could be causing your asthma, or at least making your existing symptoms worse. Got dampness and mold in your home? If so, your household mold could be causing your asthma, or at least making your existing symptoms worse. In fact, the latest research confirms that damp living conditions that contribute to the growth of home mold seem to play a large role in triggering persistent asthma.

It's bad enough that you have asthma, but to make matters worse, do you also have to suffer from a variety of other illnesses? The Link Asthma is a chronic disease that affects your airways, making them more sensitive to a host of triggers that can cause them to become inflamed and make you cough, wheeze and experience chest pain. If you regularly grapple with the discomfort...

Could your child's asthma diagnosis actually be a mistake? Read on for the latest research. Could your child's asthma diagnosis actually be a mistake? The latest research reveals that this could indeed be the case, since asthma misdiagnosis is increasingly common among children today. The reason for the confusion is that the symptoms of a childhood asthma attack can be similar to the symptoms of another, less severe, condition called Vocal Chord Dysfunction (VCD), and some medical professionals easily confuse the two.

If you're planning to invest in an ozone air purifier to help relieve your asthma symptoms, keep in mind that most health experts would urge you to reconsider. Ozone's Effects You've probably heard of the "ozone layer," which is a layer of the earth's atmosphere that serves as a shield to protect people from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. While in this capacity ozone can be a health protectant, when the ozone is generated right into the air that we breathe, it becomes dangerous and can make people sick.

If you're reaching your golden years and find yourself experiencing a host of respiratory symptoms, you could be one of the many senior citizens dealing with asthma, even if you don’t yet know it. Do you find yourself short of breath with chest tightness? Wheezing? Coughing at night? If you're reaching your golden years and find yourself experiencing a host of respiratory symptoms, you could be one of the many senior citizens dealing with asthma, even if you don't yet know it.

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Get the scoop on the relationship between pool chlorine and asthma symptoms. You know that swimming is good for you, right? While this was certainly considered true in the not so distant past, now some researchers now say that you may have to adjust your views once you get all of the facts. In fact, the latest research says that your swimming habits can make a big difference in how your body reacts.

While the link between food and asthma is relatively rare, there are people who do experience it first-hand. The Truth about Asthma and Food When you consider asthma causes, you might be surprised to find out as few as about five percent of the 20 million or so asthmatics in the United States[i] can actually trace their symptoms back to the things they eat and drink.

If you have a child who suffers from asthma, the impact it takes on your entire family is probably quite widespread. The Toll it Takes One in every 15 children suffers from asthma.[i] If someone in your family falls into this group, you may already know the toll this illness takes on so many different areas - and not only for the young patient, but also you and your other children.

Extra poundage could actually be worsening your asthma symptoms and preventing you from feeling great. The latest research confirms that there is indeed a connection between obesity and respiratory distress. While exactly how and why the two conditions are linked is still not completely understood yet, the fact that they are related is clear and makes a good case for the importance of losing that extra weight before it is too late.

Follow these guidelines to stay safe—without sacrificing fitness. Thinking of heading outdoors to exercise on a very hot day? If you have asthma, you may want to think again before you step out of your air conditioned place. High temperatures, humidity and pollen counts, coupled with poor air quality, can be a dangerous combination even for people without respiratory problems.

A study released recently discovered that strategic breathing exercises can help to minimize symptoms in asthma sufferers and even reduce inhaler use. The Latest Findings Researchers looked at a group of asthma patients who tried different breathing techniques to see the benefits they received. The findings, which were published in a journal called Thorax, revealed that asthmatics who regularly practiced breathing exercises experienced fewer symptoms.

Since asthmatics are more than twice as likely to have reflux as non-asthma sufferers, it's clear there is a connection. Did you know that more than three-quarters of asthma sufferers also experience gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as acid reflux? At first glance, a link between a breathing disorder and a malady involving the backward flow of stomach acids into the esophagus seems an unlikely one.

Millions of asthma sufferers are turning to this ancient practice to help ease their asthma. Do you wish there was a natural remedy for your asthma that was as effective as medication but without all of the side effects? This common desire among asthma patients has some of them turning to acupuncture in an attempt to try to achieve perfect health and breathing in the most natural way.

When it comes to avoiding your asthma triggers, you may want to rely on your nose to help guide you. When it comes to avoiding your asthma triggers, you may want to rely on your nose to help guide you. This is because many products that can set your asthma symptoms into gear have a fragrance that your nose may find difficult to bear. Triggers Exist Everywhere If your nose and your lungs are especially sensitive to scent, they can be easily irritated by a wide range of fragranced items that are in high supply in most environments.

What you need to know about pollution and tips on how to reduce its harm. For many, fears about the air we breathe are on par with fears about tainted food.  For some, the effects of pollution are immediate and include allergies, asthma, and chemical sensitivity that can cause rashes, dizziness and nausea.  But what are these chemicals in the air that pose so many hazards to our health? In some cases chemicals come from natural occurrences, such as volcanoes or forest fires.

If you have asthma and your symptoms aren't well managed, you could be putting your health at risk for permanent airway damage. Uncontrolled Symptoms When you have an asthma attack, your airways become inflamed and can lead to coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty inhaling and exhaling. Typically, these symptoms can be controlled by a combination of minimizing your exposure to your triggers and using medication preventatively.

Each season comes with its own set of allergens, but do you find springtime the hardest to bear? The Allergy-Asthma Connection Today, as many as 35 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies (also called hay fever or spring allergies), according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology[i], and many of these people also experience asthma symptoms that are sparked by their allergic condition.

If you're an athlete who has recently been diagnosed with asthma, you may worry that the possibility of taking your sport to the professional level is slipping away with each labored breath you take. You'll be glad to know, though, that many athletes with asthma are able to manage their symptoms and still excel at their game.   A Common Problem As many as 20 percent of athletes today are either formally diagnosed with asthma or grappling with the symptoms, which have not yet been officially named. With this condition such a widespread problem, and also a potentially serious one as well, the experts are urging people who participate in sports, and those who coach them, to be proactive when it comes to staying in control of this issue.

Find advice on how to stay active without making your asthma condition worse. If you are an athlete who has recently been diagnosed with asthma, you may worry that the possibility of taking your sport to the professional level is slipping away with each labored breath you take. You’ll be glad to know, though, that many athletes with asthma are able to manage their symptoms and still excel at their game.

Find out what foods can relieve or aggravate your asthma symptoms. Do you crave chicken soup when you are sick? If so, you are not alone. This is a common remedy to soothe the discomforts of the flu and the common cold. But did you know it can also help ease your asthma symptoms by thinning your mucus and helping you to breathe better? Experts have long understood that diet plays an important role in your overall health.

What is chemical or environmental illness and how can you lower your risk? It’s now common knowledge that many toxins are linked to medical conditions such as allergies, asthma or migraines. This awareness is driving many of us to go green in our homes, workplaces and communities. While some people may not experience immediate symptoms due to toxic chemical exposure, many others aren’t so lucky.

Read on to learn more about the relationship between these two conditions. If you suffer from asthma and also experience signs of depression and anxiety, this may not be a coincidence. In fact, recent studies have shown a relationship between these two conditions. This means that if you have the chronically inflamed airways that typically go along with asthma, it is important to take note not just of your physical symptoms, but also of your state of mind as well.

Find out how yoga can relieve your asthma symptoms. Have you tried yoga to manage your asthma symptoms? Many people find that this form of exercise taps into the mind-body connection to help you to take control of your health and enable you to feel significantly better on many levels. So yoga and asthma can be a good combination.

Find out how you can help your child with asthma survive school. Does your child have asthma? If so, you probably worry every time he or she goes to school. But you can help his or her teachers make the grade by providing some essential education in asthma management for them. By alerting them to the asthma warning signs and teaching them how to respond in an emergency situation, you can get them involved to help safeguard your child’s health.

Is the high cost of your asthma treatment keeping you from feeling your best? At a time when many people are trying to make their hard-earned dollars stretch, the price tag on the newest crop of inhalers can be causing many asthma patients to experience great levels of stress. Life-Saving Benefits You can scrimp on food, clothes, entertainment and other expenses in a pinch, but when it comes to your asthma medication, if you forego the treatment you need, you could be giving up essential life-saving benefits, the experts suggest.

Some asthma medications may compromise your bone health. Of course you want to control and treat your asthma symptoms as effectively as you can. But did you know that some asthma medications may compromise your bone health if you take them for an extended length of time? You don’t have to decide between breathing well or keeping your bones strong, though.

Take the steps to prepare yourself when your symptoms turn serious. You hope it never happens to you: having a serious asthma attack. But the fact is that everyone with asthma is at risk for experiencing a true health emergency, and there’s absolutely no way to know exactly how or when such a situation might strike.

Did you know that it’s not only children who get asthma? This condition can be diagnosed in people of all ages, including senior citizens. In fact, experts estimate that as many as 10 percent of older people suffer from asthma symptoms. The challenge, though, is that this disease can often be difficult to detect in older folks and treatment can be complicated if the patient also suffers from other health problems.

Do you think you might have asthma? If you find yourself coughing, wheezing or having difficulty breathing in or out, these are some of the typical symptoms that should warrant a trip to see your doctor. He or she will ask you some basic questions to get a handle on what you are experiencing and may also run some simple tests to determine if indeed you could have this chronic, and also common, condition.

Simple steps to take control of your asthma symptoms. If you suffer from asthma, you know all too well that the disease is with you to stay. But there are some simple, yet important, steps you can take to keep this condition well controlled in order to stop the symptoms from kicking in and taking you out of the game.

Take control of your seasonal asthma. Do you find yourself dreading each season change, fearing that it will cause your asthma symptoms to kick in? Changes to the weather, as well as to the environment, which occur throughout the year, can indeed be asthma triggers. But there are things you can do to take control of your situation so you won’t have to be afraid of what lies ahead.

Get information on steroids or one of the other types of control medications available to help keep your asthma symptoms at bay. If your asthma has been acting up lately and you find yourself needing your inhaler more frequently, you may want to talk to your doctor about trying steroids or one of the other types of control medications available that can help keep your symptoms at bay.

Find out ways you can ski with asthma. If you have asthma, your very best bet is to steer clear of the ski slopes, since breathing in dry, cold air can be a strong trigger for symptoms. But if you can’t resist the thrill downhill or cross-country skiing provides, don’t despair.

Next time you have an asthma attack, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to treat your symptoms at home with your own personal nebulizer? This portable breathing machine turns your medication into a liquid mist that you can inhale right into your lungs for the fastest results. But while it makes treating your symptoms easier, some medical experts caution that you shouldn’t rely on your nebulizer as a replacement for receiving essential medical care in a true emergency situation.

Make a plan to give you some concrete steps that you can take to head off an asthma attack. If you have asthma, then the experts recommend that you also have a personal asthma management plan or action plan. This is a written document that you can you write with the help of your doctor to lay out the groundwork on how to most manage your condition through a series of strategic steps, including monitoring your status, using medication as needed and taking control of your environment to keep your symptoms in check.

If your child has asthma, you know how important it is to have the right medication on hand and to be able to help him or her to use it correctly for the most effective results. If your child has asthma, you know how important it is to have the right medication on hand and to be able to help him or her to use it correctly for the most effective results. The Right Treatment is Essential Today, the American Lung Association estimates that as 6.

Does your child with asthma spend more time in front of the television, computer screen or favorite video games than the latest recommended guidelines provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics? If so, you are part of a growing trend, according to a new survey that looked at the habits of asthmatic children and found that the majority of them who live in urban areas exceed the two hour limit each day that AAP suggests parents implement. More Urban Children Stay Indoors The survey, which was conducted to measure the habits of 226 children with asthma living in Rochester, NY, found that three-quarters of them spend more than an hour a day beyond AAP’s recommendations.

If you’ve always wanted to have a baby but are worried that your asthma may get in the way, then you’ll be glad to know that today, most women with asthma are able to have very healthy pregnancies. Some of the latest research shows that the key to success is continuing to manage your symptoms throughout the nine months in order to ensure the best outcome for both you and your baby. Some of the latest research shows that the key to success is continuing to manage your symptoms throughout the nine months in order to ensure the best outcome for both you and your baby. Understand Your Changing Body If you are one of the growing numbers of women in the United States who suffers from asthma symptoms, the good news is that you may be able to have a normal pregnancy as long as you follow your doctor’s recommendations.

If you have asthma, you probably know that smoking yourself (or even being around someone else’s cigarette smoke) can make you feel pretty sick. But you may not know exactly why this is the case, or whether it’s too late to bother giving this bad habit up. The Negative Effects of Smoke Smoking is harmful to your health, even if you don’t have any breathing problems. But for people with asthma, smoking can trigger their symptoms and make them much worse, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI).

One in four Americans suffers from allergy and asthma, according to recent statistics provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you fall into this group, you may try lots of techniques, including running a humidifier, to relieve your symptoms. But did you know that using a humidifier can actually be worsening your condition? One in four Americans suffers from allergy and asthma, according to recent statistics provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you fall into this group, you may try lots of techniques, including running a humidifier, to relieve your symptoms.

Wish you could head off your next asthma attack? With the help of a peak flow monitor, this just may be possible. A peak flow monitor is a small plastic device that you can use to identify changes in your breathing capacity, often before any of your symptoms even occur, so you can adjust your treatment as needed An Easy-to-Use Early Warning System You may not be aware of your very earliest asthma symptoms, but one of the first signs is often a slow narrowing of your airways.

Wish you could get your allergies under control for once and for all? If so, getting regular shots to desensitize or “turn off” your reaction to various allergy triggers shots may be a worthwhile treatment option to explore. Wish you could get your allergies under control for once and for all? If so,  getting regular shots to desensitize or “turn off” your reaction to various allergy triggers shots may be a worthwhile treatment option to explore.  Some of the latest studies find that in addition to controlling allergies, this treatment method can even prevent asthma from developing in some patients.

Going green is easier--and more beneficial--than you thought. Having a hard time going green? Maybe you think it’s too time consuming, expensive, or not really worth it. Think again. There are hundreds of ways to be eco-friendly, which means it can fit into any lifestyle. Here are eight reasons why green living is worth it — none of them have to do with assuaging guilt.

Can changing how you eat help ease arthritis symptoms? The jury is out. If you suffer from arthritis, you are in good company. The National Institutes of Health estimates that about one out of every five Americans today have some form of this condition, which causes inflammation of the joints and can make it painful to complete your activities, depending on the severity and type of your symptoms.

Want to go green when it’s time to eat, shop and clean? If so, you're a part of a growing trend of people who are opting for earth-friendly products that are better for their health. Want to go green when it’s time to eat, shop and clean? If so, you are part of a growing trend of people who are opting for earth-friendly products that are better for their health, and also better for the health of the environment. Further, if you suffer from asthma, eating organic food, buying unscented makeup and clothing that is not treated by chemicals, and selecting cleaning products that are free of toxic fumes can make you feel much better.

When antihistamines and decongestants aren’t enough to tackle your strongest allergy symptoms, you may need to call on one of the newest nasal inhalers available today to relieve your discomfort and help you breathe better. The Lowdown The prevalence of allergies has been on the rise in the United States over the past few decades, according to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America, but the good news is that the latest crop of nasal inhalers are helping patients to fight back against their most uncomfortable symptoms.

These conditions often have the same symptoms of heart attacks. Chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, swollen limbs and ankles, dizziness—when presented in certain combinations, the symptoms of heart disease can be mistaken for other illnesses. Worse still, because women’s symptoms are slightly different than men’s (sometimes the disease can manifest itself in the fairer sex through discomfort in the neck or shoulder and nausea or vomiting), they stand a greater chance of having their heart disease initially misdiagnosed.

If you think a deep spring cleaning is in order to improve your asthma symptoms, you may be surprised to find out that most health experts recommend that you actually get rid of many of the cleaning supplies you have stashed in your cabinets instead. This just may do the trick to help you feel your best. Your Cleaning Supplies Can Make You Sick Many popular cleaning supplies contain toxins that can make you sick. The problem, though, is that most Americans have so many different products that it can be an overwhelming task to go through all of them and decide what is safe to keep and what to ditch.

Studies show that people who exercise regularly reap a host of important mental and physical benefits. But if you suffer from asthma, your symptoms may be preventing you from heading to the gym. The experts say with some simple planning, you can work out safely with this condition and get your mind and your body in tip-top shape. Exercising with Asthma About 20 million Americans suffer from asthma symptoms today, according to the American Lung Association.  And many of them experience a flair-up of symptoms when they engage in strenuous activity. Further, some people who don’t normally have asthma can even experience symptoms when they exercise.

Studies show that people who exercise regularly reap a host of important mental and physical benefits. But if you suffer from asthma, your symptoms may be preventing you from heading to the gym. The experts say with some simple planning, you can work out safely with this condition and get your mind and your body in tip-top shape. Exercising with Asthma About 20 million Americans suffer from asthma symptoms today, according to the American Lung Association.  And many of them experience a flair-up of symptoms when they engage in strenuous activity. Further, some people who don’t normally have asthma can even experience symptoms when they exercise.

Studies show that people who exercise regularly reap a host of important mental and physical benefits. But if you suffer from asthma, your symptoms may be preventing you from heading to the gym. The experts say with some simple planning, you can work out safely with this condition and get your mind and your body in tip-top shape. Exercising with Asthma About 20 million Americans suffer from asthma symptoms today, according to the American Lung Association.  And many of them experience a flare-up of symptoms when they engage in strenuous activity. Further, some people who don’t normally have asthma can even experience symptoms when they exercise.

Don’t let stress take your breath away. If you've been under a lot of stress lately, you may feel your asthma symptoms kicking in with increased frequency. The fact is that challenges at work and home can be difficult to manage even without any health conditions to complicate things, but when you suffer from asthma, you can find yourself feeling even more overwhelmed and leaving you out of breath more easily.

Once-a-day asthma pills offer convenience—and lasting relief. Is your asthma preventing you from participating in sports and other activities? Are your symptoms causing you to miss days of work or school? Do you use your rescue inhaler a few times a week? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you may want to talk to talk your doctor about trying one of the new once-a-day asthma medications.

If you are allergic to peanuts, you know how crucial it is to steer clear of anything even vaguely in the nut family. Otherwise, you can be putting yourself and your health at great risk. A Serious Problem Today Peanut allergy is the most common food allergy in the United States, affecting 1.5 million people, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. And while some people only experience mild symptoms, others suffer much more serious consequences.

Simple steps can make your home a much healthier place in which to live. Did you know that the air inside your home can be more dangerous than what's floating around outside? Since people tend to spend a lot of time indoors in cold weather, winter often brings with it a buildup of toxic particles inside the house. Think about it-you probably haven't opened windows in weeks, if not months, and you rarely leave the door ajar longer than it takes to bring in a few bags of groceries.

A saving grace for allergy sufferers or a myth? Read on to find out. If you are eager add to a dog to your family but you suffer from asthma and allergies, you may be interested in checking out some of the "hypoallergenic" breeds. The only problem, according to allergists, is that there actually may be no such thing. Low-Allergy Pets? Today, as many as 15 to 30 percent of people who suffer from allergies find their symptoms triggered by cats and dogs, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Stress and asthma...is there a connection? If you've been under a lot of stress lately, you may feel your asthma symptoms kicking in with increased frequency. The fact is that challenges at work and home can be difficult to manage even without any health conditions to complicate things, but when you suffer from asthma, you can find yourself feeling even more overwhelmed and leaving you out of breath more easily.

Your plants may not be as inconspicuous as you think. You may pride yourself on your green thumb, but if you find that your houseplants make your eyes and nose itch and turn red, you just may be allergic to them. The fact is that the soil contained in the plant pots can actually be a breeding ground for moisture and mold, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Try these alternative treatments for asthma. Have you ever tried any alternative methods to treat your asthma systems? If so, you aren't alone. Recent statistics from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America show that one in four people use alternative treatments for various health conditions.

Use your humidifier so it will work for you. One in four Americans suffers from allergy and asthma, according to recent statistics provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you fall into this group, you may try lots of techniques, including running a humidifier, to relieve your symptoms.

Millions of Americans are living with exercise-induced asthma. Here, a guide to the condition, from symptoms to treatment. Imagine jogging around the block and, a few minutes afterward, being struck with a host of scary symptoms--wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath. The next thing you know, you're feeling chest tightness, pain, and extreme fatigue. These are just some of the signs of exercise-induced asthma (EIA), a chronic condition that affects millions of Americans.

Today's patches, gums, and inhalers may help smokers who want to quit but need to wean themselves off nicotine slowly. Quitting smoking isn't easy. More than 70 percent of smokers say they want to quit, yet only 5 to 10 percent are successful in any given attempt, according to the American Cancer Society. Despite these odds, more than 46 million Americans have managed to quit smoking for good, helping to decrease (or even eliminate) their risk of developing a range of serious health conditions.

With the slowly, but steadily rising temperatures, what does the future hold for our health? Killer heat waves. Fierce storms. Devastating floods. Natural disasters have been all over the news, and according to organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and World Health Organization (WHO), the increase is no coincidence: It's actually a direct result of global warming.

'Tis the season for allergies. Learn how keep them from spoiling your holiday fun. "It's the most wonderful time of the year," legendary singer Andy Williams and many others after him have crooned about the holiday season. Well, it may not be so wonderful if you're a seasonal allergy sufferer. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), three out of four adults experience an increase of allergy attacks including headaches, eye irritation and sinus congestion during the period from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day.

Although COPD triggers can vary by person, it's important to understand the ones that can most frequently lead to flare-ups. For COPD sufferers, flare-ups can come on suddenly-and seemingly from out of nowhere. But according to experts, there are a host of hidden COPD triggers that may be exacerbating your symptoms. In addition to talking to your doctor about your symptoms, it's important to identify your COPD triggers and avoid them.

Is your city making you sneeze? High pollen and mold counts make some places worse than others. It's so uncomfortable. The watery eyes, the scratchy throat, the runny nose. The annoying (and sometimes, downright miserable) feelings associated with seasonal allergies are familiar to almost half of all Americans, according to a QualityHealth.com HealthOpin poll.

The nation's costliest conditions rack up a combined tab of more than $500 billion a year. What's the cost of poor health? A lot more than you may think. The nation's 10 most expensive medical conditions cost about $500 billion to treat in 2005, according to the latest News and Numbers from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

Understanding asthma triggers and symptoms can help prevent attacks. Learn how to recognize the signs and manage your condition. Asthma is a chronic condition of the respiratory system characterized by inflammation of the airways. Nearly 20 million Americans suffer from the disorder, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. Asthma attacks can range from mild to life-threatening and are usually accompanied by coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness.

Your child has a runny nose and bad cough. You want her to feel better, but is it OK to give her cold medicine? Cough and cold medicines for kids under the age of 2 have been pulled from drugstore shelves, and experts continue to debate whether the medicines should be given to children younger than 6 or 11 years old. But your son or daughter has a cold now you don't have time to wait for pediatricians and government officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reach a consensus.

With the proper treatment, asthma sufferers can live full and active lives. Here, a look at the condition by the numbers. Asthma is a chronic respiratory illness that can cause one's airway to constrict, get inflamed, and become lined with excessive amounts of mucus. These episodes, or attacks, may be triggered by a variety of factors such as exposure to dust or dander and even by exercise or stress.

Learn to identify the most common culprits so you can breathe easier. For allergy sufferers, attacks can come on suddenly—and seemingly from out of nowhere. But experts are quick to point out that there are a host of hidden allergy triggers that may be causing your wheezing, sneezing, or other symptoms. According to the American Lung Association (ALA), allergy triggers can be hiding inside or outdoors.

Allergens can attack almost anywhere, including your own home. Follow these tips to reduce your risk. Sitting in your living room shouldn't give you hives. Relaxing in your bathtub shouldn't make you sneeze. And cooking dinner shouldn't make your eyes and nose itch. If you find yourself in any of these situations, you may be allergic to your home. According to the American Academy of Family Doctors, allergies are overreactions to things that don't cause problems for most people, and these things are known as allergens.

10 back-to-school tips. For nearly nine million American children, going back to school presents questions beyond what to wear or bring. Are there peanuts in that birthday treat from a classmate? Will running in gym class trigger asthma? Could a bee sting during recess cause anaphylactic shock? Despite all the things confronting them, you can take steps to ensure your kids don't fall prey to schoolhouse allergies and asthma.

How to keep allergies and asthma from traveling with you. When vacations kick into high gear, allergies and asthma often follow suit. The good news? "There are steps you can take to minimize your symptoms," said Dr. Richard W. Weber, an academy leader and allergist in Denver, Colo. He recommends following these tips from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: Consider visiting your allergist or immunologist for a physical if you're planning to go on a long vacation.