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Asthma
Asthma is a
condition in which the airways are narrowed because of hypersensitivity to
certain stimuli. During an asthma attack, certain cells in the
airway, particularly the mast cells, release substances such as histamine
and leukotrienes that cause the smooth muscle to contract, mucus secretion
to increase and some white blood cells to migrate to that area. This
results in airway spasm, swelling, and blockage.
Asthma can
be triggered by allergens or irritants, such as animal dander, chemicals,
drugs, dust mites, environmental pollutants, mold, tobacco smoke or by
stress and anxiety.
An asthma
attack often comes with wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.
Severe symptoms include confusion, lethargy and blue skin color indicating
that oxygen supply is severely limited.
Asthma
attacks can be avoided if the exposure to the specific stimuli is reduced.
Drugs used in asthma treatments are beta-agonists, bronchodilators,
inhaled corticosteroids, antichlolinergics, oral corticosteroids,
leukotriene antagonists.
The
incidence of asthma is growing at an alarming rate over the past 15 years.
Children under the age of sixteen and adults over the age of sixty-five
are most likely to suffer from asthma. The rising level of
environmental pollutants is the most probable cause of higher incidences
of asthma.
Food
supplements for asthma:
Essential fatty acids (flaxseed
oil, primrose oil)
Quercetin
Vitamin A
Vitamin B complex
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Multivitamin and mineral
complex
Ginkgo biloba
Coleus
Reishi
Turmeric (curcumin)
Rosemary
Mullein
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