Asthma

Cough

General Infomation
Definition: 

A cough is the body’s normal reaction to irritation in the throat, the bronchial tubes, or the lungs .coughs are helpful because they expel mucus, bacteria, and other irritating substances from the respiratory tract. Coughing is a lifesaving reflex when something gets stuck in the throat and blocks air passages.

Symptoms: 

Usually a cough signals a viral bacterial infection, such as cold or bronchitis. The immune system causes the bronchial tubes, lungs, and throat to attack the germs and get rid of them in a coating of mucus. Coughs that produce phlegm are characteristic of respiratory infection. Coughs can also be caused by exposure to dust, cigarette smoke, polluted air, extremely dry air, or strong smells, such as that of ammonia. Coughs not caused by infection are more likely to be chronic and produce little phlegm.

A brief bout of coughing in response to an infection or exposure to dust and pollution is a sign of health. Coughing is a problem if it fails to expel the offending substance or if it becomes continuous and interferes with eating, speech, or sleep. Chronic cough is also a symptom of a number of possible disorders, including allergies, chronic bronchitis, cancer, heart disease, and tuberculosis. It can also be a side effect of certain medications, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.

Very frequently, inappropriate treatment is as detrimental as the original cause of the cough. Some of the over the counter remedies contain both a sedative that squelches the cough reflex and a stimulant that makes the lungs manufacture more phlegm. The net results is increased congestion and difficulty breathing, although less cough.

Useful treatment requires matching the remedy to the cough. Expectorants work by increasing fluid production in the respiratory tract, helping to thin and loosen mucus so that it is easier to cough out. They should not be used to treat a dry cough .other treatments for cough work by ‘’ turning off’’ the part of the brain that causes the coughing response. Still others soot colts e the throat irritation caused by chronic cough. Although herbal treatments have fewer side effects than conventional remedies, they still must be chosen by the type of cough they are intended to treat.

Unless otherwise specified, the herb dosage recommended here are for adults, and some herbs are not suitable for children at all. Children under the age of six should be given one-quarter of the adult’s dosage. Children between the ages of six to twelve should be given one-half of the adult dosage. Formula dosage for children should be discussed with a knowledgeable health-care practitioner.

Beneficial herbs
1. Coltsfoot- relieves acute congestion and hoarseness lasting no more than 2-3 days
Form and dosage
Tea bag; prepared with 1 cup water .take ½ 2-3 times daily.do not exceed the recommended dosage.

2. Echinacea – arrests both bacterial and viral infections that cause cough.
Form and dosage
Echinacea purpurea tablets; take 2,000 mg every 3 hours till symptoms improves.

3. Lobelia – relieves dry, hacking cough.
Form and dosage
Capsules; take 500 – 1000 mg 3 times daily. Take it for no more than 2 weeks at a time.

4.Lungwort – good for children who have both cough and diarrhoea.
Form and dosage
Tincture; take the dose recommended on the label 2 -3 times daily for 3 days .

5. Marshmallow root- relieves dry, hacking cough. Especially helpful for children. Also known as althea.
Form and dosage
Extract; take 1 tsp. (2ml) in ¼ cup water three times daily. For children use ¼ tsp. (0.5ml).

6. Peppermint – suppresses cough reflex.
Form and dosage
Menthol lozenges; use 1 per hour

7. Reishi – stops coughing if you have a cold and asthma at the same time.
Form and dosage
Tablets; take 3000 mg 3 times daily.

8. Slippery elm bark- coats and soothes sore throat.
Form and dosage
Tea (loose); prepared by stepping 1 tsp. in 1 cup water. Drink 1 cup as desired.

Recommendations
• Use essential oil of eucalyptus in aromatherapy to sooth throat irritation

• Use eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary, and sage together as a chest rub to relieve a child’s cough and sore throat. Mix 5 drops of the essential of each herb into 3 tablespoon of olive oil and apply to the chest 3 times daily.

• Avoid eating one to two hours before bed time. Eating just before sleep may encourage the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which causes some people to wake up with cough, sore throat, or hoarseness even in the absence of infection.

• To moisten the respiratory tract and thin mucus, use a cool – mist humidifier. Vaporizes and humidifier are especially useful for children cough.be sure to keep this equipment scrupulously clean so that bacteria do not collect in it.

• Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke, either first or second hand.

• If a cough persist despite attempts to sooth it, see a doctor.

Considerations
• Siberian ginseng is useful in preventing coughs caused by exposure to dust and drafts. Take 1 cup of the tea (from bags) per day, or use tinctures as directed on the label. Avoid this herb if prostate cancer or an autoimmune disease, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, is present.

• Tobacco smoke is not the only cause of chronic cough in children. the presence of a furry pet or heating fuels such as bottled gas or paraffin also contribute to children’s cough. Eliminate as many of these sources of irritation as possible.

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By Austine on 27 August 2019

ASTHMA

General Infomation
Definition: 

Asthma Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Asthma occurs when the airways in your lungs (bronchial tubes) become inflamed and constricted. The muscles of the bronchial walls tighten, and your airways produce extra mucus that blocks your airways. Signs and symptoms of asthma range from minor wheezing to life-threatening asthma attacks. Asthma can be cured by herbal medicine. CONTACT US VIA 0720760419 also read this link for more information. http://www.kenyaneem.com/?q=Asthma-Causes-Symptoms-and-Treatments

Symptoms: 

Asthma signs and symptoms range from minor to severe, and vary from person to person.
Asthma signs and symptoms include:
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or pain
• Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing
• An audible whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling
• Bouts of coughing or wheezing that are worsened by a respiratory virus such as a cold or the flu
Signs that your asthma is getting worse include:
• An increase in the severity and frequency of asthma signs and symptoms

Asthma is classified into four general categories:

Asthma classification Signs and symptoms
Mild intermittent Mild symptoms up to two days a week and up to two nights a month
Mild persistent Symptoms more than twice a week, but no more than once in a single day
Moderate persistent Symptoms once a day and more than one night a week
Severe persistent Symptoms throughout the day on most days and frequently at night
Causes & Complication
Causes: 

Exposure to various allergens and irritants can trigger signs and symptoms of asthma, including:
• Airborne allergens, such as pollen, animal dander, mold, cockroaches and dust mites
• Respiratory infections, such as the common cold
• Physical activity (exercise-induced asthma)
• Cold air
• Air pollutants and irritants such as smoke
• Certain medications, including beta blockers, aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Strong emotions and stress
• Sulfites, preservatives added to some perishable foods
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acids back up into your throat
• Menstrual cycle in some women
• Allergic reactions to foods such as peanuts or shellfish

Complications: 

Asthma may cause a number of complications, including:
• Emergency room visits and hospitalizations for severe asthma attacks
• Permanent narrowing of the bronchial tubes (airway remodeling)
• Side effects from long-term use of some medications used to stabilize severe asthma

Medication & Prevention
Lifestyle and Home Remedies: 

Do not rely on medication to manage Asthma. Kindly visit our clinic for a complete cure of Asthma. You can minimize Asthma attach for the time being by observing these rules.

Avoid your triggers
Reduce your exposure to things that trigger asthma symptoms. Here are some things that may help:
Use your air conditioner. Air conditioning helps reduce the amount of airborne pollen from trees, grasses and weeds that finds its way indoors. Air conditioning also lowers indoor humidity and can reduce your exposure to dust mites. If you don't have air conditioning, try to keep your windows closed during pollen season.
Decontaminate your decor. Minimize dust that may aggravate night time symptoms by replacing certain items in your bedroom. For example, encase pillows, mattresses and box springs in dust-proof covers. Remove carpeting and install hardwood or linoleum flooring. Use washable curtains and blinds.
Maintain optimal humidity. Keep humidity low in your home and office. If you live in a damp climate, talk to your doctor about using a dehumidifier.
Keep indoor air clean. Have a utility company check your air conditioner and furnace once a year. Change the filters in your furnace and air conditioner according to the manufacturer's instructions. Also consider installing a small-particle filter in your ventilation system. If you use a humidifier, change the water daily.
Reduce pet dander. If you're allergic to dander, avoid pets with fur or feathers. Having pets regularly bathed or groomed also may reduce the amount of dander in your surroundings.
Clean regularly. Clean your home at least once a week. If you're likely to stir up dust, wear a mask or have someone else do the cleaning.
Cover your face. If your asthma is worsened by cold, dry air, wearing a face mask can help.
Stay healthy
Taking care of yourself and treating other conditions linked to asthma will help Keep your asthma under control. A few things you can do include:
Exercise. Having asthma doesn't mean you have to be less active. Treatment can prevent asthma attacks and control symptoms during activity. Regular exercise can strengthen your heart and lungs, which helps relieve asthma symptoms. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise on most days. If you've been inactive, start slowly and try to gradually increase your activity over time.
Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight can worsen asthma symptoms, and it puts you at higher risk of other health problems.
Control heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It's possible that the acid reflux that causes heartburn may damage lung airways and worsen asthma symptoms. If you have frequent or constant heartburn, talk to your doctor about treatment options. You may need treatment for GERD before your asthma symptoms improve.


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By Anonymous on 25 April 2011