Asthma Health Feed

अस्थमा श्वसन संबंधी रोग होता है जो सांस लेने में कठिनाई पैदा करता है. अस्थमा में श्वास नलियों की सूजन आ जाती है जिस कारण श्वसनमार्ग संकुचित हो जाता है. श्वसनमार्ग के संकुचित हो जाने से सांस लेते समय आवाज़ आना, श्वास की कमी, सीने में जकड़न और खाँसी आदि समस्याएं होने लगती हैं.
इस लेख के माध्यम से हम आपको अस्थमा का आयुर्वेदिक इलाज बताने जा रहे हैं.

अस्थमा का आयुर्वेदिक इलाज-

* आयुर्वेदिक दवाएं में कोई साइड इफेक्ट्स नहीं होता हैं और सुरक्षित है. यह अस्थमा के इलाज में बहुत हद्द तक कारगर है. कुछ आयुर्वेदिक दवाओं को शामिल कर के अस्थमा को ठीक किया जा सकता है जैसे कंटकारी अवालेह, अगस्त्याप्रश, चित्रक, कनाकसव इत्यादि.
* रात का खाना जितना हल्का हो सके लें व सोने से एक घंटे पहले ही खा लें.
* अस्थमा से बचने के लिए सुबह और शाम को टहलने के लिए निकलें. इसके अलावा योग में आसान भी कर सकते है जैसे ‘प्राणायाम’ और मेडिटेशन.
* अस्थमा के मरीज को मुश्किल एक्सरसाइज करने से बचना चाहिए.
* हवादार कमरे में रहें और सोएं. एयर कंडीशनर, कूलर और पंखों की सीधी हवा से बचें.
* अस्थमा रोगी को ठंडे और नम स्थानों से दूर रहना चाहिए.
* स्मोकिंग,टोबैको और ड्रिंक करने से बचे. कमरे में किसी खुसबूदार चीजे जैसे इत्र अगरबत्ती या अन्य चीजों का प्रयोग ना करें.
* गजर और पालक के उचित अनुपात मरीन मिलकर रोजाना रस पीएं.
* जौ, कुल्थी, बथुआ, द्रम स्तिच्क अदरक, करेला, लहसुन को अस्थमा रोगी को नियमित रूप से लेना चाहिए.
* मूलेठी और अदरक को आधा चम्मच एक कप पानी में डाल कर पीएं.
* तुलसी रोग प्रतिरोधक क्षमता को भी बढ़ाती है, इसलिए अस्थमा के मरीजों को तुलसी का सेवन करना चाहिए.
* जो लोग इस रोग का सामना आकर रहे हैं, वह हर मौसम के आगमन पर पंचकर्म की नस्य या शिरोविरेचन की साहयता लें.
* यदि रात में अस्थमा का अटैक आ जाए, तो छाती और पीठ पर गर्म तिल के तेल का सेंक करें.
* घर में एक शीशी प्राणधारा की अवश्य रखें. उसमें अजवाइन का सत् होता है, जिसकी भाप दमा के दौरे में राहत देती है.
* एक चौथाई चम्मच सोंठ, छ: काली मिर्च, काला नमक एक चौथाई चम्मच, तुलसी की 5 पत्तियों को पानी में उबाल कर पीने से भी दमा में आराम मिलता है.
* एक चौथाई प्याज का रस, शहद एक चम्मच, काली मिर्च 1/8 चम्मच को पानी के साथ लें.

अस्थमा श्वसन संबंधी रोग होता है जो सांस लेने में कठिनाई पैदा करता है. अस्थमा में श्वास नलियों की सूजन आ जाती है जिस कारण श्वसनमार्ग संकुचित हो जाता है. श्वसनमार्ग के संकुचित हो जाने से सांस लेते समय आवाज़ आना, श्वास की कमी, सीने में जकड़न और खाँसी आदि समस्याएं होने लगती हैं. 
आइए इस लेख के माध्यम से हम अस्थमा के घरेलू उपचारों के बारे में जानें ताकि इस विषय में लोगों को जागरूक किया जा सके.

अस्थमा के कारण-
* जीवनशैली में परिवर्तन जैसे मिलावटी आहार और ज्यादा स्पाइसी खाना या सूखे आहार का ज्यादा सेवन
* स्ट्रेस या किसी बात के डर से भी अस्थमा हो सकता है
* ब्लड में किसी तरह का डिफेक्ट
* स्मोकिंग और टोबैको का सेवन
* नजल पाइप में धूल या मिट्टी फंस जाना
* प्रदुषण से होने वाली समस्या
* पर्यावरणीय कारक
* अधिक परिश्रम करना

अस्थमा के लक्षण-
* सांस फूलना और सांस लेने में तकलीफ होती है
* निरंतर खांसी आना
* सांस लेते समय व्हूप की आवाज आना
* छाती में संकुचन
* खांसी के साथ कफ का बाहर नहीं आना

अस्थमा के घरेलू उपचार-
* आयुर्वेदिक दवाएं बहुत सुरक्षित हैं और काफी हद तक समस्या का इलाज है. कुछ आम दवाओं कंटकारी अवालेह, अगस्त्याप्रश, चित्रक, कनाकसव का प्रयोग किया जा सकता है.
* रात का खाना जितना हल्का हो सके लें व सोने से एक घंटे पहले ही खा लें.
* सुबह या शाम टहलें और योग में मुख्य रूप से ‘प्राणायाम’ और भावातीत ध्यान करें.
* अस्थमा के मरीज अधिक व्यायाम करने से बचें.
* हवादार कमरे में रहें और सोएं. एयर कंडीशनर, कूलर और पंखों की सीधी हवा से बचें.
* इस दौरान आपको ठंडे और नम स्थानों से दूर ही रहना चाहिए.
* धूम्रपान चबाने वाली तम्बाकू, शराब और कृत्रिम मिठास और ठंडे पेय न लें. जिन्हें इत्र से इलर्जी हैं, वे अगरबत्ती, मच्छर रेपेलेंट्स का प्रयोग न करें.
* दो तिहाई गाजर का रस, एक तिहाई पालक का रस, एक गिलास रोज पिएं.
* जौ, कुल्थी, बथुआ, द्रम स्तिच्क अदरक, करेला, लहसुन का अस्थमा में नियमित रूप से सेवन किया जा सकता है.
* मूलेठी और अदरक आधा-आधा चम्मच एक कप पानी में लेना बहुत उपयोगी होता है.
* तुलसी रोग प्रतिरोधक क्षमता को बढ़ाती है, इसलिए अस्थमा के मरीजों को तुलसी का सेवन करना चाहिए.
* जो लोग इस रोग की चपेट में आ चुके हैं, उनके लिए हर ऋतु के प्रारम्भ में एक-एक सप्ताह तक पंचकर्म की नस्य या शिरोविरेचन चिकित्सा इस रोग की रोकथाम में सहायक होती है.
* दिल्ली के शालीमार बाग स्थित महर्षि आयुर्वेद अस्पताल में इसकी अच्छी व्यवस्था है.
* रात-विरात यदि दमा प्रकुपित हो जाए, तो छाती और पीठ पर गर्म तिल तेल का सेंक करें.
* घर में एक शीशी प्राणधारा की अवश्य रखें. उसमें अजवाइन का सत् होता है, जिसकी भाप दमा के दौरे में राहत देती है.
* एक चौथाई चम्मच सोंठ, छ: काली मिर्च, काला नमक एक चौथाई चम्मच, तुलसी की 5 पत्तियों को पानी में उबाल कर पीने से भी दमा में आराम मिलता है.
* एक चौथाई प्याज का रस, शहद एक चम्मच, काली मिर्च 1/8 चम्मच को पानी के साथ लें.
 

Lung diseases are some of the most common diseases suffered by human beings throughout the world. Smoking and infections are responsible for most lung diseases. The lungs perform one of the most important functions of the body. It is also one of the most active organs in the human body and hence lung problems can arise due to problems in any other part of the body. Some of the most common and infectious lung diseases are discussed below...

1. Asthma
Asthma is a common long term disease which is characterized by reversible airflow obstruction and bronchospasm. The symptoms of asthma include coughing, shortness of breath and tightness of chest. These symptoms may occur frequently during a day and depending on the person, it may become worse during night or during a certain exercise.

2. Pneumonia
Pneumonia is another common lung problem which is suffered due to inflammation in the microscopic air sacs in the lungs known as alveoli. Symptoms of pneumonia include dry cough, chest pain, breathing problem and fever. Pneumonia is caused most commonly by viruses or bacteria. It is also caused by certain medications and conditions which are popularly known as autoimmune diseases. There are a number of vaccines available to prevent certain types of pneumonia. Other methods include hand washing and refraining from smoking.

3. Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a very infectious disease which is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Although tuberculosis generally affects the lungs, but it has been known to affect other parts of the body as well. Symptoms of tuberculosis include cough containing sputum with blood, night sweats, fever and weight loss. Air is an active medium for spreading tuberculosis. This happens when people who already have tuberculosis sneeze, cough or speak. Infection occurs more in those who have HIV/AIDS or those who smoke. Prevention of tuberculosis includes staying away and keeping those who are at high risk, early detection and treatment and vaccination.

4. Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer which affects the lungs. It affects the lining of the lungs and chest wall. Symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath, swollen abdomen, cough, chest pain, weight loss and general lethargy. Mesothelioma is caused mainly due to exposure to asbestos. Those people who mine asbestos, produce products from asbestos, work with asbestos products are at high risk. Mesothelioma also results from genetical problems and due to infection caused by the simian virus 40.

5. Pulmonary Embolism
This is a disease caused due to blockage of an artery in the lungs by a substance which has travelled from another part of the body by the bloodstream. Symptoms of this disease include chest pain, breath shortness and coughing up of blood. There may also be signs of blood clot in the legs.

Phobic symptoms can occur through exposure to the feared object or situation, or sometimes merely through thinking about the feared object. Typical symptoms associated with phobias include:

• Dizziness, trembling, and increased heart rate
• Breathlessness
• Nausea
• A sense of unreality
• Fear of dying
• Preoccupation with the feared object

In some cases, these symptoms may escalate into a full-scale anxiety attack. As a consequence of these symptoms, some individuals begin to isolate themselves, leading to severe difficulties with functioning in daily life and with maintaining relationships. In some cases, the person may seek out medical care due to a constant concern with imagined illnesses or imminent death.

Lung diseases have become very common for people living in the urban areas all over the world. Diseases in the lungs are the most common medical conditions which affect millions of people globally; however, the numbers of women who have been affected by numerous lung diseases are more in comparison to men. There are a number of lung diseases which differ from each other in terms of severity and their treatment. Some of the most common lung diseases which affect women mostly are given below.

1. Asthma
Asthma is the condition in which the lungs and bronchial tubes get inflamed and become extremely sensitive as well. In this condition, the airways become easily irritated mostly because of smoking cigarettes or being in a polluted area. Your lungs and bronchial tubes may also get sensitive to allergens like dust mites and pollen. Difficulties in breathing, regularly coughing and wheezing are some of the problems which are caused by Asthma. This condition affects women more than men because of the presence of high level of testosterone protect them from the disease, if the research is to be believed.

2. Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is that deadly disease which affects women more than men. The leading cause of cancer deaths in women, this disease is largely linked to smoking cigarettes. However, it is often observed that women who have quit the habit are more likely to get affected by the disease. It is believed that estrogen plays a major role in the development of lung cancer in women as treatment with progesterone and estrogen after hitting menopause can increase your chances of getting affected by lung cancer.

3. Pulmonary Emboli
Blood clots which start forming in one part of the body, which is usually the legs, and slowly travel to various other parts of the body which end up getting stuck in the lungs are called pulmonary emboli. These small blood clots which get stuck in the lungs cause problems in breathing and affect more women than men, in general. The pulmonary embolus is also responsible for reducing the oxygen flow in the blood-streams. Women who take contraceptive pills or go through hormone treatments are often at the risk of developing this problem.

4. Pulmonary Hypertension
Another lung disease which affects women more than men is pulmonary hypertension. The blood pressure in this lung disease becomes dangerously high. The right side of the heart starts to work harder due to the increased pressure built. This results in the oxygen-rich blood to be pumped back to the lungs. Childhood infections and other lung problems are often observed as the reason for women to develop this issue.

Asthma
The word "asthma" originates from the Greek word, ásthma that means, "panting.” Asthma is a medical condition in which the airways swells and produces extra mucus that can make breathing difficult. Because of the inflammation and the extra mucus, it can trigger shortness of breath and wheeze or coughing.

Documented as early as Ancient Egypt, Asthma can be either a minor nuisance or life-threatening. In asthma, the inside walls of the airways get inflamed so that lesser air can pass through them from and to the lungs making breathing a difficult exercise. This swelling can also make the airways really sensitive and increase a person’s susceptibility to allergic reactions.

Asthma has been on the rise significantly since the 1960s and now according to WHO estimate, around 300 million people suffer from asthma worldwide. In fact Asthma is one of the most common chronic childhood illness.

Symptoms of Asthma-
The symptoms of asthma vary. But what most people with asthma have in common is the extreme airway sensitivity because of triggered airway inflammation. Some people have frequent asthma attacks, some people experience asthma only during certain times, some people have it all the time and some people only experience it infrequently.

Common asthma signs and symptoms include:
-  Wheezing or coughing

-  Shallow breathing

-  Breathlessness

-  Chest pain

-  Throat infection

-  Faster heart rate

-  Trouble in sleeping

-  Difficulty in speaking

Types of Asthma-
Normally people suffering from an asthma attack tend to have a whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling. There are different types of asthma. Some of the most common types of asthma are: 

1. Exercise-induced asthma 
Also called exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, this type of asthma is induced by strenuous exercises and can cause symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness or breath and other symptoms. These symptoms may worsen when the air is dry and cold and usually get triggered during or after an exercise.

2. Occupational asthma 
As the name suggests, occupational asthma is triggered by breathing in certain chemical fumes, dust, gases, or other kinds of exposure to allergens at the workplace.

3. Allergy-induced asthma 
Allergy-induced asthma is the most common type of asthma, which is triggered by common airborne allergens like pollen, mold spores, dust mites, or particles of skin.

What Are Causes of Asthma?
Although the causes are not particularly clear and anyone can get asthma at any age, it is more common childhood ailment. The studies are still underway to prove a clear asthma cause but according to the researches this disease is believed to be caused by a blend of genetic and environmental factors. Genomics, which is the study of how a person’s genes interrelate with environmental factors, may be the key to understanding why certain people are more prone to asthma than others.

Asthma Triggers-
Asthma triggers can differ from person to person and the key is to know what irritants trigger your asthma to ensure minimized exposure to it. Some generic asthma signs and symptoms can include:

-  Cold air

-  Exercise and other physical activities

-  Common cold and other respiratory infections

-  Stress

-  Airborne substances like pollen, mold spores, pet dander, cockroach waste, dust mites, etc.

-  Airborne substances, such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander

-  Certain chemicals and air pollutants (smoke)

-  Certain preservatives (added to food and beverages)

-  Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

-  Certain medicines like aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.

Risk factors-
There are several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing asthma including:

-  Genetics. Having a family especially a blood relative suffering from asthma

-  Having other allergic condition (hay fever)

-  Smoking

-  Exposure to secondary smoking

-  Obesity (people who are overweight are at a greater risk of developing asthma)

-  Exposure to increasing amount of smoke or other pollutants

-  Occupational triggers

-  Stress and anxiety

Diagnosis of Asthma-
Even though it is a common childhood disease, it doesn’t mean, as an adult one cannot develop it. If a person is feeling any of the symptoms whether a child or an adult, it is always a good idea to get checked to know for sure if you have asthma. Asthma symptoms can come and go since it is a ‘variable’ disease.

It is also important to not do self-diagnosis, as some symptoms, which may look like asthma triggers, may not be actually asthma-like persistent cough caused by other diseases like certain heart diseases and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Effective diagnosis of Asthma depends upon its classification. There are four different classifications of Asthma:

Classification of Asthma
-  Mild intermittent – It is a mild case of asthma if the symptoms last only for up to two days a week, symptoms flaring up mainly at night and asthma lasting not more than two nights in a month.

-  Mild persistent – Mild persistent asthma is when the symptoms can occur twice in a week but not more than one episode per day.

-  Moderate persistent – This happens when a person experiences symptoms once a day and in excess of one night a week.

-  Severe persistent - Symptoms can last throughout the day and frequently at night on most days.

Diagnosis of Asthma
1. Physical test
The doctor would want to rule out other possible condition through a physical exam to get to know the signs and symptoms.

Some lung function tests can help in determining how the lung in functioning in a person.

2. Spirometry
One of the most common pulmonary function tests, spirometry measures lung function by checking the amount of air a person can inhale and exhale after deep breaths.

3. Peak flow
The peak expiratory flow is a pulmonary device that can measure the maximum speed one can breathe out. If the readings are low, it may be a sign that the person’s lungs are not working properly and could be a potential sign of asthma.

These tests can be done with a medicine called as bronchodilator (albuterol) to check if the lung functions better with the medication. If the test gets better after the use of bronchodilator, then it is highly likely for a person to suffer from asthma

Additional tests and Diagnosis For Asthma
Other tests that may be required to diagnose asthma include:

1. Methacholine challenge-
Methacholine is considered an asthma trigger and so when it is inhaled it can cause mild constriction of the airways. Most people who have asthma are likely to react to methacholine. Doctor could use this test to determine whether you have asthma.

2. Imaging tests-
Certain imaging tests like x-rays and CT scan can help in identifying certain abnormalities that might be causing breathing issues.

3. Allergy testing-
Most allergy tests can help in identifying allergy to triggers like pollen, dust, etc.

4. Sputum eosinophils-
This test can help in identifying the while blood cells in the mucus to see if asthma is present or not.

5. Nitric oxide test-
For people whose airways are inflamed, they may have higher nitric oxide level than normal which may be able to help in identifying whether the person is suffering from asthma or not.

7. Provocative testing for exercise and cold-induced asthma-
As the name suggests, in this a person is made to perform vigorous physical activities in a controlled environment to check for the triggers.

Treatment of Asthma-
Although there is no known cure available for asthma and it is generally a life-long condition, treatment can control asthma symptoms so a person can lead a normal life. Also when it comes to asthma, there is no one-size fit all treatment methodology. The idea is to understand the triggers that worsen your symptoms, taking steps to avoid them and taking the medication on time to keep asthma in check.

1. Inhalers 
Inhalers are medical devices, which are used for supplying medication into the body through the lungs. There are three types of inhalers. These are:

-  Reliever Inhalers: These inhalers are used for the purpose of relieving symptoms at the time of asthma attack. Normally reliever inhalers don’t have many side effects, in some people they may increase heart beat and induce shaking. 

-  Preventive Inhalers: True to their name, this types of inhalers are used to stop the symptoms from developing.

-  Combination Inhalers: If either of these kinds of inhalers doesn’t work for a person, they would need an inhaler that would both relieve the attack and prevent it from happening again.

2. Tablets -
If inhalers don’t work to control the symptoms, one may also use tablets.

Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) 
LTRAs are the oral tablets prescribed for asthma and are also available in syrup and powder forms. It can be taken every day without many side effects. However, some people may experience some side effects including headaches and stomach pain.

• Theophylline

If LTRAs tablets cannot be prescribed for some reasons or is not working, doctors may also prescribe Theophylline. It should be taken every day.

• Steroid tablets-

Steroid tablets are given to give relief from an asthma attack. Long-term usage of steroid tablets for is not recommended unless a person is suffering from severe asthma and if inhalers aren’t handy controlling the symptoms. Some possible side effects of using steroid tablets for long-term are mood swings, fragile bones, high blood pressure, etc.

Other treatments for Asthma
Other treatments like surgery or injections may be required in case other treatments don’t work for a person.

Injections 
For certain people with severe asthma, some injections like omalizumab, mepolizumab, or reslizumab may be able control the symptoms. For some severe asthma patients, injections are prescribed every few weeks in order to control the symptoms. However, these injections should be taken only under the prescription from an asthma specialist, as these injections may are not advisable for every asthma patient.

Surgery 
For some people for whom treatments like inhalers, tablets, and injections don’t work or in certain cases cannot be administered, a surgical procedure called bronchial thermoplasty can be used. In this treatment, a flexible thin tube is passed down the throat into the lungs and heat is used to warm up muscles surrounding the air controlling nerves to stop causing asthma-like symptoms.

However, this process is fairly new and so much research has not been done on its long-term relief.

Complementary therapies 
There are many complementary therapies that can help ease the symptoms, prevent asthma from happening, and help strengthen the lungs and the airway muscles. However, before incorporating any of these therapies in your lifestyle, it is always best to check with your asthma specialist first. These therapies include

Certain breathing exercises including yoga
-  Alternative medicines like homeopathy, chiropractic, and Ayurveda

-  Dietary supplements

-  Acupuncture

-  Certain traditional Chinese medicine

-  Ionizers

Common Myths About Asthma
Myth #1: Asthma is a psychological disease

One of the biggest beliefs that many people have is that asthma is psychological and thus they don’t believe in getting medical help. Since asthma affects the airways it is to be noted that is not psychological as it causes the immune system and the lungs to behave erratically when it comes to certain triggers.

Myth #2: Asthma medications lose their effectiveness over time

Asthma meds don’t lose their effectiveness over time and can be used for long-term if the right doses are taken as directed.

Myth #3: People with asthma should avoid physical activity

Although strenuous exercises can sometimes induce asthma, simple exercises can keep a person fit and healthy and help them lead a normal life.

Myth #4: You can outgrow asthma

Some asthma symptoms may improve over time. People also learn how to deal with asthma better as they age since they know what triggers it and what doesn’t. However, there is no outgrowing asthma because it is a lifelong condition.

Myth #5: Asthma Is Easy to Control

Asthma can be easy or difficult to control depends on the kind of asthma a person is suffering from and the triggers. Although even in mild form of asthma, the treatment is required to give the necessary relief to a person to reduce flares and maintain proper lung functions.

Asthma is a condition marked by the swelling and narrowing of the airways thus, producing excess mucus. This triggers coughing, breathing difficulties and wheezing. Asthma can be a minor inconvenience for some, while for others, it can often result in a deadly asthma attack.

Causes
It isn’t definite as to what causes asthma in some and not in others, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors is a probable reason. Factors that trigger asthma is varied, and is subjective. Some common causes of asthma include:

1. Airborne matters, such as cockroach waste particles, pet dander, mould spores, dust mites or pollen
2. Respiratory infections
3. Physical activity
4. Cold air
5. Irritants (such as smoking) and air pollutants
6. Some medications, such as naproxen, ibuprofen, beta blockers and aspirin
7. Stress and strong emotions
8. Preservatives and sulphites added to some beverages and food, such as wine, beer, processed potatoes, dried fruit and shrimp
9. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (Stomach acids retreat into the throat)

Signs you should look for?
Symptoms of asthma vary a lot, and differ among people. You can have infrequent attacks at times or suffer from the symptoms perpetually. Asthma symptoms and signs include:

1. Breathing difficulties
2. Chest pain or tightness
3. Trouble sleeping due to breathing problems, wheezing or coughing
4. A wheezing or whistling sound at exhaling
5. Wheezing or coughing attacks that are aggravated by respiratory virus, such as flu or cold

Complications associated with asthma include:

1. Symptoms and signs that interfere with recreational activities or school work
2. Sick days from work or school when asthma flares up
3. Persistent contractions of the bronchial tube that can lead to problems in breathing
4. Hospitalisation and visits to the emergency room during critical asthma attacks
5. Long-term consumption of certain medications to fix severe asthma can cause side effects

Treatment

Long-term control and prevention are the main goals of asthma treatment. Treatment generally applies learning about the things that trigger your asthma, taking necessary steps to dodge them and checking your breathing to ascertain that your regular medications are effectively controlling your asthma. Inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting beta agonists, theophylline are some common long-term treatments to control asthma.
Medicines are prescribed based on your symptoms, age, triggers and what best keeps your asthma regulated. Also, you and your doctor need to work together to come up with a plan to counter your asthma. For example, if you think your symptoms are getting better, consult with your doctor to reduce your medication doses.