Asthma Questions: The Hygiene Hypothesis

Question: I’ve heard something called the “hygiene hypothesis” being referenced when discussing asthma. What is this?

Answer:

The “hygiene hypothesis” is a school of thought presented by certain medical studies, discovered during investigations in to why asthma is seemingly on the rise. While by no means a new condition, cases of asthma have been steadily rising since records began. Certain medical studies have tried to find out why this is, and along with environmental factors, the hygiene hypothesis has been suggested for this rise in cases.

“Hygiene hypothesis” is the term used to describe the fact that, as a species, we are far more hygienic than we have ever been. Most households use strong cleaning products, and young children are not as exposed to dirt and bacteria as they were in the 1950s and 1960s. While this cannot really be seen as a bad things, some studies have suggested that it may have contributed to a rise in asthma cases.

Bacteria in the air, when inhaled, is aggravating – and can cause temporary inflammation of the lungs. This usually manifests itself in coughing. Young children in the earlier parts of the 20th century would have had daily exposure to bacteria due to less rigorous hygiene and cleaning standards; as a result, the bronchi of their lungs would appear irritated. The body would then learn how to deal with this, and calm the bronchi down.

Asthma can essentially be described as a irritation of the bronchi. As children nowadays are not exposed to the same levels of bacteria, their bodies do not learn to ‘calm’ the bronchi in their early life. This, some suggest, has lead to a larger number of asthma cases, as when presented with bacteria now, the body is not as well-versed in how to react.

The Causes of Asthma

The exact causes of asthma are unknown; there is no direct chain of events that effects every single sufferer. There is some evidence that asthma is a genetic condition, as people inherit the tendency towards inflamed airways – the primary problem associated with asthma. If a child’s parents both have asthma, they are statistically more likely to suffer from the illness themselves – but this is not always the case. Similarly, a child can have asthma even if there is no genetic history of it in their family. It really does seem to be the luck of the draw.

People who suffer from asthma are more likely to have allergies, particularly to dust mites and hay fever But again, this is not a certain link: lots of people who have hay fever do not have asthma, for example, just as lots of people who have asthma do not have hay fever

There are no known substances that are thought to actively ’cause’ asthma – though certain things, such as chemicals, allergens and smoke are known to exacerbate an existing condition.

It is natural when you, or someone you know, is diagnosed with asthma to question why it has happened. Unfortunately, asthma is one of the many illnesses that simply do not have a specific and clear-cut cause for why they have occurred. Learning to accept that sometimes, quite genuinely, these things do just happen is an important part of coming to terms with their asthma diagnosis.

Finally, if you are a parent and are concerned about passing asthma on to your children, this is by no means a certainty, so try not to fret.

Asthma Questions: The Hygiene Hypothesis

Question: I’ve heard something called the “hygiene hypothesis” being referenced when discussing asthma. What is this?

Answer:

The “hygiene hypothesis” is a school of thought presented by certain medical studies, discovered during investigations in to why asthma is seemingly on the rise. While by no means a new condition, cases of asthma have been steadily rising since records began. Certain medical studies have tried to find out why this is, and along with environmental factors, the hygiene hypothesis has been suggested for this rise in cases.

“Hygiene hypothesis” is the term used to describe the fact that, as a species, we are far more hygienic than we have ever been. Most households use strong cleaning products, and young children are not as exposed to dirt and bacteria as they were in the 1950s and 1960s. While this cannot really be seen as a bad things, some studies have suggested that it may have contributed to a rise in asthma cases.

Bacteria in the air, when inhaled, is aggravating – and can cause temporary inflammation of the lungs. This usually manifests itself in coughing. Young children in the earlier parts of the 20th century would have had daily exposure to bacteria due to less rigorous hygiene and cleaning standards; as a result, the bronchi of their lungs would appear irritated. The body would then learn how to deal with this, and calm the bronchi down.

Asthma can essentially be described as a irritation of the bronchi. As children nowadays are not exposed to the same levels of bacteria, their bodies do not learn to ‘calm’ the bronchi in their early life. This, some suggest, has lead to a larger number of asthma cases, as when presented with bacteria now, the body is not as well-versed in how to react.

Learning To Live With Asthma

Asthma is a respiratory illness, caused by an inflammation and subsequent narrowing of the ‘tubes’ of the lungs (medically known as the bronchi). It is largely incurable but is not life threatening, and for many asthma sufferers it is merely a matter of learning to shape their life around asthma and discovering tips on how to deal with it.

When one first receives an asthma diagnosis, there is a natural reaction of shock and upset. Asthma is a chronic condition, and when diagnosed in adults will tend to be with the person for the rest of their life. This shocked and saddened reaction is completely natural, but it is important to focus on the fact that asthma is very, very rarely fatal – and even then, usually only in conjunction with other medical problems.

Asthma is an illness that needs to be recognized in a daily lifestyle, but not given in to. With correct, inhalation-based treatment, the vast majority of asthma cases can be controlled – and the sufferer will live a normal life, providing they take the correct precautions. Asthma does not mean the end of being able to exercise or enjoy life – it merely means learning what works for you, what triggers an attack and how to prevent it.

Simple changes can make big differences to the life of an asthma sufferer. Things like switching from chemical-based cleaning products to natural solutions have great effects, and avoiding smoky places also makes a big difference. Asthma is controllable, and with the correct medication and a little due care and attention, people may never need know someone has it.

The Ins and Outs of Asthma Treatment

Although asthma is defined as a chronic (i.e. long term) illness, it is not usually life threatening – and for most sufferers becomes more of an annoyance than a genuine threat to their well-being. As one of the most common non-life-threatening illnesses in the world, asthma is well studied by medical research scientists, and as a result there are several treatments available.

By far the best known asthma treatment is via medicine inhalation. The primary medicines used in inhalers are beta-2 agonists (for relieving an acute attack of asthma) and corticosteroids (for preventing attacks). These medications come in a variety of doses depending on the severity of the sufferers’ condition, and are inhaled directly in to the lungs using an inhaler (sometimes known as a ‘puffer’). As these treatments go directly to the source of the issue by entering the lungs immediately, they have long been proven to be the most effective asthma treatment.

Another option is steroid treatment, usually in tablet form. However, a course of steroids is usually only ever prescribed following a severe asthma attack – usually of the kind of severity that results in hospitalization The vast majority of sufferers will never need anything beyond their combination of inhalers to deal with their illness.

The concluding option is also only used in the case of a severe attack, though is an option during the attack rather than following it. Nebulizers create a mixture of water and air, through which one can inhale a purer form of the usual medication used in inhalers. Nebulizers tend to be carried on emergency calls and at hospitals, though some sufferers’ of extremely severe asthma may be offered one at home.

Asthma and Cough (Asthma Cough)

Today I would like to discuss a very distressing symptom that many Asthmatics experience, and that is coughing and being unable to take their inhalers.

This can sometimes occur in the winter time with the Asthmatic waking up in the middle of the night coughing or first thing in the morning. A sharp drop in the temperature of the room overnight can cause this; one way of combating the problem is to have a small heater on low in the bedroom each night, thus keeping the room at an even temperature. On saying that please making sure it is a heater that is completely safe and has a good energy rating.  Also make sure that the room has no draughts and that the curtains are closed, so the heat does not escape. We had to to do this for our daughter from when she was a baby.  Now married the practice still goes on!

However, there can be other causes for coughing, but firstly let’s look at what a cough is – A cough is a sudden, explosive exhalation of air. The function of a cough is to clear material from the airways. Coughing is a familiar but reasonable complicated reflex and is one way in which the lungs and airways are protected.

Coughing only occurs when the airways are irritated –

Respiratory infections, either bacterial or viral can irritate the airways and are a common cause of coughing.

Allergies are a big cause of irritation to the airways as well and may cause postnasal drip, in which nasal secretions drain down the back of the nose into the throat and sometimes into the trachea and other airways, where they produce irritation resulting in Coughing.  Many Asthmatics have continuous Post Nasal Drip.

Coughing may also result from gastroesophageal reflux, in which stomach or oesophageal contents flow backward from the oesophagus into the trachea and airways, producing irritation.

We would advise you see expert advice from Your Medical Practitioner/Respiratory Physician regarding the cause of your cough and a management plan tailored to suit you.

That’s all I have for you today on Asthma and Cough (Asthma Cough)

Until Next time,

I wish you and yours the best of Health!

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Disclaimer

It is important to note that information contained in this post is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Any questions regarding a medical diagnosis or treatment should be directed to a medical practitioner.

Home Remedies To Soothe Asthma Irritation

While any asthma sufferer should always first and foremost rely on their inhalers and other medication to ease the condition, there are at-home remedies that can be tried. Please note these should be used in conjunction with formal medical treatment, not as a replacement. Ideally, try one of these methods if you have already used your medication and are still experiencing some discomfort.

– Steam

Many asthma sufferers will be well aware that cold air can exacerbate asthma, and the reverse is also true: you may find that warm air is soothing, and may reduce coughing and wheezing in between taking doses of medicine. Rather than directly inhaling steam, fill a bath tub with very hot water and then sit in the room for half an hour, inhaling deeply. This may just get rid of some irritation, and allow for a sufferer to be more comfortable until their next dose of prescribed medication.

– Sit Up

When we are feeling unwell, there is a natural tendency to want to curl up in bed. However, this can have a detrimental effect on asthma sufferers, as being horizontal makes it more difficult to get air in to your lungs – especially if you lay on your back. To ease this, sit up regularly and extend your torso in a stretch while breathing deeply.

– Cover Your Mouth

If you are finding the very act of breathing is making your asthma uncomfortable, try breathing through a cloth or cotton wool. For reasons unknown, this sometimes has the effect of calming asthma irritation down.

–Caffiene

A good strong cup coffee also helps as caffeine opens the airways

Tips For An Asthma|Allergy Friendly Home

Asthma is an illness that is easily exacerbated, as sufferers are particularly sensitive to the allergens in their environment, especially in and around their home.  These allergens are in the form of dust, dust mites, cleaning products, pet hair, and pollens from particular plants in the garden.

All these things add up to make an asthma and allergy sufferers life a living hell… … however, things can be done that will dramatically cut down on these major irritants.

When my daughter was diagnosed with Asthma and we found through allergy tests she was hypo-sensitive to so many things, we looked around at what could be done.

One thing she was very allergic to was our beautiful Persian cross cat Fluffy.  It was Fluffy’s fur she was allergic to, so the decision had to be made to re-home our darling cat as she was very much an indoor puss!   Luckily, she found a home with a lovely pensioner lady who had to have her cat put down, as it had cancer.  She was heart-broken and when I told her about our predicament and how for the sake of our baby’s health we had to re-home our beloved cat, she took her on.  This was not a step we took lightly – it broke our hearts – believe me we checked out thoroughly the new home Fluffy was going to and went and visited several times just to make sure she had adjusted to her new environment.

Next thing we did was to take up all our fitted carpets and have timber floors (a great decision it made the home look more spacious and light!) We also got a very good vacuum cleaner which was a Dyson. Knowing what to look for in a vacuum is integral because not all vacuum cleaners are created equally.

We really investigated all vacuum cleaners and the Dyson
came out on top. When looking for a machine you need one that captures dust and does not blow it back into the air, we found that
Dyson
vacuums reduce allergen particles due to its bagless operation and filters. Plus they last a lifetime!!

So daily I used it on the wooden floors and twice a week I used it on the upholstery, curtains, mattresses and pillows. One thing I will remind everyone, when vacuuming is don’t forget the spots you can’t see, such as those behind furniture, out of sight may be out of mind, however, dust in these spots are still present.

A lot of work you might say, well yes and no, when you think vacuuming regularly can drastically reduce allergy triggers in the home which will lower the dependence on medications you or your child has to take it’s a no brainer decision really.

So what else can you do around your home to help?

Mould and Mildew –

The vast majority of people will keep a clean house, but it is essential that if you do see mould – particularly mildew – building up around window frames or on ceilings, that you remove it.

Mould and Mildew can make an asthma and allergy sufferers very sick as the particles of bacteria get in to the air and are subsequently breathed in to the lungs causing untold irritation.

Clean with tea-tree oil and warm water for a thorough result.

And then there are those –

Household Cleaners –

Any cleaning product that uses harsh chemicals is to be avoided if you’re looking to create an asthma/allergy friendly home. Read the label. Cleaning supplies can sometimes increase allergen levels. Reading the label to identify hazardous chemicals is important when looking for cleaning supplies, wherever possible, substitute natural ingredients – such as the aforementioned tea tree oil or an old staple such as white vinegar – for chemical-mix products.  Avoid bleach wherever possible. I have listed a few things below to help you.

White Vinegar: use to clean windows and glass for a streak-free finish, and to tackle stubborn stains. Ideal for showers – yes tiles and glass.

Bi-Card Soda: A wonderful all-purpose cleaner to be used wherever you previously may have used bleach.

Tea tree oil: a natural anti-bacterial substance, tea tree oil works well anywhere you wish to rid yourself of germs.

Bees wax: better, and cheaper, than conventional furniture polish.

By switching to these products, you’ll not only save money but will vastly improve the air quality for anyone suffering from asthma. Everyone wins!

There is a great eBook I would recommend for everyone, it has recipes for 100% natural products – go and check it out – The What For and How To “Blenders Delight” Everyday Aromatherapy Recipe Guide is a TOP SELLER – and has  Jam-packed 64 pages filled with Superior content.

Gardens:

You need to have plants and trees that are pollinated by birds and insects rather than by the wind (release their seeds into the air) Plus can do the following –

-      Weed regularly.

-      Replace lawn with bricked or paved areas.

-      Avoid rye grass.

-      Replace mulch with pebbles or gravel.

Until Next time

I wish you and yours the best of Health!

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http://twitter.com/BestAsthmaInfo

Disclaimer

It is important to note that information contained in this post is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Any questions regarding a medical diagnosis or treatment should be directed to a medical practitioner.

The Link Between Asthma and Allergies

I believe that this is a very important link.

Understanding medicine is a complex business that requires years of study, often to prove beyond a shadow of doubt things that sufferers of illnesses have long accepted as fact.

I know from hard evidence that allergies play a big role in asthma.  My daughter is allergic to cats – getting near a cat causes asthma attacks so bad, she can be hospitalized.  Plus she is allergic to other things that can trigger attacks. So let’s explore further …

Over recent years Asthma and allergic diseases have increased dramatically. In fact Australia has the second highest prevalence of asthma in the world; 1 in 4 children, 1 in 7 teenagers and 1 in 10 adults. The reasons for this are unclear. However, we do know that according to 2005 stats:

Around 4 in 10 Australians had allergic disease and more than 8 in 10 Australians with asthma had positive allergy test results.

Now that is only in Australia – what would the stats be worldwide??

So What Exactly is an Allergy?

An Allergy occurs when a person’s immune system reacts to substances in the environment that do not bother most people.

These substances are known as allergens and are found in house dust mites, pets, pollen, molds and foods.

These people who are allergic to such things are said to be atopic and may have a genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases. When atopic people are exposed to allergens they can develop an immune reaction that leads to allergic inflammation (redness and swelling).

This can then cause symptoms in the:

• nose and/or eyes – allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis (hay fever)
• skin – eczema, hives
• Lungs – Asthma

So what Role does Allergies play in Asthma?

Most people with asthma are atopic meaning they suffer from allergies and allergens may be that VERY important trigger factor that can make their Asthma worse.

Let us look at a couple of examples – I know causes attacks.

When a person -

• vacuums or dusts as this causes house dust mite allergens to become airborne
• visit a house where a cat lives (as in the case with my daughter)
• Is outdoors when there are high levels of pollen in the air.
• visits cities with high pollution levels

Then unfortunately, there can be what I would call – Occupational Asthma Triggers –

• health care workers allergic to things like hand sanitizers, gloves etc
• Bakers allergic to flour dust.
• Builders allergic to concrete
• Waitresses allergic to coffee beans

The list can go on.

Some Asthma triggers you cannot control, however, exposure to some allergic triggers can be reduced or just plain avoided, after all improved control of your asthma must be paramount.

If you or a family member suffers from Asthma, you should have a good management plan and be working with your Specialist Physician to minimize attacks – many of these Physicians may even ask that the sufferer undergo some allergy tests so a clearer picture of asthma triggers can be known.

Until Next Time

I wish you and your family the best of health!

I recommend these products (Click Here)

Disclaimer

It is important to note that information contained in this post is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Any questions regarding a medical diagnosis or treatment should be directed to a medical practitioner.

Exercise-Induced Asthma

There is great debate among the medical community on the issue of “Exercise-Induced Asthma”. This is a type of asthma attack that occurs at a particular time; namely, during or after exercise.

Exercise-induced asthma is caused by airway narrowing brought on by vigorous exercise. The symptoms are a wheeze, breathlessness, cough and/or chest tightness — which may start during exercise but in many cases can start up to 10 minutes after exercise.

Why it happens is not very clear however, the most common school of thought is that it may involve loss of heat and water from the airways as they try to warm and moisten the incoming air.

Exercise induced Asthma is problem no matter what your age, and is quiet common in children, and I would urge you to work with your respiratory physician and take his/her advice on how you manage this condition, as everyone is an individual.

The benefits of exercise are not to be understated, everyone should exercise everyday, and children are no exception.  The fitter you are the better you are, the more manageable the asthma.  In fact, exercise improves your heart and lung fitness which is vitally important.

Asthma Council advises the following strategies to help prevent Exercise Induced Asthma

• warm up before you exercise;  (Everyone should do this even though they do not have Asthma)
• keep as fit as possible;  (Again, everyone should heed this)
• exercise in an environment that is warm and humid;
• avoid exercising in environments where the air contains a lot of allergens
• Breathe through the nose or consider using a mask.

Again I urge you to consult with a physician so you can get the best exercise/sport plan possible for you or your child. .Many, many elite athletes and other celebrities have asthma, they have not let it stop them doing what they want – if you or your children feel discouraged because you have asthma, why not Google “Celebrities who have asthma” or “Athletes who have asthma” and be inspired!

I have recommended some books (see link – Exercise Induced Asthma) that I Guarantee will be a great help to you and your family.  They should be on everyone’s shelf!

Until next time

I wish your and your family the best of health!

exercise induced asthma

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