Learning about Asthma and recognizing signs of Asthma in children could be a life saving knowledge. In normal effortless breathing, air enters the nostrils, and works its way through the trachea, down to smaller lung channels called bronchioles. The last stop is in the alveoli, at which point, the oxygen in the air diffuses into the blood.
Asthma is a medical illness that affects the lungs. Many of the signs and symptoms of Asthma can be explained by the effects the disease has on the respiratory apparatus. They include, narrowing of respiratory channels due to spasm, and inflammation of lung tissue due to micro injuries. This pathology leads to obstruction of the normal flow of air in the lung. Faced with this situation, individuals who suffer from Asthma, fight for their breath. They experience persistent cough, chest tightness and labor for every breath they take. Anyone of these symptoms can occur alone. The hallmark of Asthma is its propensity to recur, sometimes with sudden onset. People with the severe type of asthma, have non stopping symptoms for days and weeks.
Making a new diagnosis of Asthma in children is challenging for the following reasons. Children can not adequately communicate to adults when they have difficulty breathing. Moreover, signs and symptoms suggestive of Asthma may disappear by the time the child see's a physician.
Proper and timely diagnosis may rest on an observant adult acting on a suspicion. An unusually quiet child with a history of Asthma might be having a life threatening attack. A child who goes into uncontrollable cough each time he or she plays, may be experiencing an attack of Asthma. Sometimes, the only clue parents give to the doctor is that their child's chest is moving very fast, or that their child is breathing very heavily.
Other characteristics of Asthma include:

• Cough from Asthma is worse at night
• Asthma tends to run in close members of the family
• Asthma and eczema tend to co-exist in the same patient
• Asthma in susceptible people is triggered by environmental factors such as dust, mold, pets, pollen, perfumes and so forth
• Asthma symptoms can occur in mild form, and only occasionally, or it may occur in severe and persistent form.
• Asthma sometimes gets better with age, and children may outgrow their symptoms
• In the so-called exercise induced Asthma 'EIA' shortness of breathe and other symptoms occur only during physical activities.

During examination, a healthcare provider notices among other signs; wheezing and or poor air entry in the lungs of those whose Asthma is ''acting up''.
It is important to note that there are several medical conditions that could masquerade as Asthma. A health care provider sorts through all those differential diagnosis in other to arrive at a plausible conclusion.
When explaining Asthma to patients and their families, I tell them to regard Asthma as an illness that results from a sensitive lung, in the same way as eczema, a disease which occurs in people with sensitive skin. Sensitive lungs responds with wheezing and coughs when exposed to triggering factors. Similarly, a sensitive skin responds with itching and rash when exposed to irritants. Both conditions commonly coexist: many people who have Asthma also have Eczema, and vise versa.
The clinicians have gotten better in their use of medication to reduce Asthma symptoms. There are two main categories of drugs used in the treatment of Asthma. The bronchodilators are used to open constricted bronchioles while steroid medications are useful in reducing lung tissue inflammation. Both medications can be administered as inhalers, targeted directly into the lung tissue.
Parents have gotten better in their realization of the dangers associated with Asthma. They are beginning to seek earlier intervention. A high index of suspicion must be adopted in other to identify children with Asthma, especially where there is a strong family history of the illness.
Preventive measures is a big deal in Asthma. Part of it include avoiding recognizable offending triggers and using prescribed preventive medications.

While honey and sugar have similar caloric content, honey has a lower glycemic index, more nutrients, and is considerably less processed. In addition, honey is sweeter than sugar, so the amount of honey required is less than you would use for sugar. For those who want to minimize their intake of processed foods, honey is the better bet, and raw honey is the best option. However, substituting honey for sugar in baking recipes does present a few challenges.
If you'd like to do some baking using honey in the place of sugar, you're probably wondering how to make the substitution, what amount to use, and what other alterations you need to make to your recipe to get the desired result.
The good news is there are only some minor changes to be made in order to pull off successful baking with honey. The resulting baked goods will look and taste just as good-if not better-than the same recipes made with ordinary sugar.
Below are three important tips you will need to follow if you plan on baking with honey:
1. Use Less Honey
Since honey is much sweeter than ordinary sugar, less is needed to get the same effect. I recommend using 2/3 of the amount of honey as you would sugar; so if your recipe calls for 1 cup of sugar use 2/3 cup of honey in its place.
2. Reduce Liquids
Honey contains water, and if the amount of liquid in the recipe is not adjusted the final result will suffer. I have found that using 80% (or 4/5) of the liquid works out well, and sometimes I add a little extra flour of baking soda as well. This will ensure that your confections will rise correctly. Honey comes with the added benefit of keeping your cakes fresh and moist longer as well.
3. Adjust Your Oven Temperature
Breads and cakes made with honey will usually turn out better looking than those made with sugar. This is because the honey allows them to brown more easily and develop beautiful color. You will want to lower the oven temperature a bit to avoid over browning. If your recipe calls for 375 degrees, knock it down to 350.
Choosing Honey For Baking
For best results with baking choose a clear, mild honey like blossom. The clearer your honey is the better, since clear honey is more neutral in flavor, and will not overpower the other flavors in your recipe.
Working with Honey
There are a couple little things you can do to make the honey to sugar conversion easier. Start by greasing your spoons and measuring cups with a bit of butter to prevent sticking. Another option is to heat your utensils with hot water. This will also keep you from wasting honey!
With these simple tips you can create delicious baked goods without using processed sugar. Once you make a recipe with honey you will see just how easy it is, and you will never have to go back to using regular sugar again.

Maxwell Trusser is a writer/blogger from Canada who loves writing about a variety of subjects including health and smart food choices. For more information on all natural honey, visit Bee Maid Honey.

Don't underestimate the importance of copper in your diet. It's true that your body only needs it in small amounts, but having the proper copper levels in your body are critical to your long-term survival. The body needs copper for the many tasks it performs, from building the enzyme ceruloplasmin (this carries iron in the blood) to its major role in the production of collagen. But for my money, the most important thing about this little trace mineral is its ability to help produce elastin.
Elastin is found primarily in the artery walls, lungs, intestines, and skin and is a structural protein that gives your body flexibility and healthy connectivity. Copper is absolutely necessary in manufacturing elastin, helping create our elastic fiber. No copper, no elastin, right? It's easy to see that copper deficiency would lead to a loss of elasticity in the tissues found in your arteries, skin and organs. And if your body goes without normal elastin production, big problems will arise.
Copper deficiency and its link to aneurysm
As elastin production deteriorates, so does the viability, flexibility and connectivity of body tissue. So what happens when tissue in your arteries and organs are weakened? Those weakened tissues become prone to thinning. Arteries will balloon at their weakest point with the possibility of rupturing, kind of like a garden hose with a weak spot bulging in the line... pressure will eventually blow it out. In your arteries, those weak, bulging spots are called aneurysms. Of course, aneurysms can be life-threatening, especially when they blow. I don't think it's a stretch to think that weak tissue, resulting because of less elastin, will sometimes cause existing aneurysms to worsen, or new ones to develop. And as shown, less elastin is a direct result of a copper deficiency.
Copper deficiency and its link to hemorrhagic stroke
A blood vessel that leaks or breaks into the brain results in a hemorrhagic stroke, which account for twenty percent of all strokes. Again, without elastin, blood vessels lose elasticity. Tissue starts to harden, fissures form on the inside of the arterial wall, and begin to crack. These cracks are weak spots which slowly get worse, begin to leak, then break. Absence of proper copper levels means less elastin, causing tissues to harden and weaken. There appears to be a correlation here between hemorrhagic stroke and low copper levels in the body.
What other conditions does copper deficiency create?
Did you know that a doctor can tell if you have copper deficiency by looking at the color of your hair? Copper is a crucial component in the creation of hair pigment. White, gray and silver hair are quick give-aways to a trained eye. Here's something that got me thinking: isn't it interesting that Albert Einstein, famous for his white crazy hair, dropped dead of an aneurysm when he was 68? What are the chances that he had a copper deficiency?
Varicose veins and hemorrhoids are common conditions too, but they wouldn't be as common if people would keep a normal level of copper in their systems. These two ailments are caused by weak tissue, tissues that are struggling to maintain their elasticity, but can't because they lack the trace mineral that can help create the elastin they need. If you suffer from either of these two ailments, you might consider having your copper levels tested.
How do you maintain a proper copper balance in your body?
The body does not manufacture copper, so you must ingest it. There are many foods rich in copper, like pumpkin and sunflower seeds, garbanzo beans, lima beans and soybeans. Do you like cashews? This is one of the best copper foods you can eat, second only to sesame seeds in copper content. If you have copper plumbing, you are getting trace amounts of it in your drinking water. And of course, there are supplements to help you get your daily allowance.
Now, don't overdo it. Remember, copper is a trace mineral, and your body needs only a small amount daily to ward off any copper deficiency malady. Copper toxicity is not something you want, either, so follow the established guidelines of two milligrams daily. That's all you need. The important thing here is that your body has a consistent flow of this natural mineral. Avoid copper deficiency in your diet, and you will avoid some of life's biggest pitfalls.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Have you started to notice some pain and/or tingling and numbness which extends from your wrist to primarily your thumb, index and third fingers? If you have, chances are you have developed Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, (CTS).
CTS is a complex of symptoms associated with compression of a nerve, (the Median nerve), that passes through the Carpal Tunnel at the wrist. This tunnel is comprised of a ligament on top connecting to the carpal bones on both sides of the wrist, which create the floor and sides to the tunnel. Passing through this tunnel is not only the median nerve, but also 9 tendons that flex your fingers and thumb. If you have been doing repetitive work that overuses these flexor tendons, they can become inflamed and swell resulting in pressure on the Median nerve. This pressure on the nerve is what causes the symptoms of CTS.
Besides avoiding physical stress, try to periodically rest and gently stretch the tendons. You can gently stretch your fingers backwards and spread the thumb and little finger apart. You can also benefit from gentle massage, working from the two sides of your wrist toward the middle and then slightly down your forearm, this will help move the fluid build up of swelling. It will feel good and help!
If you start to develop symptoms of CTS, try applying ice, 15 minutes every hour and rest. This should be assisted with a proper wrist support. Since the position of the wrist at night will worsen the swelling and nerve compression, you will probably find the symptoms most annoying at night. You can try to wear a wrist support for better sleep and assist the healing. If you are inclined to use medications, anti-inflammatory medications might reduce swelling and help with the pain, this is most important at night to help you sleep.
If symptoms continue to worsen in spite of your best efforts, visit your health care provider. The severity of the problem can be determined by a test called a nerve conduction study. If your problem is far enough along, it might require surgery, although this is usually avoidable.
For many people Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is preventable. Be proactive, do not bang the wrists, use ergonomic devices to help minimize the stress of work, stretch and massage those tendons. Remember, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".

 

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are extremely common, especially among women. The system that is responsible for making urine and carrying it away from the body is the urinary tract. This system also includes both the bladder and the kidneys as well as the tubes and tubules that connect these organs.
If a germ happens to get into this system, then an infection is more than likely to occur. There are two types of urinary tract infections, a bladder and kidney infection. Most of the urinary tract infections that occur result in bladder infections. A bladder infection is not as serious as a kidney infection if it is treated immediately. However, if no urinary track infection treatment is given, then it can turn into a kidney infection, which can be extremely serious and cause permanent damage to body systems.
Again, the main cause of a UTI are germs that get into the urethra, the short tube responsible for carrying urine out of the body directly from the bladder. The germs that generally cause infection are from the large intestine. When the germs happen to get into the urethra, then an individual will experience urinary track infection symptoms.
Since women have a shorter urethra than men, it is very easy for bacteria to get into the bladder. This is also why a woman will experience UTI symptoms and infections on a more frequent basis as opposed to men. Additionally, having unprotected sex, and neglecting to urinate prior sex can also cause a UTI due to bacteria.
However, both men and women that neglect to drink enough fluids are more prone to experience symptoms of an infection. During pregnancy, women also pose a greater risk to experience urinary tract infection symptoms. During pregnancy,urine flow can be slightly blocked which ultimately causes an infection. In addition, individuals who are over the age of 65, men and women with diabetes or those with a weakened immune system may experience more frequent UTI symptoms than healthy individuals.
Of all urinary tract infection symptoms, the most common experienced is a slight or sharp burning sensation during urination. In addition, some individuals may feel a constant urge to urinate even though very little comes out. An infection in the bladder will also cause the stomach to feel slightly tender and even heavy.
Once the kidneys get infected, an individual may experience pain in their back, underneath the ribs, right where the kidneys are located. Additional symptoms following a kidney infection are fever, nausea, vomiting, and chills. Again, if you are experiencing UTI symptoms, it is important to seek out urinary tract infection treatment as soon as possible in order to prevent permanent damage to your body.
When you visit your physician, they will test your urine to determine if it contains the germs that cause infection. Your doctor may then put you on a round of antibiotics. Some individuals do not tolerate antibiotics very well. For these individuals, it is important to seek out natural options for urinary track infection treatment as well as take precautionary measures such as drinking plenty of water daily in order to prevent an infection.

The causes of arthritis oftentimes are hard to determine as there are numerous factors which contribute to the growth of this disease. Arthritis includes breakdown of cartilages. Cartilage usually protects the joints, permitting for smooth movement. Also cartilages absorb shocks when pressure is applied on the joints, for example when you walk. And without the standard quantity of cartilage, bones rub together, which causes pain, stiffness and swelling.
You may have the joint swelling for a range of reasons, including:
* Infection
* Broken bone
* Common "wear and tear" of joints
* An autoimmune disease
Often, the swelling goes away after injury heals, disease is cured, or infection had been cleared. With few diseases and injuries, the swelling doesn't go away or the destruction results in deformity and long-term pain. When this occurs, you have persistent arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a most common kind and is more probable to take place as you age. Risk factor for osteoarthritis includes:
* Earlier injury in the affected joint
* Being overweight
* Using affected joint in some repetitive action which puts stress on joint (ballet dancers, construction workers, baseball players all are at risk)
Arthritis may occur in women and men of all ages. Other cause or types of this disease includes:
* Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (children)
* Rheumatoid arthritis (adults)
* Systemic lupus erythematosus
* Scleroderma
* Gout
* Ankylosing spondylitis
* Psoriatic arthritis
* Reiter's syndromes
* Adult Still's diseases
* Gonococcal
* Other bacterial infections
* Tertiary Lyme diseases
* Fungal infections like blastomycosis
If you have R.A., you may experience:
· Joint swelling
· Joint pain
· Stiffness, particularly in morning
· Redness of skin around the joint
· Warmth over the joint
· Reduced ability of moving the joint
Self-destructive resistant response of the R.A may be because of a mixture of an environmental trigger and genetic susceptibility. Changing hormones also may play a significant role in the disease, probably in response to infection of atmosphere.
More than one genetic material has been associated to the risks of R.A. Particular genes may add to the probability of a person increasing the disease, and can also partly decide how severe his condition is. Though, since not all individual with a genetic tendency to R.A. in reality have this disease, other factor must be important.
A particular environmental trigger is not found, but few researches suggest that infections by a bacterium or virus lead to R.A. in people hereditarily susceptible. That doesn't mean that R.A. is infectious. People with R.A. seem having more antibodies in synovial fluids in their joint, signifying that there can be a contamination. Low levels of the hormones of adrenal gland are widespread in people with R.A., but how the hormones interact with environmental and genetic factors is unidentified. Changes hormone may contribute to a progression of R.A.
R.A. may occur separately of other conditions; however its causes and the relationship with other disease are not well known. A different approach of the chronic arthritis may sometimes build up in R.A... It also is possible that infection or other environmental trigger exist which may cause R.A. in people who previously have a genetic material for the disease.There are numerous ways in which R.A. patients can get relief from symptoms of this disease.

Do you know what your skin type is? Below are the most common ones and what you need to do to take care of your skin.
1. Combination skin tends to be both dry and oily. Usually the forehead, nose and chin appear oily, while the cheeks remain dry. A gentle cleanser used once in the morning and once at night should be part of your skin care routine. Only use cleansers that are free of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). This harsh detergent appears in most soaps, cleansers, and shampoos. A light moisturizer works well for combination skin. Always use sunscreen when out in the sun.
2. Dry skin can become flaky and itch if not taken care of. Hydrated and moisturized are the keys for healthy skin, especially if you have dry skin. Clean your face once a day with a gentle lotion cleanser free of SLS. Use a deep hydrating moisturizer during the day and another with antioxidants at night time. Always use sunscreen during the day and under makeup. You may want to use makeup with sunscreen, if you are mostly outdoors during the day.
3. Oily, acne prone skin must be kept clean. Wash your face as much as two times a day with a gentle cleanser made for oily skin. An alcohol free toner is beneficial after cleansing. Facial toner helps to close pores and is the final step towards cleaning your face. Stay away from moisturizers with petroleum, mineral oil or lanolin oil. These tend to clog pores, which is not something you want. Only use a very light moisturizer or an oil-free facial lotion. Once a week use an exfoliating scrub to remove dead cells and allow new cells to surface. Follow with a facial mask that contains kaolin clay and dead sea mud. These ingredients will help add needed nutrients to your sensitive skin.
Do not squeeze or touch any acne or blemishes. This may worsen the blemish or acne and even cause infection. If you need to take any prescribed medications from a dermatologist or if you use acne products, be aware that they may have side effects and be harsh and irritating to sensitive skin. If you take care of your skin as suggested, your skin will become healthy.
No matter what your skin type, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using skin care products with antioxidants. Antioxidants tend to prevent water loss from the skin.

Cleure is a brand that exclusively formulates products for sensitive skin care. Their products are made in the U.S.A. and are free of irritating and harsh ingredients that may worsen skin conditions.

Drink and drive accidents are common in every state. But, intoxicated drivers are also punished severely for causing drunk driving accidents. In some cases, the state establishes that the driver lost control over the steering wheel because he was under the effect of alcohol or drugs or the driver contravened the per se law, that is, the driver's BAC or blood alcohol content was above the legal limit. Drink and drive problems are taking a heinous shape nationwide. But, stringent laws are also being implemented in to reduce drunk driving accidents.
In certain states, DUI arrests give the officer the right to ask the intoxicated person to undergo an alcohol evaluation test, urine test or breath test to find out if the person was actually drunk while driving. The intoxicated person accused in drinking and driving issue has no right to decide on any particular test or discuss issues with the attorney on submission of test samples. If you are prosecuted of any drunk driving accidents you will be left with no other alternative but to undergo any test as ordered by the officer of the law.
Voluntary license revocation of the intoxicated driver has been made mandatory in certain states in countries like the United States. Sometimes, along with license revocation the accused is sentenced to jail for a considerable period of time. For drink and drive issues, the cops can actually revoke your driving license and even arrest you. When your license is revoked you are given a receipt. Remember, you can apply for a temporary license because you are not forbidden to drive when a cop takes away your license. However, your temporary driving license is rendered null and void once a suspension order comes from DWI courts, sobriety courts and accountability courts, which have been established to punish offenders.
If you are arrested for causing drink and drive accidents in a state like Indiana you have to face severe consequences because in Indiana there are 3 recidivist offender consequences for DWI accused.
Habitual Substance Offender Statue this can cause jailing of the accused for a period of more than 8 years.
Felony DWI involves infringements within five years of the present charge.
Habitual Traffic Violator status is given on DUI miscreants who are accused of three DUI's in a time span of 10 years.
Contact a lawyer if you are arrested for causing drink and drive accidents. Your lawyer will find out if post-conviction relief can be of any help to you.
If you are arrested for rash driving in a state like Arizona and your alcohol evaluation tests prove that you are above the legal limit, contact a lawyer adept in handling DUI cases immediately. It is also imperative to know if the person is familiar with drink and drive rules and has handled cases on drink and drive accidents in Arizona previously. Remember, each state has different rules for penalizing drivers accused in drinking and driving cases.
You also need to consider your DWI insurance claims if you are caught for drunk driving. If the insurance company comes to know that you have been accused for rash driving, you will have to pay a higher premium for being marked as a reckless driver.
Always remember the best way to avoid being getting tangled in drink and drive problems is to avoid driving when you are under the effect of alcohol in the first place.

Ah, the hot summers are finally here. That means no school, great weather, and lots and lots of fun and games for children. But not for the parents. Come summer, and children usually tend to get dirty, soggy and smelly by the end of the day playing themselves out in the sun or at summer camps. If you are going to the beach or teaching your child to swim in the summer, you have dry brittle chlorine affected hair to deal with as well! But not to worry, there are ways by which you can set up a summer hair care routine for your child which will ensure healthy hair and a clean scalp.
Step one - Buy the best summer hair care products.
We recommend you stock up on summer hair product like an organic clarifying shampoo which will remove salts and minerals from the hair strand. Buy a very good but extremely mild organic baby conditioner or a moisturizing oil that will protect the hair strand from sun and chemicals. If possible, stock up on a leave-in conditioner which will acts as a sunscreen and a waterproof layer on top of the hair strand.
Step two - Cut your child's hair
Its summer time and that means its going to be hot. Your child is going to sweat and sweat and it's a good idea to make him comfortable by cutting all hair as short as possible. This might not be possible for girls but think about it. A good haircut will just ensure your child is happy instead of hot and sweaty with long sticky hair strands.
Step three - Prepare for the weather
Its going to be hot and sunny so invest in hats, caps and scarves which will keep hair in place and out of your child's face. If you have cut your child's hair short, don't forget to apply sunscreen in an around the parting or on all visible scalp areas. Sunburned part lines are very common and extremely uncomfortable for children. If you've been to the beach or in the swimming pool with your children, there is a very good chance that your child's hair will pickup oxidized water minerals and turn green. Use the leave-in conditioner you bought in STEP 1 along with a chelating shampoo to get your child's hair back to its normal state.
Step four - Have fun.
With a fully protected child, you have nothing to worry about and a great summer to enjoy!

Almost all prescription and over-the-counter medications sold today for treating head lice contain pesticides or other chemicals, many of which have the potential to cause irritating skin reactions or other harmful side effects. For anyone looking to treat head lice the safe way, the LouseBuster™ device uses only controlled, heated air, so it is very safe - even when used to treat people with asthma and those who have previously experienced side effects from other head lice treatment products. Please visit Pediatric Hair Solutions

The CDC describes asthma as simply a disease involving inflammation of the airways and lungs. People suffering from asthma have constant inflammation of the airways and lungs, causing numerous breathing issues, which can lead to other serious problems, including obesity.
For many asthma sufferers, physical activity can cause an onset of asthma attacks. This type of asthma is called exercise-induced asthma, or EIA. EIA is a particularly dangerous form of asthma because it causes many sufferers to avoid exercising, leading to obesity. Obese asthma sufferers have a much more difficult time managing their asthma and breathing in general than those leading a healthy lifestyle.
In a research study preformed by Neuroscientists at the National Institute of Aging in Boston, a group of obese asthmatics were put on a strict diet eight-week diet plan inducing 8% initial body weight loss. Each patient experienced a noticeable improvement in asthma symptoms. The study suggests that the connection between weight loss and asthma lies in the inflammation of the lungs. Weight loss helps reduce inflammation and stress on the lungs, in turn reducing asthmatic flare-ups.
Though physical activity can sometimes induce asthma attacks, it is extremely important that asthmatics stay active to help manage and reduce flare-ups and symptoms. The American Council on Exercise has preformed research suggesting asthmatics that participate in a regular exercising routine promotes higher tolerance, reduced stress, regular sleep patterns, higher energy levels and reduced asthmatic attacks. It is especially important for those suffering from asthma to maintain a healthy lifestyle and weight. Losing weight and leading a healthy, active life decreases the tendencies for asthma flare-ups.
To avoid asthma issues related to exercising, it is always important to check with a doctor before starting a new exercise regiment. Doctors and medical weight loss specialists can be can be especially helpful with suggesting customized and beneficial weight loss routines that will not cause breathing issues. Medical weight loss specialists and doctors can provide patients with healthy exercising routines that work best with their body and will not induce physical stress. Medical weight loss professionals can provide additional custom assistance in diet plans and medications in balance with exercise plans.
For added protection against flare-ups, Doctors can also provide patients with inhalers. These inhalers are very beneficial in preventing breathing issues when administered 10 to 15 minutes before physical activity. It is also important for asthmatics to remember to ease into new exercise regiments, and to warm up properly before exercising.
Though many asthmatics may fear asthmatic attacks, it is clear that a healthy, safe exercise routine can provide asthmatics with a natural and beneficial way to manage life with asthma.

Neville Street is the Administrative Director for Rodriquez MD, a bilingual medical practice in Lawrenceville, GA that provides health care to infants, children, adolescents and adults. Gwinnett doctors Deborah and Veronica Rodriguez are sisters with a combined 27 years of experience. The doctors are Board Certified in Family Medicine and Internal Medicine and both Gwinnett physicians have extensive experience working in private practice.

Asthma statistics show this disease now affects 17 million people in the United States. The tendency to develop asthma is inherited, and it is more common among people who have allergies. There are two forms of asthma, allergic asthma and nonallergic asthma. Allergic asthma is very common and it develops in people who have allergies.
People who have asthma have inflamed airways (breathing tubes). This makes them swollen and very sensitive. They tend to react strongly to certain inhaled substances. When the airways react, the muscles around them tighten. This narrows the airways, causing less air to flow into the lungs and can result in asthma symptoms.
Common asthma triggers generally fall into several categories:
• Respiratory infections
• Dust, pollen, and furred animals
• Tobacco smoke or chemicals
• Physical activity
• Emotional stress
• Menstrual cycle in some women
• Certain medicines
A small number of patients will develop asthmatic symptoms after exposure to aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, like ibuprofen or naproxen.
In the case of nonallergic asthma, the triggers that irritate the lungs and bring on asthma symptoms have nothing to do with allergies or the immune system. This type of asthma can be initiated by dry air, cold weather, exercise, smoke, strong perfume, stressful situations, intense emotions etc.
The typical symptoms of allergic and nonallergic asthma are similar. Symptoms of asthma include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. The symptoms may occur immediately following contact with a trigger or may be delayed.
Normally there is no cure for asthma, but asthma, whether they are mild, moderate, or severe, allergic or nonallergic, can be managed. Doctors who specialize in treating asthma can be very helpful. In addition to the use of medicines, you can use home remedies to control your asthma. Smoking should be completely avoided; all the medicine in the world won't help an asthma sufferer if he or she smokes.
Immediate helpful remedies for asthma attack;
• Seek for fresh air.
• Drink warm water.
• Keep yourself in sited position.
• Don't get angry or stressed.
Patients with infrequent and mild symptoms of asthma should be treated intermittently with the goal of quick symptom relief. The principles of treatment for a mild attack of asthma are mostly the same for adults and children, except in the use of inhaled corticosteroids.
BRONCHO-DILATOR THERAPY: Use a short-acting beta2 agonist via a pressurized metered dose inhaler
CORTICOSTEROIDS: In adults, inhaled corticosteroids should be continued until review.
FOR CHILDREN: A short course of montelukast (7 days) may be beneficial if started at the first signs of a cold or asthma symptoms.
FOLLOW UP: For a patient presenting with features of a mild acute attack arrangements should be made for review of the situation 1 to 24 hours depending on the context. If there has not been significant symptomatic response by then to treatment with broncho-dilators and inhaled corticosteroids, the patient should be reassessed clinically and considered for hospital admission.
Children should be observed for at least 1 hour after the attack subsides.
SOME HOME REMEDIES FOR MILD ASTHMA
USE SALINE SOLUTION: Irrigating the nose with saline solution (salt water) may help to soothe upper respiratory allergies. Saline solution may even wash away some of the inflammatory cells themselves.
DRINK PEPPERMINT TEA: Peppermint acts as a decongestant, and substances in peppermint contain anti-inflammatory and mild antibacterial constituents.
STEAM YOUR FACE: It helps rid the nasal passages of mucus. Breathe gently for 5 to 10 minutes. When you're finished breathing steam, rinse a cloth with this water and hold the cloth on your sinuses (to the sides of your nose, below the eyes, and above the eyebrows).
Asthma is not a killing disease, but it can make your life worse if you don't take appropriate treatment and necessary precautions. Treatment should be taken systematically for a long duration to fight against this disease. Follow the tips given below as a preventive measure:
• Keep away from dust.
• Avoid chemicals includes, paint, acids etc,
• Control your overweight and avoid over eating.
• Should not eat too much oily food.
• Avoid over exercise.

Tom Marshal is a freelance writer specialized in topics that cover health of the general public. Have you found this article helpful and informative?
How would you like find more information asthma and its treatment methods?

Even today, asthma remains an issue that is poorly understood
Often thought to be a childhood problem, the truth is that it can be triggered at any age. Statistically, the majority of people who suffer from asthma are adults.
Some think it's no worse than a cold or the flu. For those who have experienced asthma, though, it can be a frightening and very uncomfortable occurrence.
Simply put, asthma is a condition that affects the airways and breathing of the person who has it. It is triggered when the airway comes into contact with something that irritates the lining, causing it to become inflamed and begin to swell. The airways narrow even more due to the eventual build up of mucus.
This narrowing has a constrictive effect on the airways causing the difficulty in breathing that we know as asthma. The wheezing, shortness of breath and feelings of tightness in the chest so common in asthma can easily fill the person with a sense of real fear, making them feel as if they are being asphyxiated.
The triggers for asthma vary from person to person, depending on individual sensitivity. What might irritate one asthmatic sufferer may be completely harmless to another. An important element in asthma control is learning about your individual triggers and then avoiding them as much as possible.
Sometimes the asthma trigger may be obvious - pet dander, cat or dog hair, for example - After exposure to such things, the asthma symptoms will soon follow. But often the trigger may not be at all obvious, only producing symptoms much later, in what is know as a delayed reaction.
The very first thing to do when experiencing any kind of difficulty with breathing is to consult a medical doctor. Nowadays, advanced treatments can offer the asthmatic person the opportunity to live a normal and full life. Following a diagnosis of asthma, an inhaler or nebulizer is often prescribed which can be used in order to calm inflammation and lessen the severity of the reaction to the trigger. Sometimes preventer medication and or steroids are advised in order to deal with acute symptoms.
Studies have shown that physical activity plays and important part in asthma prevention, but it is believed that fully 80% of asthma sufferers do not get sufficient exercise. Maintaining a healthy weight, combined with physical exercise helps to improve lung function, easing breathing.
Eating a well-balanced, healthy diet, including a variety of different fresh fruit and vegetables can help enormously in controlling asthma. In addition, specific foods have been proven to protect against asthma and to help with lung function.
Research has shown that eating foods rich in vitamin C such as strawberries, kiwis and citrus fruit may have a significant, protective effect on asthma's respiratory symptoms.
An Italian study that followed 18,000 children discovered that those consuming the greatest amount of vitamin C-containing fruit had an enormous 44% fewer experiences of respiratory difficulty than children eating less of this kind of fruit. Further, breath shortness was lessened by 32%, and chronic cough by 25%.
The study found that children who had already been diagnosed with asthma when the study began benefitted the most. Even amongst those children who ate fruit only once or twice a week fruit's protective effects were evident.
Dutch research has confirmed these findings, demonstrating that people who ate the most fruit and vegetables had the healthiest lung function.
Foods rich in vitamin E and C are believed to help reduce the inflammatory response in the lungs of those who suffer from asthma.
Stress management can also be vital in asthma attacks prevention. Learning relaxation techniques and knowing how to de-stress can be of enormous help. A really effective way of letting go of stress is by listening to therapeutic self-hypnosis recordings specifically designed for the purpose.
If you have been diagnosed with asthma, then follow your doctor's instructions, learn your particular triggers, combine this understanding with exercise, healthy eating and stress management and you can lead a fully active, normal and healthy life.
DISCLAIMER: This article is provided for general information purposes only and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional.

Whether it's a nasty migraine or just a minor ache, headaches are not fun to deal with. Before however you start popping pills you should try some natural ways to reduce suffering from headaches. Some natural ways are more effective than others, and of course each person needs to find what works for them. Below are a number of ways on how to cure a headache the natural way.
Press The Pain Away - Acupressure is an ancient healing art that anyone can do by using your fingertips to press some pressure points. For a general headache you can use your thumb and index finger to squeeze the flesh between your other hand's thumb and index finger, about an inch in from where they connect. Massage gently in circular motions for about one minute and then switch hands and repeat.
Go For a Short Walk - By going outdoors and breathing some fresh air, and by having a 30-40 minute brisk walk, you lower stress levels and boost natural pain-killing chemicals known as endorphins. Do not go overboard with exercises and do not walk in high temperatures since this can actually cause a headache or extend the pain of an existing one.
If you notice that during or after each workout, you have a headache, it means that you are probably dehydrated or you are not eating healthy. Whatever the case, if you have chronic headaches it is always wise to see your doctor.
Try Cryotherapy - Coming from the Greek word "cryo" which means "cold", a proven method to relieve pain from headaches is to apply something cold on the most intense pain area. You can use an ice pack, cold gel packs or just a bag of frozen vegetables to apply over the pain area. This will help constrict blood vessels around the scalp and can slow the rate at which nerves transmit pain signals to the brain.
Have a Snack - We always tend to blame stress after a long hard day at work, but sometimes the real reason behind a painful headache is that we just forget to eat. No matter how busy you are, always remember to eat at least a snack every 3-4 hours and have plenty of water (at least 8 glasses a day).
The brain needs two things to survive and function properly and they are oxygen and glucose. The water we drink helps provide the brain with the necessary oxygen it needs and glucose comes from the food we eat.
What To Avoid And What Not To - Fizzy drinks is one thing you need to avoid, not only to avoid headaches but to stay healthy in general. Smoking goes without saying; each puff of a cigarette, you breathe in more than 4000 harmful chemicals. Avoid any kind of fried food, alcohol, chocolate, sugar, salt and especially caffeine.
Things you need to have to maintain a good flow of energy and blood to the brain are fiber-rich foods, whole grains, green tea, ginger, carrots, almonds and prunes. Great headache pain relievers are carrot juice and peppermint tea.
Get Your "8 Hours" - Another "must" is to get your 8 hours sleep. Try also to keep your sleeping hours the same every night. Surveys have shown that bad sleeping habits can trigger headaches and severe migraines.