Melatonin Sleep Hormone Exacerbates Asthma Symptoms
Melatonin, a sleep hormone, was discovered to be responsible for the aggravation of asthma. The hormone, which is commonly used as an oral medicine to treat insomnia for a brief period of time, acts by promoting bronchoconstriction.
Melatonin inhibits the relaxing action of a bronchodilator via activating the melatonin MT2 receptor protein, according to the findings of the study. The expression of this receptor was discovered in the smooth muscle of the human airway. They were able to show that activating this receptor with larger dosages of melatonin caused the bronchus to contract. Furthermore, the substance inhibited the relaxing effects of bronchodilators that stimulate beta-adrenoreceptors.
Nebulizer Treatments For Pneumonia: Tips And Recommendations
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Lower respiratory tract diseases are ranked first in the structure of the entire morbidity of the population in the USA. Children get sick especially often. The incidence of respiratory diseases increases in winter and spring, during the so-called cold season, and decreases during the warm season.
Try Himalayan Salt Therapy
Some asthma sufferers swear by salt therapy for their symptoms. Salt caves or are two ways of experiencing salt therapy. Theres not much information about salt therapy for asthma. However, one study published in Pneumologia does say it could be beneficial . Salt therapy seems to be safe, so it may be worth a try.
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Therapies Where More Evidence Is Needed
You may have come across chats or claims online that talk about vitamins, salt therapies and CBD oil being the answer for asthma. However, theres not always enough convincing evidence to recommend them.
Vitamin D
Low levels of Vitamin D have been linked to asthma attacks in both adults and children. Theres been some interesting research looking at the effects of Vitamin D on asthma control, with one study finding that taking it reduced the risk of asthma attacks.
However, this was a small study, and more research is needed to know who might benefit most, and what dose of Vitamin D can make a difference to people with asthma.
Theres also more research needed into how Vitamin D supports the immune system. This could mean fewer colds and infections making asthma symptoms worse.
Asthma UK is funding more research into vitamin D to see if it can help people with steroid-resistant asthma get more benefits from their steroid treatments.
People with difficult to control asthma can consider asking their GP for a blood test to check their Vitamin D levels. If Vitamin D is low they can get advice on replacing it, says Dr Andy Whittamore.
Vitamin D is also important for keeping bones healthy, says Dr Andy Whittamore. Since women with asthma are more likely to develop osteoporosis, your GP may talk to you about taking a supplement if youre at risk.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves putting very fine needles into specific points on the body.
Homeopathy
Salt pipes and salt caves
Home Care For Cat Pneumonia
Your cat will need plenty of rest as they recover from pneumonia at home. Set up a cozy place for them to relax away from other pets in the home. You’ll need to restrict their activity, although your veterinarian may recommend short bouts of exercise to help loosen mucus and clear the lungs.
Be sure your cat has plenty of fresh water available to help avoid dehydration. If your cat is not drinking from their water bowl as much as usual, you can try adding a little tuna water to make it more tempting. You can also offer them wet food to help increase their water intake since it has a high moisture content. Wet food may also stimulate your cat’s appetite and encourage them to eat more.
If your cat is on any medications, please follow the dosage instructions carefully to ensure that they are getting a safe and effective amount of the drug. Cats can be very sensitive, and you should never give them any medication without consulting with your veterinarian.
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Severity Of An Asthma Attack
Mild asthma is fairly common and usually can be addressed with natural remedies. Its good to know the symptoms of each stage though, so you know when to seek a doctors care.
- Mild slight wheezing and difficulty breathing but adequate air intake. This can be intermittent or persistent .
- Moderate conspicuous wheezing, respiratory distress at rest, use of abdominal muscles to breathe. These flare-ups can make regular activities and sleeping difficulty.
- Severe obvious respiratory distress, blue skin , absent breath sounds.
- Respiratory Failure severe respiratory distress, lethargy, confusion, sweating, low blood pressure.
If you or someone you know is having an asthma attack that resembles severe or respiratory failure, call 911 right away.
Asthma And Pneumonia: What Are The Differences
What are asthma and pneumonia?
Asthma and pneumonia are two diseases that affect the lungs.
Asthma is a chronic condition. It causes periodic inflammation and narrowing of the airways. It affects the main bronchi, which are the two tubes that branch off the trachea . Asthma isnt curable, but you can effectively manage it. And it can even improve over time.
Pneumonia is a lung infection. It can occur in one or both lungs. It causes inflammation of the air sacs. It can also cause your lungs to fill with fluid. Its possible to treat and cure pneumonia.
Although their symptoms are similar, asthma and pneumonia are distinct diseases that require different treatment approaches.
Whats the connection between asthma and pneumonia?
People who have chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma may be at higher risk of developing pneumonia.
If you have asthma and get the flu, your symptomsand your complicationsmay be worse than they are for someone who doesnt have asthma. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Trusted Source, people with asthma who get the flu are more likely to develop pneumonia as a complication.
One of the treatments for asthma is inhaled corticosteroids. According to one study, these medications may themselves increase the risk of respiratory infections and pneumonia.
What are the differences between asthma and pneumonia?
Some of the key differences between the conditions can be seen in the table below.
- fever
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Is Pneumonia In Cats Contagious
While there are some feline zoonotic diseases , pneumonia is not one of them. Cat flu is also not contagious, with the rare exception of avian or bird flu . However, cats can pass viral or bacterial pneumonia to other cats, dogs, and small animals in the house.
To prevent the spread of the disease, separate your sick cat from other pets in the house. You can put them in a warm room with a bowl of food and water. Be sure to check on them regularly. If you have multiple cats, you should place a towel or blanket at the bottom of the door to prevent cats from sniffing each other or touching paws under the door.
You should also clean anything they may have contaminated. For instance, wash their food and water bowls, clean their litterbox, and wipe down their toys. In addition, be careful to wash your hands after handling your patient to avoid transferring germs that way.
How To Make Your Own Essential Oil Inhalers
Inhalers are really easy to make.
Just purchase these and add the essential oils to the cotton piece in the nasal tube.
Add 2-10 drops of oil to the tube depending on the strength you want.
The great thing about making these inhalers is thatyou can refresh them at any time.
Simply open the tube and add more oils.
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How Can I Reduce My Risk Of Getting Pneumonia
A healthy lifestyle is key in reducing the chances of getting pneumococcal pneumonia. Its similar to how asthma is managed.
Adults who smoke or drink excessive alcohol are at increased risk from pneumonia. So quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake are two steps you can take to reduce your risk.
People with uncontrolled or severe asthma have increased risk for hospitalizations and emergency department visits. It is important to make sure your asthma symptoms are under control to reduce your risk. If you feel your symptoms are out of control or you are concerned you may have severe asthma, make an appointment with your asthma doctor today.
In addition to living a healthy lifestyle, a vaccine is available for protection from pneumococcal pneumonia.
Video: Yoga Teacher Julia Explains How Yoga Is Helpful For Asthma
Transcript for Yoga teacher Julia explains how yoga is helpful for asthma
0:00 Im Julia White. Im a yoga teacher and aromatherapist, and I specialise in teaching yoga to people with asthma.
0:06 When I was younger, growing up, my younger sister had asthma and it was managed,
0:11 but she used to get quite bad asthma attacks so either the doctor would be called out or she would be hospitalised.
0:17 And then, one day, she had an asthma attack. She was at home alone and she had to call the ambulance.
0:23 The ambulance came, they tried to revive her and they couldnt so she died of an asthma attack at the age of seventeen.
0:28 At the age of thirty, I was then diagnosed with asthma myself.
0:33 Obviously, went to the doctor, got diagnosed, was given various inhalers, managed it that way,
0:39 but then realised I had to do something about it myself, as well as taking my medications.
0:46 And thats when I decided to take a really hard look at my life and decided to train to become a yoga teacher.
0:54 The good thing about yoga is that anyone can do yoga. You know, yoga isnt just an exercise.
0:59 The most important part for me is the breathing.
1:01 If you can connect with your breath, and move with your breath, then thats essentially what yoga is.
1:09 And the other thing is the posture because when we have asthma attacks, and you hunch and obviously,
1:23 So, the other thing with yoga is the posture, so it helps open up the chest, which helps to open up the breathing.
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Aerosolized Delivery Of Synthetic Antibiotics
In the first subsection we will discuss the use of aminoglycosides in the treatment and prevention of serious lung infection among high-risk patients, followed by a brief introduction to the limited clinical experience with other antimicrobial drugs that have been used for salvage therapy of difficult-to-treat pneumonia. Given that extensive reviews have been performed on inhaled pentamidine in HIV-associated Pneumocystis jiroveci infection, this topic will not be covered herein.
Humidifiers And Air Filters
Wheezing can be triggered and exacerbated by low humidity and airborne particles that cause constriction of the bronchioles. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, particularly during winter months, and can aid with sleep by reducing mouth and nasal dryness .
Some humidifiers are equipped with HEPA filters that can remove pollen, dust, and other irritants from the air. Alternatively, you can buy a separate multifilter air purifier equipped with both a HEPA filter and an activated charcoal filter.
Choose an air purifier thats the appropriate size for the room it will be used in and has a fine particle rating of 2.5 , meaning it can remove some of the finest airborne particles.
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References To Studies Included In This Review
- Chong Neto HJ, ChongSilva DC, Marani DM, Kuroda F, Olandosky M, Noronha L. Different inhaler devices in acute asthma attacks: a randomized, doubleblind, placebocontrolled study. Jornal de Pediatria 2005 81:298304.
- Panicker J, Sethi GR, Sehgal V. Comparative efficiency of commercial and improvised spacer device in acute bronchial asthma. Indian Pediatrics 2001 38:3408.
- Quetulio JJ, Rivera CR, Go OC. A practical alternative spacer for delivery of inhaled bronchodilators for children with acute exacerbations of bronchial asthma. Chest. 2002:P115.
- Singhal T, Garg H, Arora HS, Lodha R, Pandey RM, Kabra SK. Efficacy of a homemade spacer with acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma: a randomized controlled trial. Indian Journal of Pediatrics 2001 68:3740.
- Zar HJ, Brown G, Donson H, Brathwaite N, Mann MD, Weinberg EG. Homemade spacers for bronchodilator therapy in children with acute asthma: a randomized trial. Lancet 1999 354:97982.
- Zar HJ, Streun S, Levin M, Weinberg EG, Swingler GH. Randomised controlled trial of the efficacy of a metereddose inhaler with bottle spacer for bronchodilator treatment in acute lower airway obstruction. Archives of Disease in Childhood 2007 92:1426.
Save Your Life From Pneumonia
By | Submitted On April 08, 2006
Keep in mind that over time, your needs may change. Technology will also undoubtedly change, meaning that you should change your equipment of choice when newer and much more advanced versions of nebulizers come out on the market. Do not be mislead by size. Take into account the effectively as well as convenience of the equipment in relation to your lifestyle.
Types of nebulizers:
1. Non Portable Nebulizer
A large sized nebulizer for use in the home. These units are excellent for individuals who can use this at home and uses inhalers on the go and for small children who are still not capable of using a metered dose inhaler. Although they can be carrier when traveling, these units are not the best choice since they are bulky and needs a power source that require A/C exclusively.
2. Portable Nebulizer
These units are small and handy, ideal for the individual who is always on the go, preferring to use a nebulizer than an inhaler. Battery operated, they can be used conveniently anywhere, anytime.
3. Standard Jet Nebulizer
These units are the common type of nebulizer. Air pressure is used to turn medication into mist that can be inhaled through a mouthpiece or a mask.
4. Ultrasonic nebulizer
Similar to the standard jet nebulizer, produces more particles that are of the same size compared to compressor nebulizers. If particles are uniform in size, it allows better aerosol penetration into the lungs.
5. Spacers For Metered Dose Inhalers
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Is It Pneumonia Or The Flu
Cats are susceptible to upper respiratory infections , which are sometimes mislabeled as cat flu. This is a misnomer since it is typically not caused by an influenza virus. However, the symptoms of a URI are similar to the flu in humans. They can include runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, fever, and trouble breathing.
They are also similar to the symptoms of cat pneumonia, which is why it’s important to take your cat to the veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis. This will help ensure your cat gets the right kind of treatment for their specific health condition and can start feeling better soon.
Other Triggers You Should Know About
There are many other asthma triggers, including:
Allergens: Steer clear of allergens that can increase the inflammation in your airways and might lead to an attack.
Smoking: Exposure to smoke can make asthma worse and trigger an attack.
Cold: If you come into close contact with someone who has a cold or the flu, your asthma symptoms will worsen. If you handle anything that someone with a respiratory infection may have touched, wash your hands thoroughly.
Not Getting Vaccination: Every year, get a flu vaccination to protect yourself from the flu virus, which can make your asthma worse for days or weeks. Asthma makes you more prone to develop flu complications, such as pneumonia, and to be hospitalised as a result.
Not Taking Prescribed Medications: Asthma drugs that are taken on a long-term basis are intended to avoid symptoms and attacks. Even if you don’t have any symptoms, you should take them every day. They’ll reduce airway inflammation and keep your asthma under control, making it less likely to flare up.
Not Following A Plan: Even when you feel alright, it is okay to take your meds. Talk to your doctor to lower the symptoms.
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The Advantages Of Using A Nebulizer For Pneumonia
The effectiveness of the device has been proven by the following results:
- provides a speedy result
- delivers drugs directly to the lungs
- moistens the mucous membrane
- liquefies discharge from the larynx and nose
- eliminates puffiness and inflammation
- restores ventilation and drainage functions of the lungs and bronchi
- stimulates the epithelium
- restores the mucous membrane faster
- removes spasms.
The main advantage of using a nebulizer is that you can be treated at home and you need a lower dose of medication.
Ginger Or Turmeric Tea
A persistent cough can result in chest pain. Drinking warm tea made with fresh ginger or turmeric root may help reduce this pain.
The roots of both of these plants can have a natural anti-inflammatory effect in the body.
Chop up a thumb sized piece of either root and boil it in a pint or so of water. If a person prefers strong tea, they can boil it for longer or add more of the root. If the flavor is too sharp, they can try adding a spoonful of honey.
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When To See A Doctor
Anyone who has difficulty breathing should seek medical help for diagnosis and treatment.
It is essential to follow any medical treatment plan that the doctor recommends and request additional help if the symptoms worsen or do not improve after a few days.
A doctor can also advise on some ways to prevent pneumonia from developing again.
It is not always possible to prevent pneumonia, but some lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of developing it or experiencing severe symptoms.
These include:
- avoiding air pollution, if possible
- managing stress levels and getting enough sleep
- practicing good hand-washing to reduce the risk of infection
- following any instructions the doctor recommends for staying healthy
In the case of COVID-19, experts advise physical distancing from other people to prevent the spread of the virus.
Healthful lifestyle habits can help strengthen the body to fight off infections, including those that lead to pneumonia.