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Introducing PillaRX
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Introducing PillaRX
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FIT5 Solutions

Asthma



What is asthma?
Asthma is inflammation of the airways that leads to bronchial constriction. It is a characteristic of asthma that the bronchi are chronically inflamed, irritated, and producing copious amounts of secretions. Asthma patients have to live with abrupt attacks of cough and apnea, a temporary lack of breathing. Asthma is manageable with medications and is not fatal. However, it is not a curable disease, and thus prevention is the key. Naturally, there are symptom-free periods in which the asthmatic child can live just like every other child. The first signs of asthma can be present even at the age of 2 or 3, and can disappear by school...
What is an allergy?
An allergy is an overreaction of the body to a so-called “allergen.” Individuals react to allergens in different ways, such as skin rashes, coughs, sneezes and more.
How often does asthma occur?
Asthma can start at age 2 or 3 and it affects 10% of school-aged children. Of those affected, two-thirds are boys and one-third are girls. Unfortunately, the number of people with asthma is increasing due to many causes. Some of the main causes include the progressive pollution of air, the increasing number of people who are inheriting the disposition for allergies, and the weakening of the children’s immune systems.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
Common symptoms of asthma: frequent dry cough, attacks of apnea, laboured breathing, wheezing, and tightening of the chest. It is important to watch for symptoms of allergies since they can forewarn parents of asthma. Below I have listed the more common asthma symptoms in order of prevalence. Frequent digestive problems: Lower abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting, and bloating. Frequent skin changes: Itching, redness, rash, fungal infections, eczema. Frequent respiratory complaints: Cold, nasal congestion, constant coughing, and sinus infections. Negative behavioural signs: Negative attitudes towards...
What is coughing?
The bronchial mucus membranes produce mucus. Asthmatics produce more mucus than the average individual does normally, which irritates the nerves and triggers a cough. Coughing is simply the body’s defence mechanism to ensure the flow of air does not become obstructed. However, coughing causes the smooth muscles to contract and reduces the airway’s diameter, impairing the lung function even further. Consequently it is important to teach children conscious breathing so they will not cough themselves into an asthmatic attack.
How severe can asthma become?
The table below illustrates the three degrees of asthma.   Mild Intermediate Severe Day attacks 2-3 per month 3-4 per month Every day and often Night attacks 1-2 per month 3-4 per month Every day and evenings Result of increased exercise Normal Frequent cough, laboured breathing Exercise not recommended Drug treatment Bronchodilators Bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs Bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs Frequently requires hospital care
Does asthma correlate with other abnormalities?
Yes. Asthma can be induced by incorrect posture since the concaved chest and frontally placed shoulders cause decreased lung capacity. The smaller capacity will use fewer bronchi, hence the lung’s condition further deteriorates. Shallow breathing is typical of asthmatic patients because the irritation in the lung becomes less noticeable. It is also true that frequent cough attacks can force the asthmatic child to hunch. Either way, the asthmatic child lacks the urge to exercise, and does not enjoy participating in athletic activities.
What is the best way to approach asthma?
The recognition of asthma can occur late, in which case the child will need medication and treatment. This could be the use of a bronchial spray (albuterol inhaler) which has no side effects and does not produce dependency. In more severe cases, administration of anti-inflammatory drugs becomes necessary with the use of a nebulizer. Prevention can help as well as knowing about different environmental causes and the ways to eliminate them. However, the most important factor is teaching children "conscious breathing" as early as possible. Keep in mind that our lungs are our number one source of energy, our health depends on their...
What are the causes of asthma?
Contrary to popular belief, it is the disposition for allergies that is inherited; not asthma. If your child becomes allergic to something in the environment, he or she has an increased chance of developing asthma. Factors that can cause or worsen asthma are the following: Global pollution : Exhaust gas, industrial smoke, pesticides, increasing concentration of pollen. Meteorological factors : Cold, foggy air with high humidity, changes in barometric pressures. Food industry contamination : Nutrient solutions and artificial fertilisers that seep into crops; growth hormones, steroids, antibiotics, and tranquillisers that are...
What are the consequences of asthma?
Incorrect posture It is typical for an asthmatic child to hold his or her upper torso hunched. The lower abdomen is protruding, the back is hunched, and the shoulders are lifted and pushed forward. This posture limits the functioning of the lungs. In addition, the surrounding ribs will develop abnormally and chest may develop deformities. Chest Deformities : Barrel chest: Lower ribcage angles outward. Funnel chest: Sunken breastbone. Pigeon chest: Protruding breastbone. Minimal ability for resistance The foundation of everything we do lies in the proper and balanced functioning of our lungs. If lung function is hindered, then the...
A hard opinion on cigarette smoking
"You must know that I am a dedicated anti-smoking activist. I cannot accept any argument on the justification of cigarette smoking. I especially condemn a parent, teacher, or doctor smoking because they are role models for our children. Unfortunately, "role models" who smoke force the phenomenon of secondhand smoking on those around them and plant the smoking "seed" by making it seem like a natural thing to do. Observing this, children become smokers and no one teaches them to respect clean air and not to pollute it in any way. People who smoke do not care about their own health or the health of others.
Why a correct breathing technique is so important?
FitFive's motto: "A single generation of properly breathing people would be capable of regenerating the human race." We can go without food for weeks, without water for days, but without air, we could only live for a few minutes. Mother Nature precisely formulates these functions in time, volume and quality. Unfortunately, humankind does not always follow these rules. The healthy system is so simple! Everything starts with breathing. The civilised man is not breathing, but merely "pants" to keep just barely alive. In a relaxed, sitting position we take approximately 20 breaths per hour, half a litre at once. This is definitely...
What is the advantage of proper breathing?
The adaptation of conscious breathing results in the following positive effects: Lack of fear Children who breathe incorrectly get insufficient oxygen and may develop inner phobias as a natural reaction. As an adult, they often become worrisome and unsure of themselves. Everybody can learn conscious breathing techniques with the help of the FITFIVE breathing exercises. Breathing is a power source that is always available and builds confidence. Calmness Conscious breathing techniques train the mind. If you are disturbed, your breathing is also erratic. When you calm your breathing, your mind becomes at ease. The breathing that...
The mechanics of breathing - A little anatomy
The function of the respiratory system is to facilitate the taking of oxygen and the releasing of carbon dioxide. Also, the lung releases a considerable amount of water vapour, 13.5 - 17 ounces (4-5 dl) per day. The chest cavity is separated from the stomach by the diaphragm. Respiration takes place with the help of the respiratory muscles: the diaphragm and the outer intercostals work during inhalation while the inner intercostals work during exhalation. Idle or resting respiration is automatic and the active respiratory muscle work does not take place at all. During exercise, however, the muscles are activated for exhalation making...
The airways
Air reaches our lungs through the upper airways and lower respiratory tract. The upper airways include the nasal cavity, the mouth cavity, pharynx, larynx and the trachea. In the lower respiratory tract, the trachea divides into the left and right main bronchus in the lungs. The main spread out to become bronchi, bronchioles and finally alveoli at the end. Oxygen enters the bloodstream through the dense capillary system in the alveoli walls. At the same time, carbon dioxide leaves the blood stream through the same alveoli and exits the body. This is the essence of the gas exchange in the human body.
The asthmatic bronchi
The bronchi are lined with a mucous membrane. On the mucus membrane we find tiny cilia. When a person inhales, dust particles and bacteria are brought into the bronchi and caught on the cilia and the mucus membrane. The membrane secretes mucus and transports the contaminants to the pharynx so they can be either spit out or swallowed. Asthmatic bronchi differ from normal bronchi in three ways: the muscles are cramped around them, the mucus membrane is thicker, and the inner diameter is greatly reduced.
Did you know?
If you laid out the ventilating surface of an adult lung, it would be as large as a tennis court.Air contains 21% oxygen, 78% of nitrogen, and 1% of rare gas. During a cough, the air can reach speeds up to 67 miles/ hour (108 km/h), while during sneezing it can reach up to 100 miles/hour (160 km/h).A trained lung works twice as well as an untrained lung.