Dr. Ian Wahl, DAc, LAc, CH [1]
With its high pollen counts, increased humidity, and air pollution, summer is asthma season. Approximately 34.1 million Americans have been diagnosed with asthma during their lifetime, and the number of people with asthma will grow by more than 100 million by 2025.
Here are some common asthma myths and tips parents can take to prevent asthma
attacks.
Myth: There aren't that many people with asthma; it's just a bunch of media hype.
Facts:
Myth: Asthma is all in your head-get counseling and get over it.
Facts:
There are two types of asthma.3
Allergic (extrinsic) Asthma is triggered by an allergic reaction to an inhaled substance such as dust, pollen, mold, chemicals, animals, etc. 90 percent of asthma cases are caused by extrinsic asthma.
Myth: If you relax and don't over-react every time you feel shortness of breath, then you won't have an asthma attack.
Facts:
Myth: If we didn't coddle our children, there would be less asthma.
Facts:
Some people are born with a predisposition toward developing asthma. However, what actually triggers the disease can vary from person to person. Common triggers include:
Studies show that children whose parents smoke are twice as likely to develop asthma as children of nonsmoking parents. Also, children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy tend to be born with smaller airways, which greatly increase their chances of developing the disease.
Myth: The proper way to treat asthma is through medication and immunotherapy (desensitization shots).
Facts:
Natural Solutions to Asthma and Breathing Problems include:
Keep your child away from those who smoke.
Keep home humidity levels between 30 to 50 percent. High humidity levels can promote the growth of mold which can trigger allergic (extrinsic) asthma.
Install high-efficiency furnace filters and replace them monthly. If using electrostatic furnace filters, clean them monthly,
Although it's impossible to keep a house free from mold, dust, dust mites, fungus and dirt, use allergen-proof mattress covers and pillowcases to help minimize allergens.
Use a high-efficiency vacuum cleaner and empty its contents outside.
Keep pets out of the bedrooms of family members with asthma.
Clean the drapes often.
Be aware of your child's reactions to foods. The most common asthma triggering foods are grains, dairy, corn, soy and various flours.
The Biggest Myth: Your child will always have to avoid asthma triggers for the rest of his life
Facts:
1. Asthma In America, Asthma Statistics [4]; National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Data Fact Sheet, Asthma Statistics.
2. http://www.nsc.org/news_resources/Resources/Documents/Asthma.pdf [5]
3. http://www.asthmasymptom.org/asthma-type.html [6]
5. http://www.asthmasymptom.org/acute-asthma.html [8]
6. http://www.midwestallergyrelief.com/faq.htm [9]
Ian Wahl, DAc, LAc, CH is a Doctor of Acupuncture and herbalist who specializes in the treatment children and adults with allergies and hypersensitivities. He is the Founder and Director of the Midwest Allergy Relief Cente [1]r as well as the Wahls of Wellnes [10]s. Dr. Wahl can be reached at 847 392-7901 or info@MidwestAllergyRelief.com.
Created July 16, 2010
Links:
[1] http://www.MidwestAllergyRelief.com
[2] https://mail.momsteam.com/node/2876
[3] https://mail.momsteam.com/node/2010
[4] http://www.asthmainamerica.com/statistics
[5] /[i] Asthma In America, Asthma Statistics, www.asthmainamerica.com/statistics; National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Data Fact Sheet, Asthma Statistics. [ii] http://www.nsc.org/news_resources/Resources/Documents/Asthma.pdf [iii] http://www.asthmasymptom.org/asthma-type.html [iv] http://www.answerstv.com/AnswersTV/Channel.aspx?ChannelID=7005fa6d-6b27-4d29-94bb-cb3db599ea03&StartPoint=Folder214&PlayItem=289&AP=true [v] http://www.asthmasymptom.org/acute-asthma.html [vi] http://www.midwestallergyrelief.com/faq.htm
[6] http://www.asthmasymptom.org/asthma-type.html
[7] http://www.answerstv.com/AnswersTV/Channel.aspx?ChannelID=7005fa6d-6b27-4d29-94bb-cb3db599ea03&StartPoint=Folder214&PlayItem=289&AP=true
[8] http://www.asthmasymptom.org/acute-asthma.html
[9] http://www.midwestallergyrelief.com/faq.htm
[10] http://www.WahlsOfWellness.com
[11] https://mail.momsteam.com/health-safety/management-of-asthma-in-sports
[12] https://mail.momsteam.com/health-safety/respiratory/asthma/asthma-shouldnt-rule-out-kids-from-sports
[13] https://mail.momsteam.com/sports/track-field/safety/running-track-with-asthma
[14] https://mail.momsteam.com/health-safety/respiratory/pollution/playing-fields-near-busy-highways-pose-risks-for-youth-athletes