Asthma Uk Is On A Mission To Help Find A Cure For Severe Asthma
Asthma UK has launched a landmark report revealing the challenges faced by people with severe asthma, and how Asthma UK, scientists, researchers and people with asthma can;work together to find a cure.
Here we summarise our findings and explain how well find new drugs to treat people with severe asthma so they can live longer; and live better. You can also;read the full report here: Slipping through the net: the reality facing patients with severe asthma.
Transforming Lives With New Treatments
As revealed by the EARIP roadmap, there are a host of opportunities to develop effective asthma treatments. But to reap these rewards we need to fast-track research now so that new drugs are developed as soon as possible.
Although the medicine cabinet is still pretty bare when it comes to treatments for severe asthma, we are seeing some very promising developments in certain areas. Asthma UK is working to ensure even more of these drugs make it to the people who need them. With your support, Asthma UK can fund even more research, so please consider;making a donation.
Occupational Asthma Is Triggered By An Irritant Youre Exposed To At Work
If your asthma started when you changed jobs, improves when youre away from your work environment, or is triggered by chemicals that make it difficult to breathe, then you may be suffering from;occupational asthma.
Occupational factors are associated with up to 15 percent of disabling asthma cases in the United States. An estimated 11 million workers in a wide range of industries are exposed to at least one of the numerous agents known to be associated with occupational asthma.
More than 250 manufacturing substances have been known to exacerbate occupational asthma, such as:
- Paints
- Plastics workers
- Woodworkers
Workers have the right to a safe workplace. If you suspect unsafe work conditions and wish to issue a complaint, check out resources from the U.S. Department of Labors Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
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Adjust Treatment According To Your Asthma Action Plan
The majority of asthmatics have at least two types of medications: long-term and quick-relief.
Long-term control medication forms the first line of defense for asthmatics. These preventive medications treat airway inflammation that leads to asthma symptoms. Used daily, they can reduce asthma flare-ups. In some cases, proper medicine can even eliminate them.
Quick-relief, or rescue medications, contain fast-acting medicines. Medicines quickly open up the airway, making it easier to breathe. Each patients individual asthma action plan;dictates how often to take these medicines.
Doctors may prescribe more invasive and involved treatments for people with severe asthma. An FDA-approved procedure, bronchial thermoplasty, delivers precisely-controlled thermal energy to the airways. This procedure reduces the frequency of severe asthma attacks. However, side effects occasionally include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Can You Grow Out Of Asthma
It is possible for some people with asthma to achieve remission. This means they dont have symptoms and dont use medications. Up to one-third of children with asthma can grow up to have an asthma-free adulthood. People with adult-onset asthma are less likely to experience remission, though it is possible. In one study, one in six adults with asthma achieved remission after 5 years.
Studies show that these people might still have inflammation in their airways, even though they dont have symptoms. It will be interesting to see what we learn about this airway inflammation from long-term use of the newer asthma medications.
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Home Remedies For Asthma
1. Best Foods for Treating Asthma
Eating a healthy diet supplies asthma sufferers with antioxidants and nutrients to combat environmental toxins, control inflammatory responses and reduce dietary triggers. Eating a wide variety of foods can ensure that you or your child gets;all the nutrients needed to support strong immunity. There have been numerous studies that show consuming the right foods can be the one of the best home remedies for asthma.
Some of the most beneficial foods to include in your asthma diet plan are:
- Brightly colored;carotenoid;foods: This compound gives fruit and vegetables their orange or red color and can help reduce asthma attacks.;Carotenoids are the basis of vitamin A, which is involved in the maintenance of healthy mucous membranes that line the air passageways.;Severity of asthma correlates with low vitamin A, so increase your intake of things like root veggies, sweet potatoes, carrots, leafy greens and berries.;A study of 68,000 women showed that those who ate more tomatoes, carrots and leafy greens had much lower rates of asthma and that people prone to asthma tended to have low levels of circulating carotenoids in their blood.
- Foods with folate : Folate reduces allergic reactions and inflammation.;It might be capable of lowering wheezing by regulating inflammatory processes as well. ;High-folate foods include;green leafy vegetables, beans and nuts.
2. Avoid Foods that Can Make Asthma Attacks Worse
3. Supplements for Asthma
Manage Stress
Medications That May Worsen Asthma
Some medicines can trigger asthma flare-ups or prompt or worsen other respiratory symptoms, such as coughing. Inform every doctor that treats you about your asthma and pay attention to asthma symptoms if you take any of the following medications.
- Beta-blockers: While cardio-specific beta-blockers are only supposed to act on the heart, older beta-blockers are;known to worsen asthma symptoms.
- Aspirin
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in those with an allergy to NSAIDs
- Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors
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Treatments Close To A Cure
The backbone of asthma treatment is an inhaler, such as the following:
- Inhaled corticosteroids reduce airway inflammation and keep the airways calm.
- Inhaled bronchodilators relax the muscles around the airways to open them up and allow more air to pass through. These can be short- or long-acting.
- Combination inhalers contain inhaled corticosteroids plus one or two long-acting inhaled bronchodilators.
Taking the right asthma medication in the right way and at the right time is key to managing symptoms before they become a problem. As most people with asthma know, once an asthma attack starts, it is difficult to stop.
When these inhalers just arent enough, there are other, newer targeted treatments that can be added on. Well discuss these treatments more below. Well also look at some procedures that can help reduce symptoms for certain people with certain asthma types.
Natural Home Remedies For Asthma Attacks In Adults
Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world that no medicine can cure completely. Therefore, it is essential to find out the appropriate treatments to control the disease. To reduce the risk of asthma, prevent asthma attacks, enhance the quality of life, and reduce the dependence on medicines, you should use natural home remedies for asthma attacks.
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What Are The Different Types Of Asthma Medicines And Treatments
There are four types of asthma medicines and treatments:;
The difference between these asthma treatments can be confusing. It is important to understand what each treatment does and how they help your asthma. Learning how to use each correctly can you help keep your asthma well-controlled. Always take your medicines as directed by your doctor and follow your Asthma Action Plan.;
How Asthma Is Treated
While there is no cure for asthma, there are a number of treatments that can help control the condition.
Treatment is based on two important goals, which are:
- relieving symptoms;
- preventing future symptoms and attacks
For most people, this will involve the occasional or, more commonly, daily use of medications, usually taken using an inhaler. However, identifying and avoiding possible triggers is also important.
You should have a personal asthma action plan agreed with your doctor or nurse that includes information about the medicines you need to take, how to recognise when your symptoms are getting worse, and what steps to take when they do so.
These symptoms are often worse at night and early in the morning, particularly if the condition is not well controlled. They may also develop or become worse in response to a certain trigger, such as exercise or exposure to an allergen.
Read our page on the;causes of asthma for more information about potential triggers.
Speak to your GP if you think you or your child may have asthma. You should also talk to your doctor or asthma nurse if you have been diagnosed with asthma and you are finding it difficult to control the symptoms.
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Side Effects Of Relievers And Preventers
Relievers are a safe and effective medicine, and have;few side effects as long as they are not used too much. The main side effects include a mild shaking of the hands ,;headaches and muscle cramps. These usually only happen with high doses of reliever inhaler and usually only last for a few minutes.
Preventers are;very safe at usual doses, although they can cause a range of side effects at high doses, especially with long-term use.
The main side effect of preventer inhalers is a fungal infection of the mouth or throat . You may also develop a hoarse voice and sore throat.
Using a spacer can help prevent these side effects, as can rinsing your mouth or cleaning your teeth after;using;your preventer inhaler.
Your doctor or nurse will discuss with you the need to balance control of your asthma with the risk of side effects, and how to keep;side effects to a minimum.
Who Strategy For Prevention And Control Of Asthma
Asthma is included in the WHO Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
WHO is taking action to extend diagnosis of and treatment for asthma in a number of ways.
The WHO Package of Essential Noncommunicable Disease Interventions was developed to help improve NCD management in primary health care in low-resource settings. PEN includes protocols for the assessment, diagnosis, and management of chronic respiratory diseases , and modules on healthy lifestyle counselling, including tobacco cessation, and self-care.
Reducing tobacco smoke exposure is important for both primary prevention of asthma and disease management. The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control is enabling progress in this area as are WHO initiatives such as MPOWER and mTobacco Cessation.
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How We Can Support You If You Have Severe Asthma
Asthma UK is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way if you have severe asthma. Whether youre just having a bad day or facing a major challenge like a recent hospitalisation, here are some of;the ways we can help you, whatever youre experiencing: ;
- Take a look at our advice about coping with severe asthma
- Dont feel alone join our friendly, supportive
- Speak to an asthma expert nurse by calling our Helpline on;0300 222 5800 or contacting them via WhatsApp chat on;07378 606728.
Next review due March 2022
Common Names For Nigella Sativa
- Black cumin
- Black seed
- Kalonji
Some preliminary research suggests that nigella sativa extract may offer some bronchodilatory support to help open the airways in those with asthma. A small study with 15 participants found that boiled extract of nigella sativa improved pulmonary function tests, including forced expiratory volume , peak expiratory flow , and maximal mid expiratory flow . Although, the bronchodilatory effect was not as effective as the drug theophylline that was used as a comparison. More research is needed to explore nigella sativa’s potential use for asthma, an effective dosage, or any adverse effects.
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Do You Offer Asthma Treatment Near Me
Allergy & Asthma Center has multiple locations in the Georgia area, so if you live there, you can come see us at the location nearest you. Dont hesitate to contact us today to learn more about our treatments, our clinics, and everything we can do for you! Remember, although a cure for asthma isnt possible, we can provide you with a number of treatments in an individualized treatment plan that will give you the symptom relief youve been longing for. Reach out to us today for a better tomorrow.
Scientists Discover Asthma’s Potential Root Cause And A Novel Treatment
Cardiff University scientists have for the first time identified the potential root cause of asthma and an existing drug that offers a new treatment.
Published today in Science Translational Medicine journal, Cardiff University researchers, working in collaboration with scientists at King’s College London and the Mayo Clinic , describe the previously unproven role of the calcium sensing receptor in causing asthma, a disease which affects 300 million people worldwide.
The team used mouse models of asthma and human airway tissue from asthmatic and non-asthmatic people to reach their findings.
Crucially, the paper highlights the effectiveness of a class of drugs known as calcilytics in manipulating CaSR to reverse all symptoms associated with the condition. These symptoms include airway narrowing, airway twitchiness and inflammation – all of which contribute to increased breathing difficulty.
“Our findings are incredibly exciting,” said the principal investigator, Professor Daniela Riccardi, from Cardiff University School of Biosciences. “For the first time we have found a link airways inflammation, which can be caused by environmental triggers – such as allergens, cigarette smoke and car fumes and airways twitchiness in allergic asthma.
While asthma is well controlled in some people, around one-in-twelve patients respond poorly to current treatments. This significant minority accounts for around 90% of healthcare costs associated with the condition.
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Signs Symptoms And Complications
How often;signs;and;symptoms;of asthma occur may depend on how severe, or intense, the asthma is and whether you are exposed to allergens. Some people have symptoms every day, while others have symptoms only a few days of the year. For some people, asthma may cause discomfort but does not interfere with daily activities. If you have more severe asthma, however, your asthma may limit what you are able to do.
When asthma is well controlled, a person shows few symptoms. When symptoms worsen, a person can have what is called an asthma attack, or an exacerbation. Over time, uncontrolled asthma can damage the airways in the lungs.
When To See An Allergist
An allergist can help you learn more about your asthma and develop a treatment plan that works for you. You should;see an allergist;if:
- Your asthma symptoms occur every day and often at night, limiting your activity.
- Youve had a life-threatening asthma attack.
- Your goals for asthma treatment havent been met after three to six months, or your doctor believes that you arent responding to current treatment.
- Your symptoms are unusual or hard to diagnose.
- You have conditions such as severe hay fever or sinusitis that complicate your asthma or your diagnosis.
- Additional tests are needed to find the causes of your symptoms.
- You need more help and instruction on your treatment plan, medicines or asthma triggers.
- Allergy shots might help you.
- You need oral corticosteroid therapy or high-dose inhaled corticosteroids.
- Youve taken oral corticosteroids more than twice in one year.
- You have been hospitalized because of your asthma.
- You need help to identify your asthma triggers.
Consultation with an asthma specialist is recommended if your child is 4 years old or younger and has asthma symptoms every day and three to four nights or more a month. It should be considered if your child has symptoms three days or more a week and one to two nights a month. Find out more about whats involved in;asthma screening.
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Eosinophilic Asthma A Severe Form Of Asthma
The various types of asthma can usually be controlled well with the currently prescribed drugs. There are, however, severe forms of non-allergic asthma that occur only in the second half of life and that do not, or only insufficiently, respond to current drug therapies. In these cases, doctors speak of eosinophilic asthma. This type of asthma is treated with special drugs that suppress inflammatory processes in the lungs.
The term âeosinophilic asthmaâ is derived from what are known as eosinophilic granulocytes. These are a subgroup of white blood cells that play an important role in immune defense. These defense cells play a significant role in overreactions of the immune system. If the body produces an excessive number of them, they can cause inflammation in the lungs. These inflammations can then in turn lead to asthma attacks.
Doctors can determine whether a patient is suffering from eosinophilic asthma by means of a simple blood test. Like allergic asthma, eosinophilic asthma is a type 2 inflammatory disease and can be detected by the typical biomarkers. An elevated number of eosinophils in the blood, accompanied by a high FeNO level, may indicate eosinophilic asthma.
What Are Natural Remedies For Asthma
With all the studies on alternative medicine and natural remedies, you may wonder if thereâs a natural cure for asthma. Unfortunately, there is no cure for asthma at this point. In fact, you should avoid any treatment or product — natural or otherwise — that claims to be a “cure” for asthma.
Some natural therapies may help you manage symptoms of asthma. For instance, a negative response to emotional stress can cause an asthma attack. Some natural relaxation remedies like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and biofeedback can help relieve stress.
Other findings suggest that diet plays a role in easing asthma symptoms. For example, omega-3 fatty acids found naturally in high-fat fish like salmon, mackerel, and cod may help your body fight inflammation. Whether this may help people who have asthma is still unproven.
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