12 Trigger Factors Involved in Asthma

Asthma is a severe disease of respiratory difficulty with regards to bronchial tubes or airways. This is a condition that obstructs the airway of the lungs. In those who suffer from this disease, symptoms are not always present. Exposure to a triggering factor may immediately cause changes and symptoms.

Children are often more affected than adults and several classifications of this disease exist. Several factors have been found as attributing factors. Individuals with Asthma will have triggering factors but it is not absolute that all triggering factors will be involved in each person.

12 Triggering Factors:

1.) Animals

Several types of animals may attribute. Often cat and dog hair

Other animals include:
- Horses
- Mice
- Birds
- Rabbits
- other fury animals

Pet Dander is proteins found in:
- Skin flakes
- Saliva
- Urine
- Feces

*** – these proteins are small and become carried through the air to be breathed in by individuals

2.) Pollen

Seasonal pollen often largely affects allergies and asthma

3 main pollen seasons that overlap
- Mid-April to June
- June to late August
- August to October

Pollen are microscopic aspects reproduction for plants, weeds, grass, trees and other plants. Pollen is ofter transferred from one plant to another. Pollen allergy does not mean plant allergy

1,000 of plant species exist but only a few are factors in asthma and allergies

Tree Pollen: Grass pollens Weed pollens
- Elm – Bluegrass – Ragweed
- Ash – Bermuda grass – Cockleweeds
- Birch – others – Sagebrush
- Cypress – Russian thistle
- Hickory
- Walnut
- others

3.) Smoke

Second hand smoke can be quite difficult for asthma.

Those with Asthma have sensitive airways.

Irritation and inflammation can result

A primary smoker may have difficulty controlling their Asthma

4.) Exercise

Those with asthma may be more sensitive than triggers of weather and temperature

While at rest - typical breathing is through the nose – This air is warmed while in nose

When exercising – you breath through mouth – This air is cooler, more dry and goes directly into lungs

5.) Infections including flu, respiratory infections, sinus infections and others

With a current infection several changes occur in your body

Symptoms of concern are: nasal congestion, runny nose, and inflammation of the lungs can be seen

When Asthma is compounded by such a cold – this can make asthma symptoms worse

Pneumonia and Bronchitis can be large factors

6.) Cold Weather

A change in weather and temperature can cause a narrowing of the airways

Because of the coldness on the airways, bronchospasms can be the result

This also increases the risks for infections.

7.) Chemicals (other than pollution)

Often certain household chemicals can affect those with Asthma

The number of related cases has increased dramatically

Chemicals involved:
- Bleach
- Air Freshener
- Carpet Cleaners
- Paint Stripper
- Paint
- Aerosols
- Pesticides
- many others

8.) Pollution

Increasing affects of pollution on asthma can be seen in urban dwellers

Pollutions involved:
- Diesel fumes
- Ozone
- Smog
- Soot
- Nitrogen oxides
- Smoke
- Formaldehyde
- Pesticides

9.) Food allergy

Occasionally and with serious allergies, an allergy to food may cause a difficulty in breathing

This trigger points is less common occurrence and may be seen in 5-8% of asthmatics.

However, this can be a serious cause agent for hospitalizations

Examples:
- Soy
- Peanuts and other nuts
- Shellfish
- Milk
- Eggs
- Wheat
- and many others

10.) Dust

Typically dust can be classified as particles from several variety of objects from pollen to food to pillows and skin.

In this case dust is the following:
- Dirt
- Gravel
- Soil
- House dust (a combination of several things)

*** – though outside dust may include many of the other mentioned asthma factors

11.) Mold

The affects of mold and asthma has greatly been researched in Britain and other countries

When Mold was removed from homes – improvement was greatly noted

Mold are microscopic fungi that grow on several types of surfaces. Spores are released during reproduction

Often mold is found in/on the following areas:
- Decaying plants
- Water damaged areas
- Dark and damp areas
- Wet laundry
- Old food
- others

12.) Stress

More research is being placed into stress and anxiety as a factor for Asthma

Sometimes the result of stress and anxiety is a shortness of breath

A cycle often begins of increased anxiety due to a difficulty breathing and soon Asthma is full blown.

Several exercise and stress techniques are essential for management of stress

Watch out for sleep – or not enough

Healthy sleep is quite more difficult then most think. Recently I was asked about risk factors and concerns for not getting enough sleep.

“Sleep is one of the most overlooked areas in the improvement of your own health. “

But on the flip side, it may be a very difficulty concept or rather practice for some. Insomnia or difficulty sleeping is detrimental in some cases and should be monitored closely. And often we have trained ourselves so much that we think we are better off when we don’t get enough

It is not only essential for your body but it is equally important for your mind. Dreams and sleep are quite necessary and constant interruptions or decrease in the amount of sleep can be detrimental both emotionally and physically.

Sleep is different for so many people. Balance of family and work and schedule is quite demanding and difficult for most. Some form of sleep is necessary for all. The more is usually the better but watch out for too much sleep – it can be as much of a problem as too little.

 

How much sleep is needed?

Adults – need between 6 and 8 hours of sleep

School age children and teens – need 9 hours

Newborns – need between 16 and 18 hours

Preschool children – need 10 and 12

 

What happens while you sleep?

Your brain brain never stops nor does your heart. But while asleep different metabolic and physiologic events occur. Sleep allows your body to rest but it also allows your body to recover.
Recovery is much more important than rest. Some argue that the ability to learn may, in some way, depend on our ability to recover and sleep.

Health risks due to poor sleep:

1.) Illness – you may be 3 times more likely to get sick when not getting enough sleep

2.) Stress – this is the case of filling the bucket – as stress is added on your life – sooner or later it will overflow – you may snap at a family member, a co-worker, or that idiot that just cut you off while driving.

3.) Depression – depression is much more likely in someone who has little sleep. However – this can
also be argued that depression may cause you to sleep to little or to much

4.) Overweight – hormones that are used and may be synthesized during sleep may be altered. This change can lead or increase your risk for weight gain.
- If you are awake more you may consume more
- Some get so fatigued they don’t want to take the time to make a proper meal – when fatigued the Happy Meal sounds so much better than a salad – you know it is true!!

5.) Hypertension – high blood pressure may be seen in those getting little sleep

6.) Diabetes- increase weight gain and worse diet lead many to diabetes and a common denominator is lack of sleep – watch out

7.) Heart Disease – increase risk for above mention items increases your risk for heart disease

8.) Hormones – often for children – growth hormone, proteins, and other necessary growth related events are necessary and sleep helps regulate and control proper adolescent growth.

9.) Falling asleep while driving

10.) Making mistakes at work or other

12 possible sleep options

1.) No alcohol, caffeine, or nicotine prior to bed

2.) Exercise

3.) Keep the same sleep schedule

4.) If you can’t sleep – get up and do something – then try again – If you can’t sleep don’t remain in bed

5.) Be careful of medication that may cause you to be awake

6.) Take a hot bath prior to sleeping

7.) Meditate, read, write in journal just prior to sleep

8.) Don’t take a nap after 4 pm and try to keep them under 60 minutes

9.) If your bed is uncomfortable – get a new one – this is essential

10.) Take away TV, music, or other distractions [If these affect you]

11.) Meet with a medical provider if you have a sleep disorder or may have one – don’t hesitate to get treatment

12.) You need the sun – get outside for at least 30-60 minutes

*** – Remember you may be different and the above items may not apply to you and some items may be the only way you fall asleep. Often this has to due with the way you have trained your body.

Marathon – The running that actually will set you free

May 2009 – 5 months ago I decided to get back to into running. I am not a great runner and have only ran a half dozen 5k races over the past few years. I have always wanted to enjoy running but I believed that to learning to love running would be impossible. However, a friend asked if I had ever considered running a marathon. Running a marathon had always been a goal but time seemed to get into my way. We made a goal to run daily and see where it would take us.

I finalized my goal for running: “I wanted to run my first marathon and if no setbacks to run at least 2 marathons this year and if all went well then 4“

As I look back…that was a pretty intense goal to make. However, setting such a high goal pushed me to run when I didn’t want to. Just this last week I finished my first marathon and have learned to love running. Running has become addicting and I am only 1/4th of the way to my goal.

I wanted to finish the marathon in under 6 hours. I actually finished around the 5 hour 20 minute mark.

I am not a 3 hour marathon runner and probably never will be, but to have finished was amazing. Running allows you to burn calories, stress, boredom, and laziness.

June 2009

I recently finished by second marathon. It was a killer!!! What an experience. My training has been rather consistent but this race seemed much more difficult.

I finished just under 6 hours. Cramping in my legs seemed to be the worst part of the race. The sites through the mountains and the time to exercise, think, and listen to music was perfect.

Two down and now two to go!!!

September 2009

Family, work, and pain in both knees will prevent me from finishing my two marathons this year. I have continued to run but my long distance running has decreased. I have targeted a few marathons for next year and will continue training through the fall and winter months.

My running

I had never ran more then 6 miles previously. When I started running recently I hadn’t ran in over 6 months. I was scared and out of shape.

I started running the day after Christmas. I made a goal and started running/walking 3 miles a day 5 or 6 times a week

I then forced myself to run 3 miles without stopping for 2 weeks. I then ran a 5 mile “long run”. From there I went to 4 miles a day for 3 weeks and another long run of 7.5 miles. I soon bumped it up to 5 miles a day and running a “long run” every 2 weeks. I went to 10 miles, then 12 miles, then 15, 18 and finally 20 miles.

There was not 1 day while training that I loved running — it wasn’t until the marathon itself — and then I really only loved the first 20 miles. I hated the last 6 and then loved the last .2 miles or so.

To finish and accomplish a goal is truly amazing.

11 marathon Hints

1.) Time – running is about putting in the time. That is all it is. If it takes you 15 minutes or 4 minutes to run
a mile – put in the time.

2.) Get good equipment – Shoes, shorts, socks, food, water – get the good stuff [not always the expensive stuff].

3.) Run inside and out – Running everyday can get boring…and often excuses are made according to weather – running inside and outside
to change tempo and the view can be refreshing.

4.) Travel to run – Try out new places and new courses…when you know how far you have run [or how far you have to go] it can make
running more difficult..try a new place.

5.) Stretch – I have never stretched before a run [though I should] but we all need to stretch after a run. It allows your body to heal or recuperate better and more fully.

6.) Have a running partner – Run with someone or train with someone – the difference is that they may not be with you every day or even ever…but you can still share goals and stories. Get a friend or find a new one!!!

7.) Plenty of fluids and food – Find good and healthy training foods – They will prevent injury, fatigue, nausea, and dehydration.

8.) Music – Get a play-list of music and run the miles away while listening to your favorite band or songs. If you love to think rather then listen – this one is not for you.

9.) Set a goal – Start today…make the plans…then make it happen.

10.) Be mindful of the outhouses – You evolve into a runner when a potty break occurs regularly while running…but be careful…you don’t want to be somewhere unprepared!!

11.) Run for a reason – whether for yourself or another – running for a purpose can be fun and powerful.

Healthy running

Shedding the weight or even improving your health can be obtained by running. To start running today can have dramatic and life long
benefits to your appearance, emotions, and your overall physical and mental health.

Often your Nutrition will improve because by running often you want to put better foods into your body.

Exercise is always a first line of treatment to several medical conditions. Diabetes, Heart Diease, Obesity, High Cholesterol and Heart Attack are just a few disease that can be improved and often prevented by getting a bit of exercise.

A marathon may not be attainable for everyone. Try to incorporate some sort of activity into your daily life , even if it’s just walking to spend less time on the couch.

Good luck!!!

Some key websites to take a look at:

Runners World – http://www.runnersworld.com/

Marathon Guide – http://www.marathonguide.com/

Cool Running – http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/1/1_18/7420.shtml

Susan G. Komen for the Cure http://ww5.komen.org/

and many others!!

Originally seen at Marathon running

Health Tips

10 Essential Health tips

Healthy living should be an essential part of our day and I found some basic steps that can be put into place on a daily basis.  Simple tips from LA Health

A respected friend recently told me “we choose to make a choice or choose to remain choice-less“.

1.) Move more

2.) Cut fat

3.) Quit smoking

4.) Reduce stress

5.) Protect yourself against pollution

6.) Wear your seat belt

7.) Floss your teeth

8.) Avoid excess drinking

9.) Keeping a positive outlook

10) Choose your parents well

found at http://lahealth.wordpress.com/2009/04/24/10-essential-health-tips