GERD and Asthma: What's the Connection?
If you often experience a burning sensation in your chest, particularly after meals or while lying down, you could be dealing with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This chronic condition, affecting approximately 20% of Americans, involves the consistent backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus and sometimes reaching the mouth.
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What Causes Adult-Onset Asthma and How Do You Manage It?
By Dr. Peter Klapper Ph.D. A common misconception surrounding asthma is that it only develops during childhood, with children outgrowing it once they reach adulthood. Unfortunately, you can still contract asthma well into your older years. Statistics say among the 25 million Americans with asthma, 8.4% are adults.Learn what makes adult-onset asthma different from childhood asthma, its causes, and how to treat asthma in adults through this blog.Adult-Onset Asthma vs. Childhood AsthmaAdult-onset and childhood asthma share similar traits, such as symptoms and standard treatment. However, these conditions also differ in various aspects.For one, asthma symptoms tend to be more severe among adults, perhaps because of age-related lung function decline. The chest wall stiffens as you age, which makes managing asthma more difficult, especially for middle-aged adults. Thus, adult-onset asthma typically requires daily treatment and a significant lifestyle change.On the other hand, childhood asthma produces mild symptoms that come and go. Treatment is only necessary during an attack.Some cases of childhood asthma also go away naturally in puberty, although relapse is possible. In comparison, adult- or late-onset asthma can persist for extended periods. It requires long-term treatment for proper management and to prevent the condition from worsening into respiratory failure.What Causes Adult-Onset Asthma?The exact cause of the disease is difficult to pinpoint. However, the following factors increase your likelihood of developing asthma in adulthood.1. Childhood asthmaOne of the most common risk factors of late-onset asthma is getting the disease early on. Per studies, 3% to 5% of the general population with childhood asthma may still experience asthma symptoms in early adulthood and beyond if not appropriately managed.2. Family history of asthmaA person’s genetic makeup plays a crucial role in developing late-onset asthma. Research suggests that having a parent who has asthma makes you three to six times more likely to develop the respiratory disease, whether early or later in life.3. SmokingCigarettes, specifically the smoke it produces, are among the most common allergens that trigger asthma. Smoke from cigarettes irritates your bronchial tubes, causing them to swell, narrow, and fill your airways with mucus. If you or someone you live with is a smoker, you’re more likely to develop asthma in adulthood.4. Hormonal changes in womenHormones involved in the onset of menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, like progesterone and estrogen, can trigger asthma in women. During these hormonal changes, your senses may be more hypersensitive, and everyday things like exercising, exposure to airborne pollutants, and other asthma-inducing factors make you prone to adult-onset asthma.5. Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)GERD is a digestive disorder where the food and acid from your stomach flow back into the esophagus, causing inflammation and irritation. Stomach acid that repeatedly streams back into your air pathways can irritate and damage the esophagus linings.6. ObesityExcessive body weight can lead to changes in lung function and increase the risk of developing respiratory conditions, including asthma. Obesity can cause a decrease in lung volume and compliance, making breathing more difficult and contributing to asthma development.7. Exposure to environmental irritantsEnvironmental irritants include many substances, such as air pollution, dust, mold, pet dander, and chemical fumes.When inhaled, these irritants can inflame air pathways and produce symptoms such as coughing and sneezing. Over time, repeated exposure to these irritants can cause chronic inflammation and remodeling of the airways, leading to adult-onset asthma.Tips for Managing Asthma in AdultsLifelong asthma can drastically impact one’s quality of life. To help ease the symptoms, here are tips for managing adult-onset asthma.1. Learn your triggersPrevention is the key when you have asthma. Knowing your triggers lets you avoid the particles and stressors that aggravate your condition, helping you reduce the frequency of your asthma attacks.You can keep a diary of symptoms and triggers to help you remember. This diary will also be helpful to health professionals and your loved ones, so they know how to take care of you when you need assistance.2. Quit smokingQuitting smoking is your best course of action in managing adult-onset asthma, as this unhealthy habit stifles lung capacity and aggravates respiratory complications. It would be best to quit smoking with the help of a professional.3. Exercise regularly, eat healthily, and get enough sleepRegular exercise can improve lung capacity and overall health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activities, such as walking or cycling, each day of the week. In addition, eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can also help maintain optimal lung function.Following the recommended eight hours of sleep is also advisable because it ensures your body responds positively and benefits from healthy food and exercise.4. Practice breathing exercises for asthmaDiaphragmatic breathing exercises help improve your lung capacity and breathing efficiency. It also lets you relax and mitigate stress and tension, which are common asthma triggers.5. Try homeopathic remediesHomeopathic remedies are alternative medications that utilize highly diluted forms of plants and minerals. These remedies do not introduce harmful synthetic chemicals to your body and can help regulate and prevent asthma episodes.Beat Asthma NaturallyAdult-onset asthma is a challenging ailment since many factors can trigger it. Fortunately, by knowing what causes it, living a healthier lifestyle, and seeking natural treatments like homeopathy, you can manage asthma in adulthood better.If you’re looking for a reliable brand of homeopathic medicine, look no further than Forces of Nature. Our high-quality, FDA-registered, USDA-certified organic remedies provide only the best in natural homeopathic treatments. Start browsing our shop today for access to a wide selection of safe and effective homeopathic medicine to help you overcome different illnesses!
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The Link Between Eczema and Asthma in Children
While most common health conditions in children present themselves to be mild such as the common cold, stomach flu, bronchitis, etc., children are more at risk for other conditions such as eczema and asthma. So much so that studies have found that children that suffer from eczema in the first two years of life were three times more likely to develop asthma in the next five years.
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What is Inula helenium?
By Dr. Peter Klapper Ph.D.What is it?Inula helenium, also known as elecampane, is a soothing herb with a long list of potential health benefits. It’s a sunflower-like plant from the daisy family that is native to Europe and northern Asia. Its roots and rhizomes are rich in flavonoids, polysaccharides, fatty acids, and other healthful compounds.What is its history?This herb is the stuff that legends are made of…literally. Folklore suggests that Helen of Troy wore this flower in her hair as she was abducted from her homeland and that this plant grew wherever Helen's tears fell during this time. Its genus name, Helenium, refers to Helen of Troy.How is it used? The list of potential health benefits associated with the roots and rhizomes of Inula helenium is a lengthy one. It has been used to treat coughing associated with bronchitis, asthma, and even whooping cough.How is it taken?Inula helenium is available in teas, tinctures, medicinal honey, syrup, capsules, extracts, or drops such as in Forces of Nature’s Allergy Maximum Strength. Health benefits aside, the root is also used to give absinthe its bitter flavor.How does it work?It’s rich in mucilage which helps thin the mucus that can trigger coughing. (Sometimes mucus is produced in response to irritation from an allergen.) A study in the journal Antioxidants showed that elecampane has anti-inflammatory effects in the lungs, which can also help ease coughing and congestion. This herb is also rich in the prebiotic soluble fiber inulin. Prebiotics help to encourage a healthy and well-balanced gut. Inulin has other positive effects too. It can slow metabolism and reduce blood sugar spikes in people with diabetes.Thinking of giving elecampane a try?Forces of Nature’s Allergy Maximum Strength contains Inula helenium along with other all-natural herbs such as stinging nettle, marshmallow, and Scots pines to reduce vexing allergy symptoms. Place 5 to 10 drops under your tongue at first signs of sniffling, sneezing, cough or other allergy symptoms. Repeat this every 15 minutes until symptoms subside. You can also add three to six drops in water and drink throughout the day.Where can I learn more?Interested in learning more about Inula helenium? Check out these articles: Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine. Elecampane Monograph. https://www.eclecticschoolofherbalmedicine.com/elecampane-monograph/ Missouri Botanical Garden. Inula helenium. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277211
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All About Asthma: How To Keep It Under Control
By Dr. Peter Klapper Ph.D. If you suffer from asthma, you may be having a harder time breathing lately due to allergies. If you are, know you’re not alone. The spring is peak season for people with allergies, which is why May is known as “National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.”To raise awareness around this disease that affects 25 million people in the United States, (20 million adults and 5 million children) we wanted to help provide tips to keep your asthma under control this allergy season.What Causes Asthma?Although Asthma is a more commonly known illness, you may be wondering what causes flareups. Asthma is a chronic condition that affects your bronchial tubes (i.e. the airway in your lungs.) Those who suffer from this disease airways will narrow, swell and produce extra mucus when triggered which makes breathing difficult and causes coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.But to be honest, it’s uncertain what actually “causes” asthma. What the medical community does know is that there are many factors that play into what might cause someone to have an asthma attack. Whether that be genetics and asthma runs in the family, to allergens, respiratory infections, and other environmental factors.For some, asthma is only a minor inconvenience and flares up a few times a year, however 5 to 10 percent of asthmatics have it far more severe and feel the impacts of their disease in their everyday life. Not to mention, many may have life-threatening asthma attacks. Unfortunately, asthma cannot be cured but it can be controlled.Tips To Keep It Under ControlKnow Your TriggersAs we stated above, asthma can be triggered by many ailments so it’s important to know what the cause of your asthma attacks might be. For many, common triggers include cold air, humidity, exercise, allergens like pollen and dander and the effects of dealing with a cold.Keep FitWhile some might find that exercise can cause them to use their inhaler more frequently, working out is known to dramatically improve asthma symptoms. And by combining exercise with the proper treatment, improvement can be achieved.Conditions such as obesity cause asthma to be worse, which is why it’s important to stay healthy. By exercising, you strengthen your breathing muscles, improve your immune system, and keep a healthy body weight. However, be mindful on what types of exercise are best for you.Cardio is a great way to strengthen your lungs, but it’s also important to not overexert yourself to the point you can’t catch your breath either. If you can, try and avoid working out in cold air to prevent an attack.Don’t SmokeIf you smoke on the regular, or socially, it’s a good idea to think about quitting. Smoking can reduce the effectiveness of your asthma medication, not to mention the tobacco itself damages your airways causing more attacks.Secondhand smoke can also cause serious breathing issues. In fact, studies have shown a clear link between asthma in children because of secondhand smoke. More than 40 percent of children who go to the emergency room for asthma live with smokers and have more frequent asthma attacks.Pay Attention to Outside Air ConditionsThe weather and outside conditions can play a big part into asthma attacks. If you’re triggered by allergens such as pollen, be sure to pay attention to the pollen count outside, especially during the spring.If a fire is burning nearby, that will most likely also affect your asthma. By being aware of what’s happening outside of your house, you can plan and be prepared with the right medications.Keep Your House CleanSimilar to knowing the conditions outside, it’s also important to keep your house clean as well. If you’re triggered by animal dander or dust, you can reduce symptoms indoors by vacuuming and dusting regularly.Reduce StressAsthma attacks can be triggered by stress. Think about it, when put into a stressful situation, you might feel an overwhelming sense of panic that can cause an increase in breathing and heart rate that leads to shortness of breath and chest tightness.If you know that you have a stressful event coming up, try relaxing with massage therapy, a relaxing bath, exercise and even a good night’s rest.Take Care of Your HealthIf your asthma is severe, it can be affected greatly if you are faced with another ailment. Therefore, it’s so important to take care of yourself. If it’s cold and flu season, get your flu shot, inquire about a pneumonia shot, wash your hands, and wear a mask if in crowded places.Be Diligent with MedicationFinally, be proactive with your asthma attack plan and take your medication. Many preventive medications require you to take them daily, so don’t feel like you can skip out just because you’re currently feeling great.And don’t forget to keep your inhaler with you wherever you go. You never know what might trigger your asthma.
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Getting my Sinuses Under Control Helped Improve my Asthma
Everyone can relate to the feeling of being congested, having a runny nose, and getting headaches or facial pain. These are all symptoms of sinus problems. Recurrent pain from sinus problems is unpleasant and distracting from daily responsibilities and enjoyment. There is nothing worse than trying to work and simultaneously trying to manage a headache or runny nose.
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How One Schoolteacher Takes Measures to Prevent & Alleviate Cold and Flu Symptoms.
Everyone can relate to the dreadful feeling of knowing a cold or flu is coming on, starting with a sore throat, or made evident through the constant sniffles and chills throughout the body. Yet, these may just be the initial symptoms, eventually followed by a week to two-week battle.
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