One of the most worrying global health trends in recent years is the number of asthma sufferers; year on year, the figure for those contracting the condition rises.
Although it is treatable, asthma is still a chronic condition which affects the function of breathing of every person who is affected by it.
This is a respiratory condition that when not treated properly can easily result in death, if the attack is not attended to in time or is severe.
Assessing and monitoring the condition is the first important step towards treating the condition for any asthma sufferer.
Depending on the condition, there are three main steps for treatment and they are: *Instigating preventative measures *Relief medication for minor attacks *Emergency treatment for serious attacks The first preventative treatment to be supplied to every sufferer is a Bronchodilator which can give relief from minor attacks; many asthmatics will only ever need this form of medication.
However, patients who experience regular attacks although they may be mild, will probably use a low-dose glucocorticoid or a mastcell stabilizer which would also be used in conjunction with a standard reliever.
Oral glucocorticoids will have to be used for the unfortunate asthma patients who have serious and severe attacks.
Whatever the level of severity they experience all sufferers have a traditional reliever to aid them.
The asthmatics themselves must also recognize just what situations or conditions trigger their attacks then they will be able to avoid those situations.
Whilst air pollution may not be the direct cause of this condition, it is recognized globally as having a contributing effect.
The medications used to help prevent and treat attacks is very effective but should only be used sparingly; prescription drugs may also cause serious side effects such as: *Tiredness *Occasional dizziness *Loss of interest in sex *Depression *Liver damage Many patients with respiratory conditions are now moving towards natural remedies which do not have these awful side-effects.
Catalysts are used to help reduce the strain on the system by calming it and thereby strengthening it over time.
Natural medications provide natural organic catalysts to the body that restore balance in the system and thereby eliminate all the symptoms without any side effects.
Other asthma sufferers are finding that breathing techniques taught by certain yoga disciples can also help their situation and promote good health.
A good nutritional diet will help boost the immune system and natural therapies will not leave large amounts of drugs in your system.
Ultimately, the most important factor is the asthma patient learning to manage their own condition.