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With spring comes birds, bees and for some, a wheeze.

More than 24 million Americans have been diagnosed with asthma, but millions more may be at risk for the condition and not know it.

Allergists who are members of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) want people to be aware of these five little-known facts about asthma:

1. Sometimes the signs are subtle: Do you cough at night? Get winded while walking up stairs? These can be symptoms of asthma. "The lungs of a person who has asthma are inflamed all the time," said allergist Dr. John Winder, chair of the ACAAI Nationwide Asthma Screening Program. "When a trigger makes the inflammation worse, that's what people think of as an asthma 'attack.' But symptoms are not always like that. You can have asthma and not even know it."

2. Stormy weather can spark trouble: Studies show an increase in asthma-related emergency room visits after a thunderstorm. No one knows the exact reason, but the rupture of pollen grains due to the storm and the wind spreading these grains are thought to be culprits. Allergists advise those with asthma stay inside after a storm.

3. Pollen can be powerful: Many of those with asthma find their symptoms are triggered by allergies. Tree pollen is a common spring allergen, and various parts of the country have seen record-setting levels this year. "It's a good idea to find out if allergies might be triggering your asthma," said Dr. Winder. "Allergy testing can help pinpoint the cause and the right treatment which can include things you can do to avoid pollen."

4. Exercise woes: If you have trouble breathing during or after exercise, you might have Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB). Ten percent of Americans have EIB even though they don't have asthma. Allergists can prescribe inhalers to use before and during exercise. They also recommend sports like swimming, walking, baseball and short track and field events which are likely to cause fewer problems for people with EIB.

5. No age limits: Although it's more common in children, asthma can strike at any age. "The bottom line is that if you are having any trouble breathing, get it checked out," said Dr. Winder. "Testing for asthma is quick and painless."

Source: American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI)

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It is estimated that nearly 5 million children suffer from childhood asthma in the United States. Asthma is one of the most common childhood diseases and unfortunately there is no cure for it. The only way to handle asthma is to control it and to avoid situations which could bring upon an attack.

The two most common signs of childhood asthma are constant coughing and wheezing. Usually when a child has been running and playing, his breath comes out making a whistling sound which is known as wheezing. Your child can also experience tightness in the chest accompanied by shortness of breath.

Most children who suffer from asthma tend to get more respiratory illnesses than children who do not have asthma. If your child gets a cold, the cold will last longer than normal and it can be quite severe. The severity of a respiratory illness could be a hidden indicator that your child is suffering from asthma. If your child does not demonstrate the classic wheezing symptom associated with asthma, it can be difficult to diagnose asthma in him or her.

Sometimes certain allergies can spark an asthma attack. If your child is allergic to certain types of food, pollen or dust, pay close attention to see whether he or she is experiencing difficulties in breathing or he or she is coughing and wheezing.

If you detect any symptoms of asthma in your child, it is advisable to take your child to a doctor so that a proper diagnosis can be done and medical treatment can be given to him or her to bring the childhood asthma under control.

About Author:

Pauline Go is a professional writer for many website like newbiemommy.com. She also writes other great articles like Know about Massive Heart Attacks, Fake Doctors Sick Note, Composition of Ultram Medication

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Asthma inhalers are a lifesaver to asthma sufferers. Asthma inhalers provides a safety net for people with asthma and is used whenever an asthma attack is imminent.

The most common asthma inhaler is a canister that deliver asthma mediation via a nebulizer in the form of a mist.

Asthma inhaler has been used for nearly a hundred years and has improved a lot in recent years to deliver greater absorption and potency. The basic principle is still the same although the medication has changed over the years.

When an asthma person suffers an asthma attack, the muscles in the bronchial tubes becomes constricted and thus makes it difficult for the person to breathe. An asthma inhaler helps to relax the muscles enabling the person to breathe normally. Doctors also recommend asthma sufferers to use inhalers before going to bed at night and also when they wake up in the morning.

First use users of asthma inhalers may find it difficult to use at first. Although it looks simple, timing is very important. The mouthpiece is placed in the mouth and with a press of a button, you should breathe in hard at the same time so that the asthma medication can go into the lungs.

After the inhaler is released, you should exhale just as hard. It is important to get it right as during an asthma attack, a person may not have much time to think about it and should be able to do this instinctively.

By doing this in one motion, the full dosage of the medication is delivered to the lungs and you stand a better chance of recovering from an asthma attack.

There is no current cure for asthma and asthma inhalers are a very valuable lifesaver that has helped save many people’s lives.

Ricky is the online editor of http://www.asthmahomeopathy.net, a website dedicated to provide alternative forms of asthma remedies such as asthma herbal inhaler.

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Asthma homeopathy is an alternative asthma treatment method. It aim to use natural and non-invasive methods to cure asthma. That means no use of drugs such as aspirin for asthma attacks.

Asthma is quite a common problem that affects both young and old. It is caused by the inflammation of the airways which will restrict the flow of oxygen into the lungs thus causing an asthma attack. To date, there is no known cure for asthma but various drugs and medications have been developed to lower the chances of someone developing an asthma attack.

The main purpose of asthma homeopathy is to identify the root cause of asthma attacks. Drugs and medications only stop or reduce the symptoms of asthma attacks and do not completely tackle the real cause of the problem.

It should be noted asthma homeopathy is a long term solution to asthma problems and will take some time before the effects will be felt. Asthma homeopathy aims to strengthen the person’s immune system by taking natural supplements and holistic therapy. Once the immune system is strengthened, it can then fight asthma on its own as it is our body’s “defensive” system.

The type of asthma homeopathy treatment will vary from person to person. Some factors which will need to be taken into consideration are the frequency of asthma attacks and allergens etc.

There have been clinical studies that shows people who undergo asthma homeopathy develop a stronger immune system and body resistance. As a result, their asthma attacks have reduced and they are not reliable on any drugs or medication to curb asthma attacks.

Since asthma homeopathy is 100 percent natural and non-invasive with no side effects, it is suitable for people of all age groups.

Ricky highly recommend using asthma homeopathy if you or your family members have asthma. Visit his website at http://www.asthmahomeopathy.net for more information.

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I'll never forget the night I discovered I had asthma. One minute I was sound asleep and then suddenly I was pounding on the wall, struggling to catch my next breath. I was rushed to the emergency room where my parents were told I'd suffered an asthma attack.

Some Symptoms of Asthma

Asthma is caused by inflammation of the airways. The inflammation makes the airways overly sensitive. Once the airways become irritated, they begin to constrict.

•Shortness of breath
•Wheezing
•Coughing
•Tightness in the chest
•Shortness of breath

The symptoms of asthma vary from child to child. Not all children wheeze and wheezing doesn't necessarily mean your child has asthma. A doctor will consider the history of your child's symptoms before diagnosing asthma.


Causes of Asthma

The causes, or triggers, of asthma vary, as do the symptoms. Once you identify the triggers, you can attempt to avoid them.

•Dust
•Pollen
•Weather changes
•Environmental pollutants
•Exercise
•Reflux disease
•Upper respiratory infections
•Pet dander
•Mold

As you can see, many things in our environment can affect your child's breathing. It's important to diagnose and treat asthma to help your child have the best physical health possible.

A medical emergency:

A severe asthma attack can be life-threatening. That fact was made apparent to me recently.

I've had my asthma under control for several years. However, due to the combination of a bad upper respiratory infection and stress it got out of hand. I was rushed to the emergency room. The medical staff was amazing. They quickly and efficiently assessed the situation, provided me with excellent care, and I was released a few hours later, breathing easier.

If your child has trouble breathing, immediately seek medical help. Asthma attacks vary in their severity and can quickly become life-threatening.

Your child can live a productive life even with asthma. Proper diagnosis and treatment make a difference, though. There are many resources for asthmatics. Follow your physician's advice, do some research, and help your child live a happier, healthier life.

Here are a couple of informative sites.

Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/childhood-asthma/DS00849

American Lung Association
http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=22782

Need some fun ideas for the kids? Or maybe family resources like stories, crafts, tips, and simple snack ideas? Visit Lisa Kirby's blog at http://www.familyfunandfood.blogspot.com for ideas on bringing your family together, having fun, and living a more simple life.

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