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After Seven Years, 9/11 Causing Asthma

FitSugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 14:30:00 -0700

Today marks the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City. The number of people who were affected that day is immeasurable, and people are continuing to feel the effects. As if the loss of loved ones isn't enough to bear, now a new a study released on Wednesday by the World Trade Center Health Registry estimates that 3,800 to 12,600 adults who were exposed to the World Trade Center disaster site have developed asthma. This condition was more prevalent among NYC residents who remained in the area on 9/11 or who returned two days after the attack, and was less prevalent among those who didn't return to the city until December.

The study is ongoing and residents, area workers, and rescue workers will be tracked for up to 20 years after the attack to determine the extent of the health issues caused by 9/11. For workers and volunteers who performed rescue, recovery, or cleanup work at ground zero, the deadline for filing for workers' health compensation has been moved to Sept. 11, 2010, in case new illnesses arise. The deadline is normally only two years. There's no doubt that many people hold heartbreaking memories of this day in their minds, but now they may also have health issues to act as constant reminders.

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5 Causes for Coughing at Night

FitSugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:00:00 -0700

You feel fine all day, but something happens when you lie down. You end up with this irritating tickle in your throat or a nagging cough that only happens at night. It's been like this for weeks so what gives? According to Shape, here are five reasons you may be coughing:

Asthma: I know when most people think of asthma, they think of someone gasping for air. Although this can definitely be a symptom, most people with asthma more commonly experience a dry cough, so you may want to see your doctor to get tested, just to make sure.
Sinusitis: If it's not asthma, a chronic stuffy nose could be the culprit. When your sinuses are clogged with mucus, it can drip down the back of your throat (post nasal drip), and cause that annoying tickle. Allergies may be causing your sinusitis, so your doc may prescribe allergy meds or a nasal spray to help clear the way.

To see the other causes read more

Check your drugs: If you're taking certain meds such as ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure, a dry cough could be a side effect. So ask your pharmacist if coughing could be caused by one of the medications you're on.
Acid reflux: If it's not asthma or sinusitis, another medical condition that could cause coughing at night is acid reflux disease. When you lie down, the acid in your stomach that causes indigestion and heartburn can also wash into your lungs. If you think this is the problem, try to eat a smaller dinner earlier in the evening, and elevate your head at least six inches when you sleep. If this doesn't help, there are OTC medications that can do wonders.
Iron Deficiency: Your cough may have something to do with your diet. If your body is low in iron, swelling and irritation in the back of your throat could be a symptom, which would make you cough. If this sounds familiar, an iron supplement may be all you need.

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Pregnancy Stress Could Cause Allergies and Asthma For Baby

FitSugar — Wed, 21 May 2008 11:00:00 -0700

When I was growing up, my grandma always told me, "Worrying will make you sick," and according to new research, worrying can also make someone else sick. There seems to be a connection between a stressed-out mom, her growing baby, and the baby's developing immune system. It turns out that stress during pregnancy could make a fetus more susceptible to certain substances, which could potentially trigger asthma and allergies down the road.

Harvard Medical School tested this theory by taking blood samples from the umbilical cords of 373 infants. They measured the level of Immunoglobulin (IgE), a chemical found in the blood that's linked to allergies, and found higher levels of IgE in babies with stressed-out mothers. That means that those moms who were worried about money, relationships, or their jobs while pregnant could have influenced the baby's developing immune system.

Of course, more research needs to be done to test other factors besides stress that could affect a baby's risk for future asthma and allergies. It's definitely an interesting concept though and proves how important it is for a pregnant woman to be healthy and happy, both physically and emotionally.

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Asthma Inhalers Getting a Makeover to Save the World

FitSugar — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:30:00 -0700

If you have asthma and you use an inhaler like Albuterol, then I have some bad news for you, but some good news for Mother Earth. In case you didn't know this, most inhalers right now use chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) to propel the medicine into user's lungs. CFCs (like those used in many aerosol hairsprays and deodorants) are bad for the environment because they deplete the ozone layer.

This change, which was mandated by the federal government in 2005, is going into effect by January 2009. These new CFC-free inhalers use ozone-friendly propellants called hydrofluoroalkanes (HFAs), and they've actually been available for over 10 years. Asthma sufferers are reluctant to make the switch though because CFC inhalers are generic and HFAs are brand-name, which means they cost three times more than CFC inhalers.

Since January 2007, the FDA has received over 400 complaints about the new HFA inhalers, saying they cost too much and don't work properly. Unfortunately, patients haven't been educated about the differences between the two. HFA inhalers have a softer spray, so some people think it's not working. They don't want to risk having to rush to the ER because of an asthma attack, so they continue to use the CFC inhalers.

Some insurers only cover one out of the four available HFA inhalers, and members of Congress are urging the Bush administration to cover the new inhalers equally. If the government is forcing people to make the switch to HFA inhalers, then insurance companies should help cover the cost. Hopefully they will by the end of the year, when CFC inhalers will be banned. If you suffer from asthma, how do you feel about this? Have any of you used these new eco-friendly inhalers?

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Free Asthma Screenings Nationwide

FitSugar — Fri, 02 May 2008 08:00:00 -0700

Do you have trouble breathing when you walk or do simple chores? Do you cough at night? Does your chest feel tight or do you ever have trouble taking a good, deep breath? Well according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, if you've answered yes to any of the previous questions you might have untreated asthma.

The Nationwide Asthma Screening Program provides free screenings to adults and children at more than 250 sites across the country and can help you find out if your breathing problems might actually be symptoms of asthma. Most screenings take place in May, which as you know by now is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month and are only about 15 minutes. If you're interested be sure to check the list of screening programs scheduled in cities across the country for a location near you.

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Singulair Linked to Suicide?

FitSugar — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 02:00:00 -0700

If you take the allergy and asthma medication Singulair (which I do, by the way), you'll want to know that the FDA is investigating its link to depression and suicidal tendencies. Used by both children and adults, possible side effects can also include tremors and anxiety. It's been reported that at least three people who were taking Singulair have committed suicide.

Neither the FDA nor Merck (the makers of this drug) recommend that you stop taking it, unless you have noticed severe mood changes or other symptoms. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

If you want to see a video with more information then read more

Why Sudden Allergies in Adulthood?

FitSugar — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Many people live through childhood sleeping with their pet kitties on their pillows, rolling around on dust filled carpets, and collecting flowers and weeds to give to their moms. They do this without a sneeze or sniffle. Those same carefree kids grow up and when they hit their 20s, they suddenly develop allergies to all those things. What gives?

Allergies can develop at any age, and its prevalence in adults is rising. It's known as Adult-Onset Allergies and there are many theories as to why this happens. The most accepted reason is that nowadays babies' developing immune systems are not exposed to as many viruses, bacterium, and allergens as in the past due to wide use of antibiotics, vaccinations, cleaner food and water supply, better living conditions, and germ-a-phobe parents who don't let their kids roll around in dirt. When immune systems aren't faced with dust, pollen, and mold, they don't fully develop the ability to combat those allergens in the future. So in a way, being too careful and being protected against such allergens can actually cause children's immune systems to develop in an unbalanced way, which can make them hypersensitive to seemingly harmless substances in the future.

Allergies can also develop if you are exposed to allergens when your immune system is weakened. That's why pregnant women often develop allergies after they give birth.

Could your family history be to blame for allergies too? To find out read more.

Genetics can definitely play a role in developing allergies as an adult as well. Allergies to specific allergens are not necessarily inherited, but the general tendency to develop allergies can be traced back to your family. If one of your parents has allergies, then you have a one in three chance of developing allergies too.

Your age also has something to do with developing allergies. Since repeated exposure to certain allergens can cause an allergic reaction, it makes sense to develop allergies when you're older, as you've had more time to be in contact with dust, dander, mold, and pollen.

I guess I should be grateful that I lived without allergies for most of my life, but I get the sniffles now when all the flowers start to bloom. What about you? Are you all of a sudden allergic to your pet or do you get a runny nose as soon as the pollen count climbs?

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Spring Fit Tip: Keep Hydrated, Especially Asthma Sufferers

FitSugar — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 14:00:00 -0700

As the weather slowly turns and you start exercising in warm weather it's important to remember to keep hydrated. This is especially important for asthma sufferers as dehydration has been known to make it worse.

Dehydration can cause bronchospasm, a constriction of the lung airways, which can make exercise induced asthma worse. So no matter who you are, try to keep water or sports drinks off hand during all your spring exercise endeavors. Also, if you have asthma, then be sure to have a rescue inhaler with you whenever you're exercising.

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Fit Tip: Asthma and Running

FitSugar — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 13:30:00 -0800

I have allergy-induced asthma, and I was worried that certain types of exercise, like running, would make it worse. Then a fellow asthma sufferer told me that it really helped to get their asthma symptoms under control, so I gave it a shot. After I started running, I was able to decrease my asthma medicine dosage to once per day, which was huge for me (I hate that I have to rely on it).

There is a right and wrong way to run when you have asthma so here are some tips that helped me:

Figure out what times of day you are breathing the best and run then. If you tend to wake up not being able to breathe, then a prework run may not be the best idea for you.
Take your asthma medicine every day as directed. Also, if your asthma is triggered by allergies, taking an allergy medicine such as Singulair or a nasal spray like Flonase may help to relieve your asthma symptoms so you'll be able to breathe freely when running.
If you know that running triggers an asthma attack, take a puff or two of your rescue inhaler (Albuterol) before starting your run. The medicine will help open your airways, which can prevent an attack.

Want to hear what else may help? Then read more

In case you feel an attack coming on, keep water and your rescue inhaler with you while running.
Now that Winter is upon us, run indoors. Inhaling cold air can irritate your lungs which can trigger an asthma attack.
If possible, take a hot, steamy shower before you go for a run. Not only will it loosen up mucus in your lungs, but it'll warm up your muscles, too.
Huffing and puffing can trigger an attack, so jog at a consistent pace where you can breathe calmly, but still work your heart.
Don't do interval training where you sprint for two minutes, and then jog for two minutes and so on. You'll end up breathing heavily, which could spur an attack.
Listen to your body. If you're running and you start wheezing, slow down your pace dramatically and walk. Concentrate on taking long, calm, and deep breaths. Begin running again only when your breathing has returned to normal.

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How to Deal With Seasonal Allergies, Asthma and Exercise

FitSugar — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 11:45:00 -0700

Tis the season for seasonal allergies – ragweed, mold (from soggy leaves) and dust mites galore! When you suffer from itchy eyes and throat, sneezing, runny nose, or allergy induced-asthma, exercising your body is far from top on your list. Here are some tips to help allergy sufferers still get in a workout.

As beautiful as it is outside, you're better off exercising inside. When you huff and puff while doing cardio outside, you're only inhaling the allergens that are bothering you. Join a gym or use your home treadmill or elliptical to keep up with your cardio.
Take your allergy medicine as directed. Even if you're not having symptoms, when taken daily, many of those prescriptions help to prevent attacks if and when your body does come in contact with enemy allergens. Those meds can control your symptoms before they start.

Want to hear the other tips? Then read more

I got this great tip from my allergist: If you have asthma, and you use a rescue inhaler like Albuterol, take a puff or two before you do any cardio. It'll allow you to take deeper breaths, and may prevent an asthma attack.
If you are prone to asthma attacks, keep your inhaler close by while you workout, just in case you need it.
Try to breath through your nose while exercising, since the nose hairs act as a natural filter. Is your nose is stuffed, take a steamy shower before working out, or try using a neti pot to clear out any mucus.
If your symptoms are really bad, do some light exercise inside like a fitness DVD, yoga, weight lifting, or walking on a treadmill.

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