Do You Have Asthma?

Thursday 3rd December 2009

Asthma is an increasingly common breathing problem, and it seems highly likely that you will know someone who suffers with it. The causes of asthma can vary from person to person as too can the symptoms.

I am an asthma sufferer myself, with the illness only flaring up during the winter months. Having a cold recently and suffering with Sinusitis probably triggered my asthma this time around.

So, how do you know if you have asthma or not? Here are some of the most common symptoms that you should be looking out for;

• Coughing, especially at night
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness, pain, or pressure

Still, not every person with asthma has the same symptoms in the same way. You may not have all of these symptoms, or you may have different symptoms of asthma at different times. Your symptoms may also vary from one asthma attack to the next, being mild during one and severe during another.

Some people with asthma may go for extended periods without having any symptoms at all, interrupted by periodic worsening of their symptoms called asthma attacks. Others might have asthma symptoms every day. In addition, some people may only have asthma during exercise or asthma with viral infections like colds.

Mild asthma attacks are generally more common. Usually, the airways open up within a few minutes to a few hours. Severe attacks are less common but last longer and require immediate medical help. It is important to recognize and treat even mild symptoms to help you prevent severe episodes and keep asthma under better control.

If you would like to know more about Asthma, symptoms, triggers, and treatments then visit http://www.webmd.com/asthma/default.htm

Thanks for stopping by. See you again tomorrow!

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Get A Simple Energy Boost With Deep Breathing.

Thursday 24th September 2009

If you are feeling tired, anxious or a little stressed, (and lets be honest, who isn't these days), then here is a simple trick to give you a quick energy boost just when you need it.

Shallow breathing prevents the body from receiving the right amount of oxygen, and stress or anxiety can make your breathing much quicker, less deeper and far more damaging. All of this resulting in spurts of tiredness throughout the day.

Practising a simple deep breathing technique for just a few minutes a day will force more oxygen into your system which will not only slow your heart rate, but will lower your blood pressure, improve circulation and ultimately give you more energy.

The general principal of this exercise is to make your breathing slower, quieter and much more regulated. So whenever you feel yourself flagging, take a little time out and do the following:

Place your tongue at the top of your mouth, with the tip resting on the back of your top teeth. Exhale through your mouth until there is nothing left. Inhale deeply through your nose, counting to four, hold that breath for a count of seven and exhale through the mouth once more. Repeat this sequence five times and you will instantly feel calmer, more relaxed and a little more energetic.

I hope it helps!

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