Asthma

Have you ever noticed how some people in the locality have breathing problems at Diwali time especially when crackers are being burst nearby? Or say, the ‘puff or asthalin’ a lot of children carry to school? These are children or people who have breathing problems as a result of asthma. Around the globe, roughly 2,50,000 die of asthma every year. Asthma is a condition of the bronchial tubes or the airways to the lungs. The ailment causes inflammation or swelling in the bronchial tubes and can make you breathless. Asthma is pretty common and those with asthma do not ever get fully cured, but the disease can be managed very well now. Extremely emotional events could also lead to asthma attacks. Types There are many types of asthma, depending on their onset and severity. Some of them are: Childhood asthma: This is an intermittent form of asthma and reportedly, more children experience asthma attacks than elders. Second-hand smoke, cigarette exposure could be reasons for developing childhood asthma. Adult-onset asthma: Asthma can begin at any age. Adult-onset asthma could be a result of other ailments too. For example, obesity is a major risk factor. Occupational asthma: This is a kind of asthma that occurs as a result of any profession or occupation. Seasonal asthma: This is one of the most commonly heard-of. For some people, the environment around them and even the climate can trigger asthma. For example, the weather, Diwali time because of the smoke caused by crackers, and so on. Causes

Genetics
Allergies
Smoking/ exposure to smoking
Environmental factors like pollution
Obesity
Smoking during pregnancy
Stress
Menstrual cycle

Symptoms

Shortness of breath
Chest tightness
Chest pain
Wheezing
Cough
Lack of sleep due to breathlessness

Treatments Asthma, like we said earlier cannot be fully cured. However, asthma can be managed pretty well. Its symptoms can be kept under control. Medications like combination inhalers or anti-inflammatory drugs could come in handy for you. Immunotherapy has also proven to be useful in case of some kinds of asthma. Going beyond in the holistic approach Louise Hay, motivational leader and empowerment coach who has done path breaking work in supporting HIV/AIDS patients and their families, has said that, “Illness however mild or severe is an indicator of your emotional state, caused by your thoughts and focus.” According to her, the main cause of asthma is: Smothering love. Inability to breathe for one's self. Feeling stifled. Suppressed crying. One way of healing this is through saying or writing affirmations. Doing this regularly can help to reduce the debilitating effects of this illness. Her affirmation for treating asthma is: It is safe now for me to take charge of my own life. I choose to be free. Read less