ASPIRIN/ASTHMA
Aspirin may cause asthma attacks in sensitive individuals. A single tablet of aspirin caused significant small airway obstruction in some children with chronic asthma. The attacks occurred within minutes, or as a long as two hours after taking the aspirin. (Medical Tribune, January 22, 1975) Copyright Phylis Austin

SINGING/RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS
Patients with respiratory problems may benefit by singing. A 78-year-old woman with blocked pulmonary passages showed increased arterial blood gas levels after singing. Dr. Marc Judson, a fellow in pulmonary medicine at New York University reports that singing uses up to 90 percent of the lungs' vital capacity. (Medical World News, February 11, 1985, p. 171) Copyright Phylis Austin

VEGAN DIET/ASTHMA
Changing the diet to induce an change in bowel microflora may be effective in reducing asthma symptoms. A group of patients in Sweden were placed on a vegan diet (one containing no milk, eggs, meat, or animal products of any type) for a period of one year. The average patient in the study had suffered from asthma for nearly 12 years, and in about half of these patients allergy tests had not been helpful. Most of the patients had been admitted to the hospital during the past two years suffering from acute asthmatic attacks and their average number of medications at the beginning of the diet was 4.5 medications per person. Of the 35 patients, 20 of them were taking cortisone constantly and of the remaining group 7 had received cortisone at some time during the disease. The study group represented a group of patients with quite advanced disease. The diet prescribed was free of all animal products, and coffee, tea, chocolate, sugar and salt were all eliminated. Cereals were very limited but buckwheat, millet and lentils were accepted. Citrus fruits and apples were not permitted. Patients were encouraged to drink water or herbal teas, up to 1 1/2 liters every 24 hours. The patients were to spend some time every day in physical activity out of doors. Over 70 percent of the patients reported improvement or disappearance of symptoms after four months on the program, while after one year 92 percent were improved or well. The group as a whole reported a decrease in the number of asthmatic attacks and less severe symptoms in the attacks that did occur. Interestingly, many of these patients had associated diseases such as rheumatic symptoms, and they reported that these problems were lessened or cured. The group also reported a decrease in the frequency of infectious diseases they suffered. Blood pressure was decreased, vital capacity and physical working load both improved and body weight decreased. Some of the patients in the study were able to completely give up their asthma medication, and others reduced medication use to up to 50 percent of the original dose. (Journal of Asthma 22(1)45-55, 1985) Copyright Phylis Austin

ASTHMATICS/KEROSENE HEATERS
Kerosene heaters may be particularly troublesome to persons who suffer from asthma. Researchers found that levels of sulphur dioxide or carbon monoxide produced by kerosene heaters were sufficient to be a hazard for normal individuals. Asthmatics may suffer bronchial spasm from these substances. (Immunology and Allergy Practice, December 1984, p. 468) Gas stoves, both for cooking and heating, have proven hazardous for persons with respiratory or allergy problems. Copyright Phylis Austin

ASTHMA MEDICATIONS/CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM CHANGES
Theophylline and ephedrine, often given as treatment for asthma, both induce changes in brain wave patterns. (Annals of Allergy 54:177-184, March, 1985) Copyright Phylis Austin

ASTHMA/RHINITIS/INSTANT GLUE
A 32-year-old man developed asthma and rhinitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose) after using instant glue to build remote control model airplanes. He had been using the glue for about a year before symptoms developed. Avoidance of the glue produced clearing of the symptoms. (Annals of Internal Medicine 102:613-615, 1985) Copyright Phylis Austin

ONIONS/ASTHMA
Old Egyptian manuscripts document the use of onions in the treatment of respiratory disease. German researchers have recently observed that laboratory rats given onion oil demonstrated less bronchial obstruction than rats not given the substance. (Pediatric Research 19(10)1099, October, 1985; European Journal of Pharmacology 107:17-24, 1985; Agents and Actions 14(5-6)626-629, 1984) Copyright Phylis Austin

GAONKAR'S MANEUVER/ASTHMA/RHINITIS/CHRONIC SINUSITIS
Dr. B. N. Gaonkar describes a treatment he has used effectively in several patients suffering from allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, and chronic sinusitis. The procedure takes a little practice to carry out perfectly, but he feels that the results are worth the effort. The patient attempts to bring almost swallowed salt water out through the nose. Hold warm salt water deeply in the back of the mouth near the throat. Tip the head back to look up slightly, and gargle. Close both ears with the fingers, close the mouth and cough, flexing the neck to bring the face down. This forces the salt water into the nasal passageway. The procedure should be carried out three or four times daily. (Journal of Asthma 22(2)93- 97, 1985) You may wish to wear a shower cap while doing the maneuver. Copyright Phylis Austin

SALICYLATES/ASTHMA
Dr. Feingold first called attention to the presence of salicylates in foods when he treated hyperactivity in children by removing salicylates from their diet. His elimination diet was based on analyses performed at the turn of the century, with methods less accurate than those used today. Because of the current interest in the relationship of salicylates to asthma, Australian researchers analyzed over 300 foods for salicylate content. They report that most fruits contain salicylate, with raisins and prunes containing the most. Most berries contain significant amounts. Dried fruits, because of the removal of water, contain relatively high levels when compared with fresh. Copyright Phylis Austin

OVEREATING/ASTHMA
An association between overeating and asthma attacks was reported by William Osler in 1880. Recent laboratory studies indicate that overeating, which causes distention of the stomach, induces respiratory changes which are compatable with broncho-constriction. (Journal of Asthma 22(4)191-193, 1985) Copyright Phylis Austin

CAR AIR CONDITIONERS/ASTHMA
Fungi growing in car air conditioners may induce respiratory problems such as asthma, hay fever and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. A study of almost 400 individuals revealed that about 18 percent suffered worsening of their symptoms after riding in air-conditioned cars. (Emergency Medicine 17:51-53, July 15, 1985) Copyright Phylis Austin

BRONCHIAL ASTHMA/FOOD ALLERGY
A Netherlands study reveals that food allergy may induce bronchial asthma more frequently than has been recognized in the past. (Annals of Allergy 55(2)387, August, 1985) Copyright Phylis Austin

NOSE DROPS/UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTION
A group of 74 children, ranging in age from three weeks to two years, seen for upper respiratory tract infection were divided into three groups: one group was given saline nose drops, the second group received medicated nose drops, and the third group no nose drops. On follow-up there were no differences in the three groups. The authors of this study concluded that the use of medicated nose drops was not necessary in the treatment of rhinitis or upper respiratory tract infection. (Helv Paediat Acta 39:341-345, 1984) Copyright Phylis Austin

BRONCHOSPASM/INHALERS
Asthmatics are often given medication by inhalers to relieve bronchospasm (contraction of the smooth muscles of the walls of the bronchi and bronchioles, which narrows the respiratory airways). Some asthmatics react adversely to some of the inert ingredients or propellent gases the inhalers contain, and suffer worsening of the symptoms the medication is given for. (Annals of Allergy 55:25-27, July, 1985) Copyright Phylis Austin

HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS/PNEUMONITIS
Several cases of pneumonitis have been reported in women who combine ammonia and household bleach as cleaning agents. The combination forms chloramine compounds which are much more toxic than bleach or ammonia alone. The women required long periods of hospitalization and suffered a reduction in vital capacity even after treatment was completed. (Medical Times, March 1986, p. 89) Copyright Phylis Austin

STEROIDS/ASTHMA
Asthmatics are often given oral corticosteroids such as prednisone. They may develop bone weakness and cataracts as a side-effect of these medications. (Journal of the American Medical Association 249(19)2657, May 21, 1982) Copyright Phylis Austin

ASTHMA/MOTHER'S AGE
Children born to young mothers are more likely to develop asthma later in life than are the children of mothers at least 20 years of age. (Pediatric News 20(10)26, October, 1986) Copyright Phylis Austin

ONIONS/ASTHMA
Onion oils have been found effective in the treatment of bronchial obstruction associated with asthma. (International Archives of Allergy and Applied Immunology 82:535-536, 1987) Copyright Phylis Austin

INHALERS/ASTHMATICS
From 1960 to 1983 purchases of asthma drugs increased 15-fold. Most of these drugs were bronchodilators. Now allergists are beginning to question the wisdom of the use of these medications. Franklin Adkinson, Jr., an allergist, states that bronchodilators may actually cause more harm than good. Researchers point out that bronchodilators decrease the symptoms, but do not cure the lung infection. The drugs tend to cover up the asthma symptoms. And both physician and patient think the patient is better than he actually is. They treat the symptom, but not the disease, which continues and may lead to a more severe episode of asthma, which may require hospitalization. (Current Contents 30(43)13-14, October 26, 1987) Copyright Phylis Austin

ASTHMA/STEROIDS/DIABETES
Patients given steroids to treat asthma or bronchitis may be at increased risk of developing diabetes. A study in Poland revealed that 25 percent of a group of steroid-treated asthmatics had overt diabetes and another 20 percent had impaired glucose tolerance. (Medical Tribune 28(43)2, December 2, 1987) Copyright Phylis Austin

MATERNAL SMOKING/CHILDHOOD ASTHMA
Children whose mothers smoke are more likely to develop asthma than those children whose mothers do not smoke. Passive smoke exposure doubles the risk of childhood asthma. (Pediatrics 85:505, April 1990) Copyright Phylis Austin

INDOOR AIR POLLUTION/ASTHMA/ OTITIS MEDIA
Indoor air pollution increases the risk that children will develop both asthma and otitis media (ear ache). (Laryngoscope 101:293- 296, March 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin

ANTIHISTAMINES/RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS
The use of antihistamines may dry respiratory secretions, making it more difficult for the body to eliminate them, and prolonging the respiratory infection. Bacterial growth may be encouraged by the retained secretions. (Cortlandt Forum 3(10)35, October 1990) Copyright Phylis Austin

ASTHMA/FLUID INTAKE
Asthmatics may benefit from the high intake of water to thin their mucus. Adequate fluid intake is particularly important on hot days or while participating in athletic events. Good hydration may decrease bronchospasm. Asthmatics who are producing dark yellow urine should increase fluid intake. (Cortlandt Forum, October 1991, p. 49) Copyright Phylis Austin

ASTHMA/PRETERM LABOR AND DELIVERY
Women who suffer asthma and utilize asthma medications during pregnancy are at increased risk of preterm labor. (Epidemiology 4(2)143-150, March 1993) Copyright Phylis Austin

ASTHMA/PREDNISONE/OTITIS MEDIA
Children given prednisone to treat asthma are at increased risk of otitis media (ear infection) according to a recent study from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Researchers followed 86 children for six months, and observed that as the number of doses of prednisone increased, so did the incidence of otitis media. (Pediatric Research 33(4 Pt 2)117A, April 1993) Copyright Phylis Austin

DAY CARE/UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS/OTITIS MEDIA
Children placed in day care centers suffer more frequent upper respiratory tract infections and are more likely to develop otitis media (ear ache) than are children cared for in their own homes. (Pediatrics 87(2)129-133, February 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin

ALLERGIC RHINITIS/WHEEZING/STREET TRAFFIC
Elementary school children who live on streets with high traffic areas may suffer increased rates of asthma and/or allergic rhinitis (hay fever). (Annals of Epidemiology 4:243-247, 1994) Copyright Phylis Austin

AMINOPHYLLINE/ASTHMA
Aminophylline is part of the traditional treatment for acute asthma. A study of children hospitalized with acute asthma demonstrated no benefit from intravenous aminophylline treatment, but researchers did observe significant adverse effects including palpitations, nausea, vomiting, headache, and abdominal pain. (Pediatrics 93(2)205-210, February 1994) Copyright Phylis Austin

ASTHMA/DUST MITES
Asthma sufferers often suffer increased symptoms on exposure to dust mites, which may be found in the carpets and furniture. Washing bed sheets in water at least 150 degrees will kill the dust mites in them; chlorine bleach will accomplish the same thing. A recent report from Australia suggests adding four ounces of tea tree oil to the water to kill dust mites, even if the sheets are laundered in cold water. (Alternatives 5(10)80, April 1994) Copyright Phylis Austin

ALOE/ASTHMA
The Japanese have been using aloe vera extracts in the treatment of asthma. Asthma patients were given 5 milliliters of 20 percent extract from fresh aloe vera leaves twice a day. After 24 weeks 40 percent of the patients in the study reported significant improvement. Patients who had previously been dependent on corticosteroid medications were less likely to benefit from the aloe vera. (Alternatives 5(18)138, December 1994; Planta Medica 85:273-5, 1985) Copyright Phylis Austin

WEIGHT GAIN/REDUCED RESPIRATORY FUNCTION
Gaining one pound a year as a person ages may significantly reduce respiratory function. A weight gain of nine pounds may reduce respiratory capacity one-half of that which would be produced by cigarette smoking.
Smoking, aging, overweight, and dust exposure are all known to cause a reduction in lung function, but until this study, the significance of weight gain was not apparent. (American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine 153:1907-13, 1996) Copyright Phylis Austin

RESPIRATORY FUNCTION IN CHILDREN
Children whose mothers smoked while they were in utero, whose mothers had high blood pressure during the pregnancy, or who have a relative who suffers from asthma are at increased risk of respiratory problems. We have known for some time that newborns exposed to smoke are more likely to suffer respiratory problems, but this study shows that material smoking may delay the development of the infant's respiratory system. (Lancet 348:1060- 1064, October 19, 1996) Copyright Phylis Austin