Life Lessons: Swimming helps asthma

For the more than 6 million children with asthma in the United States, finding ways to safely exercise and stay fit can be a challenge. 
Physical activity is essential for lung function and overall fitness levels, but fearing asthma attacks, some children and their parents avoid it.  “It can be a dilemma for many families,” said Tod Olin, M.D., a pediatric pulmonary specialist at National Jewish Health in Denver. “All it takes is one asthma attack, and suddenly patients can become very tentative about overdoing it.”
Dr. Olin says there is one activity that parents of any child with asthma should consider. “When it comes to cardio activities that are well-tolerated, swimming, specifically, is highly recommended, particularly in indoor swimming pools”.....

Read more here: wfmz.com

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Asthma drugs could prevent influenza pneumonia
Early treatment may halt spread of infection in lungs

Dr. Thomas J. Braciale and Dr. Amber Cardani from the U.Va. School of Medicine may have found a way to prevent a fatal form of pneumonia using common allergy and asthma medications.
According to Cardani, influenza infections typically only affect the upper airways such as the throat and nasal passages. However in more serious cases, the virus infects alveolar epithelial cells in the lungs. The infection of these cells characterizes pneumonia — or inflammation of the lungs — and is potentially fatal as alveolar epithelial cells are necessary for oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange.....

Read more here: cavalierdaily.com

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Hospitals register 40% rise in Asthma attacks

“There are two challenges for asthmatic people in this season. One is that they spend more time indoors assuming that the pollen is the only factor that triggers an attack; the other is that they then step outdoors in the evening, when the temperature is still low. When you’re indoors, you breathe in asthma triggers such as mold, pet dander, and even dust particles. When you go out, you could have an asthma attack from inhaling the cold air. In addition, a change in food habits (food loaded with preservatives) and emotional distress, especially in children who may be having exams are other triggers,” says Dr.Piyush Goel, MD, FNB, Consultant Pulmonology, Columbia Asia Hospital, Gurgaon.....

Read more here: indiablooms.com