Guest guest Posted February 20, 2004 Report Share Posted February 20, 2004 In the past doctors used to prescribe caffeine for asthma, now steriods are used. A cup of coffee does about as much good as the medicines they used to give me. Tea may be better for kids though. It's important to reduced dust and mildew and airbourne chemicals in the house, especially in bedrooms. Air filters are good, vaporisers may need a doctor's opinion for your case; sometimes too much moisture can cause problems with mildew. Dry air is usually better. -- Be kind. Be of good cheer. Dick Ford Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2004 Report Share Posted February 20, 2004 My daughter who is now 6 was diagnosed with asthma when she was 2, she also has an allergy to dustmites. I know this is expensive but one of the main things we did for her was replace our carpet with laminate floors, we cut the cost a little by installing it ourselves. The other thing we did was purchase a hypoallergenic mattress pad and pillow. It really has helped tremendously. Also make sure to wash their sheets at least once a week in hot water. I hope this helps a little! Good Luck Laurie --- progressive7862 <allens717 wrote: > Hi All, > > Does anyone have experience with natural treatments > for asthma? Both > my boys (5 and 7) have been diagnosed with mild > asthma. The drs push > antihistamines and steroids on a daily basis, and I > have a problem > with that. I'm researching supplements and diet > changes (they are > not fully vegetarian--yet!) and would love some > input from others in > this situation. My oldest has a mild dust mite > allergy, the younger > was tested last week and was highly reactive. Anyone > have any > thoughts on the covers they recommend for all the > bedding? If it > works, I'll definitely do it, but the stuff is > expensive, so if it > really doesn't help... > > Thanks for any advice! > > Peace, > Laura > > > Mail SpamGuard - Read only the mail you want. http://antispam./tools Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 22, 2004 Report Share Posted February 22, 2004 Laura, we use a neti pot for seasonal allergies (and colds)and it works great. I don't know how old your sons are so they may be too little to maneuver one but if they can it could really help. A neti pot is a ceramic pot that looks like a geni lamp. You put worm water and a little sea salt in it and stick one end in a nostril. Then you tilt your head and let the water run into the first nostril and out the other. After doing that on both sides the sinuses are washed out nicely. During my worst times I only have to use mine twice a day to get excellent relief. Don't know if you are vegan or veggie but you probably already know about the strong link between dairy and asthma. If you all eat dairy I recommend you eliminate it from their diets. I wish you the best. Stephanie , " progressive7862 " <allens717@c...> wrote: > Hi All, > > Does anyone have experience with natural treatments for asthma? Both > my boys (5 and 7) have been diagnosed with mild asthma. The drs push > antihistamines and steroids on a daily basis, and I have a problem > with that. I'm researching supplements and diet changes (they are > not fully vegetarian--yet!) and would love some input from others in > this situation. My oldest has a mild dust mite allergy, the younger > was tested last week and was highly reactive. Anyone have any > thoughts on the covers they recommend for all the bedding? If it > works, I'll definitely do it, but the stuff is expensive, so if it > really doesn't help... > > Thanks for any advice! > > Peace, > Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 22, 2004 Report Share Posted February 22, 2004 My son has allergies and asthma. I have talked with a nutritionist about it and here are his recommnedations: 1. Cut out ALL dairy products, they lead to more mucus which makes it harder for asthmatics to breathe. 2. Change your laundry detergent. All of the regular garbage laundry soaps can have ingredients in them that can irritate asthma and allergies, even if they are marked free and clear. He recommends a bio degradable natural soap. We use Bio Kleen, the price isn't high and it works well. 3. Don't use fabric softeners. There are some natural ones at HFS, but I just use vinegar in the final rinse if the clothes need it. A friend of mine uses a ball of aluminum foil in the dryer, I have never tried it, but she swears by it. 4. Get rid of all toxic cleaners, they can really make asthma worse. We use Dr. Bronner's concentrated liquid soaps, it can be used to clean anything and everything and costs about $30 every six months, so the price is nice. We also use vinegar to clean, using it and the Dr. B's is much cheaper than buying the all natural preparations. 5. get rid of all artificial scents, like deodorants, perfumes, soaps, air fresheners, etc. Essential oils work nicely to freshen the air, so does boiling some cinnamon and cloves on the stove. 6. Get rid of all aritificial colors, flavors and preservatives from their diets. Of course, you should vaccuum and/or sweep everyday, have people remove their shoes before coming into your home. Wash curtains regularly, etc. We haven't gotten the allergen covers for our bed yet, the kids both sleep with us, but I have found them for lower prices at Kmart and Target. We are also taking our son to a naturopath to find more natural remedies for taking care of his asthma. I have done research and I firmly believe that his asthma and allergies are related to the few vaccines that he received as an infant, luckily, we found this out before the birth of our second son and he hasn't had any, nor has he had any ear infections or illnesses and he is now18 months old. Sara - " progressive7862 " <allens717 Thursday, February 19, 2004 11:02 PM Asthma & Dust Mites > Hi All, > > Does anyone have experience with natural treatments for asthma? Both > my boys (5 and 7) have been diagnosed with mild asthma. The drs push > antihistamines and steroids on a daily basis, and I have a problem > with that. I'm researching supplements and diet changes (they are > not fully vegetarian--yet!) and would love some input from others in > this situation. My oldest has a mild dust mite allergy, the younger > was tested last week and was highly reactive. Anyone have any > thoughts on the covers they recommend for all the bedding? If it > works, I'll definitely do it, but the stuff is expensive, so if it > really doesn't help... > > Thanks for any advice! > > Peace, > Laura > > > > > For more information about vegetarianism, please visit the VRG website at http://www.vrg.org and for materials especially useful for families go to http://www.vrg.org/family.This is a discussion list and is not intended to provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. > > edical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 23, 2004 Report Share Posted February 23, 2004 Thanks for sharing this info, Dick. Two of my three children have asthma. My daughter asks for coffee constantly -- and I always make her a cup of tea or cocoa instead. interesting. Perhaps I shall pour her a cup of coffee the next time she asks My son doesn't have a problem with moisture in the air. However, my daughter has a coughing spell whenever the vaporizor is on for more than a couple of hours. My dh insists that we need more moisture in the air -- but it just seems to aggravate our daughter's condition. Angela Dick Ford <dickford wrote: In the past doctors used to prescribe caffeine for asthma, now steriods are used. A cup of coffee does about as much good as the medicines they used to give me. Tea may be better for kids though. It's important to reduced dust and mildew and airbourne chemicals in the house, especially in bedrooms. Air filters are good, vaporisers may need a doctor's opinion for your case; sometimes too much moisture can cause problems with mildew. Dry air is usually better. Be kind. Be of good cheer. Dick Ford Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2004 Report Share Posted February 24, 2004 Angela, I forgot to mention that stong hot cocoa or rich dark chocolate helps asthma symptoms also, not during an asthma attack, which still needs albuterol or some other fast-acting broncho-dilator immediately, but chocolate helps with the feeling of exhaustion from not getting enough oxygen. Sometimes I mix coffee and cocoa to make a mocha drink. Lately I found a good deal on chocolate soy milk at Walmart, so I used that in cocoa and coffee. There is health food store tea called Breathe Easy which I didn't notice any improvement after using. Another easy thing to do is take a hot steamy shower in the morning to let the warm moisture loosen the nastiness in the lungs so it can be coughed out. Your daughter's coughing after moisture may be a good thing if it's clearing out her lungs so maybe she doesn't cough for some time after and it may help her breathe easier for a while. You may want to experiment with whether moist or dry air is better for your kids. -- Be kind. Be of good cheer. Dick Ford Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2004 Report Share Posted February 24, 2004 My daughter and I both have asthma though my asthma is not as bad as Arielle's. Additionally, our dog companion, Zelda is extremely allergic to dust and dust mites. I work constantly to keep our home as free as possible from both of these things which has improved the health of everyone but especially Arielle, Zelda, and myself. I drink tea almost constantly (love hot tea! ummmm!). I rarely have any problems with my asthma now unless I exercise and then only every now and then. I never made the connection between the caffeine and fewer asthma attacks, but now that you mention it Dick, I've begun thinking about it. I've been a steady tea drinker for about the last four years and my asthma problems have gotten fewer and fewer during that time. My daughter takes Singulair (not a steroid but a leukotriene blocker. The generic name is montelukast sodium) at night and this has significantly reduced her complications when she gets colds or other URI. I'm wondering if caffeine might work for her instead? I don't like giving medicine to my children at all but the Singulair did such a great job for her. She can now run and keep up with her siblings and friends without having to stop to catch her breath all the time and when she gets an UPI the need for the nebulizer is almost non-existent. She also hasn't been hospitalized for an episode in three years. That's why I've continued with the Singulair. She is able to live a more normal life without worrying about whether or not she'll be able to breath. There have been no side effects for her but the cherry chewable tablets made for children do contain phenylketonurics, a component of aspartame. I am not happy about this since this substance has been associated with cancer. Dick, do you know of any studies/research about the caffeine and its affect on asthma that I could read up on? I'd love to find an alternative for Arielle but need to find out more info so that I can talk to her pediatrician intelligently about this? He's pretty good at listening and has no problem considering alternative measures but I need to give him info that he can check out. BTW, did you know that caffeine is also pretty good at alleviating or ridding headaches? I give a small cup of tea to my one daughter who has frequent headaches rather than Tylenol or Motrin and it seems to do her well. Of course too much caffeine can also cause headaches so a happy medium needs to be found for each person. God's Peace, Gayle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2004 Report Share Posted February 24, 2004 Thanks to all for your info. So much to learn. I know about the dairy, it's going to be hard. I've started again trying to weed it out. Going to try the rice milk, the kids hate the soy. Peace, Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2004 Report Share Posted February 24, 2004 Angela, I have used asthma to help my son's condition too. I also serve no dairy. With plenty of live foods , green leafy vegetables. His condition is much improved. Lynda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 25, 2004 Report Share Posted February 25, 2004 Laura, Don't give up.it will take time to transition. I've never met anyone, including myself, who loved soymilk at first. Mix it with cows milk if you have to at first to you're your kids develop a taste for it. And yes - try the rice milk too - I think it's easier to adjust to because it's a bit more like cows milk - thinner, whiter, etc. Hang in there. Be patient and persistent and you will succeed! Connie Bendickson www.HealthyMomsHealthyFamilies.com _____ progressive7862 [allens717] Tuesday, February 24, 2004 11:30 AM Asthma & Dust Mites Thanks to all for your info. So much to learn. I know about the dairy, it's going to be hard. I've started again trying to weed it out. Going to try the rice milk, the kids hate the soy. Peace, Laura For more information about vegetarianism, please visit the VRG website at http://www.vrg.org and for materials especially useful for families go to http://www.vrg.org/family.This is a discussion list and is not intended to provide personal medical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. edical advice. Medical advice should be obtained from a qualified health professional. _____ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 25, 2004 Report Share Posted February 25, 2004 >BTW, did you know that caffeine is also pretty good at alleviating or >ridding headaches? I give a small cup of tea to my one daughter who has >frequent headaches rather than Tylenol or Motrin and it seems to do her >well. YES! Rather than take advil I first try a couple of cups of stong coffee, lavendar essential oil, and a walk in the fresh air to cure my headaches. It usually works. BTW, for asthma, has anyone tried essential oils? My son was 'diagnosed' with possible asthma from the age of 5 months on. I refused the puffer that was prescribed, watched him closely and waited it out. Now, at 3.5 (actually closer to 4! ), he rarely shows signs of being even mildly asthmatic-even after running around during the cold Canadian winter! I am not suggesting that anyone ignore the advice of a doctor, but rather that, in some cases, doctors are very quick to diagnose ... Madeline _______________ Protect your PC - get McAfee.com VirusScan Online http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 25, 2004 Report Share Posted February 25, 2004 Caffeine wasn't mentioned as a treatment for asthma in the Merck manual, but under caffeine in the Encyclopaedia Brittanica, one of the uses of caffeine is asthma treatment. It stimulates your body on a smaller scale than steroids. The benefit of Singulair is probably worth the tiny risk if it works. One more thing that helps is avoiding stress. BTW, this is my 35th anniversary of being a vegetarian. -- Be kind. Be of good cheer. Dick Ford Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 25, 2004 Report Share Posted February 25, 2004 Angela, I wanted to say I have used coffee to assist in my son's asthma. Lynda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 26, 2004 Report Share Posted February 26, 2004 Happy anniversary.. I wish I knew the exact date I became vegetarian.. I guess I'd have to go with the last time date which would been around 92. Though I became vegetarian the first time in 81. It was a tough time to be a vegetarian kid. I know how hard it was being a vegetarian in the 80s.. so since 1969 is quite an accomplishment. Renee Dick Ford <dickford wrote: Caffeine wasn't mentioned as a treatment for asthma in the Merck manual, but under caffeine in the Encyclopaedia Brittanica, one of the uses of caffeine is asthma treatment. It stimulates your body on a smaller scale than steroids. The benefit of Singulair is probably worth the tiny risk if it works. One more thing that helps is avoiding stress. BTW, this is my 35th anniversary of being a vegetarian. -- Be kind. Be of good cheer. Dick Ford " One of the things I'd like to do when I have the money is buy thousands of acres in the Brazilian rain forest and make a national park, so no one can bulldoze it to put a MacDonald's there. " -- River Phoenix Get better spam protection with Mail Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 27, 2004 Report Share Posted February 27, 2004 In a message dated 2/25/2004 4:34:55 PM Eastern Standard Time, quintmom writes: BTW, did you know that caffeine is also pretty good at alleviating or ridding headaches? I give a small cup of tea to my one daughter who has frequent headaches rather than Tylenol or Motrin and it seems to do her well. Of course too much caffeine can also cause headaches so a happy medium needs to be found for each person. Gayle, From a homeopathy perspective, you might want to try coffea cruda. It does not have the kick of coffee or tea. I am writing up more extensive suggestions about asthma using herbs and other homeopathic remedies. Stay tuned. Peace, Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 29, 2004 Report Share Posted February 29, 2004 Thanx, Laura. I'll stay tuned. God's Peace, Gayle - <VAP79 Friday, February 27, 2004 5:55 PM Re: Asthma & Dust Mites > In a message dated 2/25/2004 4:34:55 PM Eastern Standard Time, > quintmom writes: > BTW, did you know that caffeine is also pretty good at alleviating or ridding > headaches? I give a small cup of tea to my one daughter who has frequent > headaches rather than Tylenol or Motrin and it seems to do her well. Of course > too much caffeine can also cause headaches so a happy medium needs to be found > for each person. > Gayle, > >From a homeopathy perspective, you might want to try coffea cruda. It does > not have the kick of coffee or tea. > I am writing up more extensive suggestions about asthma using herbs and other > homeopathic remedies. > Stay tuned. > Peace, > Laura > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2004 Report Share Posted April 7, 2004 Since we last talked about this subject, I did some reading in the Merck manual which says the most important thing to do for any kind of lung problem with coughing and wheezing is hydration. None of my pulmonary specialists mentioned that, but drinking more than a quart of water a day seems to be a big help. I also rigged up a nebulizer with a tea kettle and a snorkle-like hose for mouth breathing. There is a danger of breathing steam too hot to handle, but with a medium low heat and a way for the steam to mix with outside air before it is breathed, it really seems to help breathing. I added a tiny bit of oil of peppermint, or a mint tea bag. One doctor friend of a friend who heard about the arrangement suggested eucalyptus. An alternative method is to get a water mist sprayer and breathe the mist. Merck questioned the usefulness of most cough syrups, especially ones with both expectorant and cough suppressant. Also, I bought a 3M Filtrete micro-allergen air filter (>$10 @ Lowes) for the central air and keep it running during the day on fan to filter dust and pollen. It seems to be helpful. -- Be kind. Be of good cheer. Dick Ford Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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