Asthma - Causes...

This is due to indoor pollutants found in homes with fireplaces or in those heated with gas, wood, coal, and kerosene units. Other indoor allergens are household products like paint, paint thinner, and room deodorizers as well as personal hygiene products such as spray deodorants, hair sprays, talcum powder, cosmetics, and perfumes. If you have asthma, avoid these substances or look for other ways of improving your appearance that won't give you asthma.

Tobacco smoking as well as passive smoking, whether indoors or outdoors, is a known asthma trigger since it irritates and inflames the airways. Of the two, secondhand or sidestream smoke (the smoke inhaled by non-smokers) is hotter and more toxic than the smoke inhaled by the tobacco user. If you're smoking, quit. It may be hard at first but the rewards are great. If you're not smoking, don't start.

Your job is another source of asthma. Occupational asthma is caused by constant exposure to allergens in the workplace that a person is sensitive to. Experts say there at least 200 triggers in the workplace. The usual victims are carpenters, bakers, beauticians, electricians, farmers, gardeners, printers, and hospital workers.

Certain medicines can also trigger asthma. The usual culprits are aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naprosyn. Mild asthma may be caused by medications for high blood pressure (such as beta blockers), glaucoma, migraine or heart, thyroid or liver conditions. Avoid these medications if possible or ask your doctor for safer substitutes.

Allergic reactions to food are rare but they sometimes happen. Asthma symptoms may follow the intake of sulfites, monosodium glutamate (MSG) and tartrazine.
Sulfites like potassium and sodium meta-bisulfite, sulfur dioxide, sodium sulfite, sodium and potassium bisulfite, are used to eliminate bacteria, preserve freshness and brightness, and prevent spoilage. They are used on fresh fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, processed potatoes, shrimp, wines, and baked products. Unfortunately, they can cause asthma in a small number of sensitive individuals.

MSG is a flavor enhancer found in oriental food products, frozen food, canned meats, soups, seasoning, and sauce mixes. It also goes by the name of hydrolyzed vegetable protein, hydrolyzed plant protein, and natural flavorings. It can trigger asthma symptoms in some people.

Tartrazine, on the other hand, is a yellow dye used in many yellow and yellow/orange packaged foods, beverages, cakes, candies, vitamins and medicines. It brightens the appearance of these products but can also induce asthma attacks in certain people who are also allergic to aspirin.
Did you know that your favorite wine can cause asthma? Read about it in the fifth part of our series.

Since obesity is bad for asthmatics, keep your weight down to a healthy level. You can do this with the help of Zyroxin, a safe and natural supplement that will maximize your weight loss through its unique fat-burning ingredients.