AUGUST 2014 - Have you heard of Salt Therapay?

WHAT IS ASTHMA, AND HOW CAN WE MANAGE IT?

Asthma is usually caused by an allergic reaction in the lungs which leads to inflammation of the lining of the airways. This inflammation causes swelling & gasping of breath. Approximately 1 in 5 children and 1 in 10 adults in Australia suffer from Asthma or asthma related symptoms.

What symptoms are associated with Asthma?

The most common symptoms of asthma are wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, a persistent cough at night or after exercise. Sometimes asthma can be triggered by illness, allergens and/or exercise.

What can trigger Asthma?

· Cold & Flu or a chest infection

· Pollens, grasses and mould

· Cigarette smoke, smoking or smoke in general

· Animal hair and dander (skin flakes)

· Dust mites

· Some chemicals, particularly those with strong smells

· Some drugs; aspirin, anti-inflammatories and some blood pressure medicines

These symptoms are not exhaustive and are not always related to asthma so it is important to seek medical advice.

Tips for avoiding triggers

· Dust Mites - exposure to dust and dust mites can be difficult to exclude completely. But you can reduce exposure to dust mites by washing bedclothes in hot water, removing sheepskin and woolen underlays and airing pillow & quilts in direct sunlight each week.

· Mould - again similar to dust mites - keep surfaces clean & free from moisture build up, seal leaks in wet areas & regularly place indoor plants outside for sunlight

Helpful tips for proper Asthma Inhaler Technique

Good inhaler technique will lead to better asthma management and control. Some important steps for people using asthma metered dose inhalers like those shown below;

1. Remove cap

2. Hold inhaler upright and shake well

3. Breathe out gently

4. Put mouthpiece between teeth without biting and close lips to form a good seal

5. Start to breathe in slowly through mouth and press down firmly on canister

6. Continue to breathe in slowly and deeply

7. Hold breath for about 10 seconds or as long as comfortable

8. While holding breath, remove inhaler from mouth

9. Breathe out gently away from mouthpiece

10. If an extra does is needed, wait 1 minute and then repeat steps 2-9

11. Replace cap

Have you heard about Salt Therapy? 

Salt therapy is a therapy designed to relieve congestion, inflammation and allergies of the airways and skin. Salt therapy cleanses the airways & skin, relieving symptoms of the sufferers condition and works in conjunction with prescribed medications. Have you ever been on a saline (salt water) nebulizer or used a Saline machine? Well the natural anti-inflammatory effect of salt is it’s ability to draw fluid. When you breathe in dry salt aerosol when using a saline machine, the minute particles line your airways and draw out the fluid from the inflamed airway.

Benefits of Salt Therapy  üNo side effects  üNon invasive therapy  üRelieves the symptoms of respiratory & skin conditions  üWorks in conjunction with prescribed medicines.

Salt Therapy can relieve the following conditions: 4Asthma 4Bronchitis4Cold & Flu 4Cystic Fibrosis 4Eczema 4Emphysema/COPD 4Hay Fever 4Pulmonary Fibrosis 4Pneumonia 4Sinusitis 4Snoring 4Sports recovery