Asthma is a very common condition.
- Asthma is a complex condition that has many causes. Diet, air pollution, genetics, and allergens may all play a part.
- Some individuals who are extremely sensitive may find that harsh chemicals applied topically to the skin can cause asthma attacks.
- An asthma attack happens when the airways become inflamed and constricted. This reduces the air flow to the lungs.
- Asthma attacks can range from mild to fatal depending on the individual.
Symptoms of asthma:
- Breathing changes
- Headache
- Runny nose
- Moodiness
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Fatigue
- Itchiness in the throat
- Dark circles under eyes
- Sleep disturbances
- Low lung capacity
- Shortness of breath
- Tightness in the chest
Of the 20 million sufferers of asthma in the United States, half of those suffer from a specific type of asthma, called “allergic asthma.” This type of asthma is triggered by environmental irritants, such as:
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Mold
- Pollens
- Pollutants
- Chemicals
- Cigarette smoke
If you have asthma, especially allergic asthma, and you find you are sensitive to harsh chemicals, the following information may be important for your health.
What causes dry skin?
- Dry skin is usually caused by the environment
- Cold, dry weather can cause skin to become dry
- Forced-air furnaces are also likely culprits
- Too much contact with water can also dry the skin out
- Conditions like eczema may cause dry skin
What natural treatments are available for dry skin?
- Use lukewarm water when you bathe, and bathe less often if possible.Bathe no more than 15 minutes per day
- Do not use any alcohol-based products on your skin
- Avoid the use of harsh soaps
- Do not rub your skin with a towel when drying off, pat dry gently and leave some moisture behind
- Use an all-natural moisturizer
- Avoid using harsh chemicals for washing your laundry. Choose a natural detergent. Avoid fabric softeners.
- Try to wear cotton and other non-irritating fabrics.
- Drink 64 ounces of water every day
- Use a humidifier when the humidity is low
If avoiding allergens is not enough to alleviate your asthma, you may need to take more precautions. Because asthma is a potentially fatal illness, you should always consult your health practitioner if you think you have asthma.
Sources
http://www.aaaai.org/allergicasthma/
http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/dry_skin.html
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003250.htm
