In recent years, asthma has become a significant health problem worldwide; people affected globally is rising each year, with a greater percentage of young sufferers. Although it is treatable, asthma is still a chronic condition which affects the function of breathing of every person who is affected by it. This is a respiratory condition that when not treated properly can easily result in death, if the attack is not attended to in time or is severe.

Assessing and monitoring the condition is the first important step towards treating the condition for any asthma sufferer. Once the severity of the condition is know there are three main ways to treat it:

• Preventative medications
• Relief medications
• Treating serious or life threatening attacks

Fortunately for patients with only mild version of the condition, a Bronchodilator will be used to provide short term relief; fortunately, for a large number of asthmatics no other medication other than this will be required.

For sufferers with mild persistent attacks, low-dose glucocorticoids, a mastcell stabilizer or leukotriene modifiers are to be taken in addition to relievers. As the seriousness of the asthma condition increases, additional medication is required. A standard reliever or ‘Bronchodilator’ will still be used in addition to any other medication they may have prescribed. Asthmatics must also identify the triggers that cause the allergic reaction in them and find ways to reduce or eliminate them. The problem is now believed to be made worse as a result primarily of atmospheric pollution which tends to be found in industrial areas and cities.

While the medications can sometimes help control the symptoms, they are often a temporary measure and do not address the root cause; long term problems like can be the result of continued use, for instance:

• Tiredness
• Dizzy spells
• No sexual interest
• Feelings of despair
• Liver damage

Many patients with respiratory conditions are now moving towards natural remedies which do not have these awful side-effects. Every attack weakens the body’s system a little as it becomes hyperactive where the task of the catalyst in medication is to calm and soothe this hyperactive system. The same effect is sought by the natural medications but by using organic ingredients that have no side-effects.

Now yoga is being used as a natural substitute to medication as some yoga disciplines are centered on breath control which many asthma sufferers are finding beneficial to their condition and overall well-being. The best way forward for sufferers is to eat a balanced nutritional diet that will help restore the immune system that has taken a great deal of punishment Ultimately, the most important factor is the asthma patient learning to manage their own condition.