Disease Name: Asthma

Theme 1: How to save money on Healthcare

Topic: Asthma Treatment
Sources:
1. https://acaai.org/asthma/asthma-treatment
2. https://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/asthma-treatment-care
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369660
4. https://www.healthline.com/health/asthma#treatment
5. https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/asthma
Body:

Treatment of Asthma is divided into three parts-

1. Long Term Asthma control medications
2. Quick relief medications
3. Allergy Medications

1. Long term medications – Taken daily, keeps asthma control on day to day basis and
helps in asthma attack prevention. Types of long-term preventions-
a. Leukotriene modifiers- Oral Medications helps in relive asthma symptoms which
includes-
i. montelukast (Singuliar)
ii. zafirlukast (Accolate)
iii. zileuton (Zyflo)
b. Inhaled corticosteroids- these are much preferable since having a low risk of
serious side. This includes medications like-
i. fluticasone propionate (Flovent HFA, Flovent Diskus, Xhance)
ii. budesonide (Pulmicort Flexhaler, Pulmicort Respules, Rhinocort)
iii. beclomethasone (Qvar Redihaler)
iv. fluticasone furoate (Arnuity Ellipta)
c. Theophylline- not often recommended as a Asthma medication, since required
regular blood test. This is a daily pill that helps keep the airways open by relaxing
the muscles around the airways it includes
i. Theo-24
ii. Elixophyllin
iii. Theochron
d. Biologic therapy drugs- new, injectable medications may help people with severe
asthma.
e. Combination inhalers- Contains symptom-controllers that are helpful in
opening your airways. However, in certain people they may carry some
risks.

2. Quick relief medications- are taken at the first sign of symptoms for immediate relief
and used as needed for rapid, short-term symptom relief during an asthma attack. These
includes-
a. Short-acting beta agonists- inhaled, quick-relief bronchodilators act within
minutes to rapidly ease symptoms during an asthma attack and includes-
i. ProAir HFA
ii. levalbuterol (Xopenex, Xopenex HFA).
 b. Anticholinergic agents- act quickly to immediately relax your airways, making it
easier to breathe. It includes-
i. Spiriva Respimat
ii. Spiriva

3. Allergy medications- help if your asthma is triggered or worsened by allergies. These

include:
a. Allergy shots (immunotherapy)- reduce your immune system reaction to specific
allergens
b. Biologics- are specifically for people who have severe asthma.

Theme 1: How to save money on Healthcare

Topic: Ayurvedic and Home Remedies
Sources:
1. https://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/natural-cure-asthma
2. https://www.everydayhealth.com/asthma/natural-remedies-for-asthma.aspx
3. https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/ayurveda-for-asthma-5-effective-home-remedies-to-control-symptoms-of-
asthma-1758480
4. http://www.keralaayurvedpune.com/AYURVEDIC-HOME-REMEDIES-FOR-ASTHMA-TREATMENT.html

Body:

Few ayurvedic and home remedies which are available for Asthma-

1. Steam Baths as Asthma Treatment-

a. help alleviate nasal congestion and airway irritation associated with asthma
b. may help offset some symptoms, particularly nasal stuffiness, but not a cure to
that.

2. Acupuncture- some people with asthma say acupuncture eases their symptoms

3. Yoga-
a. Stress may trigger asthma symptoms.
b. Breathing exercises used in yoga have been found to help with asthma control
breathing and relieve stress, a common asthma trigger.

4. Herbs and natural dietary supplements- this includes

a. Honey- simplest way to breathe easily during an asthma attack is by holding a

saucer filled with honey beneath the nose and inhaling the air.

b. Garlic juice-
i. concoction made out of 15 drops of fresh extracted garlic juice and warm
water can be taken internally for immediate relief.
ii. Experiencing early stages of asthma, drinking a cup of milk boiled with five
cloves of garlic in the night would arrest the growth of the problem.

c. Vegetable juice
 d. Turmeric- Consumption of half a teaspoon of turmeric powder with a teaspoon of
honey provides good relief from bronchial congestion that shoots up during an
asthma attack.

e. Neem- Consumption of few drop of neem oil on regular basis would go a long
way in controlling the ill effects of asthma

f. Fenugreek seeds- consumption of a mixture made out of 1 teaspoon each of

honey and ginger juice along with one cup of water in which fenugreek was
soaked overnight is bound to retard the symptoms of asthma.

g. Sesame seeds- warm oil of the good old til in the chest area along with warm
compress would provide immediate relief from attacks of asthma.

h. Cinnamon powder- Consuming half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder in the night

would pave way for a good sleep in the night without getting affected by
breathlessness issues caused by asthma.

Theme 2: Prevention is Cheaper than cure

Topic: Asthma Causes
Sources:
1. https://www.onhealth.com/content/1/asthma_lung_inflammation
2. https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/understanding-asthma/causes/
3. https://www.aafa.org/asthma-triggers-causes/
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20369653#:~:text=Asthma
%20triggers,or%20particles%20of%20cockroach%20waste
5. https://www.webmd.com/asthma/what-is-asthma

Body:

Followings are the various causes of asthma-

1. Inflammation-
a. the main cause of airway narrowing during asthma episodes.
b. It makes airways more swollen and sensitive
c. certain allergy and inflammation cells accumulate at the site of the inflammation,
causing tissue damage further narrowing airway causes the breathing difficulty
associated with an asthma attack.

2. Bronchospasm
a. The larger tubes that split off from your trachea and into your lungs are called your
bronchial tubes.
b. These tubes are surrounded by muscles. When the muscles of your bronchial tubes
contract in asthma.

3. Asthma Triggers-
these includes various other factors like-
a. Allergies- Substances that cause allergies (allergens) can trigger asthma. If you
inhale something you are allergic to, you may experience asthma symptoms. Some
allergens include-
i. Dust mites
ii. Cockroach
iii. Pollen
iv. Molds
v. Pet dander
vi. Rodents
b. Irritants in the air- Irritants in the environment can also bring on an asthma
episode. Some irritants include-
i. Smoke from cigarettes
ii. Air pollution such as smog, ozone and others
iii. Wood fires
iv. Charcoal grills
v. Strong fumes, vapors or odors (such as paint, gasoline, perfumes and
scented soaps)
vi. Dust and particles in the air
vii. Chemicals
c. Other Health conditions-
i. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
 ii. Obesity
iii. Nasal polyps
iv. Pregnancy
v. Respiratory Infections

 Colds
 Flu (influenza)
 Pneumonia
 Sinusitis or sinus infections
 Sore throats

d. Exercise-
i. Exercise and other activities that make you breathe harder can affect your
asthma
ii. Exercise – especially in cold air – is a frequent asthma trigger. Exercise-
induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is a form of asthma that is triggered by
physical activity.
iii. also known as exercise-induced asthma (EIA)
e. Weather- Dry wind, cold air or sudden changes in weather can sometimes bring
on an asthma episode. 
f. Felling and expressing strong emotions- When you feel strong emotions, your
breathing changes – even if you don’t have asthma. It may cause wheezing or
other asthma symptoms in someone with asthma.
i. Anger
ii. Fear
iii. Excitement
iv. Laughter
v. Yelling
vi. Crying

4. Asthma Risk Factors- these includes

a. Things in the world around you before you’re born or while you’re growing up
b. Whether your parents have asthma, especially your mother
c. Your genes
d. Your race. Asthma is more common in people of African American or Puerto
Rican descent.
e. Your sex. Boys are more likely to have asthma than girls. In teens and adults, it’s
more common in females.
f. Your job
g. Other conditions like lung infections, allergies, or obesity

Theme 2: Prevention is Cheaper than cure

Topic: Asthma Prevention
Sources:
1. https://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/asthma-prevention
2. https://www.aafa.org/asthma-prevention/
3. https://www.healthline.com/health/asthma-prevention#medications
4. https://acaai.org/asthma/asthma-treatment/how-do-i-prevent-an-asthma-attack
5. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/asthma/treatment.html

Body:

Followings are the prevention measures should be taken so as to avoid asthma attacks-

1. Identify and avoid your triggers- some of the triggers that may be avoided are-
a. Outdoor allergens, such as pollen from grass, trees and weeds
b. Indoor allergens, such as pet dander, dust mites and mold
c. Irritants in the air, such as smoke, chemical fumes and strong odors
d. Colds, the flu or other illnesses
e. Exercise (although people with asthma can benefit from some exercise)
f. Weather conditions, such as cold air or extremely dry, wet or windy weather
g. Certain drugs

2. Air Filteration system- this can help in avoiding common asthma triggers at your home
and work place which includes-
a. Mold
b. Pollen
c. Dust mites
d. Other allergants

3. Humidifiers-
a. Humidifiers increase moisture level in the air by releasing water vapor
b. For some people, adding some moisture to the air can ease asthma symptoms.
c. Too much moisture is in the air, it can encourage dust mite growth.

4. Immunotherapy-
a. Doctors usually offer immunotherapy for asthma in the form of allergy shots
b. these shots contain a small amount of the allergens that can trigger a person’s
asthma.
c. goal of immunotherapy is to alter your immune system response, making it less
sensitive to these triggers overtime.

5. Preventive Medications-
a. Long-term asthma medications are designed to prevent symptoms and attacks.
b. Take them every day, even if you don’t have symptoms. They’ll ease inflammation in
your airways and keep your asthma under control.

6. Peak flow meter-

a. The meter shows how well air is moving through your lungs. During an attack, your
airways narrow.
 b. The meter can let you know this is happening hours or days before you have any
symptoms.
c. This gives you time to take the medications listed in your treatment plan and possibly
stop the attack before it starts.

Theme 2: Prevention is Cheaper than cure

Topic: Asthma Recipes
Sources:
1. https://www.healthline.com/health/asthma/asthma-diet
2. https://www.healwithfood.org/recipes/avocado-zoodles-with-herbs.php
3. https://juicemaster.com/juicy-health-service/asthma/
4. https://www.onmanorama.com/food/foodie/2019/01/24/six-easy-recipes-to-help-ease-asthma-symptoms.html

Body:

1. Spinach-Shallots- Garlic Shots

Indigents
a. ½ cup spinach
b. ½ cup shallots
c. 5 clove garlic
d. Half of a small carrot
e. A small piece of ginger
f. Salt as required

Preparation
a. Cooked the chop palak, shallots and garlic in 4 cup water
b. Into it add graded carrot, chopped ginger and salt
c. Cook well

2. Mackarel/ sardine/ Salmon soup

Ingredients
a. ½ cup Mackarel/ sardine/ Salmon
b. Half of carrot
c. ½ cup shallots
d. 1 tbs pepper
e. 3 cloves
f. A piece of ginger
g. 4 cloves garlic
h. 2 cup water
i. Salt as reqd.

Preparations
 a. Boil Grated Carrot, chopped shallots, pepper, cloves and ginger and salt in 2 cups
water
b. When it cooked add the fish and simmer for few minutes

3. Minty Ginger Shot

Ingredients
½ Apple
1-Inch Ginger Root
x1 Handful Fresh Mint Leaves

Preparations
Make an apple and ginger sandwich with the mint leaves in the middle and juice tog

4. Asthma Tonic

Ingredients
x2 Apples
¼ Medium Pineapple
x2 Stalks Celery
1-Inch Ginger Root
x1 Handful Raspberries

Preparations
Juice ingredients together or you can juice everything and blend in the raspberries.

5. Beet and Carrot Salad with Ginger

Ingredients
a. 1/2 cup raw beets, peeled and grated
b. 1/2 cup organic carrots, grated
c. 2 tbsp apple juice
d. 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
e. 1/2 tsp fresh ginger, minced
f. 1/8 tsp sea salt

Preparations
1. Combine grated beets and carrots in a small bowl.
2. Mix apple juice, olive oil, ginger, and salt in a separate bowl and drizzle over salad
mixture. Toss gently. Enjoy!
6. Zoodles with Mashed Avocado and Mediterranean Herbs

Ingredients
a. 1 clove garlic
b. Handful of fresh basil and oregano
c. 1 avocado
d. 1 yellow zucchini
e. 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
f. 1/4 cup water
g. Salt, to taste

Preparations

a. Peel and chop the garlic, and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Preparing the garlic before the other ingredients helps improve its health benefits as
allicin, the key active ingredient in garlic, takes some time to form after peeling and
chopping.
b. Rinse and chop the herbs and set them aside.
c. Peel the avocado and remove the pit. Place the peeled and pitted avocado in a small
bowl and mash thoroughly with a fork. Set aside.
d. Wash the zucchini under cold running water, and cut it into long, thin noodle-shaped
slices (zoodles) using a sturdy vegetable spiralizer, julienne slicer or electric zoodle
maker. Set aside.
e. Heat the olive oil in a skillet and saute the chopped garlic over medium heat for 1
minute. Add the zoodles and continue to saute for another minute or two, stirring
frequently.
f. Add the water and continue cooking for 4 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
g. Remove the skillet from the heat, and let it cool slightly. Stir in the avocado, chopped
herbs and salt, and serve immediately.
Theme 3: Diseases and types
Topic: About Asthma
Sources:
1. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma
2. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/asthma
3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323523#what-is-asthma
4. https://www.everydayhealth.com/lung-respiratory/asthma/what-are-different-types-asthma/
5. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/types-of-asthma#exercise-induced-asthma
6. https://acaai.org/asthma/types-asthma

Body:
About Asthma
 Asthma is a chronic (long-term) condition that affects the airways in the lungs.
 The airways are tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. If you have asthma, the
airways can become inflamed and narrowed at times.
 It causes wheezing and can make it hard to breathe.
Facts About Asthma
 It was estimated that more than 339 million people had Asthma globally in 2016. (1) It is
a common disease among children.
 Most asthma-related deaths occur in low- and lower-middle income countries
 According to WHO estimates, there were 417,918 deaths due to asthma at the global
level and 24.8 million DALYS attributable to Asthma in in 2016
 strongest risk factors for developing asthma are inhaled substances and particles that may
provoke allergic reactions or irritate the airways.
Different Types of Asthma
1. Allergic Asthma
a. Allergic asthma is the most common type
b. Around 8 in 10 people with allergic asthma will also have another allergic
condition, such as eczema, allergic rhinitis, or a food allergy.
c. Certain allergens in the environment can trigger allergic asthma. Some common
allergens include:

o pollen
o pet dander
o mold spores
o foods such as milk, eggs, and certain nuts
o dust mites, cockroaches, and cockroach feces

2. Non-Allergic Asthma
a. Nonallergic, or intrinsic, asthma does not require an allergen to trigger an attack
 b. It is less common than allergic asthma, accounting for around 10–33% of all
asthma cases. It is more likely to appear in adulthood and affects more females
than males
c. develops due to genetic and environmental factors.
3. Seasonal Asthma
a. Symptoms flare up in certain conditions or at particular times of the year
b. seasonal asthma is similar to allergic asthma. In fact, people may use both terms to
describe asthma attacks that occur during the pollen season.
4. Occupational Asthma
a. People with occupational asthma may find that their symptoms are worse while
working, or that they improve with time off work.
b. How long the symptoms take to occur may depend on the level of exposure to
these and other substances.
c. Some people may have an asthma attack within 24 hours of exposure. In others, it
may take months, or even years, for any symptoms to develop.
5. Exercise Induced Asthma
a. Exercise-induced asthma occurs when symptoms flare up during or immediately
after exercise or another form of strenuous activity
b. it is common to experience shortness of breath after exercise, exercise-induced
asthma may also cause coughing, wheezing, and chest pain, ranging from mild to
severe.
c. The following factors may also worsen symptoms of exercise-induced asthma:
i. chlorinated pools
ii. exposure to polluted air while running or cycling outside
iii. cold, dry air while ice skating or playing hockey
iv. warm, humid air while doing hot yoga
6. Nocturnal Asthma
a. asthma symptoms worsen at night.
b. This type involves the same symptoms as other types of asthma, but they are
exacerbated during the evening hours
Theme 3: Diseases and types
Topic: Symptoms of Asthma
Sources:
o https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20369653
o https://www.webmd.com/asthma/asthma-symptoms
o https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/asthma/symptoms/
o https://www.aafa.org/asthma-symptoms/
o https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/8953-asthma-symptoms

Body:

Symptoms of Asthma is further divided into various verticals based on their nature of severity
which are-
1. Common Symptoms –
a. Coughing
b. Wheezing (a whistling, squeaky sound when you breathe)
c. Shortness of breath
d. Rapid breathing
e. Chest tightness
2. Symptoms of worsening Asthma
a. A cough that won't go away (day and night)
b. Wheezing
c. Tightness in the chest
d. Shortness of breath
e. Poor response to quick relief, inhaled medicines (bronchodilators)
3. Severe Symptoms of Asthma
a. Severe wheezing (both when breathing in and out)
b. Coughing that won't stop
c. Very rapid breathing
d. Inability to catch your breath
e. Chest pain or pressure
f. Difficulty talking
g. Inability to fully exhale
h. Feelings of anxiety or panic
i. Pale, sweaty face
j. Blue lips or fingernails