You have probably seen a person in the midst of an asthma attack, either in real life or in comedy sitcoms and movies. They have a hard time breathing because their airways are more sensitive than that of other people. This demeanor is often mimicked in shows and movies with slapstick humor but breathing problem is no laughing matter. Patients with breathing disorder have to stay away from allergens, such as animal fur and feather or flower's pollen grains, that may trigger allergic reactions. Children who usually play outside may not instantly notice or momentarily forget that they have to veer away from potential breathing irritants. The last thing they know is that they're already having a hard time breathing and are in dire need of an effective asthma treatment.

Doctors and research experts plainly explain that asthma occur in people who have delicate airways which can easily react to certain allergens. Since it is a chronic condition, people with breathing problems have to deal with it from childhood to adult life. This condition is also hereditary so if you are a mother who has a breathing disorder, you should make it a point to check with a pediatrician if your child inherited your breathing problem. The telltale signs your child has a breathing disorder if he or she wheezes and coughs a lot and is allergic to cats or similar things. The child may also experience shortness of breath and the feeling that his or her chest is tightening. Don't undermine these signs so that you can immediately give your child the extra care he or she needs.

But the good thing is that there are certain medications one can take to prevent hard-to-breathe attacks. Asthma treatment includes inhalers, nebulizers, and doctor-prescribed drugs. For younger patients, physicians explained that the child can both use inhalers and nebulizers which are equally effective. However, inhalers are more child-friendly in a way because it is more convenient to use compared with nebulizers which are power-generated. Inhalers, either the dry power kind or the metered-dose type, are also cheaper alternative reliefs for asthma attacks. Whatever kind of medication you use, doctors advise patients to make sure they are doing the medication application the right way. Patients have a choice which kind of medication to use according to their budget and the severity of their breathing conditions. It is a case-to-case basis; a medication which works for a particular patient may not be as effective for another patient. It is best to consult physicians first before subjecting yourself or your loved one to a certain medication.

Patients with bronchial asthma can also participate in their care and management by carefully monitoring their diets. Although there is no extensive evidence that ingestion of a certain food product is beneficial in treatment of asthma, there is evidence that sensitive asthmatics should avoid certain foods, preservatives, and dyes.

Patients who have experienced allergic reactions to specific foods must carefully avoid these products. Immediate reactions may include development of hives (urticaria), wheezing, collapse of the circulation, and swelling of the throat (anaphylaxis). Common sources of allergic or asthmatic reactions include shrimp and other shellfish, eggs, milk, soy, and peanuts. Asthma attacks triggered by food allergies are much more Common in children, particularly those with the allergic skin rash known as eczema. In adults these reactions are much less frequent and do not often trigger asthmatic attacks.

It is important to distinguish between a history of a specific allergic reaction that a patient has experienced and a positive allergy test alone. In many instances a positive allergy test (skin or blood) for a particular food may result despite the fact that the patient has ingested the food without reaction. In patients who have severe, unstable asthma it may be helpful to withdraw this food or food group and observe the patient's response. This should not be necessary in patients with less severe asthma that is well controlled.

A recent study has suggested that a diet rich in magnesium may be beneficial to lung function and may actually reduce wheezing and bronchial irritability. Magnesium is found in cereals, nuts, green vegetables, and dairy products. In patients who are not sensitive to these products, a diet rich in magnesium may help.

Sulfites

Sulfites are a common food and beverage preservative that may cause asthmatic attacks in sensitive individuals. These preservatives have been used to make products appear ";fresh"; and reduce spoilage. Salad bars in restaurants were common sources of sulfite exposure until 1986, when the FDA banned the use of sulfites on fruits and vegetables served as ";fresh."; It is believed that the irritant producing the asthmatic reaction is sulfur dioxide gas liberated from salts of sulfite, bisulfite or metabisulfite.

Not all asthmatics are sensitive to sulfites. Sulfite sensitivity may develop at any point in life and is most common in severe asthmatics. As a rule, however, it is best for all asthmatics to avoid sulfites, especially if they have had asthmatic reactions while dining in restaurants (";restaurant asthma";). Patients who are sensitive will have immediate asthmatic reactions. Sulfite reactions may also include stomach pains, hives, and anaphylactic shock. Some of the products containing sulfites that may cause reactions include processed potatoes, baked products, fresh shrimp, fruit drinks, dried fruits, beer, and wine.

Patients with sulfite sensitivity should read labels carefully and choose foods that do not contain sulfites. In 1986, the FDA ruled that sulfites used specifically as preservatives must be listed on the label. This ruling includes beer and wine bottled since that time. Sulfites used in food processing but not serving as preservatives in the final food must be listed on the label if present at levels of 10 parts per million or higher. Currently, there are six sulfiting agents allowed in packaged foods. The names by which they are listed on food labels are sulfur dioxide, sodium sulfite, sodium and potassium bisulfite, and sodium and potassium metabisulfite.

Sulfites have been used as preservatives in medications, too, including some asthma medications. Some nebulizer solutions may contain sulfites. This would explain why some patients may experience bronchospasm instead of bronchodilatation after a nebulizer treatment. For these sulfite sensitive patients, nebulizer solutions that do not contain sulfites are available.