Always have a cold? Chronic Respiratory infections

Causes or triggers chronic respiratory infections can be divided into allergic and non-allergic etiologies. Aeroallergens can include seasonal pollen, mold spores, dust mites, animal allergens, and food (especially in children). Non-allergic causal factors can include smoke, odors, cold air and weather, chemicals, medications (eg, aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs)], beta-blockers), exercise, hormonal changes (eg, pregnancy, menstrual cycle), and bisulfite food additives. Genetic differences may alter susceptibility to respiratory medications Significant genetic variation exists between and within racial and ethnic groups, but the issue is confounded by important coexisting economic, cultural, and environmental differences, including geography (place of birth). Breathing difficulties can seriously handicap our ability to function and enjoy life. Air is our most vital source of energy and vitality. When we suffer from, bronchitis, allergies, frequent colds or simply insufficient oxygen intake, we are prone to a lack of energy, vitality and /or mental clarity. Every cell within our body depends on an abundant supply of oxygen for proper metabolism and vitality. Some Causes of Breathing Problems 1. Hereditary weakness may make our lungs or other organs of respiratory apparatus weak points in our system. Thus when tired, overworked, anxious or stressed, these parts of the body will start to malfunction. This does not mean, however, that we must suffer. It is in our hands to live in a certain way so as nurture and protect our bodies and minds. Among such weaknesses we should include the inability of the immune system to effectively protect the body from microbes and viruses. In some cases the immune system may work overtime trying to protect the body from "imagined" dangers. Allergies and asthma are often the result of such over-reactions from the immune system. 2. Environmental factors may also aggravate the condition. Cold and humid weather tend to accentuate breathing problems. Pollen and other particles in the air may cause allergic reactions. Occupational conditions such as working in a dusty area or in a smoke filled room may also aggravate the problem. Pollution irritates our nasal passage and lungs. Smoking cigarettes obviously damages our lungs, cutting off our supply of oxygen. 3. An over production of mucus clogs up the breathing passages, obstructing breathing. Foods, which tend to cause excess mucus, are all dairy products, white flour, white rice and sweets. 4. A lack of sufficient liquid intake causes the mucus to thicken and cling to the lungs and other breathing passages. This creates a favorable environment for microbes to reproduce. 5. Blockages in the spinal vertebrae or tension in the muscles of the upper back may also obstruct the flow of nerve impulses and bioenergy to the lungs. This may inhibit the proper functioning of the lungs. 6. Emotional blockages are directly connected with our breathing. People, who experience anxiety, depression, fear, nervous tension or a poor self-image, tend to subconsciously hold their breath. Thus their breathing is tense, shallow, and sometimes spasmodic. Long-term emotional blockages may also affect the adrenal glands and thus hormonal disorders may also play their part in the problem. Negative emotions also depress or disturb the functioning of the immune system. 1. Environmental & Habitual Factors a. Surround yourself with large green leafed plants, which produce oxygen and absorb pollution. b. Get out of the city frequently. Go the sea or mountains and breathe fresh clean air. c. Use regular deep breathing to clean out and rejuvenate your lungs. d. Deep breathing while walking can clean out a considerable amount of pollution from the lungs. e. If you smoke, then - love yourself - and stop. 2. Dietary Guidelines a. Avoid all diary products, white sugar, sweets, white flour and white rice. When the problem has subsided, then we can start taking small quantities of dairy products while watching the body's reaction. b. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. c. Drink plenty (6 or 8 cups per day) of warm liquid daily. This may be water, herb teas, or water with lemon. Do not drink refrigerated or iced drinks. d. When one has a cold, an onion and garlic soup spiced with pepper, cinnamon ginger and cloves, opens up the nasal passages and allows the congestion to flow out. e. In some cases the use of natural vitamin C tablets can be helpful. 3. Facing emotional factors is essential for healing the cause of the breathing problems. Indoor air pollution can be much worse than air pollution outdoors. In Europe, most children spend 90% of their time indoors. More.. Indoor air quality may be affected by outdoor pollution, but also by indoor pollutants such as those produced by smoking and indoor heating and cooking and those released from building materials and cleaning products. It may be worsened by insufficient air exchange with the outside. More.. Poor indoor air quality can cause or contribute to the development of chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma. The most important source of indoor pollutants is environmental tobacco smoke. Other factors which can contribute to indoor pollution are damp housing, the presence of pets, the use of fuels for cooking and heating, and chemicals released from building materials. There is clear evidence that air pollution is associated with troublesome respiratory symptoms in children, but it is less clear whether specific pollutants are directly responsible. Key air pollutants that can affect health are particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and sulphur dioxide. This pollution is mainly linked to road traffic or industrial processes. More.. Air pollution, worsens respiratory symptoms .Exposure to molds can cause human disease through several well-defined mechanisms. In addition, many new mold-related illnesses have been hypothesized in recent years that remain largely or completely unproven. Concern about mold exposure and its effects are so common that all health care providers are frequently faced with issues regarding these real and asserted mold-related illnesses. Dust mite debris is the major source of allergens in house dust. These microscopic arthropods primarily feed on human skin scales. Mites typically infest objects that contain fabrics; for example, higher concentrations of mites are found in mattresses, pillows, bedding, carpets, throw rugs, stuffed animals, and upholstered furniture. Higher concentrations are usually found in older homes, in regions of high humidity, and in homes with heating units other than forced air. Cold, dry air at high altitudes is not conducive to dust mite growth. Both the mite bodies and fecal pellets are major sources of mite allergens, which become airborne when disturbed. Major Allergen Avoidance Strategies  Impermeable (woven) covers (pillows, mattresses)  Elimination of dust reservoir (carpets, upholstered furniture)  Weekly vacuuming  Weekly washing of bedding in hot water  Reducing indoor humidity Cat, dog  Pet removal  Pet washing  Impermeable covers  High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters An association between cockroach sensitization and more frequent episodes of asthma in patients in the emergency department has been described. Cockroach exposure in persons with asthma who reside in inner-city areas could account for the disproportionately high morbidity in this population, and the association of low socioeconomic status and cockroach allergy appears to be independent of age, sex, and race. Several studies have demonstrated that cockroach allergy is found not only in the inner city but also in any substandard housing conditions or where apartments are infested with cockroaches. Cockroach:  Pesticides  Thorough cleaning  Elimination of food and water supply

Fungi  Closing windows and doors  Repairing all leaks  Using air conditioning  Heating all rooms in the winter  Removal of contaminated source  Cleaning contaminated area with bleach solution