Phytocort

Phytocort is an all-natural herbal supplement based on a formulation called ASHMI plus a fourth ingredient called noni extract (which was not included in the original ASHMI formulation).

Phytocort

Phytocort was designed to help in the treatment and management of asthma and other breathing disorders. It is one of the supplements which has helped my family dramatically reduce our use of prescription medications like albuterol and advair.

If you’d like to read more about how I accidentally stumbled upon Phytocort and it’s very positive effect on my family, please read my article entitled: ASHMI Clear Breathing with Chinese Herbs.

Each Phytocort capsule is made up of 1,600 mg of a proprietary blend of 4 herbs: lingzhi mushroom extract (also known as reishi mushroom extract), sophora root extract(also known as kushen), chinese licorice root extract (also known as gan cao) and noni fruit extract.

The manufacturer’s recommended dosage is three capsules >> three times daily to start, then two capsules >> twice daily for a maintenance dose OR as directed by your medical practitioner.

Phytocort is manufactured by a company by the name of Allergy Research Group and marketed under their “Nutricology” brand line. Needless to say, we recommend Phytocort highly and have purchased it from several online and “brick and mortar” stores. Our top two online recommendations are:

My only experience with a local “brick and mortar” store which I purchased Phytocort from is called “The Vitamin Shoppe.”

Again, if you’d like to read more about Phytocort and it’s positive effect on my family’s breathing, as well as comments from a large and diverse group of people, please read my article entitled: ASHMI Clear Breathing with Chinese Herbs.

ASHMI Clear Breathing with Chinese Herbs

If you suffer from asthma, you may want to swap your prescription medications for some powerful and effective Chinese herbs. Specifically, ASHMI asthma treatment. ASHMI stands for Anti-Asthma Herbal Medicine Intervention.

ASHMI is a three herb Chinese extract which has been effective in treating asthma symptoms

ASHMI is comprised of three Chinese herbal extracts: Lingzhi Mushroom (aka Reishi Mushroom), Kushen (aka Sophora Root), and Licorice Root (aka Gancao). ASHMI does not include Ma Huang, which is used globally as an asthma herbal remedy.

The original formulation of ASHMI was developed by Dr. Xiu-Min Li of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, in collaboration with Dr. Hugh Sampson, also from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, as a simplified version of a traditional Chinese herbal combination of 14 herbs known as MSSM-002. MSSM-002 was originally designed by Weifang Pharmaceutical Manufacturing.

My wife and I initially became interested in ASHMI after finding and reading a study published in theJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (vol. 116, issue 3). It chronicles the results of an experiment conducted by researchers from Weifang Asthma Hospital and Weifang School of Medicine in China, along with the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. The researchers reported that an oral combination of three Chinese herbs could be as effective as conventional asthma medicines — without the serious side effects!

The researchers were looking for an asthma treatment equally as effective as Corticosteroids, a common and conventional asthma treatment, minus the adverse side effects experienced by Corticosteroid users. Specifically, Corticosteroids have been shown to increase susceptibility to infection and slow growth rates in children.

91 patients with moderate to severe persistent asthma were admitted to the Weifang Asthma Hospital for a four week double-blind study. 45 of the asthma patients received 20mg of prednisone per day and placebo capsules resembling ASHMI. 46 of the asthma patients were given ASHMI along with placebo tablets resembling 20mg of prednisone.

ASHMI had a beneficial effect on both TH1 and TH2 cytokine levels and absolutely no adverse effects on adrenal function in the study participants

The results were remarkable. ASHMI had a beneficial effect on both TH1 and TH2 cytokine levels and absolutely no adverse effects on adrenal function in the study participants. Additionally, the ASHMI group experienced significantly less gastric discomfort and no weight gain.

The effect of prednisone on lung function was reported by the researchers to be “slightly, but significantly greater” than that of ASHMI. But, the prednisone group experienced both significant weight-gain and gastric discomfort.

The researchers were “pleased” with the trial results and concluded that their findings “…show that ASHMI is effective and well-tolerated in nonsteroid-dependent patients with moderate to severe persistent asthma.”

As a result of the study findings, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) announced the funding of three “Centers of Excellence” which will explore therapies used in traditional Chinese medicine, including acupuncture and Chinese herbal mixtures.

One of the selected centers will be called the “Center for Chinese Herbal Therapy” located at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY and led by Xiu-Min Li, M.D. The researchers are responsible for investigating ASHMI as a therapy for allergic asthma. Studies of ASHMI will look at mechanisms of action in an animal model, characterize the herbs’ active components and investigate the formula’s use in human asthma patients.

[UPDATE]:

As a result of my research and specifically because of the study I mentioned above, I decided to try and buy ASHMI. The problem was, I couldn’t find it anywhere and believe me, I looked everywhere I could think of, for about a year.

I got frustrated pretty early on in my quest, so I went to my neighborhood “Vitamin Shoppe” (brick n mortar store), bought Lingzhi Mushroom and Licorice Root supplements and made my own “homemade” ASHMI. (Unfortunately, I have yet to find sophora root in supplement form, although I did find that I could buy it in bulk).

Anyway, my family and I began to take our homemade ASHMI supplements (along with Olive leaf extract and wild oregano oil) and have never looked back. We have had some pretty remarkable results and are very happy and thankful for Dr. Li and her continued research!

[UPDATE]:

I finally found it!

Based on the original ASHMI study, the “Allergy Research Group,” which markets products under the name “Nutricology,” sell an asthma treatment supplement called phytocort. Phytocort’s a proprietary blend of the Chinese herbs lingzhi mushroom, sophora root, and licorice root, found in Dr. Xiu-Min Li’s original ASHMI formulation described above, plus a fourth herb commonly known as noni (Morinda citrifolia), which wasn’t part of the original formulation. (Note: I’m pretty sure noni was added as an attempt to get around any patent disputes)

My wife and I have replaced our original homemade ASHMI with phytocort supplements! (Better late than never, I guess!)

Where to buy ASHMI (phytocort):

[UPDATE 10/23/10]: Below is a recent email exchange between Heather (my wife) and one of our readers. I thought you might be interested in reading it:

Hi – I read your article re ASHMI for asthma. Do you have asthma? How long did you try the Allergy Research Group Version? What we’re the changes (If any) you experienced? Would you use again? Why? Why not?

I am mother of 5 year old with multiple food allergies and asthma. Always seeking ways to healing.

Thanks

xxxxxxxxxx

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Hi xxxxxxxxxxx,

My name is Heather. I’m Cody’s wife. I’m sorry it’s taken so long to get back to you, but I work in retail and have a very “uneven” schedule. Cody asked me to respond to your email personally, after he read it.

I suffer from severe asthma. At the end of 2004, I spent 4 days in the hospital because of a very severe asthma attack. The doctors tried everything for me: oxygen, nebulizer treatments, everything. They slowly raised my “blood oxygen level” over the course of those four days, but I never reached above the “60′s.”

I was very thankful to have made it out of the hospital alive and breathing, but I (& Cody even more) was also determined to do some research to see if I could find something natural that could help me breathe better and keep me out of the hospital better than the medication I was taking.

At the time I had my severe attack, I was taking advair everyday. I also used my albuterol inhaler once or twice a day, everyday and was administering nebulizer treatments to myself several times a month.

Then everything really changed! Cody discovered ASHMI, but hadn’t yet discovered phytocort. He put together a “homemade” ASHMI with supplements he bought from vitamin stores. That’s when I started taking lingzhi mushroom extract, licorice root extract, olive leaf extract and wild oregano oil supplements.

Since I began the supplementation about 3 years ago, I have received very dramatic benefits and no side effects (as far as my doctor and I can tell). I have not had to take any Advair. I have only used my albuterol inhaler two or three times a year over the past three years (during the fall of each year). I can’t remember the last time I’ve had to administer a nebulizer treatment, but it’s definitely been over 2 years.

I still carry my albuterol with me everywhere I go, because I’m scared to death of not having it, if I ever needed it.

I take two capsules of Phytocort and one each of the olive leaf extract and wild oregano oil supplements, twice a day.

I’ve been taking the phytocort for almost a year. Before phytocort, I was taking my homemade ASHMI for about two years. I like taking the phytocort because the ingredients are already packaged into one supplement and it’s cheaper to buy one bottle of phytocort than putting ASHMI together myself. I honestly have not noticed a difference in my breathing between my homemade ASHMI and the phytocort supplements.

I tell everyone that asks me to NOT expect the same results I’ve experienced. I’ve lived long enough to know that individuals experience different results and side effects from taking the same supplements and medications. So, please DO NOT expect the same results that I have experienced.

I hope that my email has answered some of your questions (I’ve tried my best). I also hope that you continue to research progressive asthma treatments and that you find one or more that may work for your child.

Thanks for visiting our site and all my best.

~ Heather

Where to buy ASHMI (phytocort):

Lingzhi Mushroom of Immortality

Lingzhi mushrooms enjoy a worldwide reputation, as the ultimate herbal substance. In Chinese, lingzhi means “herb of spiritual potency.”

A Brightly Colored Lingzhi Mushroom growing in the wild

Lingzhi mushroom has successfully been used as an herbal medicine for thousands of years and is known as the “Mushroom of Immortality.”

Lingzhi mushrooms are one of the oldest and most effective mushrooms used in traditional Chinese medicine.

They have been effectively used as anti-inflammatories, antivirals, anti-parasitics, anti-fungals, anti-diabetics and anti-hypotensives.They have also been shown to effectively lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.

Lingzhi Mushroom Diets:

If you are visiting this page searching for Lingzhi Mushroom Diet Pills or Lingzhi Mushroom Teas, please click on one of the links below. The article you will find here focuses on the benefits of Lingzhi Mushrooms for the treatment and management of asthma.

Clicking on one of the links below will transport you to a couple of online stores which will provide you with information on Lingzhi Mushroom Diet products. Thanks for stopping by!

Lingzhi Mushrooms for Asthma

Numerous studies of Lingzhi mushrooms have established their effectiveness in the treatment of a wide range of diseases and symptoms. The reason I have written about them here (and take them myself), is because of their ability to strengthen the respiratory system and their healing effect on the lungs. It has been shown that Lingzhi mushrooms are particularly beneficial for individuals with asthma, cough and other respiratory complaints.

In an article entitled, “Medicinal Mushrooms”, published in the January/February 1997 Issue ofHerbs for Health, written by Christopher Hobbs, a population study conducted in the 1970s is offered as validation confirming this claim.

The article describes a population study conducted on more than 2000 Chinese with chronic bronchitis. They were instructed to consume Lingzhi mushroom syrup over a period of two weeks. Approximately 90% of this population reported significantly improved breathing as well as improved appetite.

Lingzhi mushrooms have also been successfully used in cardiovascular treatment, in bronchitis prevention, in the treatment of high blood pressure, hepatitis, HIV support, fatigue, allergies, chemotherapy support, altitude sickness, and high triglycerides. Due to the presence of triterpenes, lingzhi mushrooms are understood as an adaptogenic, anti-allergenic and anti-hypertensive.

Lingzhi mushrooms are soft, corky, and flat polypores. They have a kidney shaped, red varnished cap. Lingzhi mushrooms lack gills on their underside, and instead depending on their age, have white to dull brown fine pores, which they use to release their spores, the very reason their morphological classification is polypores.

Lingzhi mushrooms are classified into six categories, according toThe Chinese Herbal Materia Medica, depending on their respective shape and color. Each of the six categories is said to nourish a different part of the body:

White Lingzhi Mushroom – Lungs and skin
Black Lingzhi Mushroom – Kidneys and Brain
Green Lingzhi Mushroom – Liver
Purple Lingzhi Mushroom – Joints
Yellow Lingzhi Mushroom – Spleen.
Red Lingzhi Mushroom – Heart

Lingzhi mushrooms can be consumed in high doses with other medications due to their generally slight side effects. Lingzhi has been shown to enhance the immune system and lessen nervous tension, which may help normalize and balance the body.

Lingzhi mushroom formulations are easily prepared. Simmering thinly sliced or pulverized Lingzhi mushrooms in a pot of boiling water for two hours is the traditional method. The resulting liquid is normally bitter in taste, with the less active black Lingzhi mushroom tasting less bitter than the more active red Lingzhi mushroom. The liquid can also be used to make an extract in liquid, capsule, or powder form, and be added to a formula decoction.

Some studies have shown that long-term use of Lingzhi mushrooms (approximately 4 months) can result in very mild side effects. These have included stomach upset, nosebleed, and dryness of the nasal passages, mouth and throat. These side effects were completely avoided by discontinuing the use of Lingzhi mushrooms for approximately 1 month after taking them for four months, then taking them again for four months.

Lingzhi mushrooms are available for sale all over the world. Both polysaccharides, and triterpenoids are available as a hot water extract and an alcohol extract. Lingzhi mushroom extracts may also be called reishi, reishi mushroom, ganoderma, ling zhi, and ling-zhi.

Where to buy Lingzhi Mushroom extract:

[UPDATE]: I’ve written an article about an herbal asthma treatment called “ASHMI Clear Breathing With Chinese Herbs” which describes how Dr. Xiu-Min Li of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York combines Lingzhi Mushroom with three other herbs to produce a natural and effective asthma treatment. It’s a good read. Because of the tremendous response on the ASHMI article, I have written a second article titled “Phytocort” which focuses specifically on the asthma supplement.

Mullein – The Velvet Asthma Soother

Mullein (which rhymes with sullen), with its striking yellow leaves, has a long history as a healing herb. It gained a reputation as a respiratory remedy very early and which endures to this day.

Mullein Has Been Used in the Treatment of Asthma for Centuries

Mullein was introduced to the North American continent by English colonists. It was quickly adopted by Native American tribes for treating coughs, bronchitis and asthma. In addition to treating asthma, coughs and bronchitis with Mullein, the English Eclectics prescribed it for treating tonsillitis, diarrhea, hemorrhoids and urinary tract infections.

Contemporary herbalists recommend Mullein internally for treating coughs, colds, sore throat and a myriad of other respiratory complaints.

Mullein grows everywhere and is particularly hard to miss. It is a weed with a rod like stem, velvety leaves, and striking yellow flowers. Before the discovery and use of cotton, Mullein leaves and stems were used by the ancients as candle wicks — hence the adoption of the name ‘Candlewick Plant.’

Mullein’s proponents consider it a powerful bronchial congestion remedy and, at least for some asthma sufferers, has producedimmediate and pronounced beneficial effects. Mullen Oil, taken in teas and fruit juices, has been effective in immediately relieving asthma attacks in some asthma sufferers. Unfortunately, it has also resulted in absolutely no benefit or relief for other asthma sufferers.

Scientists have been unable to isolate why Mullein Oil is so selectively effective for treating asthma in some people, while having absolutely no effect with others.

If you’re an asthma sufferer that hasn’t tried Mullein, you may want to. If you’re a part of the selective group that benefits from its properties, you can enjoy immediate relief from asthma attacks by drinking your favorite tea or fruit juice mixed with Mullein Oil.

Mullein is available for sale all over the world. It is available as an oil, dried leaves (for making Mullein tea), and as a tincture. Mullein is also known as: Candlewick Plant, Torches, Velvet Dock, Flannel Plant, Feltwort, Aaron’s Rod, Shepherd’s Staff, Lungwort.

Where to buy Mullein:

Shuang Huang Lian

Shuang Huang Lian is a Chinese herbal remedy that has long been used to effectively treat respiratory tract infections. Shuang Huang Lian formulations comprise at least 29 individual components.

Shuang Huang Lian is a Powerful Combination of Over 29 Beneficial Herbs

It includes shuang hua (Lonicera japonica flower bud), lian qiao (Forsythia suspensa fruit), and huang qin (Scutellaria baicalensis).

Chinese doctors, medical practitioners and researchers tested shuang huang lian on infants hospitalized and suffering with acute bronchitis. The results included a rapid reduction of the acute bronchitis symptoms and a much shorter duration of the illness (Complementary Medicine for the Physician, June 1999). The results were astounding.

Shuang huang lian is not classified as an antibiotic and since the results of the study mentioned in the article, there has been a great deal of scientific interest and research delving into how and why it is such a quick and reliable reliever of acute bronchial suffering in infants.

Where to buy Shuang Huang Lian:

OPC Antioxidant

OPC Antioxidant is made from grape seed extract and pine bark extract. They are considered Super Antioxidants and are scientifically known as Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins – OPC’s, Proanthocyanidolic Oligomers – PCO’s, Procyanidins or Proanthocyanidins.

Grape Seeds are a Main Source of OPC Antioxidants

Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPC’s) are considered Super Antioxidants because they are unique phytochemicals known as flavonoids that have powerful antioxidant capabilities. OPC is highly water soluble so your body is able to absorb it quickly.

Clinical trials were performed to compare the effectiveness of OPC Antioxidants versus vitamin C and vitamin E with astonishing results. OPC Antioxidants may be as much as 50 times more potent than vitamin E and 20 times more potent than vitamin C in terms of bioavailable antioxidants. In fact, OPC Antioxidants work with the antioxidant glutathione to restore and recycle oxidized vitamin C which actually increases vitamin C’s effectiveness.

OPC Antioxidants are naturally occurring substances that are found throughout nature and are present in a variety of food and botanical sources. The two main sources of commercial OPC Antioxidants are grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera) made from wine grapes and pine bark extract, known as Pycnogenol, made from from the French maritime Pine Tree.

Pycnogenol was the first source of OPC Antioxidants discovered and the process used to extract it was originally patented in the 1950′s. Pycnogenol is not a generic name for OPC Antioxidant, it is simply a trademarked name for pine bark extract.

Benefits of OPC Antioxidants

Because of the unique properties of OPC Antioxidants, including their ability to cross your blood-brain barrier and their high water solubility, OPC Antioxidants have been shown to produce some remarkable benefits when taken regularly. Here are just a few examples:

OPC Antioxidants can help protect your brain and spinal nerves against free radical damage.
OPC Antioxidants can help protect your liver from damage caused by toxic doses of acetaminophen.
OPC Antioxidants can help to strengthen and repair connective tissue, including that of the cardiovascular system.
OPC Antioxidants can help support your own natural immune system.
OPC Antioxidants have proven effective in slowing certain characteristics of the aging process.
OPC Antioxidants help to moderate your body’s allergic and inflammatory responses by reducing histamine production.

Currently, there are numerous studies in various stages of completion, testing the effectiveness of OPC Antioxidants in the treatment of some devastating diseases and ailments including: Asthma, Fybromyalgia, AIDS, Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, Diabetes, and Macular Degeneration.

OPC Antioxidants have proven to be very effective and beneficial antioxidant that could be the anchor of your supplementation program.

Where to buy OPC Antioxidants:

What is Asthma

What is asthma is a difficult question to answer. The general consensus is that asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes obstruction of your airways. Airways (aka. as bronchi) are the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs, asthma causes chronic swelling and soreness to their inside walls. If you are exposed to an allergen or irritant, your airways may begin to spasm, which results in what is known as an asthma attack or asthma episode.

Typically, asthma attacks are the result of acute spasms in the muscles surrounding your bronchi, which constricts or narrows your airways. Inflammation to the inside walls of your bronchi increases which narrows your airways even further. To top it all off, cells in your bronchi can generate additional mucus, which adds to the narrowing. The result is that you may feel as though you are “starving for air.”

Asthma Symptoms

Symptoms you’d normally experience during an asthma episode can include chest tightness, coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing. Asthma attacks can last minutes or hours. They certainly are not all the same, some are much more severe than others. In extreme cases, vital organs will not receive enough oxygen, leading to death.

There are two forms of asthma, allergic and nonallergic. They often occur together. Because asthma symptoms may resemble those of other diseasesit is difficult to distinguish it from other conditions making asthma difficult to diagnose conclusively. For example, bronchitis, lower respiratory infections and emphysema share many of the same symptoms as asthma.

Allergic Asthma

Allergic asthma can be triggered by your exposure to something your body is allergic to. Some of the more common asthma provoking allergens, also called asthma triggers, include environmental pollutants, animal dander, food additives such as sulfites, mold, chemicals, drugs, dust mites, cockroaches, exhaust fumes, feathers, and tobacco smoke.

Non-Allergic Asthma

Nonallergic asthma can be triggered by temperature changes, laughing, cold air, extreme dryness or humidity, low blood sugar, anxiety, exercise, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), adrenal disorders and stress. Cardiac asthma is a non-allergic type of asthma caused by heart failure.

Intrinsic Asthma

Intrinsic asthma, a nonallergic asthma, tends to appear during upper respiratory viral infections, is many times associated with bronchitis or sinusitis, and usually appears during adulthood. Intrinsic asthma sufferers seem particularly vulnerable to emotional stress, exercise, changes in the weather and other factors which are related to inner feelings.

The cause of Asthma is a mystery. No one knows what causes it, although a hereditary link to Asthma was discovered in late 1999.

Adults over the age of 65 and children under the age of 16, especially those living in urban areas are most likely to suffer from asthma. It is the number one cause of school absenteeism and the number one cause of hospitalization for children.

Asthma Medications and Treatments

There are several established asthma medications and treatments, as well as several new and promising treatment options on the horizon. In general, there are three groups of allergy medications:

Within the three general groups above your doctor will recommend your asthma treatment based on your individual needs. For example, pills, inhalants and injections are available, each with their respective positive and negative effects. In fact, inhaled and systemic bronchodilators and corticosteroids are routinely prescribed, depending on the circumstances.

The bad news is that there is no cure for asthma. The good news is that asthma is very treatable and manageable.

Quick-Relief Asthma Medications

Quick relief asthma medications, also called rescue medications, are designed to keep you alive by providing quick relief during an acute asthma attack (episode). They are called short-acting bronchodilators because they quickly open up your airways. Quick-relief asthma medications can be separated into three distinct groups, as follows:

Inhaled Short-acting Beta-adrenergic and Beta2-adrenergic Agonists

Inhaled short-acting beta-adrenergic and beta2-adrenergic agonists are usually the best asthma medications for immediately relieving asthma attacks. They may be taken:

During an acute asthma attack.
When you first begin to feel a shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness.
Before you feel any symptoms or signs of an asthma episode but your breathing is weaker.

These bronchodilators begin their work within minutes and can last anywhere from two to six hours. Brand names include:

Albuterol
Bitolterol
Levalbuterol
Pirbuterol

Oral and Intravenous Corticosteroids

Oral and intravenous corticosteroids may be taken to treat acute asthma attacks. They can take a few hours up to a few days to be fully effective. There are serious side effects related to the long-term use of oral and intravenous corticosteroids, which may include osteoporosis (loss of bone mineral), decreased resistance to infection, thinning of the skin, high blood pressure, cataracts, and muscle weakness. Brand names include:

Prednisone
Prednisolone
Methylprednisolone
Hydrocortisone

Anticholinergic Asthma Medications

Anticholinergic asthma medications are normally used to treat acute asthma attacks, in combination with short acting beta-adrenergic and beta2-adrenergic agonists. These medications are designed to further dilate (widen) your airways after you’ve been given a short acting beta-adrenergic or Beta2-adrenergic agonist. When used alone anticholinergic asthma medications are only marginally effective. Anticholinergic asthma medications are used mainly by doctors in emergency departments. Brand names include:

Ipratropium

The Asthma Epidemic – No End in Sight

22.2 million Americans suffer from asthma as of 2005, according to theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention: National Center for Health Statistics, National Health Interview Survey, 1982-1996, 2001-2005. Approximately 12.2 million of these suffered an asthma attack that year. In addition, there were approximately 1.8 million emergency room visits attributable to asthma in 2005. In 2004, acute asthma episodes resulted in 3,780 deaths.

The direct health care cost of asthma in the United States is $11.5 billion annually. Lost productivity and other indirect costs add another $4.6 billion. $5 billion are spent every year on prescription drugs used to treat asthma and $1.7 billion is attributable to lost productivity due to death.

Asthma epidemics related to atmospheric contamination–caused by the abundance of dust and chemical particles, especially in enclosed environments–are very well known and well documented. Major risk factors in occupational exposure to toxic substances, such as polyurethane and urethane, which are used in the adhesives and plastics industry; rubber epoxy resins from paint; dry cleaning chemicals; textile cleaners fumes; and many others may also play a major role.

The meteoric rise in the global incidence of asthma has baffled researchers. Possible causes, which are currently being researched include food additives, genetics, pollution, toxins, global warming, and allergens. Asthma researchers and asthma specialists speculate that the epidemic rise in the number of new asthma cases every year for the past 30 years is due specifically to rising levels of environmental pollution.

What can you do to protect yourself and your family? You can start with Asthma Relievers – Fruits and Vegetables and Catch Your Breath Now.

Peak Flow Meters

Peak flow meters are essential asthma management tools which are particularly helpful when you use them regularly. Asthma attacks can be kept to a minimum by consistent monitoring of your breathing. Comparing your current breathing score against your “personal best” peak flow allows you to take a snapshot of your lungs’ current condition and judge quickly whether you need to take any precautions.

Peak Flow Meters Used to Help Manage Asthma Symptoms

You can compare your “personal best” against your peak flow at any other time to get an objective idea of how well you’re breathing.

Unfortunately, the result of a peak flow measurement is very dependent on your efforts, so try to use the same effort every time.

A single peak flow measurement, without knowing what your “personal best” is, is not very useful.

Try to use peak flow values together with your other symptoms to evaluate the severity of your attack.

Peak flow meters measure how well you can get air out of your lungs.
Peak flow meters monitor how effectively your long term controller asthma medications and your quick relief asthma medications are working.
Peak flow at any given time helps you identify your asthma triggers.
Peak flow helps you decide when to seek emergency treatment.
A drop in your peak flow can be an early and effective warning sign of an asthma attack.
Peak flow readings can help you measure how well you’re responding to your asthma treatments.

Peak Flow Zones

Your “personal best” peak flow measurement can be used to determine your asthma action or treatment zones.

Green: 80-100% of your “personal best” peak flow. Just keep doing what you’re doing.
Yellow: 50-80% of your “personal best” peak flow. Caution – be careful. Use your quick relief medication as needed to try improve your peak flow or relieve whatever symptoms you might be experiencing. Remember – keep monitoring your peak flow after your treatments.
Red: Less than 50% of your “personal best” peak flow. Danger – Asthma Attack Action Plan time. Use your quick relief asthma medication and seek immediate medical attention.

Peak flow meters are one of your best weapons in your fight to control your asthma, so use yours often!

Feed: AzmaCare.com - AggScore: 93.2

Summary: Asthma Treatment and Management Options, Natural Asthma Relief

Related:

Where to buy ASHMI (phytocort):

Where to buy ASHMI (phytocort):

Related:

Lingzhi Mushroom Diets:

Lingzhi Mushrooms for Asthma

Where to buy Lingzhi Mushroom extract:

Related:

Where to buy Mullein:

Related:

Where to buy Shuang Huang Lian:

Related:

Benefits of OPC Antioxidants

Where to buy OPC Antioxidants:

Related:

Asthma Symptoms

Allergic Asthma

Non-Allergic Asthma

Intrinsic Asthma

Asthma Medications and Treatments

Related:

Inhaled Short-acting Beta-adrenergic and Beta2-adrenergic Agonists

Oral and Intravenous Corticosteroids

Anticholinergic Asthma Medications

Related:

Related:

Peak Flow Zones

Where to buy Peak Flow Meters:

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