Fish Oil Reduces Symptoms Of Exercise Induced Asthma

by: David McEvoy

Fish oil can reduce the symptoms of exercise induced asthma to below the threshold for diagnosing it and at the same time lower the need for emergency medication according to the results of a trial carried out by Indiana University in Bloomington, USA.

The trial was a randomised double blind cross over study and involved 16 people who had mild to moderate asthma and who normally took medication on a daily basis to control it. During the trial those taking part were given either fish oil or a placebo for a period of three weeks. The dose of fish oil was quite high containing 3.2gr of Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 2gr of Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Both at the beginning and at the end of the trial, the participants were subjected to lung efficiency tests and had their sputum analysed for pro inflammatory cells and markers. Those who were given fish oil showed improved lung efficiency of about 64% and reduced their need for emergency medication by around 31%. They also had a lower level of pro inflammatory cells and markers in their sputum. These promising results are believed to be due to the anti-inflammatory effect of the Omega 3 fatty acids that are present in fish oil.

What is exercise induced asthma?

After exercise and sometimes even during exercise, the airway passages in people with exercise induced asthma become inflamed and narrower resulting in decreased lung efficiency, often making it necessary to use inhalers. The constriction of the airways causes various symptoms including coughing, tightness across the chest, wheezing and shortness of breath. These symptoms generally start to ease off gradually over a period of half an hour or so following exercise.

No one really knows what causes it but it is thought to be triggered by the drying out and cooling of the airway passages which results in the cells releasing pro inflammatory chemicals which then causes a narrowing of the airways. Consequently, exercising in cool and dry conditions outdoors is more likely to result in an attack of asthma than physical activities such as swimming where the air is moist and warmer.

One major problem with exercise induced asthma is that it can be a barrier to exercise for many people, particularly youngsters who can be put off sport and other physical exercise because of it. It is also on the increase and the reason for this is thought to be linked to an increased consumption of Omega 6 fatty acids in the diet along with a reduction in the amount of Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 6 is known to be pro-inflammatory whereas Omega 3 has anti-inflammatory properties and it is this difference in ratio that is thought to be responsible for a rise in a number of health problems.

Omega 6 is found in processed foods, vegetable oils, meats and dairy products so there is an abundance of them in our diet. The Omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA on the other hand are only found in oily fish or fish oil as plant sources of Omega 3 do not contain EPA and DHA, they are in the form of Alpha linolenic acid or ALA, but the problem with ALA is that our bodies cannot easily process it to produce EPA, which is the fatty acid best known for its anti inflammatory effects.

You would have to eat an awful lot of fish to get the same amount of EPA that is present in fish oil, which isn't a good idea due to the potentially harmful toxins, including mercury, that are found in our fish. So, for this reason, fish oil offers a viable and safer alternative. Another point worthy of consideration is that long term use of medication for asthma can make it less effective and of course as with any medication there can also be unwanted side effects so if fish oil can reduce the need for medication and inhalers in people with exercise induced asthma, then that is exciting news indeed.

Conclusion

Fish oil is already known to offer both preventative and therapeutic health benefits for a number of conditions and so is an excellent supplement to promote good health in general. However, a word of caution, if you are thinking of trying fish oil supplements it is essential to opt only for the best quality fish oil known as pharmaceutical grade fish oil due to the potentially harmful toxins that can be present in lesser grade fish oils.

About The Author

Dave McEvoy is an expert in omega 3 fish oil EPA with over 20 years experience; for more information about fish oil and how it can help come and visit. http://www.mind1st.co.uk/fishoil_fishoilsupplements.asp

Signs and Symptoms of Heat Stroke Indicate Immediate Need for Hospital Care

Most people have heard the term heat stroke, but many can not identify the signs, symptoms and treatment needed for heat stroke victims. It is important to recognize that, first and foremost, heat stroke is life threatening and requires immediate medical attention. It can come on without warning, especially for infants, the elderly and people working outdoors for a significant period of time. Certain medications can also contribute to the likelihood of having a heat stroke.

A heat stroke occurs when a person can not produce enough sweat to help cool their body down. High humidity, extreme heat and continuous activity in the sun on a hot day are three things that can elevate the chanced of having a heat stroke. Symptoms of a heat stroke are similar to extreme dehydration because the two often go hand in hand. Symptoms include seizures, unconsciousness, dizziness, headaches, hallucinations, confusion, disorientation, feeling fatigued, a high body temperature, kin that is flushed, dry and hot, but not sweaty, and a fast heart beat.

If you feel like someone you are with is having a heat stroke, it is imperative that you seek medical attention immediately. You should call 911 or take them to the closest emergency room. If you are waiting for an ambulance, take the person inside to get them out of the heat and the sun. Use a cloth to apply cool water to the person’s skin and fan them while they are lying down with their feet slightly raised. Once the person goes to the hospital, they can expect to have an IV for fluids and to be on bed rest.

There are many things that you can do to help prevent a heat stroke. Everyone, but especially the elderly and children, should not stay outside for extended periods of time during hot weather. Keep yourself hydrated with water or sports drinks and avoid alcohol, tea, soda and coffee. A spray bottle of water or hose can help keep your skin moist. Do not exercise outdoors during the hottest time of the day. Spend some time in the shade if you are going to be outside and wear a hat and lightweight, loose clothing. Try not to wear dark colored clothing as it can attract the sun. Remember, if you feel like you are someone you are with is having a heat stroke, it is better to be safe than sorry. Call your hospital’s emergency room if you have questions and seek immediate medical care to avoid long term, serious affects and damage that can be caused by a heat stroke.

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Acid Reflux Symptoms

The primary symptom of acid reflux is heartburn. Heartburn is a burning sensation that radiates up from the stomach to the chest and throat. It is most likely to occur in conjunction with the following activities: lying down on your back, lifting, bending over or after eating a heavy meal.

Another common symptom is regurgitation, which is the feeling of acid backing up in the throat. Acid can regurgitate as far as the mouth in what is sometimes called a ‘wet burp’. In rare instances, acid regurgitation can exit as vomit.

Acid reflux sufferers that frequently experience symptoms at night tend to have more severe symptoms than those that suffer during the day. However, most acid reflux sufferers experience their symptoms at night. Acid reflux can indicate a damaged esophagus, so it is best to consult a doctor when experiencing continued acid reflux symptoms. Even with severe heartburn, it is not an indicator of an injury to the esophagus. People can suffer sever heartburn without damage to the esophagus.

There are symptoms of acid reflux that are less common. One such symptom is chest sensations or pain in the chest. Patients may feel that there is food trapped behind the breastbone.

Another less common symptom is throat irritation including dry cough, hoarseness, or having a lump in the throat and always having to clear your throat. In rare cases, a person may have trouble swallowing their food, causing severe chest pain. In this case, there is the feeling that the food is stuck in the esophagus. Other symptoms include persistent hiccups or chronic sore throat.

Some acid reflux sufferers experience asthmatic symptoms such as coughing and wheezing. Even nonsmoking people suffer from a cough associated with acid reflux. A patient may experience persistent nausea for weeks at a time that is not associated with any common cause of stomach upset may be a symptom of acid reflux. Even vomiting can occur on a daily basis. However, other causes of chronic vomiting and nausea need to be ruled out, before determining that the cause is acid reflux.

There is a condition known as Barrett’s Esophagus. This condition occurs by repeated acid reflux occurrences, which cause changes to the lining of the esophagus. Approximately 10% of these cases will develop into esophagus cancer. If you suffer from Barrett’s Esophagus you must undergo regular examinations and you should be receiving continued acid reflux treatment.

T. Houser
http://acidcurereflux.com/