It is estimated that by 2015, about half of all Europeans will suffer from some type of allergy. So with millions of babies, children and adults suffering from asthma, eczema, hay fever and rhinitis, it is no wonder people all around the world are on the lookout for preventive measures to avoid the allergens that can trigger an attack. Reducing asthma and allergies is among the top priorities at present. On this year’s World Asthma Day (4th May 2010) let us have a better understanding of the same to counter it best.

Causes of Asthma:

1. Research and scientific studies have proved that 70% of all asthma cases can be attributed to Der P1 allergen contained in the excrement of House Dust Mites (HDM).

2. Over the last few decades, changing lifestyles, diet and a more hygienic environment may have contributed to the rise in asthma.

3. Family history of asthma, eczema or allergies combined with certain environmental factors influences whether or not someone develops asthma.

4. Passive smoking by children and smoking during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of a child developing asthma.

5. Environmental pollution and irritants found in the workplace can make asthma symptoms worse and may play a part in causing some asthma.

Asthma Symptoms:

Coughing, Wheezing, Shortness of Breath and Tightness in the Chest are the usual symptoms of asthma. But not everyone will get all of these symptoms. Some people experience them from time to time; a few people may experience these symptoms all the time.

Asthma Triggers:

A trigger is anything that irritates the airways and causes the symptoms of asthma to appear. Common triggers include house-dust mites, colds or flu, tobacco smoke, exercise and allergies to things like pollen, furry or feathery animals.

Treating Your Asthma:

There are two main types of asthma medicine - Relievers and Preventers.

Relievers work quickly by relaxing the muscles surrounding the narrowed airways. They are essential in treating asthma attacks. Reliever inhalers are usually blue and are used to relieve symptoms.

Preventers work by controlling the swelling and inflammation in the airways, stopping them from being so sensitive and reducing the risk of severe attacks. Their effect builds up over a period of time so they need to be taken every day. These usually come in brown, red or orange inhalers and contain a steroid medicine.

What to do during an attack? (recommended by Asthma UK)
1. 2 puffs of blue inhaler are to be taken.
2. Should sit up and tight clothes are to be loosened.
3. If no immediate improvement during an attack, one puff of reliever inhaler is to be taken every minute for five minutes or until symptoms improve.

Anti-Allergy Products
There are products in the market that claim to kill the dust mites or reduce the allergenic effects of their droppings. But time and often the toxic chemicals in these products affect people worse than the mites. It is advisable to always read the ingredient labels prior to purchasing to see what chemicals are being used.

Thai Acrylic Fibre Co. Ltd. manufactures and markets Amicor Branded fibers. Amicor products use the leading fiber technology for bioactive textiles and these have proven benefits in providing a healthy and protected dust-mite (allergen) free living and sleeping environment at home, hospitals and hotels. Amicor is absolutely safe. It is the first anti-microbial fiber to be listed on the Oeko-Tex ‘White List’ Standard 100 for babies, children, adults and furnishings. The anti-microbial additives used inside Amicor are pre-notified on the European Biocidals Directive. Endorsements from the British Allergy Foundation, REACH, Red Cross Hospital Barcelona and a measurable bench