Asthma

Asthma has risen worldwide over the past decades and experts are puzzled over the cause of this increase. The mechanisms that cause asthma are complex and vary among population groups and even from individual to individual. Many asthma sufferers have allergies, and some researchers are targeting common factors in both these conditions. Not all people with allergies have asthma, however, and not all cases of asthma can be explained by allergic response.

Asthma is most likely to be caused by a convergence of factors that can include genes (probably several) and various environmental and biologic triggers (e.g., infections, dietary patterns, hormonal changes in women, and allergens).
Nearly half of adults with asthma have an allergy-related condition, which, in most cases developed first in childhood. (In patients who first develop asthma during adulthood, the allergic response usually does not play a strong causal role.) Important irritants or allergens include:
Dust mites, specifically mite feces, which are coated with enzymes that contain a powerful allergen. These are the primary allergens in the home.
Animal dander.
Pollen. An asthma attack from an allergic response to pollen is more likely to occur during extreme air changes, such as thunderstorms. Major weather changes affect the timing of allergy seasons.
Fungi.
Cockroaches. Cockroaches are major asthma triggers and may reduce lung function even in people without a history of asthma.
Fossil Fuels. Certain chemicals may trigger allergic rhinitis. Some experts believe that refined fossil fuels, such as diesel fuel and particularly kerosene, may be important triggers for allergic rhinitis. And, in people who already have allergies or asthma, exposure to such fossil fuels may worsen symptoms.

Preventive measures
1.First and foremost, beat the cold. Being exposed to cold is a trigger factor so go ahead and pack those extra sweaters to keep yourself warm during the trip.
2.Don't forget to carry both the preventive and the reliever inhalers. Use the preventive inhaler regularly. It cuts down the risk of getting a major attack.
3.Keep a fresh reliever inhaler handy. It is short-acting and can be used in times of emergency as it produces immediate results. Also, severe asthmatics may need nebulizers.
4.Doctors say that an asthmatic should stay away from certain citrus fruits like oranges and lemons.
5.Junk foods like burgers and pizzas, which contain preservatives, are also a strict no-no.
6.The colour in cold drinks could also trigger an asthma attack, so keep well away from aerated water. Instead stick to herbal tea as it acts as a bronchodilator and relaxes your lungs.
7.Doctors say staying well away from perfumes, as they contain aerosol products, could be good for health. Ditto for mosquito repellents.
8.Try and make sure you are not too stressed out or anxious. And yes, don't forget to do Pranayama and other breathing exercises.
9.Staying away from the other above mentioned allergens and things like pollen, smoke and furry pets can make your holiday a happy experience.
10.Avoid taking drugs like aspirin and the non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs. Some common drugs like Combiflam, Brupfen and Voveron could also cause an attack.