Asthma FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions on Asthma
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions on respiratory condition Asthma
Q: What is Asthma?
A: The word Asthma comes from the Greek word aazein, which means "sharp breath". Asthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory disease characterized by episodes of coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, labored or rapid breathing and a tight feeling in the chest.
Q: What causes Asthma?
A: The exact cause of Asthma is unknown. Researchers attribute different factors as contributing to Asthma i.e. parents who have Asthma, inherited tendency to develop allergies, contact with airborne allergens or exposure to viral infections during childhood or infancy. Factors causing asthma vary from person to person.
Q: Is Asthma contagious?
A: No, Asthma is not contagious.
Q: What are the strongest risk factors for developing Asthma?
A: Some of the strongest risk factors for developing Asthma are exposure to indoor allergens i.e. house dust, dust mites in bedding, carpet and stuffed furniture and, pet dander. Outdoor allergens include pollen, air pollution and molds. Exposure to tobacco smoke and chemical irritants can also increase risk of Asthma. Cold air, physical exercise and extreme emotions i.e. anger, or fear can trigger Asthma attacks.
Q: How many people have Asthma?
A: According to the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, 300 million people worldwide currently have Asthma and 255,000 people died of Asthma in 2005. While Asthma occurs in all countries regardless of level of development, 80% of Asthma deaths occur in low and lower middle income countries. Asthma is the most common chronic disease among children.
Q: Is FAFAA (First Aid for Asthma Attacks) an alternative to conventional medical treatment?
A: FAFAA is not an alternative or substitute to conventional medical treatment. FAFAA is a holistic based integrative or complementary protocol that works in conjunction with conventional Asthma medical protocol.
Q: What is BI-AMP?
A: BI-AMP the term used in the book Golden Wings, Holistic Approach to Managing Asthma. stands for Bat-Imedt Asthma Management Protocol. The BI-AMP developed as a holistic based emergency approach to managing Asthma attacks consists of 3 protocols - Hospital, Public and Holistic. FAFAA is based on the Public protocol.
Q: What is Reflexology?
A: Reflexology is a modality used in the healing arts to assess, promote health and prevent illness. All parts of the body have their corresponding reflexology sites somewhere on the feet. During an Asthma attack, when pressure is applied to respiratory sites (both feet) with the tip of thumb or fingers, those sites initially feel very painful. As breathing improves, sites become less painful when pressed. Asthma reflexology works!
Q: What is Contact Healing?
A: Contact Healing also known as the "laying on of hands" is a modality used in the healing arts to assess and promote health and healing to any part of the body. During an Asthma attack, one hand is placed on the chest and the other hand in opposite position on the back. The pressure of the hands slightly cupped and barely touching the body should feel as light as a feather.
Q: Why is water important during Asthma attacks?
A: During an Asthma attack, drinking room temperature water (never chilled or cold) makes it easier for the asthmatic to cough up mucus. When room temperature water is drank prior to taking medication i.e. inhaler or nebulizer, it enhances the effectiveness of the medication.
Q: How can I become trained and/or certified for FAFAA (First Aid For Asthma Attacks)?
A: This website includes details on training to become certified for FAFAA (First Aid For Asthma Attacks). There are 2 levels offered. Level One is very basic, which even children can learn. Level Two is much more in depth and entitles you to train others with Level One techniques.