Asthma And Smoking - A Dangerous Combination

Asthma and smoking is a topic that has been discussed much. This is because smoking is dangerous (even if you do not have asthma) especially when you suffer from asthma. When people suffer from asthma their airways become narrow constricted due to inflammation and mucus clogging. Smoking can be a trigger that brings on an asthma attack and it can also increase the frequency of the attacks. It can also cause extensive damage to the airways that can have lasting undesirable effects on the health of the person. This is why asthma and smoking is an undesirable combination. Why Smoking Is Injurious To Health Its amazing that despite the awareness that has been created and the many cautions that appear on the cigarette packets themselves, many people continue to smoke. Cigarette smoke is very harmful and has a very detrimental effect on the health of those who smoke as well as those around them. Lung damage is caused by the smoke as it can destroy the cilia present in the airway. The cilia are tiny hair-like structures that sweep the lungs clean of the dust and pollens each time a person coughs. When the cilia are destroyed, the lung are unable to clean out the irritants such as the pollen and the dust. That is why asthma and smoking can be a lethal combination. People with asthma are advised not to smoke as smoking can impair their lung function and make them susceptible to lung infections. Asthma and smoking can make the patient seek a higher dose of medication and the patients may react to other irritants more readily than if they were non-smokers or were not exposed to secondhand smoke. Parents of children who suffer from allergies should be extra careful around their children. The children must not be exposed to cigarette smoke as it can cause asthma in the children. The parents must not smoke when the children are around and they must keep their children away from public places where smoking is not prohibited. This is because second hand smoke can also easily trigger asthma attacks in adult and in children. If you have to spend some time in a public place where people may smoke be sure to take your reliever along with you. If you are a parent who smokes do so if you wish to increase the chances of respiratory illness and other chest infections in your children. Keep your home and car smoke free and make sure you opt to enjoy a day out with your children in a place where smoking is prohibited. Asthma and smoking is dangerous as smoking can negate the effect of your medications to a certain extent as well as making you use your reliever more often than if you stop smoking. It is recommended that you stop smoking unless you desire to make life-threatening trips to the emergency room. It is always better to have worked out an asthma management plan with your physician and make sure you do not smoke if you suffer from asthma. Asthma and smoking can get you into more trouble than is desirable and is definitely not worth the risk you put yourself or your loved ones in.By: Brian Logan

Foxtail Grass Dangerous to Dogs by: Marilyn Pokorney REQUIREMENTS FOR REPRINT: You have permission to publish this article free of charge in your e-z

Foxtail Grass Dangerous to Dogs

If you have dogs, keep the foxtail out of your lawn!

Foxtail is a common annual grass usually considered a weed.
It grows one to three feet tall, with branching and some
spreading at ground level. Leaf blades are 4 to 15 inches
long. Flower heads are dense spikes with yellow to reddish,
green or purplish bristles. As foxtail matures, seeds are
formed at the top of the stalk. The bushy seeds are what
gives the plant the name of “foxtail”.

When mature, the seeds detach easily from the plant. This
is natures way of making sure that the plant reproduces.
The seeds easily cling to clothing, fur, and hair. The
seeds always move forward thus penetrating the skin.

The seeds found in the ears, eyes and nose are very serious
and can become life threatening. But no body part is
immune. The seeds have been found in the urethra, vagina,
anal glands, brain, and spinal cord. In one case a
veterinarian found the seed in the lung but the original
site of entry was the paw. The seeds also gain entry
through open wounds.

Foxtail seeds are very tiny so veterinarians usually go by
symptoms.

If in the nasal cavity, the dog sneezes repeatedly and
violently often hitting the nose on the floor. If a bloody
discharge is noticed assume it’s a foxtail seed.

If in the eye, the dog paws at the eye and the eye waters.
If an eye is glued shut it is most likely a foxtail seed.

If the seed is in the ear the dog shakes its head violently
from side to side. Sometimes the dog paws a the eyes or
ear, shaking the head and squints.

In the mouth foxtail seeds can cause gagging or difficulty
swallowing. If the seed gets caught between the teeth, in
the gums, back of throat, or tongue problems can result.

If the seed lodges in the paw or under the coat a lump will
form that is painful to the touch. Other symptoms include
rubbing the head on the ground and going round in circles,
licking or biting at the rectum or other body parts, or
yelping or shining for no obvious reason.

Foxtail seeds can cause fatalities when they reach internal
organs.

In any case, do not attempt to treat the animal yourself.
Get professional help.

Get rid of all foxtail in your lawn or yard. If foxtail
grows in your yard mow the grass often, especially in late
spring when the plant grows most rapidly. This prevents the
plant from ever setting seed.

Avoid parks, or other recreational areas where you know
foxtail grows.

Always brush and inspect your dogs coat after being in
grassy areas. Dogs with long hair are even more likely to
attract the seeds than shorthaired breeds.

Examine your dogs eyes and ears.