One of the most worrying global health trends in recent years is the number of asthma sufferers; it is also a worry because the increase in the number affected has happened over a short time period. Unlike many chronic diseases, asthma can be treated even though it cannot as yet be cured. That does not make it any easier for the many sufferers who find at times they are unable to breath. This is a respiratory condition that when not treated properly can easily result in death, if the attack is not attended to in time or is severe.

Assessing and monitoring the condition is the first important step towards treating the condition for any asthma sufferer. The specific medical treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the frequency of symptoms and specific treatments for it are broadly classified as:

• The prevention of attacks
• Treating minor attacks
• Providing treatment for when serious attacks occur

One form of relief for all patients is called a Bronchodilator which is designed only for less serious attacks; many asthmatics will only ever need this form of medication.

For sufferers with mild persistent attacks, low-dose glucocorticoids, a mastcell stabilizer or leukotriene modifiers are to be taken in addition to relievers. In severe asthma cases, oral glucocorticoids may be added to these treatments during attacks. A standard reliever or ‘Bronchodilator' will still be used in addition to any other medication they may have prescribed. After a period of time most asthmatics will have learned to recognize what events trigger the attacks. They will then be able to avoid these triggers and this should lessen if not completely stop the attacks. This particular respiratory problem has become to be recognized as a condition that is most associated with poor air quality and the reason why city dwellers are more likely to suffer.

In recent years many treatments and medicines have become available to help but none should be relied upon for regular use; prescription drugs may also cause serious side effects such as:

• Tiredness
• Dizzy spells
• Impotence
• Depression
• Damage to the liver

Increasingly patients with respiratory conditions are opting for more natural remedies that do not have side-effects. These are formulated to treat the condition and not the effects. The purpose of the medication is to settle the body's hyperactivity which is caused as a result of the attack. It also helps soothe the effects by using a catalyst. Natural medications provide natural organic catalysts to the body that restore balance in the system and thereby eliminate all the symptoms without any side effects.

Some yoga disciplines are based around breathing techniques and now many asthma sufferers are using these techniques to control their situation and improve their health. Complementary medicines are proving popular as they do not leave dangerous drug residues in the system. The main focus however, should be on the asthma patient learning to control their own condition.