Pulse Oximeter Use on Cruise Ships

By Jacob Walters
Cruise ships provide one of the most unique vacationing experiences that individuals can go on. The reason why it is very unique is that it provides a very comfortable accommodation while still going to distant lands and discovering new areas. However, because the individuals on the cruise ship are so far away from home they also are far away from their medical and health care facilities. Many of these people that go on cruises have different health conditions that require careful monitoring of their vital signs to ensure that they do not experience bad health or any type of negative health effect.

One of the devices that provides effective health monitoring to individuals with various health conditions is a pulse oximeter. A pulse oximeter is a medical and health device that measures pulse rate as well as blood oxygen saturation. The device through generations of advancements is now completely portable. It is only a fraction of the size of a cell phone and can be taken wherever the individual desires to go. So if a person has asthma they would need to monitor their oxygen levels on a daily basis to ensure that they are receiving enough oxygen so that they don't experience an asthma attack.

Well, by using a pulse oximeter while on vacation on a cruise ship, the individual with asthma and closely and via portability monitor their oxygen levels wherever they decide to go. This ability to monitor their health on vacation will ensure that they will never experience an asthma attack when they least desire to have one.

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A Simple Cure For Asthma

By Conor Hughes
Although there is no formal definition for the cause of asthma, one prevailing hypothesis is the theory of overbreathing. This theory states that the more a person overbreathes, the more that individuals body is likely to produce an asthma attack in order to preserve levels of carbon dioxide in their body.

If this hypothesis holds true then the most effective way to treat asthma is not by using certain medications but by reducing the internal breathing volume. By reducing breathing volume less carbon dioxide will be excreted from the body, thus eliminating the bodies need to resort to an asthma attack.

There are many different strategies to reduce one's breathing and thus their likelihood of developing asthma or of encountering an asthma attack. The easiest of these strategies is to change ones method of breathing.

Many asthmatics have a common characteristic in that they are all mouth breathers. This means that, whether they are aware of it or not, their method of breathing will be to inhale through the mouth and to exhale through the mouth.

Their are many problems with this method of breathing from tooth malalignment, facia malalignment, tooth decay, and even bad breath. The main problem with this method of breathing however, is that it automatically promotes overbreathing.

A much better way of breathing is through the nose. Compared to the mouth, the nose has a much smaller air passage. This will ensure that the volume of air that is breathed is tightly regulated since the small passageway of the nose will automatically produce resistance.

There are also other important factors that make nose breathing more beneficial. Many people will go to great trouble changing their environment to reduces asthma triggers. They buy new carpets, new curtains, new bedding. They even install high-tech vacuum systems to try and remove anything that may be causing a trigger.

A much more effective (and less expensive!) strategy is to breathe through the nose. The nose is lined with a mucus membrane that filters large particles that can be triggers for asthma. It is estimated that approximately three quarters of all bacteria entering the nose are deposited on this blanket and therefore are eliminated. Breathing through the mouth does not remove these particles like the nose does.

If any person with asthma wishes to test this hypothesis of overbreathing then they should try this method of breathing through the nose. The nose was designed to be our primary breathing vessel, not the mouth, and switching from mouth to nose breathing will do a great deal for reversing one's asthma symptoms.

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Why Does Overbreathing Cause Asthma?

By Conor Hughes
There are many different theories as to what exactly causes asthma, but one of the most prevalent and well researched is the theory of overbreathing.

According to this theory, asthma is a defense mechanism that protects the body from overbreathing, and in particular from the loss of carbon dioxide in the body.

Most people understand that when we inhale oxygen, it is transported around the body by molecules called haemoglobin. When the oxygen has reached its destination it is released from the haemoglobin and is used by by the cells.

A key but misunderstood player in this equation is carbon dioxide. If the level of CO2 in the body is not at the required level of 5% then the release of oxygen from haemoglobin will be compromised. Although oxygen will be available, cells will not be able to use it if levels of carbon dioxide are too low.

This process was discovered in 1904 as is called the Bohr Effect. It is the main theory behind why overbreathing is what causes asthma attacks.

When you overbreathe you exhale a great deal of your CO2. The lowering of your carbon dioxide binds the oxygen and haemoglobin molecules together. Since oxygen is not getting to your cells you may feel the desire to overbreathe even more in an attempt to "get more oxygen". Unfortunately, this only makes matters worse.

Because this process of overbreathing can create such widespread negative effects, the body must come up with a defense mechanism. One such defense mechanism is an asthma attack. During an attack breathing will become restricted and this gives the body a chance to normalize the levels of carbon dioxide. Once the carbon dioxide has reached an appropriate level then the cells of the body can get the oxygen that they need.

This sets up an interesting paradox. In order for an individual to oxygenate his body, he must try to breathe less rather than more. Breathing less ensures the conservation of carbon dioxide which in turn allows the appropriate oxygenation of tissues and cells.

Although this theory of overbreathing and carbon dioxide has not been proven to cause asthma, there is good evidence to show reduced breathing removes asthma attacks. One method of breathing called the "Buteyko Method" uses this theory extensively, and it has shown to be very effective simply by advocating certain exercises and drills that reduce breathing volume and thus prevent or reverse overbreathing.

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What Is the Difference Between a Pulse Oximeter With a Color Screen and One Without?

By Jacob Walters
One of the major differences between pulse oximeter products is whether they are color screen or non-color screen. This difference although has no effect on the performance or the accuracy of the device does in fact have a big impact on the convenience of use and the price of the oximeter. Those oximeter devices with a color screen tend to be more expensive because of the actual convenience factor that they provide. The way that a oximeter works is that an individual inserts their finger within the device and within seconds the device calculates and gives an output of the individual's pulse rate and blood oxygen saturation. Many individuals with different health conditions utilize these readings in order to monitor their health and take appropriate measures if needed. One of the most common health conditions that use oximeter devices are those individuals with asthma. Asthma is a very common condition in America and one of the most important aspects of asthma treatment is to monitor the oxygen levels of the individual with asthma in order to ensure that they are receiving enough oxygen as to prevent an asthma attack. This is very important because asthma can be fatal at times and to have the ability to monitor the oxygen levels of the individual with asthma prior to getting an asthma attack is a very powerful medical and health tool.

So the decision winds down to the fact of whether the individual looking for a oximeter should get a oximeter with a color screen or one without. Well the convenience factor is very important aspect to consider and in fact does outweigh the slight price increase of the color screen. We as individual are active people and are always on the go. We go to work, to the gym, and the grocery store where all these areas have different lighting conditions that may make it difficult to read the readings of the oximeter device. As such, the color screen will provide the individuals wishing to monitor their health with a pulse oximeter with the ability to see and easily understand their readings from the oximeter device in any lighting situation. So lets say for example that you have asthma and that you have decided to actually go mountain climbing. Well you didn't pay exact attention to the time of day and actually it starts to get dark while you are mountain climbing and hiking. Because it has begun to get dark with a typical pulse oximeter without color you will have a very hard time reading the readings in order to determine whether your pulse rate and oxygen levels are functioning at appropriate levels. Thus, by using a oximeter that is a color screen you can see the readings in almost any lighting situation including the dark and thus you have the power to monitor your health wherever you desire to go and in any lighting situation and this is why it is better to opt for the color screen oximeter.

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Pulse Oximeter Devices Used to Determine When Supplemental Oxygen Is Necessary

By Jacob Walters
There are many different individuals with different health conditions that may require them to use supplemental oxygen. Some of these health conditions include asthma, COPD, and other respiratory conditions that may result in supplemental oxygen. Asthma is one of the most common health conditions that affects many individuals. What makes it particularly difficult is that asthma can take affect at any time and actually cause an asthma attack. Simple physical activity or physical exercise can actually cause an asthma attack that in turn may either be controlled or become fatal in some cases. One of the ways to monitor asthma and in particular the oxygen levels of individuals living with asthma is to use a pulse oximeter. A pulse oximeter is a medical device that measures pulse rate as well as oxygen saturation in the blood quickly and efficiently. So lets say that an individual has asthma and they desire to run in the park for exercise. They can utilize the pulse oximeter device to monitor their oxygen levels in order to ensure that their oxygen levels do not fall below a point that may cause an asthma attack. The device works in a very simple manner whereby the individual just needs to simply place their finger inside the oximeter device and within seconds they get the reading of their oxygen levels. From that reading they are able to determine whether they can continue with their physical exercise or whether they should stop and rest or even in extreme cases resort to supplemental oxygen.

The pulse oximeter devices of today are quite revolutionary in that they enable portable monitoring of oxygen levels wherever individuals desire to go. In the past, pulse oximeters were only used in hospitals and clinics and as such where not only not used by home patients but they were also not portable. However, the newer generation of products are extremely portable whereby they are only a fraction of the size of a cellphone while at the same time delivering the same accuracy and usability as the devices that were found in the hospital setting. The new generation of oximeter devices also are very affordable whereby the individuals at home can purchase one for themselves and easily monitor their health wherever they decide to go. The old generation of the devices were very expensive and in fact only limited to the high budget of hospitals and physician offices. The other condition that individuals tend to use a pulse oximeter to determine if they require supplemental oxygen is COPD. This condition is better known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder which is a condition whereby not enough oxygen is absorbed by the body and thus can result in detrimental affects to the body due to the lack of oxygen. COPD patients can simply take their pulse oximeter device wherever they desire to go and monitor their oxygen levels. If at anytime they realize that they are not getting enough oxygen they can resort to supplemental oxygen.

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How Exercise Helps With Asthma

By Mark Warrington
When you have asthma, it is harder to have a hobby than people who don't for the simple reason that you get tired and run out of breath faster. Most people with asthma are too careful that they neglect themselves of most daily activity fearing an asthma attack. But on the contrary, asthma sufferers can actually do some activities to help with their asthma. If you have asthma, you don't have to worry about exercising as this can in fact help you.

It is important that before you do any exercise that you consult with your doctor for their recommendation and that you always have your inhaler ready. Getting advise from your doctor should be your number one priority. Working out can help with improving your asthma over time. Many experts advise people who have asthma to take time to exercise because it can help with managing your breathing, improving your posture and relaxing which are aspects that affect your asthma. Choose an exercise that you can handle to avoid tiring yourself. Simple and easy exercises for about 30 minutes a day should be enough. An important note as well is to use your inhaler at least 15 minutes before you start working out.

Cardio exercises are highly recommended for people with asthma because this helps with proper breathing and keeping your heart strong. Walking might be the best cardio for asthma sufferers as it is the easiest. Once you have set a pace, you can start with some running too. Yoga is also an option before doing aerobics. Yoga can help with proper breathing other than just improving your flexibility. Another good exercise that can help with your breathing is swimming. Don't forget to start slowly with any exercise that you do before taking it to the next level. Start your workout with stretching and always cool down after.

When doing your exercises, make sure that you always have your inhaler available. Getting an attack while you workout is okay. All you have to do is rest and, if you still can, do another round. If you get another attack, you have to stop. When you exercise, a great idea is to breathe through your nose and not through your mouth because that can trigger asthma attacks. Breathing through your mouth allows cold air to enter directly to your bronchial tubes while breathing through your nose filters the air that you breathe. Make sure that you exercise in a place that has minimal pollution and allergens like pollens. And always have someone with you when you workout and let that person know that you have asthma.

Managing your asthma is fairly easy. Just make sure that you take the necessary precautions to avoid making your condition worse. Having asthma should not hinder you from doing activities to maintain your fitness. You simply have to remember that moderation is key.

Over at the FitnessArmory.com, you can let our expert advice on fitness and equipment reviews help you create the perfect home gym but without all the huge costs. We have the exclusive reviews on all your favorite brands and models to help you get in shape, get healthy and look great.

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10 Secrets For Surviving Asthma

By Blondell Liscomb
How many of you were diagnosed with Asthma as an ADULT like I was? It was QUITE shocking!

About 15 years ago, I took a hike in the Mt. Rainier area to Spray Falls. Being the active person that I am, I didn't understand why I was short of breath when traversing up the mountain, and had to keep stopping. I think it was the longest hike I ever did. Somehow I eventually made it to the top and was able to take a ton of pictures. To this day, Spray Falls is one of the most beautiful sites I've ever seen. Sadly, I haven't been back yet!

The shortness of breath continued at home. I didn't understand what was going on. I had to keep stepping outside for air. What was up? It was getting scary!

I finally went to an allergist, blew in a tube and took some tests, and he informed me that I had asthma! What? How could that be? Where did this come from?

He sent me home with an emergency inhaler and a preventive inhaler that I was SUPPOSED to use every day. I refused to use the inhaler for quite a long time, until one day I was out on a trail with Mark and had a severe asthma attack. I carried the preventive inhaler with me, but that never works DURING an attack. I didn't have my emergency puffer with me, but somehow I lived!

After that horrifying experience, I started to take it seriously and began using my very strong preventive inhaler two puffs twice daily. I started feeling much better but actually lost my voice, which didn't matter. At least I could breathe!

My asthma eventually was under control and I was able to go to a lower daily dosage. After feeling fantastic for a long time, I decided to take it upon myself to completely stop using my daily inhaler right before spring. I mean, I was cured, right? Wait a minute, NOT SO FAST! I started having the worst attacks of my life. Mark used to have to drive me to air conditioned malls and movie theatres. A couple of nights we spent in hotels just for air. It was getting ridiculous and expensive!

Back on the inhaler I went. I've been using it every day for years and seem to have it under control. I'm down to the lowest dosage, maybe a puff every other day. If I start flaring up, I use it more frequently. I actually am doing quite well now. I keep a few preventive and emergency puffers around my house and in the car just in case!

I used to completely PANIC when having an Asthma attack, but I've learned secrets to deal with it and they've really helped me.

1. Don't panic, go to a designated quite place (mine was my bedroom) and puff, lie down, and RELAX.
2. Sit down next to a hot pan of steamed water or humidifier or get into a hot steamy shower for about 10 minutes.
3. Don't go outside and breathe cold air; it can set off an attack.
4. Don't drink cold water, drink hot water daily. It's good to steam your lungs!
5. Don't EVER STOP using your daily inhaler "cold turkey". Talk to your doctor before making any changes.
6. Don't eat until you are stuffed, it weighs on your lungs.
7. Take your emergency inhaler wherever you go. I have several that are stored in different places like bedroom, family room, purse, and each of our cars.
8. Put hardwood floors into your house.
9. Install Air conditioning, if you can, it works wonders. ALWAYS keep your windows CLOSED during pollen season.
10. Buy a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter in it. Make sure it sucks the dust up and doesn't redistribute it in another part of the house.

Always remember that If you are short of breath or think you have asthma please consult your health care professional.

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