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Asthma in Dogs or Cats

2016/5/4 10:10:08

Asthma, as a chronic, repetitive condition of the respiratory system, is an ailment that makes normal breathing very difficult for those afflicted. From time to time, an episode is triggered and airways begin to constrict - starting the breathing difficulty; inflammation results, along with excess production of mucus in the lining of the airway. This results in even greater constriction to the airways, and thereby further increase in breathing difficulty.

Various irritants may be instigators or 'triggers' for such occurrences. Such Triggers may include simple emotional stress, heavy exercise, or over-exertion; but, environmental factors such as allergens, exposure to chemicals, household cleaners, or even changes in temperature or humidity are often involved.

Interestingly, science has recently discovered a relationship between certain Antioxidant Enzymes and Asthma. It seems there is a direct correlation in lowered activity levels of the antioxidant enzyme, SuperOxide Dismutase (SOD), and the incidence of Asthma. It has been found in affected individuals, that lower levels of SOD activity result in more severe the episodes of asthmatic attacks.

SuperOxide Dismutase is a front-line, antioxidant enzyme, directly responsible for the conversion of the Oxide Radical (free-radical) to a less harmful form. The Oxide radical is a reactive oxygen species (ROS), and as such, causes cellular damage leading to inflammation. Although in some experimental systems of lung inflammation, antioxidants, like SOD, increase in response to oxidant stress and minimize oxidant-induced damage, antioxidant defense is impaired in the asthmatic airway. What is not known is whether asthmatics suffer from a mechanism which temporarily shuts down the antioxidant defense system, or whether day to day low enzyme levels (LEL) lend themselves to periodic asthmatic episodes. In either case, it would seem reasonable to support the body's natural production of the antioxidant enzyme, SuperOxide Dismutase.

Typical Asthma Symptoms: Coughing, difficulty breathing, wheezing, tight or itchy chest, difficulty with physical exertion, shortness of breath (dyspnea - painful breathing), difficulty with speach, high-pitched noises (stridor), etc.

What Can Be Done For Animals/Pets With Asthma?

For Animals/Pets, the use of all natural pet health supplements can work wonders. There are several on the market that will aid the animal's body in its natural healing capacity.

Using these products/supplements will assist the body with its natural production of antioxidant enzymes, including Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), and Methionine Reductase (MR). Since these enzymes are instrumental in reducing oxidative damage throughout the body, it stands to reason that increasing their numbers would provide greater, natural defense for conditions such as Asthma. While this is not a "cure" for the condition, the expectation should be for less frequent, less severe episodes, over a period of time.

Sometimes, a common cold can lead an Asthmatic into a more complex condition such as Asthmatic Bronchitis. This can often be a life threatening problem, which may require hospitalization. Using a liquid supplement that includes 5% Sodium Chlorite, used in a vaporizer, can be very beneficial for these, and all other types of respiratory issues.

Article submitted by Tim Delaney. References include Nzymes (Pet Supplements) and Nzymes EU (Pet Supplements in Europe)