In a relatively short space of time, asthma has become one of the most serious health conditions around the world; an increasing number of people are contracting the condition every year. Causing the airways to close up in reaction to allergens in the atmosphere, asthma is a chronic condition that can at least be treated. 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. Once the severity of the condition is know there are three main ways to treat it:

• Preventing attacks from occurring
• Relief medication for minor attacks
• Emergency treatment for serious attacks

The first preventative treatment to be supplied to every sufferer is a Bronchodilator which can give relief from minor attacks; this will be the only form of medication that mild asthmatics will probably ever need to use.
Low-dose glucocorticoids or a mastcell stabilizer may be used for patients who still only have mild but more persistent attacks. Those who experience serious asthma attacks will require a stronger treatment with oral glucocorticoids. Irrespective of the seriousness of the condition, they will all use a standard reliever as well. Asthmatics must also identify the triggers that cause the allergic reaction in them and find ways to reduce or eliminate them. The problem is now believed to be made worse as a result primarily of atmospheric pollution which tends to be found in industrial areas and cities.
The medications used to help prevent and treat attacks is very effective but should only be used sparingly; prescription drugs may also cause serious side effects such as:

• Constantly fatigued
• Dizzy spells
• Loss of interest in sex
• Feelings of despair
• Damage to the liver

Many patients with respiratory conditions are now moving towards natural remedies which do not have these awful side-effects. Every attack weakens the body's system a little as it becomes hyperactive where the task of the catalyst in medication is to calm and soothe this hyperactive system. The catalysts contained in the natural medications are different as they do not have any side-effects so reduce the stress on the system naturally.
Now yoga is being used as a natural substitute to medication as some yoga disciplines are centered on breath control which many asthma sufferers are finding beneficial to their condition and overall well-being. Complementary medicines are proving popular as they do not leave dangerous drug residues in the system. Natural medication can also be used that will not leave harmful chemicals in the system; it is most important that the sufferer learns to control their asthma condition.