Asthma is a chronic condition that causes airway inflammation due to a range of factors such as genetics, the environment, infections, allergies, emotions, and even the foods that we eat. The most common symptoms of asthma are wheezing, coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and an increase in mucus production. However, if you suffer from asthma, or have a family member that does, there is no need to suffer. There are plenty of natural health remedies that you can use.
Types of Asthma
Understanding which type of asthma you have is key to finding the best treatment option or preventive measure. Mild asthma symptoms may continue for up to two days, while people with persistent asthma consider their symptoms worse every night or early in the morning. Rather than focusing on asthma severity, we thought it would be best if we identified the different types of asthma based on the allergy trigger of each.
Allergic asthma
Allergens such as pollen, pets, and dust mites can cause allergic asthma. The majority of people who have this form of asthma also have hay fever, eczema or food allergies.
Occupational asthma
This type of asthma, also known as adult-onset asthma, is brought on by the nature of your job. If your asthmatic symptoms worsen at work and improve when you leave, you most likely have occupational asthma.
Seasonal asthma
Some people with asthma notice that seasonal changes trigger their symptoms. Do you always get a sinus infection or experience chest tightness during hot or cold weather? Chances are you have seasonal asthma.
Exercise-induced asthma
When people without asthma experience a blockage in their air passages after strenuous exercise, there's a high likelihood that they have exercise-induced asthma. However, if their symptoms persist long after their physical activity has ended, they could be suffering from other respiratory conditions.
Non-allergic asthma
This type of pulmonary disease has no known cause and often leads to severe asthma. It is not linked to an asthma trigger and usually develops later in life. Environmental factors like secondhand smoke can set off asthma symptoms. Strong emotions, such as stress, anxiety or anger, can also trigger asthma symptoms in some adults with asthma of this kind.
Allergens that can Trigger Asthma
There are many different allergens that can trigger an asthmatic attack. These include pet dander, chemicals, drugs, dust mites, pollutants, feathers, food additives, mildew, mould and cigarette smoke. Even the foods that you can eat can trigger an asthma attack, with milk, eggs, nuts and seafood being some of the most common triggers.
If you suspect that an allergen is triggering your asthma attack, whether it is dietary or found in the environment, you can choose to eliminate the allergen from your diet or environment and see if symptoms clear up. To be able to correctly identify the allergen, it is important that you remove all potential irritants and re-introduce them one by one.
Causes of asthma
Asthma is caused by inflamed bronchioles. So many things can lead to the development of asthma. It can be a person's genes, environment or susceptibility to viruses. When the emotions of some asthma sufferers play up, these can also make asthma symptoms worse.
The root cause of asthma attacks vary from person to person. However, the most common triggers include air pollution such as tobacco smoke, animal dander or fur, pollen, dust mites and mould spores. Although most people with asthma are sensitive to cold air, others find comfort in it, particularly when the weather is hot.
Natural Asthma Treatments
Traditional medicinal treatment focuses on bronchodilators, which are inhaled at the onset of an asthma attack and act on the bronchial passages to prevent further constriction. An alternative is the range of natural asthma treatments available to complement or supplement any other treatment being undertaken.
Nutrition, herbal medicine, aromatherapy, homoeopathy, meditation and Buteyko Technique are some natural treatments which may assist with asthma.
Exercise for Asthma
While exercise can be a trigger for asthma, there is no reason why you should not undertake exercise at all. There are milder forms of exercise such as swimming, light aerobic activity or weight training that you should be able to do without many problems. Just stay away from the more strenuous forms of exercise, as strenuous exercise often makes us breathe through our mouths, which dries out the back of the throat, causing it to become cool and triggering asthma. Swimming is actually ideal for asthma as the humidity means that your mouth will not dry out.
Herbal Remedies for Asthma
Herbal remedies have been shown to potentially offer relief for asthma symptoms. Common herbs for asthma include garlic, which is an anti-inflammatory agent that clears congestion and improves lung function, and ginger, which clears mucus from the respiratory system.
Other herbs that can be used in conjunction with conventional asthma medicine are:
- Aloe vera juice
- Horehound herb
- Onion
- Hibiscus flower tea
- Honeybush herb
- Figs
- Chamomile tea
- Ginseng root
- Stinging nettle leaf
Source: Home Remedies for Life
Nutrition for Asthma
There is no specific diet for asthmatic patients, but eating a healthy and balanced diet can help relieve the symptoms. Avoiding foods that trigger asthma symptoms, such as dairy products and nuts, can help. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, and fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids, is also recommended, as they are high in antioxidants. Drinking plenty of fluids is also important, as dehydration can make asthma symptoms worse. There is some evidence that caffeine may help asthma symptoms. One study showed that drinking coffee helped to open the airways and improved asthma symptoms. Another study showed that caffeine may help to prevent asthma attacks.
Aromatherapy for Asthma
Essential oils are used for aromatherapy to provide asthma relief. Aromatherapists focus on identifying factors contributing to asthma development, as well as prevention strategies to reduce asthma attacks. The best way to use essential oils for asthma is through inhalation. Add a few drops of lavender or rosemary essential oil in an empty nasal inhaler, a tiny bottle, or a diffuser to clear an asthma patient's respiratory system.
Homoeopathy for Asthma
Homoeopathy is one of the most popular natural asthma treatments, and it can be very effective in relieving asthma symptoms. Some of the most common homoeopathic remedies for asthma include Pulsatilla, Spongia tosta, Antimonium tartaricum, Ipecacuanha and Aconitum napellus. Homeopaths will typically prescribe a remedy based on the individual's symptoms.
Buteyko Technique for Asthma
Buteyko technique is a way of controlling asthma symptoms by slowing down and regulating breathing. It involves shallow, slow breathing exercises that help to keep the airways open. This technique can be used in combination with other asthma treatments
How to Prevent Asthma
People who have allergies or asthma triggers should avoid them whenever possible because doing so will reduce inflammation in the body and lower the risk of a severe asthma attack. If a person must be around their triggers they should use a rescue inhaler beforehand if one is available.
Frequent handwashing can also help reduce asthma symptoms because it can reduce the number of viruses and allergens that people come into contact with on a daily basis.
These tips can also aid people who have asthma:
- Eating fresh fruits and vegetables
- Drinking plenty of water
- Exercising regularly
- Getting enough sleep
- Avoiding smoking cigarettes or secondhand smoke
- Keeping a quick-relief inhaler on hand
These complementary therapies, in addition to your usual asthma medications, can help you control your asthma and enhance your quality of life. To achieve the best outcomes, make sure to follow your healthcare provider's directions.
Originally published on Sep 24, 2009
