Asthma is a chronic disease that significantly affects a patient’s lungs. During an asthma attack, the bronchial airways become inflamed and swollen, making breathing difficult. An acute asthma attack could prove fatal if adequate medication isn’t given on time. Common symptoms of an asthma attack include wheezing, chest tightness, continuous coughing, especially during nighttime, chest pain, and breathlessness. If you have asthma, it is a lifelong condition, and people will carry it for all time. However, with proper management and medication, people can live normally even with the condition present.
Allergens and other irritants typically trigger an asthma attack. In addition, the common cold, influenza, sudden changes in temperature, smoke, fumes, pollution, and the weather could trigger an attack. Mould, pollens, animal fur, dust mites, and feathers are also among the most significant identified triggers that cause an asthma attack.
Medical experts categorize asthma into seven types: allergic, non-allergic, seasonal, occupational, exercise-induced, severe, and difficult-to-control. Treatment and management options depend on the asthma type and can be as easy as taking a puff from an inhaler or downing prescribed medications. Lifestyle changes for the patient and those around them can also help manage the disease.
Here are some home remedies for asthma.
Dietary Changes
Among the many triggers that cause an asthma attack are food allergies. Although there aren’t any specific dietary restrictions for people who have asthma, it’s also essential for people to determine which food causes an asthma flareup. Once they notice their triggers, they could consult a dietitian or a doctor to help them navigate the dietary landscape. For example, several asthma cases are triggered by allergies to shrimp, pork, chicken, or beef which could lead to immediate airway constriction and heavy breathing.
Being overweight or obese can also affect cases of mild and severe asthma. The additional weight may cause undue stress on the bronchial walls and tubes, constricting the passageways and triggering an attack. It’s also essential to have a balanced diet and increase the intake of fruits and vegetables that are excellent sources of Vitamins C and E and beta-carotene. These elements are known for reducing inflammation around the airways, which would help the patient breathe easier.
Research states that eating fatty fish rich in omega-3 and a Mediterranean-inspired diet including nuts, whole grains, and seeds with enough leafy vegetables and fruits can help manage asthma and its myriad symptoms.
