Asthma

Asthma is prevalent in North America and around the world, in both adults and children. Asthma is the irritation, obstruction or inflammation of the airways, causing less oxygen to get to the lungs. Asthma can be triggered by a variety of factors including common colds and the flu, environmental air quality, perfumes, mold spores and allergens. It is estimated that over 10% of all children in the United States have been diagnosed with asthma.

Diagnosis

It’s important to record your symptoms in a journal before seeing your doctor. In your journal, make sure to include what symptoms you experienced, at what time and how severe they were. Also record where you were, what you did that day, and most importantly what you ate. There is a strong link between food choices and asthma related symptoms. In most cases, a person can be allergic to a food and not know it, and consuming that food type is triggering asthma attacks at a higher frequency.

Asthma Symptoms

When the airways tighten, or get blocked with excess mucus or inflammation, various symptoms can occur.  It’s important to remember that asthma symptoms are not the same for everyone. For example, some people suffer from extreme asthma symptoms including the complete closure of their throat. Others suffer mild, almost undetectable wheezing. Frequency of symptoms may vary as well – some suffer symptoms daily while others go months between symptoms.  Some of the most common symptoms of asthma are:

•    wheezing
•    chronic coughing, usually later in the evening
•    shortness of breath
•    tightening of the esophageal muscles
•    pain or tightness in the chest area

If you have the above symptoms or have chronic unexplained shortness of breath, see your physician to find if you have asthma or a related bronchial illness or condition.

Asthma Treatment

Contemporary asthma treatments include a variety of prescription drugs, anti-inflammatory medicines, nebulizers and inhalers. While these medications are effective in most cases (and sometimes necessary), some people, particularly those with mild symptoms, prefer to treat themselves with natural remedies. Below are some examples of natural asthma  treatment. Always consult your physician.

•    Steam: Running a hot shower and closing the bathroom door until it becomes a steam room. People who have asthma attacks often use this method to alleviate tightening in the chest and throat.

•    Vitamin B6: Taking regular vitamin B6 supplements can help reduce the severity of your asthma symptoms.

•    Caffeine: If you are having an asthma attack, and have no medication with you, a strong cup of coffee or a chocolate bar with considerable caffeine can help alleviate asthma symptoms and get you through the asthma attack.

•    Warmed banana with pepper: This classic natural asthma remedy has proven effective time and again. It is only used to alleviate the symptoms of an oncoming asthma attack. Heat a ripe banana slightly, sprinkle pepper directly on it and eat!

Besides these natural remedies, there are other considerations you can take to make your asthma symptoms less frequent. Staying out of smoke filled rooms and away from people who smoke can significantly reduce symptoms. Staying indoors when it is exceptionally cold outside can help avoid chronic night coughing. Using an air filter in your home to rid the air of dust mites, pollen and other allergens can significantly reduce symptoms as well.