How to help your asthma
What is asthma?
Asthma can be defined as a disorder that involves the inflammation of the airways. This causes the airways to swell and narrow. There is also a buildup of mucus. All of this makes it hard for a person with asthma to breathe.
Being an asthmatic myself, I often search for ways I can help my asthma symptoms. I think it's important to stress that asthma can be controlled through all different ways.
Symptoms, causes, and statistics
Symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Chest pain
- Tightness of the chest
Causes
- Overly cold or hot environments
- Exercise
- Dust
- Illnesses such as the common cold.
- Strong emotions such as stress or crying.
- Pollution
- Smoke
- Pollen
- Mold
Statistics (people who are more at risk to develop asthma).
- Males
- Children
- Having a relative with asthma.
- Smokers
- Being exposed to secondhand smoke or having a mother who smoked while pregnant.
- Being overweight
- Low birth weight
- Exposure to chemicals and pollutants.
Ways you can help your asthma
We are all used to the common and most popular way to help asthma symptoms, the inhaler which is usually used during asthma attacks. We also know that there are daily medications that can be taken orally as well to prevent asthma symptoms. There are other ways that can help someone with asthma symptoms. They consists of the following.
Air purifiers-What air purifiers do is clean the air by removing unwanted pollutants that can be dangerous to anyone, especially asthmatics.
Water-It is important for asthmatics to drink plenty of water as it flushes out the toxins in the body.
Fruits and vegetables-Eating lots of fruits and veggies is important in keeping one's immune system high. This is especially important for asthmatics for the simple fact that when they catch any type of respiratory infection, cold, flu, etc. it takes them much longer to get rid of that cough, which can last for weeks after.
Ginseng-Drinking the herb ginseng is very helpful because it relaxes the bronchial muscles and clears out the airways.
Honey-This is a very effective way one can help asthma symptoms. Honey can help the airways by either taking it in orally or holding under the nose. After doing this, it ill be much easier to breathe deeper and with less trouble.
Yoga-Yoga is a great way for asthmatics to relax and work on breathing exercises that will ultimately open up the airways and make it easier to breathe.
Orange foods-Eating orange colored foods such as sweet potatoes, oranges, carrots, squash, pumpkins, and mangoes are very good for asthmatics. The natural color of orange is wonderful for helping breathing.
Caffeine-Eating or drinking anything that contains caffeine is great for asthmatics because again, it opens up the airways and, therefore, makes it easier to breathe.
Figs-Out of all the fruits, figs are probably one of the best, if not the best, for helping asthma. They work by draining off the phlegm from the airways which blocks the patient from breathing properly.
Lemons-Lemons are another great fruit that can help clear the airways and ultimately make it easier to breathe.
Ginger-The ginger juice can be taken with fenugreek decoction, honey, and water. This is another great way to help asthma.
Garlic-This is very beneficial to asthmatics. Steaming garlic with ginger tea is very good and works especially well in the morning and evening.
Living with asthma
Asthma cannot be cured, however, if taken care of properly, an asthmatic should be able to live a normal life. Asthma comes in different stages, some more severe than others. It is very important to keep track of your asthma attacks to tell your doctor. Using a peak flow meter is also important as it tells you how your breathing is. Your doctor will set where your level should be by having you breathe into it while you are experiencing no asthma symptoms. Then everyday you can check to see where your breathing rate is and if you should use asthma medication, see your doctor, or if you are good to go.
Asthma is a disease that even though it is not curable, it can be made better by doing these simple everyday things. Obviously, for some people, some or all of these things may help more people than others; it all depends on the severity of the asthma. It is important for us asthmatics to take care of ourselves and stay knowledgeable regarding what can help us.