Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and may produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, a whistling sound (wheezing) when you breathe out and shortness of breath. For some people, asthma is a minor nuisance.
Dr. Yogesh Jadhav Created on 31st Dec, 20
Asthma and How to Prevent it?
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease. Asthma makes the airways of your lungs narrow and causes difficulty in breathing. Signs of asthma occur when the lining of your lung’s airways swells up and the muscles surrounding the lungs get tight. The mucus secretion takes place, making it worse to decrease the amount of air passage. A large number of people around the world have asthma. And, you may be thinking about the symptoms of asthma, its causes, and tips to confront it, aren’t you?
Symptoms of Asthma
Although symptoms may vary depending on the person, here are some common symptoms of asthma:
- Significant coughing at night with the tightness of your chest. It gets worse on laughing or exertion
- Whistling or wheezing sound may be present on breathing
- Breath shortness
- Chest tightness
- Fatigue
Causes of Asthma
Many factors are there for the development of asthma, some of them are:
Genetics: Among the causes of the development of asthma is genetic predisposition. If your parents have asthma, you may get it as well.
Viral exposure: Viral infection’s history may build asthma.
Poor immunity: In small babies, if their immunity is not strong, it may progress to asthma development.
Early allergen exposure: Frequent exposure to several allergen or pollen. It may progress to asthma development.
Asthma Triggering Factors
The below mentioned are a few common triggers of asthma:
- Irritants present in the air
- Extreme changes in weather
- Frequent changes in emotions
- Allergens
- Exertion
- Illness like pneumonia or flu can cause asthma
Types of Asthma
There are several kinds of asthma based on triggering factors. The following are some triggering factors:
Extrinsic asthma (Allergic asthma)
- It may be triggered by several forms of:
- Foods
- Pets, like cat and dog
- Moulds
- Dust
- Pollen
Intrinsic asthma (Non-allergic asthma)
Asthma may be triggered due to:
- Smoke and fumes
- Cold air
- Air pollution
- Viral diseases
- Sprays or perfumes
- Household cleaning products
Occupational asthma
Occupational asthma triggers are:
Dust and dyes
Gases and fumes
Industrial chemicals
Rubber latex
Animal proteins
There also some other types of asthma, which include:
Adult-onset asthma
Allergic asthma
COPD(chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) with asthma
Child asthma
Exercise-induced asthma
Treatment for Asthma
We have mentioned some treatments that might be beneficial for asthma. However, treatment solely depends on your asthma condition. So consult a doctor before adopting any of these.
Breathing exercises
Your doctor or occupational therapist can recommend breathing exercises. These may help you raise your lung ability by inhaling and exhaling. It helps you get more air into your lungs.
Long-term medication
Consider regular consultation with your doctor. It can help manage your dosages to avoid the symptoms and flare-ups of asthma.
Rescue treatments
You can use rescue inhalers or nebulizers in the event of an asthma attack. It can give quick relief to help you breathe. Also, you can inhale deep into the lungs.
Bronchodilators can help you relax your tightened muscles and provide relief to your lungs. Also, anti-inflammatories act better during an asthmatic attack and help you breathe smoothly. Seek medical attention if an asthma attack continues for more than twenty-four minutes. Consult a doctor when the second round of the medication and inhaler does not help.
Home Remedies for Asthma
We have mentioned some home remedies for asthma. However, you must remember, to take these along with your medications. Also, consult your doctor before including them in your routine.
- Coffee or tea: Tea or coffee provides you with short relief. It opens up your air paths and eases your symptoms of asthma for three to four hours.
- Essential oils: Basil, eucalyptus, and lavender essential oil. These may provide ease in breathing difficulties.
- Mustard oil: Mustard oil massage directly on your skin provides relief.
Asthma Prevention and Management
If you are already suffering from asthma, these tips can help you control the condition. Here are some tips to avoid and control asthma:
Prevent triggering factors, like chemicals, pollens, fumes, and allergens
Decrease stress
Follow medication daily
Consume a healthy and balanced diet. It can enhance immunity and decrease the risk of an asthma attack
Prevent processed foods
Maintain weight
Quit smoking and tobacco
Exercise daily
Do daily breathing exercises with yoga and meditation
Never try herbs without consulting with your doctor as it may be dangerous to your health
Asthma is a lifelong condition that passes through cycles. However, you can manage the symptoms and prevent exposure to triggering factors. Since asthma is a lifelong condition, consider homeopathy treatment. It can help you manage your asthma without any side-effects.