Asthma can be a serous and often frightening condition that is
typified by a tightening of the chest, wheezing and difficulty breathing. Asthma
is made up of two underlying components: inflammation and constriction. During
normal breathing, the bands of muscles that surround the airways are relaxed,
and air moves freely. But in people with asthma, the bands of muscle surrounding
the airways tighten and air cannot move freely. In addition, individuals with
asthma often have airways that are inflamed, irritated and swollen. This can
make it hard for them to breathe. This irritation can also cause the mucus
membrane that lines these tissues to produce excessive mucus, which can further
reduce the flow of air into the lungs.
The airways of people with asthma are extremely sensitive. The airways tend
to overreact and narrow due to even the slightest trigger. These can include:
emotional upsets and stress, upper respiratory tract infections, breathing cold
air and even exercising too hard. Airborne allergens, such as bee pollen, animal
dander, dust mold and smoke can also trigger an attack, as can certain foods or
medications.
Asthma attacks can be both mild and severe. The severity of an attack,
however, can escalate rapidly, so it is important to treat these symptoms
immediately once you recognize them. In any case, it is important to work with
your primary health care provider when you look to treat this health concern.
Fortunately, there are a number of things that you can do to help reduce the
severity or eliminate asthma from your life.
Recommendations for Wellness
To help control an attack:
Sit leaning forward or in a semi-prone position to help restore normal
breathing.
Try placing a hot, moist towel over your chest to help relax your chest
muscles and restore normal breathing.
To help reduce your chances of another attack:
Incorporate breathing exercises into your daily routine to help strengthen
your respiratory muscles.
Keep a health diary. Use it to help you figure out what is triggering your
attacks, then reduce your exposure to them or eliminate those things from your
life.
Don’t smoke. Avoid perfumes.
Make a special effort to keep your environment allergen free. Get an air
purifier. Dust and vacuum often. Change your home furnace or air conditioner
filter regular.
Stop exercising if you start wheezing or feel an attack coming on.
Drink plenty of water to help thin any mucus build-up in the lungs.
Eliminate or reduce mucus-forming foods such as milk products, products made
with white flower and refined foods.
Lobelia has a long history for relaxing respiratory muscles and reducing
spasmodic coughing.
To help reduce asthma symptoms, including ginkgo biloba into your health care
program.
Herbal combinations such as Natures Sunshine’s Chinese Lung Support can help
to support and protect the lungs.
Herbs such as mullein, licorice root, marshmallow root or slippery elm can be
taken to soothe irritated tissues.
Fenugreek and thyme can help to open the chest as it loosens & stimulates
the gentle removal of mucus and phlegm.
Incorporate a homeopathic Asthma formula to help with shortness of breath,
difficulty in breathing, tightness of the chest and wheezing.
