General Information
Asthma occurs when the main air passages of your lungs, called bronchial tubes, become inflamed and constricted, or narrowed. The muscles in the bronchial walls tighten, and the passageways produce extra mucus, reducing the flow of air. Common signs and symptoms are wheezing, shortness of breath, chest “tightness” and coughing. In emergencies, you may have extreme difficulty breathing, a high pulse rate, sweating and severe coughing.
Millions of Americans — adults and children — have asthma. It isn’t clear why some people get and others don’t, but it’s probably due to a combination of environmental and genetic (inherited) factors. What these factors are seems to vary from person to person.
Common Asthma Triggers
A family history of asthma, frequent childhood respiratory infections, exposure to secondhand smoke and a low birth weight may increase your risk of developing asthma. Common causes, or triggers, of asthma attacks include:
- Air pollutants such as smoke or fumes
- Chemical smells
- Cockroaches
- Cold air or air conditioning
- Colds of flu (influenza)
- Dust or dust mites
- Exercise, physical activity or sports
- Foods, such as peanuts or shellfish
- Heartburn
- Medications, such as aspirin or beta blockers
- Menstrual cycle
- Mold or mildew
- Perfume or deodorants
- Pet allergy
- Stress or strong emotional reactions, like crying
- Sulfites (preservatives in some foods and beverages)
- Tobacco smoke
- Weather, such as high humidity
DIY Home Remedy / Natural Treatment
- Avoid allergens that might be causing your symptoms. If you're allergic to cats or dogs, consider removing them from your home and avoid contact with other people's pets. Avoid buying clothing, furniture, or rugs made from animal hair.
- Use your air conditioner. Air conditioning helps reduce the amount of airborne pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds that somehow finds its way indoors. Air conditioning also lowers indoor humidity and can reduce your exposure to dust mites. If you don't have air conditioning installed in your house, keep your windows closed during pollen season and use a fan.
- Check your furnace. If you have a forced-air heating system and you're allergic to dust, use a filter for dust control. Change ro clean filters on heating and cooling units monthly. The best filter is a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Wear a mask when you remove dirty filters.
- Clean weekly. Avoid dust buildups in your house. Use a vacuum cleaner with a small-particle filter. Avoid projects that raise dust.
- Don't smoke and avoid secondhand smoke. Avoid all types of smoke, even the type from fireplace or burning leaves. Smoke irritates the eyes, nose, and bronchial tubes.
- Avoid activities that might contribute to your symptoms. For example, home improvement projects might expose you to trigger that lead to an asthma attach, such as paint vapors, wood dust, mold, or similar irritants.
Exercise
Years ago if you had asthma, doctors told you not to exercise. Now they believe well-planned regular workouts are beneficial, especially if you have mild to moderate symptoms. If you're fit, your heart and lungs don't have to work as hard to expel air. However, because vigorous exercise can trigger an attack, make sure you choose suitable activities and exercise at a moderate pace. Consider talking with your doctor about an appropriate exercise schedule.Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight can worsen asthma symptoms, and the excess pounds put you at higher risk of other health problems.Control heartburn and GERD
It's possible that the acid reflux causing your heartburn may also be damaging your lungs and worsening asthma symptoms. Avoid foods, beverages or activities, including overeating, that seem to cause heartburn. If your heartburn is frequent or constant, discuss treatment options with your doctor. You may need treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) before your asthma symptoms improve.
Medical Help
