Asthma is a chronic condition that is both hereditary and environmental. Typical symptoms of asthma include inflammation of the airways, chest tightening, shortness of breath and coughing. Learn manage your condition by eliminating triggers (i.e., dust, pollen, smoke), controlling your emotions and staying healthy. Many natural and alternative remedies, including herbs and dietary supplements, acupuncture and , and relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation, are available for those who do not need prescription care.
Diet and Exercise
Because asthma triggers are different for each sufferer, the smart asthmatic will use deductive reasoning and trial-and-error methods to determine which triggers are the most severe. Common triggers include dust, pollen, smoke and pet hair; obscure triggers are often food related and can be harder to discover. A nutritionist or pulmonary specialist can help you find out which food or food groups, such as dairy or fruit, might be affecting your ability to breathe. If you find that you're having a difficult time breathing after eating watermelon, or the back of your throat feels swollen after eating a few peanuts or a banana, then you likely have an allergic reaction to those foods and should avoid them. It is important for asthmatics to get proper daily exercise and maintain a healthy weight. However, be careful not exert yourself--go for a walk or a swim if aerobics is too intense for you.
Herbal Remedies
Many light asthma sufferers swear by herbal remedies such as chamomile (found in tea) and ginger (reduces allergic reactions). Mullein oil can be found in some herbal shops and vitamin stores and can decrease mucus, opening the bronchial passageways. Nettle, which can also be found in herbal shops, is used to treat various respiratory conditions. Lobelia tablets also can be used to treat inflamed bronchial tissue.
Stress Relievers
Many asthma attacks occur as the result of both environmental factors (triggers that can be eliminated) and stress. Stress and emotion causes additional mucus to build up in the bronchial passageway, making breathing harder and the chest tighter. If you want to control your asthma, control your stress levels. Have a cup of hot chamomile tea and a nice bath, listen to soothing music and practice proper breathing tactics (sit up straight, breathe in through the nose, out through the mouth). Keep calm. Some asthmatics receive massage therapy, having their chests and backs (where the lungs are) massaged regularly. They also do centering techniques such as yoga and meditation or a combination of all three. Finding the right balance to determine what works best for you is key, but be sure to see a doctor for prescription medication if alternative methods do not work for you.
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