Asthma is a common and sometimes chronic condition which affects the airways, causing inflammation and swelling which in turn leads to difficulty in breathing, chest pain, cough, and wheezing. Asthma is usually diagnosed in children, but it can appear at any age. Asthma is triggered by certain factors, such as exposure to smoke, dust, pollen, animal dander, and other factors. It can be triggered by certain medicines, such as steroids, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – ibuprofen, naproxen), and other drugs. This article will show you 10 effective home remedies for asthma.

Symptoms of Asthma

Symptoms of asthma vary from person to person. Your asthma symptoms may occur infrequently, occur only when you exercise, or occur all the time. Signs and symptoms of asthma include:

• Breathing difficulties
• Palpitations
• Wheezing when exhaling (most common symptom of asthma in children)
• Sleep problems due to shortness of breath and/or coughing
• Attacks of coughing or wheezing made worse by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or flu

Your asthma may be getting worse if you notice the following signs:

Asthma signs and symptoms are often problematic

Difficulty breathing increases, use a device to monitor your lung function (peak meter)

Need to use a more rapid relief inhaler

In some people, the signs and symptoms of asthma appear following exposure to triggers and irritants. In the case of occupational asthma, caused by workplace irritants such as chemical dust, gas or dust

10 Effective Home Remedies for Asthma

1. Vitamin c – Consuming naturally occurring vitamin C from foods like oranges helps support the protective lining of the bronchi and bronchioles, which is necessary for optimal respiratory health. Orange juice is an excellent source of vitamin C and is widely available. It also contains several other essential nutrients such as folate, potassium, and antioxidants, making it a healthy choice for a regular beverage. Recent studies have highlighted the fact that people suffering from asthma may have difficulty maintaining adequate levels of vitamin C. Consuming at least 300 mg of vitamin C daily, or consuming three glasses of orange juice, could be beneficial for managing symptoms of asthma. Other foods high in vitamin C include red peppers, papaya, broccoli, blueberries, and strawberries.
2. Cinnamon and honey – Cinnamon and honey are two of the most common natural remedies used to treat asthma. The anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon and honey help to reduce the redness, swelling and itching that is often experienced with asthma attacks. Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder and 2 teaspoons honey to a glass of warm water. Drink daily.
3. Ginger tea – Ginger is an anti-inflammatory food. It helps reduce swelling in the lungs, clears mucus, and relaxes the airways. Adding a few slices of fresh ginger root to a cup of boiling water and then drinking the tea can help open up airways, ease pain, and reduce inflammation. Mix 1medium size ginger (freshly grated), 1/4teaspoon turmeric and a pinch of black pepper in a glass of hot water or coconut milk. Let it steep for 10minutes. Strain into your teacup, add 1teaspoon of honey(optional) and drink daily.
4. Liquorice roots – Liquorice root is considered one of the most effective home remedies for asthma because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Liquorice root also works wonders for reducing coughs and congestion, which helps thin and loosen the nose and wind. Place liquorice root in a teapot. Add a little boiling water. Every day, drink the tea made from the water.
5. Eucalyptus oil – Eucalyptus oil is known to help reduce chronic inflammation and airway inflammation. It also helps clear excess mucus from the nasal passageways. Inhale steam from a bowl of boiled water after putting a few drops of oil in it. Alternatively, dilute the oil with a carrier oil such as olive oil, place a few drops of the diluted oil on a napkin and place it close to your nose while sleeping.
6. Coffee – Drinking coffee is the easiest way to treat asthma as it immediately eases up the airways and helps you breathe. The caffeine contained in coffee is known to provide relief to those struggling to breathe. This is because it acts as a bronchodilator, widening the airways that have become blocked, allowing for easier respiration. It also works to stimulate the cardiovascular system, increasing the amount of time the heart can pump blood, consequently reducing blood pressure
7. Chili peppers – The airways are opened by hot foods such as chili peppers. Peppers stimulate the production of fluids in the mouth, throat, and lungs, according to experts. As a result of the increase in fluids, the mucus that forms during an asthma attack thins out and can be coughed up, allowing breathing to be easier. Capsaicin, the active ingredient in peppers, acts as an anti-inflammatory when eaten. This may help decrease the swelling of the airways. Eating a few hot peppers a day can make a big difference in the severity of your asthma symptoms. But beware: too much can make you feel awful. When capsaicin is consumed in large amounts, it can cause inflammation in the gut and worsen asthma symptoms. It is important to find the right balance between eating enough chili peppers to relieve symptoms, but not so much that they cause additional irritation. Talk to your doctor or nutritionist to work out a plan that is right for you. As with all treatments, effectiveness may vary from person to person.
8. Onions – Onions are a versatile, delicious vegetable that have many health benefits. As well as being packed full of essential vitamins and minerals, onions possess anti-inflammatory properties and can help to clear air passages, making them a great choice for those suffering with asthma or other breathing related issues. Eating raw onions in salads or cooked in other vegetables is a great way to reap their health benefits. Raw onions are particularly beneficial, as they retain all of their nutritional value. Additionally, onions are low in calories and can help to reduce cholesterol levels, making them a smart choice if you’re trying to maintain a healthy diet.
9. Flax seeds – It is believed that regular consumption of flaxseed not only helps you reduce the troublesome symptoms of asthma, but also prevents its onset. Flax seeds are a storehouse of minerals that reduce asthma, namely potassium and magnesium. They are also full of omega-3 fatty acids, which can fight asthma due to their anti-inflammatory properties. These fatty acids are beneficial in preventing heart disease, arthritis, atherosclerosis, and asthma. For this treatment, consume one teaspoon of flax oil daily. You can also chew ½ teaspoon of flax seeds daily.
10. Radish – Radish contains fibre, vitamins C, K and B, potassium, iron, folic acid, zinc, magnesium, etc., which promote immunity. In traditional medicine, radish juice has been used successfully to relieve some respiratory problems such as bronchitis, sinus problems, and asthma. The compounds in this herb and its juice can soften the mucous membranes that line the human airway and work quickly to eliminate congestion. Once these foods are included, they will provide natural protection against possible lung infections. Therefore, if you suffer from asthma, chronic cough, runny or stuffy nose, or wake up with bags under your eyes, you should eat radish juice. Clean the radish and put it in a blender to get the juice. Add a little honey and lemon juice to the juice. Drink it every day.

Preventive Measures

• Eliminate all triggers like smoke, dust, moulds, allergens, stress etc within your environment. To safeguard your health and safety, it is important to do all you can to keep your environment free from any dangers. This includes eliminating triggers like smoke, dust, moulds, allergens, and stress, that could lead to a variety of health issues if exposed to for too long.
• Quit smoking. Tobacco smoke is one of the most well-known irritants: it breaks down the tiny hairs like cilia on the mucous membranes of the airways. It also lowers the immune system and makes the smoker more susceptible to upper respiratory infections. In addition to preventing asthma attacks, quitting smoking will reduce your risk of cancer, heart disease and many other conditions, while saving you money. Non-smokers living with a smoker are not healthy. Second-hand smoke is harmful to children and teenagers. Therefore, if there is someone in your family who will not stop, ask that person to start the habit outside.
• Watch your diet. Your daily diet helps you reduce asthma symptoms. So, if you are suffering from asthma, adding good food is one of the important home remedies for asthma that you should take care of. Here is a list of foods you should include in your daily diet and foods you should avoid preventing your asthma from getting worse. The recommended foods are Foods rich in vitamins C, D, and E including milk, eggs and milk products, cruciferous vegetables which are rich in folate, foods high in magnesium, high fibre foods and omega 3 rich foods like tuna and salmon. Foods to avoid include bread and wheat products, nuts (including tree nuts and peanuts), eggs, milk, soy, and shellfish (crabs, prawns, shrimps et)

 

When to go to the doctor

A severe asthma attack can be life-threatening. Consult your doctor for advice when your signs or symptoms worsen and when emergency treatment is needed. Signs of an asthma attack include breathing difficulties that worsen rapidly, no improvement even when using a rapid relief inhaler and Shortness of breath when doing small, light exercises. Contact your doctor:

• If you have a frequent cough or shortness of breath that lasts more than a few days or any other signs or symptoms of asthma, see your doctor. Treating asthma early can prevent long-term lung damage and help keep the disease from getting worse over time.
• To monitor your asthma after diagnosis. If you know you have asthma, see your doctor to get it checked out. Good long-term control helps you feel better every day and can prevent life-threatening asthma attacks.
• If your asthma symptoms get worse. Contact your doctor immediately if your medicine does not seem to be reducing your symptoms or if you need to use your inhaler more often. Do not take more than prescribed without first telling your doctor. Taking too much asthma medicine can cause side effects and make your asthma worse.
• To check your treatment. Asthma often changes over time. See your doctor regularly to discuss your symptoms and make any necessary changes in treatment.