Asthma, also referred to as bronchial asthma in medical terminology, is a disease where the airways in the lungs get narrower or swollen due to excess mucus. There is no cure for asthma, and it is known to affect nearly 25 million people across the country, with more than 5 million being children. If a person gets the disease, they need to ensure constant medical management, as untreated asthma can be life-threatening.

What are the causes of asthma?

There are quite a few factors that could contribute to this disease, but it is difficult to point out the exact cause.

• If a close relative, like parents and siblings, has a history of asthma, there is a significant chance of getting this disease.
• Exposure to allergens, fumes, toxins, and second and third-hand smoke can be extremely dangerous for infants and young children than adults, as their immune systems have not reached their optimum levels. Environmental factors contribute to the predominant cause of asthma.
• Certain events that might have occurred in early life during the developmental stage of the lungs, like viral respiratory infections, low-birth weight, and prematurity, can cause asthma.
• Obesity or overweight children or adults are at a high-risk category for asthma.

Symptoms of asthma

The symptoms are pretty obvious, but they also mimic the signs and symptoms of other respiratory infections. Therefore, it is best to be vigilant even at the initial stage.

• Pressure or pain in the chest, including tightness
• Coughing that is more predominant at the night
• Breathlessness or shortage of breath
• Wheezing
• Some might also have a tendency to sneeze uncontrollably

Treatment for asthma

It is best to consult a doctor when suffering from asthma. An expert would be able to prescribe the appropriate treatment strategy based on the intensity and frequency of asthma attacks. The general treatment options are given below:

Bronchodilators

This medication relaxes the muscles around the airways, enabling free passage of air. As a result, even the mucus is released through the airways. This medication is largely used for chronic asthma patients.

Anti-inflammatory medicines

This medication reduces swelling and the production of mucus in the air passages. Thus, it becomes easier for the air to enter and exit the lungs. This is taken to prevent asthmatic symptoms and is usually recommended as an “everyday” medication.

It is to be noted that most of the medication for asthma comes in inhalers and is a quick remedy. However, sticking to the doctor’s prescription is crucial to avoid further attacks.

Home remedies for asthma

There are quite a few options to manage asthma at home:

Honey

For an asthmatic, it is crucial to avoid contracting a cold, for a cold could lead to cough, and cough is a “bad sign” for asthma. Using honey in hot tea or green tea can soothe a sore throat and prevent coughing. Even drinking honey with warm water should do the work.

Garlic

The anti-inflammatory properties of garlic help reduce the inflammation around the airways and reduce asthma symptoms.

Ginger

Quite similar to garlic, ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties, and a 2013 study proved that ginger and ginger supplements could ease asthma symptoms.

Turmeric

The anti-allergy properties of turmeric fight symptoms that are caused due to allergens.

Steam baths

Steam baths alleviate congestion in the nasal and chest region. It provides moisture to the airways and gets rid of the accumulated mucus. They not only treat but improve the health condition. Add essential oils like lavender oil (with a carrier oil) in your steam bath for the best experience.

Tips to follow

There is no particular way that will help eliminate the symptoms of asthma, but the following can help in not making the situation worse:

Eat just enough

One of the symptoms of asthma is being overweight. Eating just the correct quantity of food will help the person feel better. In addition, losing weight can also improve symptoms.

Include fruits and vegetables

Some of the best sources of antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and E and carotene, are present only in fruits and vegetables. These help to reduce lung inflammation which causes damage to the cells.

Vitamin D

Get enough Vitamin D into the system, including spending some time in the sun. In addition, consuming milk, salmon, and eggs also increases Vitamin D levels.