6 Natural Ways to Reduce Asthma Issues

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a medical condition that affects your breathing. In an asthma attack, the muscles around the airways in the lungs contract, and the airways become narrower. This might produce extra mucus, which blocks the narrowed airways, causing inflammation. As a result, a person might face difficulty in breathing. This might happen because of cold, dust, smoke, molds, climate change, or mental conditions. These triggers might differ from one person to another.

Following are the Symptoms of Asthma:

1. Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath
2. Tightness of the chest
3. Difficulty in speaking
4. Frequent coughing
5. Frequent wheezing

Let's understand What are the levels or grades of Asthma?

Intermittent: Intermittent Asthma causes symptoms occasionally. You might experience coughing just two days a week or less.

Mild: If you have mild Asthma, you might experience these symptoms more than twice a week with some quick relief medicines.
Moderate: If you have moderate Asthma, you might experience these symptoms almost every day of the week.
Sever: If you have severe Asthma, the symptoms can be seen several times a day, even after the medications. In some cases, it might require hospitalization.

Difference between Allergies and Asthma

• Allergies occur when the body (our immune system) reacts to the foreign substance (harmless substances in the environment which usually do no bother most other people). Asthma is a respiratory disorder that causes difficulty in breathing by blocking the airways  in the lungs.
• Allergies are usually seasonal, and Asthma signs can occur year-round.
• Allergies are mainly for a short period and go away once the person is no longer exposed to the allergens, and Asthma can last for days.
• Allergies are mostly related to the nose, eyes, or sometimes skin causing itching or watery eyes. Asthma can affect the whole body causing difficulty in breathing, and speaking, frequent coughing, and wheezing.
• Allergies can be mild and treated with quick medicines available over the counter. In contrast, Asthma can be severe and might require hospitalization.

These are 6 natural ways to reduce Asthma

A flu vaccine once a year will be effective for an asthma patient. Some allergens like dust or pets might trigger Asthma. So It's always better to avoid such irritants. But it is challenging to identify the presence of triggers as they are unpredictable. Exposure to these triggers can't be controlled all the time. And that's why the primary treatment for Asthma is using inhalers. Inhalers are the best way to prevent asthma attacks. You should know how to use the asthma reliever inhaler correctly. It is imperative to use the inhaler regularly and correctly.

1. Make the person sit down on a floor or chair. Tell them to calm down and sit in a very relaxed position, loosening all body parts. Tell the person to loosen up the tight clothing, especially around the neck.
2. Proper Diet - your day-to-day food intake plays a vital role in the severity of asthma symptoms. You can have berries, avocados, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. This food guards your lungs against airway stress. Avoid dairy products, bananas, and jackfruits, as they may produce mucus.
3. Consume honey every day - Honey strengthens the immune system. It helps protect against respiratory infections. The glucose in honey gives you instant energy. Honey helps in reducing coughing and prevents congestion. Honey contains ethereal oil, which helps break up mucus in the throat.
4. Practice Yoga daily - yogic practices can help improve your health. Pranayam is the most effective practice for your respiratory system. It helps remove the blocked air and thus helps in regulating your breathing. Do mild exercise or stretches in the morning, bringing warmth to your body. The congestion worsens when you sleep at night due to the cold temperature. You can massage your face gently. Using your fingertips, you can gently massage your forehead, nose, the muscles below your eyes, and the front of your ears.
5. Add Ginger to your everyday meal - Ginger is an anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting herb. You can add it to your tea or the food you cook. It is necessary to consume Ginger regularly.
6. Take steam - there are different ways you can take moisture. Add Eucalyptus oil - this oil helps relieve nasal congestion. You can use it in your bathing water or take steam from it. You can add carom seeds to boiling water and then take a vapor or heat the saucepan. Add carom seeds. Slightly dry roast them. Cover your face and inhale the smoke when it starts coming out. Carom seeds are very effective as they help dilate the bronchial passage.

Foods that can worsen Asthma Symptoms: 

Refined Grains

Processed Meat

Preserved Food Products

Fast Food

Sugary Foods or Desserts

Cheese

Sodium Contained Foods, Eg. Salt

Foods that can reduce Asthma Issues:

Sunflower Seeds
Carrots
Citrus Fruits / Vegetables
Apples
Avocados
Leafy Vegetables
Turmeric
Ginger

Some Morning Exercises to prevent the issues

1. Doing stretches - First thing in the morning, after you wake up, do some stretches or light exercises like stretching your legs or hands. Some simple stretches with your neck or shoulders help improve breathing. All these exercises will make your body active. It will remove the stiffness from your body and bring some warmth to your body.

2. Facial Massage - Massage your forehead and the area on the face near the ears, nose, and throat. Gently massage the facial muscles applying moderate pressure with both hands using fingertips. This would help reduce the congestion in these areas and improve blood circulation.
3. Drink Warm Water - Drinking warm water will help loosen the mucus. You can gargle and cleanse your throat. Doing so will help you with effective breathing. You will feel very light while breathing. You can also add turmeric or Ginger to your water. Add some honey and make it more flavorful.
4. Breathing Exercise - Keep your mouth closed and slowly inhale and exhale. Focus on your breathing. Repeat it 5-6 times.