Asthma and You
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways. In susceptible individuals, this inflammation causes recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing, particularly at night or in the early morning. It is not contagious. It is a lifelong disease which can be controlled with daily medications. Asthma is increasing at such a rapid rate, some are calling it an epidemic. This common disease probably affects some 7 to 12 percent of the U.S.
Asthma is often associated with other conditions. These conditions are often considered triggers, or things that make asthma worse. It is a disease in which the airways become blocked or narrowed. These effects are usually temporary, but they cause shortness of breath, breathing trouble, and other symptoms. Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood, and affects one child in seven in the UK. Its prevalence differs widely from country to country, even within Europe.
Allergen induced asthma usually becomes apparent before the age of 35. Non allergic asthma usually has its onset in middle age and can be triggered or worsened by reflux disease, exercise, weather changes and illness. Allergies to animals, dust, cigarette smoke and to food are some of them and asthma sufferers should generally refrain from certain foods like pickles or ketchup. It can often be triggered by dairy products so it is best to refrain from these as well as eggs and chocolate for a couple of weeks to see if there is any improvement.
Allergens can include pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, among many other substances. When the body reacts to an allergen, it produces antibodies that attach to certain cells within the body.
Avoiding certain foods as much as possible can help prevent asthma attack. Avoiding contact of the body with the allergic substance is the most natural way to prevent allergy. Almost everyone reading this article will be shocked to hear the presence of chemicals like phenol and formaldehyde in their body. Avoid foods that are made with white flour and try to choose whole grain alternatives. Whole-wheat pastas, breads and even dinner rolls are a wonderful alternative to the highly processed white breads usually consumed in Western diets.
Garlic is another effective home remedy for asthma. Ten garlic cloves, boiled in 30 ml of milk, make an excellent medicine for the early stages of asthma. Garlic, ginger and mustard are said to prevent the accumulation of mucus in the lungs and hence these are taken as natural asthma remedies. Herbs such as licorice have the tendency to expel the mucus from the lungs.
