Natural Ways to Manage Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by a narrowing of the respiratory passageways. This results in shortness of breath, coughing, fatigue and wheezing. Acute asthma may cause the victim to have asthmatic attacks (difficulty breathing coupled with severe coughing and wheezing). Numerous medicines and inhalers are available to individuals with asthma. However, there are also several natural ways to manage it.

Avoiding Triggers

• Asthma is often triggered by airborne pathogens or agents like dust and dander. Take precautions to limit your exposure to these agents. Encase your mattresses and pillows in dust-free covers to reduce your exposure to dust while you sleep. Keep your hands and face away from the carpet or replace carpet with hard flooring. If you have pets, keep them cleaned and groomed consistently to reduce dander in your house. Attempt to clean your house regularly and remove standing dust from the surface of tables and cabinets.

Lifestyle

• Pursuing a healthy lifestyle will limit the effects of asthma. Maintain a proper exercise regime -- at least 30 minutes daily -- and try to exercise consistently rather than sporadically. Exercise helps regulate symptoms of asthma and lessens the chance of an asthmatic attack. It also strengthens the heart and lungs, which improves the body's response to asthma. Some types of asthma are aggravated by exercise, so speak with a doctor or medical professional if symptoms worsen with physical activity.

  Maintaining a proper and healthy weight is important, as being overweight can worsen symptoms of asthma and place you at risk of more serious complications like hypertension and heart disease. Consider abstaining from irritants like cigarettes and cigars if you have asthma. Smoking narrows the respiratory passageways and damages the lungs, which aggravates the symptoms of asthma.

  Foods high in antioxidants help protect the respiratory passageways, easing the effects of asthma. These include blueberries, onions and apples (to name a few). Foods or supplements high in magnesium or quercetin may achieve the same effect. Drinking lime juice or water infused with lemon may help prevent asthmatic attacks. Additionally, asthmatic attacks may be lessened by inhaling directly over a jar of honey, which promotes a soothing effect on the throat and lungs.

Warning

• While natural remedies and treatments hold some promise, they are not replacements for conventional medication or prescriptions. Do not replace an inhaler or oral medication with natural supplements or practices unless specifically ordered to do so by a doctor.