Allergy relief remedies are usually relied upon when seasonal allergies strike. But some of the things that can trigger allergies can also trigger asthma. If you or your child has asthma, you'll be happy to know that there are many natural asthma remedies that are surprisingly easy to use.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a condition where the airways become narrowed, swollen and inflamed. This can cause shortness of breath, wheezing, cough and excessive mucus production. The severity of asthma varies from person to person. For some it is a nuisance and for others it is much more serious.

Unfortunately, asthma usually starts in childhood (but can occur at any age).

Symptoms of asthma

There are obvious symptoms of asthma:

• Coughing - often worse at night or early in the morning, making it difficult to sleep.
• Wheezing - a whistling or squeaking sound with each breath.
• Chest tightness - can feel like something is sitting on your chest or squeezing you.
• Shortness of breath - either you can't breathe enough or you can't get the air out.

Important note: Not everyone who has asthma has symptoms. Also, you can have these symptoms without having asthma. To diagnose asthma, your doctor may want to do a lung function test in addition to using other diagnostic tools. As always, consulting a physician is the best approach.

Severity of an asthma attack

Mild asthma is quite common and can usually be treated with natural remedies. However, it is good to know the symptoms of each stage so you know when to seek medical attention. It is always a good idea to see your doctor, even if you think you have only mild or moderate symptoms.

• Mild - slight wheezing and difficulty breathing, but adequate air intake. This can be intermittent (less than twice a week) or persistent (more than twice a week).
• Moderate - conspicuous wheezing, respiratory distress at rest, use of abdominal muscles to breathe. These flare-ups can cause regular activity and sleep disturbances.
• Severe - obvious respiratory distress, blue skin (especially nails and lips), absence of breath sounds.
• Respiratory failure - severe respiratory distress, lethargy, confusion, sweating, hypotension.

What causes asthma?

Experts still don't know for sure what causes asthma. However, they believe it is a combination of environmental irritants and genetic predisposition. Some possible triggers are:

• physical activity (especially running)
• certain medications such as beta blockers, aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen (Aleve)
• cold air, wind or other extreme weather conditions
• strong emotions or stress
• sulfites and preservatives added to food
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Impaired antioxidant defenses (and subsequent oxidative stress)

Risk factors

In addition, there are certain risk factors that make some people more likely to develop asthma. Risk factors for asthma include:

• Family history - if a close relative has asthma, you are more likely to have it too.
• Respiratory infections
• Allergies - people with allergies (such as eczema or hay fever) are more likely to develop asthma.
• exposure to environmental irritants - pet dander, pollution, cigarette smoke, workplace chemicals and toxins - can increase a person's risk of developing asthma.
• obesity - children and adults who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop asthma. We don't know exactly why. Some experts believe that it is an inflammation associated with obesity.

An interesting theory that researchers have for what causes asthma is the hygiene hypothesis. Basically, this hypothesis says that in the Western world, we are very concerned about cleanliness and sanitation. For this reason, children are not exposed to germs and have fewer illnesses. Because of the reduced exposure to these diseases and germs, children's immune systems are not as robust as they could be.

Natural remedies for asthma

Typically, doctors treat asthma symptoms with steroid inhalers and bronchodilators. Steroid inhalers help reduce inflammation quickly to open up the airways. But they have side effects (just listen to an ad for an asthma drug!)

Asthma medications can certainly be life-saving and important (always consult your doctor). But how else can you support your health? Natural asthma remedies can help relieve mild to moderate asthma symptoms.

Above all, it is important to treat symptoms as soon as they appear in order to avoid more serious or severe symptoms.

Reduce environmental irritants

Since environmental irritants can cause or exacerbate asthma, it makes sense to reduce them as a preventative measure.

• Do not smoke
• Use an air filter in your home or workplace
• Use natural cleansers and body products (instead of chemicals)
• Consider getting rid of rugs or carpets (they may harbor dust mites).
• Clean (and dust) the living space often

Anything you can do to reduce dust or other allergens in your home is a great first step!

Reduce stress

Stress is a greater health risk than many of us realize. In fact, high levels of stress can completely negate all the other healthy things you can do (like eating well, getting enough sleep and exercising regularly). Research published in 2014 shows that asthma has a psychological trigger. He also explains that breathing exercises can reduce asthma symptoms in many patients.

In addition, an article in the Journal of Asthma found that meditation can be beneficial for people with asthma.

Try Himalayan Salt Therapy

Some asthmatics swear by salt therapy for their symptoms. Salt caves or Himalayan salt inhalers are two ways to experience salt therapy. There is not much information on saline therapy for asthma. However, a study published in Pneumologia says it could be beneficial. Saline therapy appears to be safe, so it may be worth a try.

Using essential oils

When used safely, essential oils can be an excellent addition to a natural asthma remedy kit. These essential oils are excellent for relieving asthma symptoms :

• Peppermint - can help stop the release of histamine. It can also soothe inflamed airways (peppermint contains menthol).
• Lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree and Roman chamomile - known anti-inflammatory oils that can reduce one of the root causes of asthma, inflammation.

Think about herbs

Phytotherapyis another way to treat asthma symptoms without the side effects of steroids. A Chinese herbal formula called ASHMI was found to be slightly less effective than prednisone in treating asthma in clinical trials. This herbal blend includes reishi, Chinese licorice and sophora shrub. Consult a physician before taking this medication to avoid drug interactions.

Change your diet

Nutrition is one of the most important things we can focus on to optimize health. A nutrient-rich diet, rich in antioxidants and other anti-inflammatory compounds, can help avoid the inflammatory reaction generated by asthma. Other nutrients to include in the diet are:

Vitamin C

Children who ate fruit rich in vitamin C were less likely to wheeze. Clinical examination also revealed that vitamin C plays a role in the metabolism of histamine and prostaglandins. These compounds are implicated in constriction of the airway during an asthma attack.

Carotenoids

Carotenoids are the compounds that give vegetables their yellow, orange or red pigment (think carrots, peppers and tomatoes). A 2005 study found that people with asthma had lower levels of circulating carotenoids. Carotenoids also fight oxidative stress which is a potential cause of asthma. As always, eat these colorful vegetables!

Folate

Folate is an important vitamin for many processes in the body. It is especially important during pregnancy to reduce the risk of birth defects. A 2010 study found that folate may even help prevent asthma. Higher blood folate levels were associated with a lower risk of allergic tendencies and wheezing in participants. (Just make sure you get the right shape).

Magnesium

Magnesium sulfate is a standard treatment for asthma attacks that land patients in the hospital. But it seems that an increase in dietary magnesium may also be beneficial in improving symptoms. A study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that higher levels of magnesium in the diet were associated with improved symptoms.

Magnesium is an important mineral that many of us are deficient in. It is therefore worthwhile to increase your intake. Magnesium is found in dark chocolate, avocados, nuts and fish such as salmon, mackerel and halibut. Dietary magnesium is good, but difficult to absorb for some people. Magnesium is better absorbed by the skin with a magnesium oil spray.

Omega-3 fatty acids

The omega-3 found in oily fish like anchovies and salmon are excellent for reducing theinflammation. A 2015 study also found that lower levels of omega-3s may be linked to asthma. She also found that higher omega-3 intake resolved inflammation in people with asthma. Do you or anyone in your family have asthma? What remedies are best for you?

Sources:

Wood, L. G., Garg, M. L., Blake, R. J., Garcia-Caraballo, S., & Gibson, P. G. (December 2005). Natural remedies for asthma. Airways and circulating levels of carotenoids in asthma and healthy controls. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16373941

Matsui, E. C., and Matsui, W. (June 2009). natural asthma remedies. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2693474/

The effects of vitamin C on asthma should also be studied. (August 15, 2018). Retrieved from https://www.bmj.com/content/349/bmj.g5517/rr/797361

Hill, J., Micklewright, A., Lewis, S. and Britton, J. (1997, October). Study of the effect of short-term changes in dietary magnesium intake in asthma. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9387944