ASTHMA
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the bronchial tubes (airways) of the lungs. Exposure to an asthmatic trigger causes the lining of the airways to become inflamed and irritated, and the cells in the lungs to produce extra mucus, narrowing the airways. The muscles that surround the bronchial walls start to twitch and tighten, further narrowing the airways and causing difficulty breathing. In some cases,breathing may be so labored that an asthma attack becomes life-threatening.
Researchers believe that asthma results from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. You are more likely to develop asthma if you have a parent with the disease and if you’re sensitive to environmental allergens. Common allergens include pollen, animal dander, dust mites, smoke, and chemicals, such as dyes, perfumes,and preservatives in food. Having a respiratory infection, exercise, stress, and exposure to cold air can also trigger an attack.
Asthma is a chronic but manageable condition. While medication may be necessary,there are also lifestyle approaches and nutritional supplements that can help reduce the severity and frequency of attacks.
• Disturbed sleep
• Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
• Tightness in the chest
• Wheezing and coughing
The signs and symptoms can range from mild to severe. You may have only occasional asthma attacks that are mild and short-lived and between episodes you may feel normal and have no problems in breathing. Some people experience chronic coughing and wheezing and severe attacks.
ASTHMA AND ALLERGIES
Many people with allergies also have asthma and vice versa, but they are different conditions. An allergy is a reaction to a substance that is normally harmless, such as reacting to flower pollen or house dust. Being exposed to an allergen may cause irritation and swelling in various areas of the body, such as the nose, eyes, lungs, and skin.Allergens can make asthma symptoms worse by increasing the inflammation in the airways and making them more sensitive. The best way to find out if you are allergic to something is to be tested by an allergist.
• Exposure to occupational triggers, such as chemicals used in farming and hairdressing, and in paint, steel, plastics, and electronics manufacturing
• Exposure to second-hand smoke
• Family history
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Having a respiratory infection as a child
• Living in a large urban area (exposure to environmental pollutants)
• Low birth weight
• Obesity
• Taking antibiotics before one year of age (nearly doubles the risk of asthma by age seven)
The medical treatment of asthma often involves use of bronchodilators, which relax the bronchial muscles and open up the airways and anti-infl ammatory drugs to reduce swelling in the airways.
Quick-acting brochodilators, also called “rescue” medications, include salbutamol (Ventolin) and ipratropium (Atrovent). These drugs can stop an asthma attack and relieve symptoms of coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. These medications should be carried with you at all times so that you have them handy when you feel an attack coming on. There are also long-acting bronchodilators, such as salmeterol (Serevent Diskus), which are used to control moderate and severe asthma and to prevent nighttime symptoms.
Anti-inflammatory medications (steroids), which help relieve the swelling of tissue, are used for those with moderate to severe asthma. They are available in tablets (prednisone) and inhalers such as fluticasone (Flovent), budesonide (Pulmicort), and beclomethasone (Beclovent). They may take a few hours or even days to work, so they are not to be used as rescue medications. Long-term use of these drugs can cause serious side effects, including cataracts, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, decreased resistance to infection, and thinning of the skin. The inhalers are safer than oral steroids, but they may still increase risk of osteoporosis when taken over the long term and can cause thrush and coughing. Using a spacer device (Aerochamber) will help improve delivery of the medication to your lungs and can reduce the risk of thrush and mouth irritation. Other drugs used to reduce inflammation include montelukast (Singulair), nedocromil (Tilade), and cromolyn (Intal).
Those with exercise-induced asthma may need only a bronchodilator when exercising. For asthma triggered by allergies, injections to desensitize you to the allergen can be given. There is also a new drug in Canada called omalizumab (Xolair), which blocks allergy-causing antibodies.
• Identify and avoid indoor and outdoor allergens and irritants. Keep your house clean and as dust-free as possible. Control pet dander by having your pets groomed regularly and vacuuming your carpets and furniture.
• Avoid second-hand smoke.
• Manage your stress as stress can trigger an attack. Try yoga, tai chi, stretching, and breathing exercises.
• Monitor your breathing using a peak fl ow meter and treat an attack as soon as possible to prevent it from becoming severe. • Maintain a healthy body weight as being obese can impair lung function.
• Regular exercise can strengthen your lungs so that they don’t have to work so hard. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity each day. Gradually build up your intensity level. During cold months, exercise indoors or wear a face mask to warm the air you breathe. Be aware that if your asthma is not under control, exercise can trigger an attack.
• Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to clean the air you breathe and remove allergens. Change the filters in your furnace and air conditioner regularly.
• Keep the humidity in your home and office low as high humidity can increase the growth of molds.
The supplements listed here can be helpful for managing mild to moderate cases of asthma.However, you should never stop taking your asthma medications unless advised to do so by your doctor.
Magnesium: Helps relax the bronchial tubes and improve lung function. Studies have found that asthmatics have low levels of this mineral. Supplements may help to prevent asthma attacks by reducing bronchial spasms. Dosage: 300–400 mg daily with meals. Doctors also give magnesium by injection to halt an acute attack.
Pycnogenol: An extract from pine bark that has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Some research has shown that it can significantly improve lung function and asthma symptoms. One of these studies involved children and found that it reduced the need for rescue medication. Dosage: Adults should take 100 mg daily; children should take1 mg per pound of body weight per day.
Vitamin C: Reduces bronchial inflammation, spasms, and the response to allergies. Several studies have shown benefits for reducing the severity and frequency of asthma attacks. Dosage:1,000 mg daily. To avoid upset stomach, choose a buffered vitamin C such as calcium ascorbate.
Boswellia: An herb that reduces inflammation. Some research has shown that it can reduce the frequency of asthma attacks and measurements of breathing capacity. Dosage: 300 mg three times daily.
Ephedra (Ephedra sinica): Ephedra contains alkaloids, ephedrine, and pseudoephedrine, which are used in decongestants. Dosage: No more than 8 mg per dose or 24 mg in 24 hours should be used. Ephedra can raise blood pressure and heart rate, and may cause insomnia, irritability, and anxiety. Take only under the advice of your health care provider.
Vitamin B6: Deficiency is common in asthmatics. Some research has found that supplements can decrease the frequency and severity of asthma attacks. Dosage: 50 mg twice daily as part of a B-complex or multivitamin.
To improve the management of asthma, consider the following:
1. Eat more fruits, vegetables, garlic, onions, and fish, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
2. Get regular exercise and manage your stress.
3. Monitor your breathing with a peak flow meter and see your doctor regularly for checkups.
4. Use an air purifier and keep your home as clean as possible. Avoid second-hand smoke and other known irritants.
5. Consider supplements of magnesium, pycnogenol, and vitamin C.
