Allergies - Living With Asthma

                    

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More and more children in developed countries suffer from asthma. In fact many doctors consider asthma to be a new epidemic. More than 10 million Americans suffer from asthma and most of them blame the condition on worsening environmental pollution and increased exposure to toxic chemicals in the air. Deaths from asthma continue to rise at an alarming rate largely because many people do not recognize the warning signs in time.

Asthma is a condition that causes the lung airways to swell, secrete thick mucus and eventually spasm. The swelling narrows the airways and makes breathing difficult and sometimes impossible. The first asthma attack can include wheezing (a sign that the airways are already constricted), congestion or pain in the chest, shortness of breath, dryness of mouth, coughing and a feverish feeling.

Almost anything can cause asthma. The most common triggers are an allergy, respiratory infection, emotional stress, strenuous exercise, or nutritional deficiency. Allergies tend to be the most common trigger off them all. Most asthma attacks follow exposure to environmental allergens like pesticides, pollen, cigarette smoke, natural gas odors and car exhaust. Foods that most likely trigger asthma are chocolate, peanuts, corn and dairy products. Waxes, artificial smoke, emulsifiers, thickeners, sulfites and artificial sweeteners in food are also more subtle asthma triggers. Asthma is also prompted by taking tranquilizers, hormones, or antibiotics.

You can take a number of vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements to help treat asthma. Vitamin B complex is probably the most important supplement to take. It is necessary for maintaining biochemical balance in the body and can reduce the frequency and severity of an asthma attack. Vitamins A and E worked together to protect lungs against air pollution. A large dose of vitamin C, preferably 500 mg three times daily, is effective in preventing exercise-induced asthma attacks. Gingko biloba enhances breathing and lessens sensitive bronchial reactivity. 400 mg of magnesium taken daily helps the lung muscles relax. Omega-3 can improve breathing, while selenium protects against free radical damage inside the lungs. Odorless garlic is a strong anti-inflammatory agent that can reduce the possibility of an attack. And Indian herb called tylophora asthmatica is frequently used in Ayurvedic medicine that blocks the release of histamines and other inflammatories. Licorice root taken three times a day also loosens phlegm once an attack has begun.

If you suspect that you have asthma, go to your physician and asked to be tested for food and environmental allergies as soon as possible. Avoid allergens known to trigger asthma attacks and eat a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet that includes plenty of vegetables and fresh fruits. Try to avoid sugar, artificial sweeteners and other refined carbohydrates. Try to eat five or six small meals throughout the day rather than three traditional large meals. Make sure you warm up slowly before beginning all physical exercise. Minimize stress and avoid situations that trigger emotional disturbance. Use aspirin sparingly if you must. It would even be better if you would eliminate aspirin entirely from your regular medication because aspirin has been shown to trigger asthma attacks. Your physician will prescribe a bronchodilator that you can bring around in case you have a sudden asthma attack. If you don't have it with you while you have an attack, drink two cups of coffee quickly. Coffee acts in the same way and usually provides enough protection for you to go to the nearest hospital for treatment.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Allergies