Facebook
Twitter
Asthma Home Remedies
Information
You may think of asthma as a childhood illness, not one that's much of a problem for adults. Yet approximately 7 percent of American adults and about 9 percent of children have asthma. It accounts for 1.7 million hospital emergency department admissions every year.
Asthma isn't always serious enough to require hospitalization, of course. It may cause only occasional and short-lived symptoms, such as breathlessness, coughing, or wheezing. But unless your asthma is well-controlled, it subtly interferes with normal activity and may get out of hand quickly.
Asthma occurs when the main air passages in the lungs, called bronchioles, become inflamed and overly sensitive to "triggers." During attacks, the lungs produce extra mucus and the bronchiole walls narrow, making breathing difficult.
No cure exists yet, but nearly everyone can dramatically reduce—and maybe even eliminate—symptoms. Even if you currently use medications to treat your asthma, you may be able to reduce the dose or frequency more than 50 percent by practicing good lifestyle control, says Thomas F. Plaut, M.D.
When to call a doctor
The symptoms of asthma are often subtle at first, but they can get much worse in a hurry. Any changes in your usual breathing patterns need to be checked by a doctor.
If you're already being treated for asthma, see your doctor if you're needing the asthma medication more frequently. In addition, if your wheeze, cough, or shortness of breath gets worse even after the medicine has been given time to work, you need to call your doctor. Anytime you have an attack, it means the asthma isn't as well-controlled as it should be.
Panel of Advisors
Kendall Gerdes, M.D., is director of Environmental Medicine Associates in Denver and Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Elson Haas, M.D., is the director of the Preventive Medical Center of Marin, an integrated health-care facility in San Rafael, California, and author of seven books on health and nutrition, including The False Fat Diet and Staying Healthy with Nutrition.
Thomas F. Plaut, M.D., is director of Asthma Consultants in Amherst, Massachusetts, president of Pedipress Asthma Publications, and author of Dr. Tom Plaut's Asthma Guide for People of All Ages and One-Minute Asthma.
Remedies
SEE REMEDIES FROM:
Avoid plant pollen
It's a main asthma trigger. Plants pollinate at specific times of the year, so once you know which pollens are your triggers, take steps to avoid them. Stay indoors between 5:00 and 10:00 a.m.
Feast on fish
If you or anyone in your family has asthma, put fish on the menu at least twice a week. Fatty fish such as tuna, salmon, and mackerel contain beneficial fats called omega-3 fatty acids.
Or use the Doser
Available at allergy supply stores and catalogs, the Doser attaches to metered inhalers and automatically keeps track of how many doses you have left.
Keep track of inhaler "puffs."
If you use medication to control asthma, the worst thing is to discover that your inhaler is empty right when you need it.
Act quickly if asthma strikes
Don't ignore early signs of asthma attacks, even if the symptoms—wheezing, coughing, or faster breathing—seem mild at first. Use your rescue medication promptly.
Flush your sinuses
Millions of Americans get sinus infections every year, and the inflammation and mucous drainage can make asthma worse.
Don't put up with heartburn
The upward surge of stomach acids that cause the telltale pain of heartburn can also trigger asthma attacks.
Think twice about aspirin
About 5 percent of those with asthma are sensitive to aspirin, ibuprofen, and related pain relievers, known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), says Dr. Plaut.
Wash your hands often
Asthma episodes tend to surge in the autumn and winter, when people tend to get more colds. Even a mild case of the sniffles can make asthma harder to control.
Get a grip on stress
Yoga, self-hypnosis, deep breathing, and other techniques for reducing stress are helpful for asthma because they help the airways open more fully, says Dr. Plaut.
RELATED AILMENTS
Top Remedies
MOST COMMENTS
Browse Common Conditions:
Free Newsletter
Sign up for the FREE daily newsletter and get useful tips to keep yourself, your family, and the planet healthy and thriving.
Your Privacy Policy
Your Privacy Policy
BE SOCIAL WITH US!
2009-2013 Copyright Rodale. All Rights Reserved. Copyright Notice Your Privacy Rights Manage Email Preferences
The information presented on this website is not intended as specific medical advice and is not
a substitute for professional medical treatment or diagnosis.
Read our Medical Advice Notice.
To make a payment, cancel or renew your subscription for any Rodale product, contact customer service at:
400 South Tenth Street • Emmaus, PA 18098-0099
(866) 387-0509 • www.rodaleinc.com/customer-service • E-mail: customer_service@rodale.com • Your Privacy Rights
Get rid of dust mites
Fill up on flavonoids
Don't put up with heartburn