Asthma is treatable and well can be controlled. – Cathy Freeman
Asthma is an inflammatory lung disease. It is a chronic condition in which your airways narrow, swell, and generate excess mucus. This results in coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
It can be slight or severe enough to disrupt everyday activities. In some situations, it may result in a life-threatening attack.
Asthma is a non-communicable disease that cannot be passed from one person to another. It is persistent, and not contagious.
According to WHO, approximately 15 to 20 million people in India have asthma related allergies.
Signs and symptoms of Asthma
An asthma attack occurs when asthma symptoms worsen for a brief period. It may occur immediately or gradually over days.
A severe asthma attack may show the following symptoms:
- Strong and persistent wheezing, coughing, and tightness in the chest
- Being too short of breath to eat, speak, or sleep
- Breathing faster
- A fast heartbeat
- Drowsiness, confusion, exhaustion, or dizziness
- Blue lips or fingers
- Fainting
Types Of Asthma
There are two types of asthma: extrinsic and intrinsic.
- Extrinsic asthma is caused by allergens such as pollen, mites, dust, and cigarette smoke
- Intrinsic asthma is typically brought on by an infection in the respiratory tract
Extrinsic asthma is significantly more frequent than intrinsic asthma, which affects only a tiny percentage of the population after the age of 30.
However, with obesity as one of the primary risk factors and chronic symptoms, intrinsic asthma is more difficult to treat.
Nocturnal Asthma
It is one of the types of asthma that people find difficult to manage at night and have symptoms including wheezing and shortness of breath, which in turn affect their sleep.
Usually, people with uncontrolled asthma exhibit these symptoms.
Furthermore, nocturnal asthma can be triggered by excessive humidity, a dirty pillowcase, a heavy meal before bed, undetected sleep apnea, and other factors.
Does food make any difference?
There’s no specific diet recommended for asthma, but there are some foods to consume that may help support lung function.
- Vitamin D- egg yolks, cheese, salmon, and mushrooms
- Vitamin C- oranges, kiwi, tomatoes, broccoli, and strawberries
- Vitamin E- almonds, peanuts
- Beta carotene- carrots, kale, and spinach
- Flavonoids fruits- apples, berries, and grapes
- Whole grain- oats, wholewheat pasta
Foods to avoid during Asthma
Certain foods may aggravate asthma symptoms.
Here is a list of foods to avoid.
- Preserved foods and beverages- alcohol, pickled foods
- Tea, coffee
- Spicy and oily foods
Food intolerances and asthma can pose challenges for you.
Hives, rash, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea are possible symptoms.
Exercises For Asthma Patients
Swimming helps to strengthen the muscles used for breathing. Moreover, it improves cardiopulmonary fitness and lung function.
Yoga is another excellent workout for people with asthma. Asthmatic patients can also attempt various physical activities, such as walking, biking, and golf to stay fit.
Cross-country skiing, ice hockey, and endurance sports like soccer and long-distance jogging, on the other hand, might induce asthma attacks and should be avoided.
Guidelines For Working Out With Asthma
- Put a scarf or mask over your nose and mouth to protect yourself
- Staying inside is preferable if you suffer from pollen allergies
- If there is a high level of pollution, avoid exercising outside
- Begin slowly during the warm-up exercise and gradually increase your pace over the next 3-5 minutes
Natural Treatment
- Natural remedies can relieve asthma symptoms.
- Relaxation therapies such as deep abdominal breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and biofeedback might be beneficial for dealing with the emotional stress that leads to an asthma attack.
- Undoubtedly, a good diet can help with asthma symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods such as salmon, mackerel, and cod must also be included in the diet.
Consult a Pulmonologist
Asthma allergy is diagnosed after a round of tests is done after taking into consideration the patient’s entire medical history. After the inquiry, a physical exam is done, followed by lung function tests to confirm asthma.
A pulmonologist should be your first port of call if you experience chest tightness because they are trained to identify and treat respiratory conditions.
Conclusion
Asthma is a long-term lung illness known as a chronic respiratory disease. Asthma is a minor illness for some individuals. For others, it can be a severe issue that interferes with daily activities and can lead to a life-threatening asthma attack. However, asthma cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be managed. Asthma tends to fluctuate over time, so it is critical to consult with your doctor to track your signs and symptoms and adapt treatment as needed.
Make an appointment at AllCure Super Speciality Hospital if you are uncertain or concerned about anything in your chest. We are always there to assist you with our wide range of services.