Home Remedies for Asthma : Asthma is a chronic condition in which the air passages of a person get inflamed and narrow. Due to inflammation, there is swelling and production of extra mucus in the air tubules which causes difficulty in breathing.

Asthma can be a minor problem or it can hamper the daily activities of an individual. Sometimes, it can be life-threatening also. There occurs difficulty in breathing, pain in chest, coughing or wheezing. The symptoms of asthma can be managed by inhalers containing steroids or some of the other types of medicines.

There has been found on permanent cure of asthma but its symptoms can be relieved.

Types of Asthma

Asthma is of two types:

• Intermittent asthma: The symptoms of asthma occur in flares. They come and go and there is normal period in between.
• Persistent asthma: The name itself suggests that the symptoms of asthma remain throughout the year. The symptoms range from mild to severe.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ASTHMA?

There are a variety of causes for the occurrence of asthma:

• Pollens
• Pet dander
• Dust mites
• Respiratory infections like common cold, flu, etc.
• Air pollutants such as dirt, smoke
• Cold air
• Excessive physical activity

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS RELATED TO ASTHMA?

There are a number of factors which make an individual more prone to asthma are:

• Having a close relative suffering from asthma
• Suffering from other allergic conditions like dermatitis
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Living in polluted area

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ASTHMA?

The main signs and symptoms associated with asthma are:

• Tightness in chest
• Shortness of breath
• Coughing especially in night
• Wheezing
• Difficulty in talking
• Increased rate of breathing
• Frequent chest infections
• Difficulty in sleeping

HOME REMEDIES FOR THE TREATMENT OF ASTHMA

Here are some of the dietary and lifestyle inclusions which can help in dealing with asthma:

HONEY

It is a very good immunity booster. It helps in soothing sore throat and prevents cough. It is mostly used during winters. Mix a little bit honey in tea or just have one spoon of it with 2-3 tulsi leaves.

GARLIC

Garlic has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Thus it helps in reducing inflammation and swelling in the air tubules. Use it in food for its benefits. It lessens the symptoms of asthma.

GINGER

Ginger is also having great anti-inflammatory properties. It can be very good in severe asthma. Add ginger in food or on tea especially during winters.

OMEGA 3 OILS

Omega-3 oils helps in decreasing airway inflammation and swelling. It thus improves functioning of lungs in the patients of asthma. It is found in flax seeds, fish, etc.

CAFFEINE

Caffeine is a very good bronchodilator. It dilates bronchial muscles and thus relieves muscle fatigue. It improves functioning of lungs after a few hours of its intake.

YOGA

Yoga involves breathing and stretching exercises to increase flexibility of the lung tissues. It helps in opening the blocked passages of the bronchioles. Thus, it is very helpful in the management of asthma.