Asthma (How to Treat and Prevent With Herbs)

Asthma Symptoms, Causes, Prevention and Herbal Treatment

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing. It can be triggered by various factors, including allergens like dust mites, pollen, and pet dander, as well as environmental irritants like smoke and pollution.

The severity of asthma symptoms can vary from person to person, and they may worsen during an asthma attack, potentially leading to a medical emergency. Asthma is often managed with medications such as inhalers that deliver drugs directly to the lungs, reducing inflammation and opening the airways.

Individuals with asthma need to work with healthcare providers to create a personalized asthma action plan, which includes identifying and avoiding triggers, using medications correctly, and monitoring symptoms to manage the condition effectively

If you or someone you know is experiencing new, severe, or persistent symptoms of asthma, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. With proper management, many people with asthma can lead active and normal lives.

Symptoms of Asthma

Asthma symptoms can vary from person to person, but the most common ones include:

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (dyspnea).
• Wheezing, a whistling sound when exhaling.
• Chest tightness or pain.
• Persistent coughing, often worse at night and may involve coughing up mucus or phlegm.

During an asthma attack, symptoms may become more severe, presenting:

• Very low blood pressure.
• Abnormally rapid breathing.
• Wheezing sounds during both inhalation and exhalation or just exhalation alone.

If asthma is not well-controlled over a long period, it can lead to respiratory failure, where the lungs can’t efficiently exchange gases. Symptoms of respiratory failure may include:

• Hyperinflation: A barrel-shaped chest due to long-standing uncontrolled asthma.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Skin and mucous membranes turning blue.
• Low blood pressure, which could lead to a heart attack.
• Oxygen saturation dropping below 90%

Causes of Asthma

The exact causes of asthma are not fully understood, but it is believed to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Here are some known triggers and risk factors associated with the development of asthma:

1. Genetic Predisposition:
   • A family history of asthma or other allergic conditions can increase the risk of developing asthma.
2. Environmental Allergens:
   • Exposure to allergens such as dust mites, animal dander, pollen, and molds can trigger asthma symptoms.
3. Respiratory Infections:
   • Viral infections, particularly in childhood, can damage the lung tissue and lead to the development of asthma.
4. Airborne Irritants:
   • Smoke (including tobacco smoke), chemical pollutants, and cold air are known to exacerbate asthma symptoms.
5. Occupational Exposures:
   • Certain jobs that expose individuals to chemicals, dust, or fumes can increase the risk of occupational asthma.
6. Exercise:
   • Physical activity can induce symptoms in some people, known as exercise-induced asthma or bronchoconstriction.
7. Stress and Emotional Factors:
   • Extreme emotional arousal such as stress, anger, or laughter can trigger an asthma attack in some individuals.
8. Medications:
   • Certain medications like aspirin, beta-blockers, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can trigger asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals.
9. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD):
   • The reflux of stomach acids can irritate the airways and worsen asthma symptoms.
10. Dietary Factors:
    • Insufficiencies in vitamins C and E, and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as foods containing sulfites and preservatives, may trigger asthma symptoms.
11. Other Factors:
    • Early life factors such as premature birth, low birth weight, and lack of breastfeeding, as well as lifestyle factors like smoking and being overweight, are associated with the development of asthma.

Individuals with asthma need to identify their specific triggers with the help of a healthcare provider and take steps to avoid them as part of their asthma management plan.

Some plants and herbs that have been traditionally used to help manage asthma symptoms

Herbal treatments for asthma often focus on reducing inflammation and supporting the immune system. Here are some plants and herbs that have been traditionally used to help manage asthma symptoms:

1. Turmeric:
   • Known for its anti-inflammatory properties due to the active compound curcumin, which may help minimize inflammation in the airways and improve bronchial relaxation.
2. Ginseng:
   • May boost the immune system and improve lung function, potentially easing breathing difficulties by reducing inflammation.
3. Garlic:
   • Contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that could benefit asthma by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the lungs.
4. ASHMI (Anti-Asthma Herbal Medicine Intervention):
   • A blend of traditional Chinese herbs that may help alleviate asthma symptoms.
5. Black Seed (Nigella sativa):
   • May have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antihistamine properties, which could be beneficial for asthma management.
6. Honey:
   • While not a herb, honey is often included in herbal remedies for its soothing properties and potential to reduce coughing associated with asthma.

“Asthma” – Repamp Herbal Centre (repampgh.com)

Ginger

Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) Plant

Black Sesame Plant (Sesamum indicum nigrum)

Avocado (Persea americana)

Apple (Malus domestica)

Hyssop

Sugar apple (annona squamosa)

How to Prevent Asthma

Preventing asthma involves a combination of avoiding triggers, following a treatment plan, and making lifestyle adjustments. Here are some strategies to help prevent asthma symptoms and attacks:

1. Identify and Avoid Triggers:
   • Common triggers include allergens like dust mites, pollen, and pet dander, as well as irritants like smoke and pollution.
   • Keep track of your symptoms and work with a healthcare provider to identify your specific triggers.
2. Follow Medication Plans:
   • Use prescribed medications, including inhalers and any long-term control medicines, as directed by your healthcare provider.
3. Proper Inhaler Use:
   • Learn the correct technique for using your inhaler and ensure it’s always clean and ready for use.
4. Monitor Your Breathing:
   • Regularly check your breathing and be aware of early signs of an asthma attack.
5. Create an Asthma Action Plan:
   • Work with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized action plan for managing symptoms and what to do during an asthma attack.
6. Immunotherapy:
   • If allergies trigger your asthma, allergy shots might help reduce your sensitivity to allergens.
7. Air Filtration Systems:
   • Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to remove common asthma triggers from your home environment.
8. Humidifiers:
   • Maintain indoor humidity levels between 40% to 50% to prevent dust mite growth and mould.
9. Regular Exercise:
   • Stay active to strengthen your respiratory system, but take precautions if you have exercise-induced asthma.
10. Diet and Nutrition:
    • Maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins C and E, and omega-3 fatty acids, which may help reduce inflammation.
11. Avoid Smoking:
    • Stay away from tobacco smoke, including secondhand smoke, which can exacerbate asthma symptoms.
12. Get Vaccinated:
    • Stay up-to-date with vaccinations, especially for influenza and pneumonia, which can prevent infections that might trigger asthma attacks

It’s important to note that while these herbs may offer some benefits, they should not replace conventional asthma treatments prescribed by a healthcare provider. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment, especially since herbs can interact with medications and may not be suitable for everyone. Additionally, the effectiveness and safety of herbal treatments can vary, and more research is needed to fully understand their role in asthma management

References

causes of asthma