{"id":363,"date":"2016-05-02T09:53:37","date_gmt":"2016-05-02T13:53:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.reverta.com\/blog\/?p=363"},"modified":"2017-08-07T17:19:50","modified_gmt":"2017-08-07T22:19:50","slug":"asthma-symptoms-and-remedies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.reverta.com\/blog\/lung-disorders\/asthma-symptoms-and-remedies\/","title":{"rendered":"Asthma Symptoms and Remedies"},"content":{"rendered":"

Asthma<\/strong> is a chronic inflammatory condition of the lungs, in which the bronchi<\/strong> (the airways) are reversibly narrowed. About 300 million people worldwide suffer from asthma and asthma affects approximately 6-7% of the world’s population. Asthma causes the smooth muscle in the bronchi to constrict, making it more difficult to breathe.<\/p>\n

Asthma<\/strong> is considered a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as are emphysema and chronic bronchitis, however the airway obstruction in asthma is reversible. Also, in asthma only the bronchi are affected and not the alveoli. Asthma may interfere with daily activities, such as walking, getting up and down the steps or any activity that requires strength and endurance. Asthma symptoms may be seasonal and be connected to very specific trigger factors, which often differ between patients.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Asthma symptoms vary from patient to patient and fall on a spectrum from mild to severe. There exist two asthma states: chronic asthma (steady-state) and the acute asthma (attack), each state has different signs and symptoms.<\/p>\n

Chronic asthma (steady-state) is characterized by these signs and symptoms:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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    \n
  1. shortness of breath (only at exertion)<\/li>\n
  2. nighttime coughing<\/li>\n
  3. a frequent throat-clearing cough<\/li>\n
  4. wheezing (not always present)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n
    <\/div>\nSymptoms may be present during certain parts of the day, may gradually decrease or get worse.<\/p>\n

    Acute asthma (attack) symptoms are:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
      \n
    1. shortness of breath (sometimes even when resting)<\/li>\n
    2. wheezing<\/li>\n
    3. tightness in chest<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n
      <\/div>\nThe symptoms of an asthma attack may be so severe that they become life threatening. Asthma attacks are often treated with a rescue inhaler containing short-acting beta-2 agonists. Long-term treatment of asthma include inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting beta-2 agonists and even monoclonal antibodies such as omalizumab and mepolizumab. The best way to take care of asthma in the long run is to identify and prevent exposure to trigger factors (see below), lower emotional and physical stress and by using prescription medicine (as discussed by you and your doctor).<\/p>\n

      Asthma Causes<\/strong>
      \nAsthma has both genetic and environmental causes (triggers). Many asthma patients have family members who have lung conditions. Environmental trigger factors include bad air quality (often found in urban areas), high ozone levels in the atmosphere, other air pollutants including cigarette smoke, allergens such as pollen, mold, dust, dust mites, pet dander or rapid temperature changes. In addition, asthma can also be triggered by exersise. Recently, some researchers have suggested that the rise in asthma prevalence can be connected to the rise in acetaminophen pain killer use.<\/p>\n

      Additional Asthma Causes<\/strong>
      \nSome studies have suggested that asthma may be linked to GERD<\/strong>, Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease. It may be possible that the chronic aspiration of gastric acid results in a worsening of inflammation in the lungs. To establish a relationship between GERD and the presence of asthma, pH esophageal monitoring has to be performed.<\/p>\n

      Natural Remedies That May Help Asthma Symptoms<\/strong>
      \nAlthough no natural asthma remedy exists, supplements, vitamins and herbal extracts are available that could help reduce the severity of asthma symptoms:<\/p>\n

      \n
        \n
      1. Vitamin C<\/strong>: low levels of vitamin C have been linked to decreased lung function. Taking vitamin C may improve lung function and protect against exercise-induced asthma<\/li>\n
      2. Vitamin B<\/strong>: In particular vitamin B-complex is able to help the body cope with the effects of stress and could therefore be beneficial to asthma<\/li>\n
      3. Green Lipped Mussel<\/strong> (Perna canaliculus<\/em>): Endemic to New-Zealand, this bi-valve mollusc (in extract form) is able to inhibit the 5-lipoxygenase pathway, which is responsible for the formation of leukotrienes. This may help curb the inflammatory processes<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n

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        Eneli, I., Sadri, K., Camargo, C. and Barr, R.G. (2005). Acetaminophen and the risk of asthma: the epidemiologic and pathophysiologic evidence. Chest<\/em> 127<\/strong>: 604\u201312.<\/p>\n

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        More Reading<\/strong><\/p>\n