Exploring the Airways of Asthma!
General Overview
Did you know over 28 million people in the U.S. have asthma? This equals about 1 in 12 people.
Asthma is a chronic long term condition that affects the airways in our lungs. Yes, a large chunk of the population has asthma, but the effects of asthma differ from person to person. The airways of someone with asthma tend to be lined with mucus. During an “asthma attack,” the walls of the airways are inflamed. In addition, membranes in your airway linings may secrete excess mucus, making the everyday action of breathing much more difficult. General symptoms of asthma could include wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. One of the most important notes to keep in mind when learning about asthma is that the effects of asthma differ in everybody. It should be understood that asthma is a serious disease whether it’s just an inconvenience or impactful disadvantage.
Can you “Catch” Asthma?
There is a possibility that someone could develop asthma over time. A potential cause of the development of asthma is the environment. Those who tend to live in areas that contain many pollutants (diesel, exhaust) or allergens (pollen, dust mites) in the air are at higher risk. However, asthma is primarily a genetic condition and those with a family history of asthma are more prone to develop the disease. Understanding that asthma is generally a genetic disorder means everyone should still remain cautious of situations/environments that contain pollutants, smoke, etc.
What are the Symptoms/Triggers of Asthma?
Again, everybody with asthma experience different symptoms but these are most common in all asthma victims:
- Wheezing
- Pain or tightness in chest
- Shortness of breath
- Short periods or constant coughing or wheezing (asthma attacks)
These symptoms may be a constant everyday occurrence; however, environmental factors are what trigger these symptoms and responses. Some of these triggers include:
- Airborne allergens (pollen, dust mites, pet dander)
- Cold air
- Intense physical exercise
- Mold
- Smoke
- Stress
- Strong Chemicals
- Toxins in the air
These factors will often trigger an immune response which results in asthma attacks. For example, concerning pollen or dust, the immune system accidentally identifies these substances as a threat, starting an immune response within the body. The airways tend to swell as well as mucus builds up. The body is attempting to prevent these substances from entering the lungs, despite them being harmless. As a result, wheezing and intense coughing will begin; however, in extreme cases, one may pass out due to lack of oxygen. Another way the immune system is activated is through intense exercise. When partaking in cardio or weight lifting, you are breathing heavily the dry air surrounding you. Cold, dry air can cause the fluid lining your airways to evaporate, irritating and drying out the bronchial tubes. With this, the body responds by inflaming and constricting the airways, making the transportation of oxygen much more difficult. The immune system can be activated in many different ways regarding the different forms of triggers.
How Do You Treat Asthma?
Asthma can not be cured for it is a chronic condition, however, thankfully there are many ways to mitigate the effects of asthma. Those with asthma often carry around something called an inhaler, a common tool to help respiration. These inhalers deliver medication directly to the airways to relax tightened muscles and reduce inflammation. They typically contain a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA), such as albuterol. This medication will relax the muscles surrounding the airways, allowing oxygen to flow. The effects of the inhalers will start within minutes or even seconds after taking a puff.
Holistic Approach
There are no foods (or even medicine) that could fully cure one from having asthma, but there are food options and lifestyle changes that can mitigate the effects. One of the very recommended options is weight management. Being overweight may worsen asthma symptoms, so it is encouraged to maintain a healthy weight in order to improve your breathing. There are also many anti-inflammatory foods, specifically those that are rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, that directly focus on reducing inflammation in the body, such as the airways. Diets that are rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats have shown to reduce asthma symptoms and flares. In addition to these changes, practicing certain activities daily can also improve asthma symptoms over time. This consists of physical exercise, yoga, and breathing exercise. Breathing exercises may help strengthen the lungs as well as calm the nervous system. It should be kept in mind that exercise could also flare up asthma symptoms and even cause an asthma attack so it is important to be cautious to not exert too much effort or energy. Importantly, looking into a holistic approach should be considered helpful and coincide with your current health state or medication. Holistic medicine should not replace prescribed medication, and if you are interested in finding a holistic approach, consulting with a doctor first would be the best choice.
If you have any possible idea that this may apply to you or a loved one, speaking to a health care professional is the best choice to identify and mitigate the disease. Educating oneself is one of the most beneficial acts to help oneself or a loved one with asthma.