Asthma and its symptoms
Asthma is a long-term illness that affects the lungs’ airways. The airways swell as the condition progresses due to a lack of oxygen. As a result, they become hypersensitive to certain substances that people inhale. Chest tightness, wheezing, breathlessness, and coughing are all common symptoms.
Diagnosis
Doctors use a physical exam, medical history, and a variety of tests, including pulmonary function tests, to confirm an asthma diagnosis and rule out other conditions that may appear similar, such as seasonal allergies and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A patient’s asthma severity will most likely be classified into one of four categories based on their symptoms.
Types of asthma
There are two types of asthma: “intrinsic” and “extrinsic.” Extrinsic asthma is caused by allergens such as pollen, mites, dust, tobacco smoke, and so on, whereas intrinsic asthma is caused by a respiratory tract infection. Extrinsic asthma, which usually begins in childhood, is far more common than intrinsic asthma, which affects only a small percentage of the population after the age of 30.
Nocturnal Asthma
It is one of the asthma types in which people with asthma find it difficult to cope at night, and they experience symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath, which disrupt their sleep. These symptoms are common in people who have uncontrolled asthma. As per experts, the circadian rhythm is to blame. In addition, excessive humidity, a dirty pillowcase, a large meal before bed, undiagnosed sleep apnea, and other factors can trigger nocturnal asthma.
Asthma And Food Allergies
Certain foods should be avoided by asthma patients because they may aggravate their symptoms. Food allergies and asthma can make life difficult for you. A food allergy is defined as an overreaction of the body’s immune system to certain harmless proteins, resulting in the release of a chemical called histamine. Hives, rash, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are all signs that someone has developed a food allergy. Food allergies are commonly associated with foods such as eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts (cashews, almonds, filberts, etc.), soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, and shrimp. Food allergies and asthma attacks can be avoided by avoiding these foods. Asthmatic patients should avoid foods containing omega-6 fatty acids and trans-fats because they aggravate asthma symptoms. Processed foods, as well as some types of margarine, must be avoided.
Asthma-Relieving Exercises
Physical activities are thought to aggravate asthma allergies, but this is incorrect. However, some exercises can be extremely beneficial for asthma sufferers. Swimming and other swimming-related exercises help to strengthen the breathing muscles. It also improves lung function and cardiovascular fitness. Yoga is another excellent exercise for asthma sufferers. In addition, asthma patients can maintain their fitness regimen by walking, biking, hiking, golfing, gymnastics, and other physical activities.
Treatment with natural ingredients
There is no natural treatment for asthma. Natural therapies, on the other hand, can treat the majority of its symptoms. Going for relaxation therapies such as deep abdominal breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and biofeedback can also help if you’re having an asthma attack due to emotional stress. A healthy diet is unquestionably beneficial in reducing asthma symptoms. Salmon, mackerel, and cod, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids, must also be included in the diet.
Other management options
Inhaling vaporized medications through a device called an inhaler is a necessary part of most people’s asthma management. These drugs may help to reduce inflammation, dilate (open) the airways, and cause other positive changes. Long-acting drugs are used to manage symptoms over time, while fast-acting drugs are used to provide immediate relief during asthma attacks. Lifestyle changes and medical management of the associated disease or presenting illness can also benefit.
