Asthma Management

Asthma is commonly referred to as a disease. However, many doctors do not agree with this term. They describe it as a condition.

What is Asthma? It is the inflammation and clogging up of the airways which obstructs breathing. This condition can be exacerbated by mucous which blocks the airways and makes breathing even more difficult.

It is therefore imperative to have a diet which eliminates that formation of mucous.

Asthma is not a condition you have to live with, there are ways to overcome this condition.

Mucous is formed primarily through consumption of dairy products such as, milk, cream, yoghurt, and which are the worst offenders and should be avoided.

Asthmatic people are prone to infections of the airways. It is therefore very important to have a strong immune system, to avoid colds, which in asthmatic people can rapidly affect the chest and trigger asthma attacks.

With a healthy immune system, there is no reason, however, why asthma sufferers should not enjoy an active, sporty and enjoyable lifestyle because sport also promotes a healthy immune system, as long as asthma is rigorously controlled through Peak Flow meters and with the medication prescribed and by avoiding foods that could trigger attacks. Sticking to a healthy diet which eliminates the triggers can even lead to an Asthma free life.

Pollution can also trigger asthma attacks so it is best to get as much fresh air as possible. Damp climates are not favourable for asthma sufferers either and dry climates are better but we can't very often choose.

Steroids and Antibiotics help very quickly when an asthma attack has happened but it is best to keep fit and avoid too many colds as with each intake of the above medication, the immune system is undermined and there is a danger that in the long run the body will be so dependent and become immune to these pills that it takes longer to recover from an attack and more and more medication is needed to sort out the problem. Winters are particularly dangerous times as the cold air can cause shortness of breath, not to mention the dangers of infections from flu and colds that are lurking everywhere.

Warning:

Pay particular attention when you have a cold and try and get over this as fast as you can without it causing chest infections.

Do not try and cure a chest infection on your own or wait to get over this. Each one undermines the immune defence. See your doctor immediately. Too many chest infections can become chronic and the medication will then no longer respond.

With your doctor's permission, carry a spare course of steroids and antibiotics when going on holiday in case you are caught out and your chest becomes tight. You will know the signs.

Asthma sufferers need to be extra vigilant to viruses so carry antibacterial tissues, wipe your hands with these frequently and where possible wear gloves. It is so easy to pick up germs from just about anywhere.

Doctors recommend strongly to have a flu vaccine every autumn in more harsh climates. This is a must, simply as a precautionary measure to ensure that if you should catch the flu virus, you will not be affected too badly by it.

Asthma often comes in conjunction with allergies, such as Hay Fever and Eczema. Bronchial Asthma can come about by lack of care with chest infection. So many people believe that a cough is something they can cure themselves and don't pay too much attention until the time comes when breathing is a problem and wheezing starts and this is when Asthma is often diagnosed.

Asthma has often been linked to psychological problems too and it is as well to investigate to see what underlying fears or phobias you may have which can cause shortness of breath.