There are more than 10 milllion people who have been diagnosed with asthma, and that’s just in the United States. Some medical experts actually believe that asthma has reached epidemic proportions due to it’s pervasiveness. Exposure to noxious chemicals in the air and environmental pollution are usually held responsible for contributing to this disease. There is an increase in the number of people dying from asthma, mostly because the warning signs are being ignored.
During an asthma attack, the airways in the lungs will begin to swell and develop mucus secretions. Soon they will start to spasm. It becomes harder to breathe as the airways become narrower. The most common symptoms of an asthma attack are wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, congestion, fever, pain and dry mouth.
An attack can be caused by almost anything. The most common trigger of an attack are allergies, and other causes include stress, a poor diet, overexertion, or a respiratory infection.
Some attacks are triggered through exposure to irritants such as exhaust fumes, smoke, the smell of gas, or pollen. Attacks can also be caused by foods like chocolate, dairy products, corn and peanuts. Antibiotics, hormone therapy and tranquilizers are also possible triggers.
There are a number of herbal, mineral and vitamin supplements that can be used for asthma treatments. The most important of these is Vitamin B. It can not only reduce the severity of an attack but it will preserve your body’s biochemical balance.
If you use vitamins A and E in concert they collaborate to defend your lungs from pollution. And large doses of Vitamic C have been shown to be useful in fighting asthma.
Gingko biloba is also a useful treatment to improve breathing and ease bronchial responses. Odorless garlic is also a good alternative. The anti-inflammatory properties of this supplement decrease the risk of an asthma attack.
If you think you might have asthma, see your doctor right away to get tested. In the meantime, your diet should be high in protein and include plenty of fruits and vegetables that are loaded with vitamins. Also stay away from your specific triggers.
Although an asthma attack can be quite stressful, there are options available to help prevent it from overtaking your life. If you’ve been diagnosed with asthma by a medical doctor, ask lots of questions and find out what the most effective asthma remedies are.
It’s possible to avert an asthma attack through natural means such as vitamins and supplements. There’s no reason to avoid enjoying your usual activities. It can usually be contained even if it does slow you down for a while.