ASTHMA

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways. It is an inflammatory disease that leads to a variety of symptoms. The causes of asthma may vary from one individual to another. The main cause of the inflammation is exposure to asthma triggers. The airways fill with mucus and become narrow and inflamed when they come into contact with such triggers. When an individual experiences an asthma attack, the mucus membranes swell and become inflamed. There are also spasms in the muscles of the airways. The increased production of mucus makes the airways narrow and this leads to difficulty in breathing. Symptoms such as coughing and wheezing also occur as the body reacts to the irritants present in the airways and tries to eliminate them through the mucus.

Symptoms of Asthma

An asthma attack takes place when the airways get irritated or inflamed. Asthma attacks may occur suddenly or develop gradually over a few hours or days. The primary symptoms of an asthma attack include:

Tightness in the chest

Coughing

Wheezing

Breathing difficulty

Pain or a sensation of pressure in the chest

The symptoms of asthma are likely to vary from case to case. You may not necessarily experience all the symptoms. The symptoms may also vary from one asthma attack to another. Many individuals with asthma may remain symptom-free for some time and then experience periodic attacks. Some people may develop symptoms only during physical activity or when they come in contact with irritants. In most cases, asthma attacks are mild as the airways open up after a brief period of time. Severe attacks may persist for longer periods of time and require medical attention.

There are some signs and symptoms which occur when an asthma episode is about to occur. These are not very severe, but addressing them can help to prevent an attack from worsening. They early warning signs include:

Shortness of breath

Coughing especially at night

Tiredness while performing any physical activity

Irritability

Symptoms of allergies or a cold such as nasal discharge

sore throat and headache

Difficulty in sleeping

If the above symptoms are not treated in a timely manner, severe symptoms are likely to follow. These symptoms may affect your daily functioning.

Persistent cough during the day and night

Severe wheezing

Poor response to asthma medications

Rapid breathing

Anxiety

Sweating

Pale appearance of the skin

Difficulty in talking

Causes of Asthma

Asthma episodes occur when the airways become blocked and inflamed due to exposure to certain triggers. The airways are highly sensitive and there is a reaction whenever there is contact with an external factor. An asthma attack may occur immediately after exposure to an irritant or a few hours or days later. Different people may react to different triggers. It is essential to identify and avoid contact with triggers so that asthma episodes are prevented.

The most common triggers include:

Colds or respiratory infections

Pollen from grass, trees and weeds

Mold spores

Dust

Pet dander

Insects

Certain foods

Exercise

Smoke

Pollution

Perfumes

Detergents or other cleaning agents

Cold weather

Humidity

Anxiety or strong emotions

Intake of certain medications

Some individuals may also have a genetic predisposition to asthma.

Home Remedies for Asthma

Ginger - is a well-known natural treatment for various ailments including asthma.

Mix equal quantities of ginger juice, pomegranate juice and honey. Take one tablespoon of this mixture twice or three times a day.

Alternatively, you could mix one teaspoon ground ginger in one and a half cups of water and take one tablespoon of this mixture at bedtime.

Cut one inch of ginger into small pieces and add it to a pot of boiling water. Let it steep for five minutes, allow it to cool down and then drink it.

To detoxify your lungs, mix one tablespoon of ginger juice and one tablespoon of honey with two tablespoon of fenugreek seeds soaked in water overnight. Drink this solution every morning and evening.

You can also eat raw ginger mixed with salt.

Honey - is one of the most common home remedies for asthma. It is said that if a jug of honey is held under the nose of an asthma patient and he inhales the air that comes into contact with it, he starts breathing easier and deeper.

Honey is one of the oldest natural cures for asthma. The alcohol and ethereal oils in honey help reduce asthma symptoms.

You can also mix one teaspoon of honey into a glass of hot water and drink it slowly at least three times a day.

Before going to bed, swallow one teaspoon of honey with one-half teaspoon of cinnamon powder. This will help remove phlegm from your throat and allow you to sleep better.

Mustard Oil - When having an asthma attack, massing with mustard oil will help clear the respiratory passages and restore normal breathing.

Heat some mustard oil with a little camphor and gently massage it into the chest and upper back.

Do this several times a day until the symptoms subside.

Figs - The nutritional properties of figs promote respiratory health and help drain phlegm and alleviate breathing difficulties.

Wash three dried figs and soak them in a cup of water overnight.

In the morning, eat the soaked figs and drink the fig water on an empty stomach.

This method helps the nutrients quickly enter your bloodstream and provide relief from asthma symptoms.

Eucalyptus Oil - Pure eucalyptus oil is an effective treatment for asthma symptoms.

Just put a few drops of eucalyptus oil on a paper towel and keep it by your head when sleeping so that you breathe in the aroma.

You can also put two to three drops of eucalyptus oil in a pot of boiling water and breathe in the steam. Try to take deep breaths for faster results.

Garlic - The following garlic remedies will clear congestion in your lungs, giving you quick relief from asthma symptoms.

Boil 10 to 15 cloves of garlic in one-half cup of milk. Drink this once a day.

You can also make garlic tea by adding three to four cloves of garlic to a pot of hot water and letting it steep for five minutes. Allow it to cool to room temperature and then drink it.

Coffee - The caffeine in regular coffee can help prevent and control asthma attacks. Hot coffee also will relax and clear the airways to help you to breathe easier. The stronger the coffee, the better the result. But try not to drink more than three cups of black coffee in a day. If you do not like coffee, you can opt for a cup of hot black tea.

Lemon - People with asthma often have low levels of vitamin C. Lemons are rich in this vitamin and antioxidants that can help reduce asthma symptoms. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon in a glass of water and add some sugar according to your taste. Drink this when you are suffering from an asthma attack. Oranges, papayas, blueberries and strawberries are also rich in nutrients that help minimize asthma symptoms.

Onions - Onions have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce constriction of the airways when suffering from asthma. Also, the sulfur content in onions help decrease inflammation in the lungs. Simply eat raw onions to clear your air passage ways for better breathing. If you cannot bear the taste of raw onions, try eating cooked onions.

Salmon - Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon will help your lungs react better to irritants that cause asthma symptoms. It can also reduce airway narrowing and inflammation. Along with salmon, you can eat other fishes such as cod, sardines, mackerel and tuna. If raw salmon is not readily available, you can try salmon oil.

The most important step in controlling your asthma is to reduce exposure to allergens and triggers. Here are some helpful tips:

The pollen count is high during certain seasons and this is when you are most prone to asthma attacks. Therefore keep your windows shut during these times. You can also use air conditioning to restrict the entry of pollen. An air conditioner will also help to reduce humidity and will protect you from exposure to dust mites. Make sure that you have your air conditioner cleaned regularly and have the filters changed.

Dust can worsen asthma symptoms especially at night. Use dust-proof covers on your pillows and mattresses. Carpets can collect a great deal of dust and therefore it is advisable to opt for linoleum flooring instead. Also ensure that you wash your curtains regularly to get rid of dust.

Use a dehumidifier if you live in regions with damp weather

Avoid exposure to animals if you are allergic to animal dander. If you have pets, ensure that they are groomed well and bathed regularly.

Protect your nose and mouth with a mask while cleaning or dusting the home

Cold air can worsen asthma symptom and may even bring on an episode. Therefore it is advisable to cover your face when stepping out.

You can also effectively manage asthma symptoms by staying healthy. Here are some ways to improve your health:

While there are no natural cures for asthma, some methods of natural treatment can help to keep the symptoms in check. Some common asthma home remedies include:

Diet for Asthma

Certain foods are known to help in easing an asthma attack. These include:

Caffeine dilates the bronchial passages and thus alleviates the symptoms of an asthma attack.

Pungent foods help in thinning the mucus and this prevents the air passages from becoming narrow. These foods include onions, garlic and chili.

Foods such as tuna, sardines and other fatty fish contain anti-inflammatory compounds which reduce inflammation. Onions and foods which contain vitamin C also help in this regard.

The B vitamins are beneficial for asthmatic individuals. They are contained in foods such as pulses, leafy green vegetables, dried figs, millets, green banana and bitter gourd. Fruits such as green papaya and grapes are also helpful in keeping asthma in check.

Vitamins C and E are known to reduce inflammation in the lungs and air passages which usually occurs during asthma attacks. A diet rich in these vitamins will help to protect from colds and respiratory infections which are asthma triggers.

Suggestion for Asthma

Flu is a common asthma trigger and can also worsen the symptoms once an episode occurs. Therefore it is advisable to get a flu shot on a yearly basis. An annual flu shot is recommended for asthmatic individuals above 6 years. The side effects of the vaccine are minor such as mild fever, soreness or redness at the injection site.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor.

CHEST CONGESTION

In winter the most common congestion, we suffer from is Chest Congestion. It can be described as the accumulation of excessive fluid and mucus in our lungs. This problem could cause us to suffer from a bad cough, pain in the chest area as well as breathing difficulties. Fortunately, in most cases, chest congestion lasts for a short period of time, - a couple of days or weeks at the most. However, there are instances of people suffering from this congestion for a longer period of time, or even cases where the congestion in the chest is recurrent.

While anyone can get chest congestion, but it occurs commonly in younger children and the elderly, due to the comparatively weaker immune systems. Even teenagers and young adults who suffer from a weakened or compromised immune system are more prone to chest congestion as compared to others.

For most people, chest congestion is not really a serious problem. However, some of the symptoms of this problem can be quite severe and therefore, it is common for people to seek medical assistance for faster relief. In many cases, chest congestion is not a condition on its own, but more like the symptom of an underlying health problem. Therefore, chest congestion should not be left unchecked.

This is particularly true in situations where the congestion is present for prolonged periods or if persistent, as it could be indicative of a more serious health condition. Unfortunately there are some conditions that are rather serious, but the symptoms are usually similar to those of more minor conditions. A self diagnosis of chest congestion can often result in such a misdiagnosis. For example, serious health conditions like asthma can cause tightness in the chest, which is sometimes mistaken for chest congestion. However, while chest congestion usually clears up after a while, asthma symptoms are more long lasting. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor immediately, if chest congestion lasts for a long period of time.

Symptoms of Congestion

There are several symptoms that accompany a congested chest and they could vary in intensity, depending on the factors that have led to the problem. Most of the symptoms of chest condition are fairly mild and insignificant, which is why they are often ignored by most people. However, if they are left unchecked the condition could rapidly worsen and can also become fatal. Therefore, it is important be aware of what the various symptoms of chest congestion are, so that you can treat them in time. In case the chest congestion is not caused by any serious underlying factors, the symptoms that are evident include:

Deep chested coughing

-The urge to clear the throat over and over

-Tickling sensation at the back of the throat, caused by excess mucus

-Severe headaches

-Tightness in the chest area

-Difficulties in talking as well as swallowing

-Laboured breathing

-Wheezing

You may notice one or more of the symptoms at a time, as it is not necessary as all will be present. The symptom that is the most common in case of chest congestion is a cough, which may or may not be productive. A productive cough is where sputum or phlegm is present; in an unproductive cough, these are absent.

Some of the symptoms that accompany chest congestion are a cause for concern and should receive emergency medical attention. You need to take immediate action in case you notice symptoms like:

-Severe pain in the chest

-High fever

-Hemoptysis, which means coughing up blood

-Crackling sounds from the chest, which are quite audible

-Stiffness in the neck

-Changes in the colour of the fingernails and the area around the mouth

-Skin rash

-Chills and shaking

It is absolutely essential for you to make a note of the symptoms that are evident, as they need to be described to the doctor as accurately as possible, for a proper diagnosis.

Causes of Congestion

There are several factors that could lead to chest congestion and not all of them are serious. For example, you may suffer from congestion in the chest because of a common cold, allergies, post-nasal drip or flu, but in this case, the symptom usually lasts for no more than a week. However, some of the more serious causes of congestion in the chest include:

Asthma: This is a respiratory condition, which causes the airways to swell up and become narrow. They in turn produce extra mucus, which could make it difficult to breathe. Unfortunately, this condition cannot be cured, but it can be controlled with the help of medication, home remedies, therapies and lifestyle changes.

Bronchitis: There are two types of Bronchitis, which include bacterial bronchitis and viral bronchitis. This condition occurs when there is an inflammation in the bronchial tube lining. The main symptom of this condition is coughing up greenish colored sputum that had accumulated in the chest or respiratory airways. Antibiotics can be prescribed for bacterial bronchitis, but for the viral one, only the symptoms can be treated.

Pertussis: More commonly referred to as a whooping cough, pertussis is a highly contagious infection in the respiratory tract. The main symptom of this condition is a hacking cough, followed by a high-pitched intake of breath, which sounds like a whoop. This condition is a fairly serious one, mainly prevalent in younger children.

Pneumonia: This condition occurs when there is an inflammation in the lungs, caused by a viral, bacterial or fungal infection. Apart from chest congestion, this condition can be accompanied by decreased appetite, aches, fever and a severe cough. Some types of pneumonia can be treated with the help of antibiotics

Tuberculosis: Also known as TB, this infectious disease affects the lungs and is highly contagious. The treatment of this condition is quite lengthy and could take months.

Some of the causes of congestion in the chest could also be a lot more serious, as they include lung cancer, heart-valve malfunctions and pulmonary edema.

Remedies for Congestion

Before using any over the counter medication or home remedy to clear chest congestion, it is best to undergo a check-up and identify the cause of the problem. If your doctor tells you that you do not need to follow any specific course of treatment and if hospitalization is not required, then you could try home treatment options. Here are few commonly recommended home remedies for congestion in the chest, caused by the flu, cold or allergies:

Add a pinch of salt to a glass of warm water to do a salt water gargle. Take a glass of warm water and add a teaspoon of salt to it. Use the entire solution to gargle at one time and repeat this exercise at least twice or thrice a day.

Make it a point to do steam inhalation at least once a day. Boil some water and for better results, add eucalyptus essential oils to it. Allow the water to cool for a few minutes before bending your head over the pot. Cover your head with a thick towel so that you can trap the steam within. Inhale the steam as deeply as possible, for at least 5 minutes or even longer if you can.

Apply some essential oils (preferably diluted) to the chest and massage the area for a few minutes.

Drink some herbal tea throughout the day, to loosen the mucus in the chest, making it easier for the body to get rid of it.

Many alternate healers claim that yoga and aromatherapy are very effective in getting rid of chest congestion problems. However, there aren’t sufficient clinical studies to support these claims.

Ginger and Lemon to Hot water is another wonderful home remedy for treating chest pain and congestion.Boil water and add two sliced pieces of ginger. Let the water cool down for few minutes. To add some taste, you can have few drops of lemon in it with a teaspoon of honey. You can also increase the soothing benefit of this home remedy by adding a small piece of cinnamon stick while boiling the water.

Although most of the remedies for congestion mentioned above are quite safe if used correctly, it is best to consult a doctor before trying any of them.

Diet for Congestion

While a diet may not be able to cure chest congestion problems, there are certain foods that can alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms. Therefore, it is best to increase the consumption of such foods. At the same time, certain foods should be strictly avoided by patients who have chest congestion, as they aggravate the problem.

Increasing the consumption of liquids that are warm is one of the best ways to deal with chest congestion. This not only helps to loosen the congestion, but also soothes the throat and reduces coughing. You can have some warm water; simply add a few drops of lemon juice or honey to the glass of water. Having tea, warm milk or broth can be just as beneficial, but coffee should be strictly avoided.

Spicy foods help your body to get rid of the excessive accumulation of phlegm and mucus and therefore should be included in a diet for congestion. Jalapenos, peppers and chilies act as natural decongestants. Some of the other spices that are very helpful include onions, garlic, cloves and ginger.

You also need to increase your intake of any foods containing Vitamin C and Vitamin E, as they boost the immune system and help the body recover from most types of infections a lot more swiftly. You could either have slices of warm oranges or you could dilute orange juice with warm water for this purpose.

Vitamins and minerals help improving your overall health and therefore are an essential part of a diet, especially when you are trying to recovering from any health problems. Therefore, you need to ensure that you consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially broccoli, spinach, papaya, kiwi, grapefruit, pineapples and so on.

Suggestion for Congestion

In case you are prone to respiratory problems or suffer from chest congestion on a regular basis, it may be best for you to consult a doctor for preventative steps that you can take. In order to improve your overall health and minimize the risks of chest congestion problems, you need to eat a healthy diet, drink a lot of water, get plenty of rest, sleep well and follow a proper exercise routine.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor.