Asthma

Asthma is caused by spasms in the muscles surrounding the bronchi (small airways in the lungs), which constrict the outward passage of stale air. Asthma is a lung disease that can be life threatening. It is  a chronic or long-term disease. It may affect any age group, though it is more common in children and older people. People with asthma have extra sensitive airways, which react by narrowing or obstructing when they become irritated. This narrowing can cause one or a combination of symptoms like wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, etc. When changes in the air passage occur, so that air cannot pass freely to and from the tiny air sacs in the lungs, bronchial asthma results. (Cardiac asthma is the result of a mal-functioning heart).

Factors that provoke asthma:

1. Triggers which cause tightening of the airway called broncho-constriction. Symptoms are immediate, short-lived and reversible. Common triggers include every day stimuli like cold air, dust, strong fumes, emotional upsets, smoke and inhaled irritants. Two important categories of triggers are allergens and irritants. Exposure to allergens like pollen from grasses, trees and weeds, molds, animal secretions from cats and other household pets, dust mites can cause immediate symptoms like cough and wheezing. The muscular spasms with increased mucous releases chemicals called mediators that precipitate an asthma attack. Irritants like cigarette-smoke, perfumes, gas, paint fumes and cold air also can trigger asthma.
2. Respiratory viral infections are likely to aggravate asthma, as do changes in weather (season, humidity and temperature). Environmental irritants like perfumes, cigarette smoke, hair sprays, cleaning solutions, etc can also cause asthma.

Asthma can only be controlled by proper treatment and by identifying and avoiding the things that trigger asthma.

Some foods are considered healthy because of a variety of compounds they contain like phytochemicals, bioflavanoids and essential fatty acids. These foods are natural anti-inflammatories and anti-histamines. Increase the consumption of these foods such as apples, walnuts, oily fish, soy, berries and other fruits.

Foods that trigger asthma are:

.  Wheat (breads, pastas, cakes, pastries)
.  Corn-starch and corn syrup
.  Peanuts
.  Soy
.  Fish and eggs
.  Milk and milk products

These are some of the most common foods that can cause allergies. Keeping a feed diary helps to identify these foods. Asthma can also be triggered by very cold drinks or foods and sometimes by overeating. It would be wise to avoid these situations.

Following these tips can also help to relieve symptoms of asthma:

.  The diet should consist primarily of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, oatmeal, brown rice and whole grains.
.  A glass of juice made of warm water and lemon juice thrice a day is recommended as it helps to rid the body of toxins and mucous.
.  Foods to avoid include alfalfa, beets, colas, cold beverages (which may cause bronchial spasms), dairy products, red meats, processed foods, salt, white flour, and white sugar.
.  Sulphite agents like sodium bisulphate, potassium metabisulphite and sulphur dioxide which are commonly used to prevent discolouration and bacterial growth in foods, can cause severe attacks of asthma after consumption. These agents are used to preserve salads, dips, canned or frozen foods, sauces, gravies, pickles, etc.
.  Holistic measures like yoga, meditation, acupuncture, etc. can help to control asthma.