Asthma Signs and Natural Treatment Options

Asthma is a serious illness, one with lifelong implications for sufferers and their families. From an increased risk of respiratory infections to repeated hospitalizations to ongoing shortness of breath, the long term effects of asthma on the body are difficult to ignore. For those who suffer from asthma, the symptoms often begin in early childhood, with the disease diagnosed by the family pediatrician. In other cases, however, asthma may go undiagnosed well into adulthood, with the symptoms put down to other less serious issues.

If you think you or someone you care about may have asthma, it is important to look out for the warning signs. The symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, nighttime coughing, wheezing and discomfort during exercise. Any of these symptoms should be cause for concern, and reason enough for a medical diagnosis. If you or someone you love does suffer from asthma, rest assured that they are not alone. It is estimated that there are more than 300 asthma sufferers worldwide, and every one of those individuals needs to take their symptoms seriously.

While there is no effective cure for asthma, there are some recognized treatment options. Foremost among those treatment options is the asthma inhaler, a simple device patients can use to clear their airways and help them breathe a little easier.

In addition to carrying an inhaler, asthma sufferers can ease their symptoms by identifying their triggers and avoiding them. Some asthma sufferers are triggered by problems with air quality, while others experience more symptoms when humidity levels are high. By identifying these contributing factors and mitigating them, many asthma sufferers can find great relief from their symptoms, including a reduction in emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

Effectively controlling stress can help some asthma sufferers breathe a little easier, especially if their symptoms are triggered by emotional upset. Techniques like guided meditation, relaxation and even massage could prove effective, especially when combined with the use of prescription medication.

Diet also plays a role in the natural control of asthma and its symptoms. Eating a healthy diet, including one rich in healthy fats, can help people find relief from their most troubling symptoms. Some patients have found relief by adding seafood like mackerel and salmon to their diets, while others do better with a totally plant based diet. It can take some experimentation to get the dietary control of asthma right, but the results will be well worth the effort.

In addition to eating a healthy diet, losing weight and getting plenty of gentle exercise can be a big help for those who suffer from asthma. Exercise can be tricky for asthma sufferers, but there are ways to move without triggering symptoms or causing other damage. Joining a gym that has experience with asthma sufferers is one option, as is working one on one with an experienced physical therapist or personal trainer.

For asthma sufferers who are overweight, shedding those excess pounds could be an effective natural treatment, especially when combined with the use of an inhaler and a daily medication. Carrying excess weight can be especially tough for those with asthma, and even a few extra pounds can make the symptoms worse.

At the moment there is no cure for asthma, and millions of people suffer from this dangerous and potentially debilitating disease. Asthma is a chronic condition, and the best option for patients is to control it. By combining natural remedies with tried and true prescription medication, asthma sufferers can find the relief they need, so they can start to breathe a little easier.