Asthma home remedies are often overlooked as useful treatments for this condition.
Before you write them off, however, consider some of the remedies mentioned below.
Asthma is a chronic disease, characterized by occasional constriction of the airways to the lungs, followed by inflammation and increased mucus production, frequently in response to various triggers.
Causes of Asthma
[Top] Why the airways of people with Asthma become inflamed is not fully known. There may be a hereditary and an environmental link. How these factors work together is not completely understood.
In fact, it is not clear whether it is a single disorder or a group of disorders.
The gene, however, that is involved has not been fully identified. It is thought this gene involves the lungs and immune system. There are studies that show the immune systems of those with Asthma respond differently than those who do not have the disease.
Allergens from dust mites along with other allergens such as mold and pollens may cause it.
Recent research indicates being exposed to certain allergens such as tobacco smoke, infections, and other allergens early in life may increase your chances of developing this disease.
Researchers from Harvard University have discovered a certain type of white blood cell, killer T-Cells, gone awry, is the cause. Laboratory mice with activated killer T-Cells without any helper T-Cells, which counter the effects of these killer cells, developed Asthma.
The researchers feel new drugs will become available that will stop these killer cells.
Is there a cure for Asthma?
[Top] Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for Asthma, but the disease can be controlled with good care. It is a disease that should be taken seriously, as uncontrolled Asthma can result in hospitalization and even death.
A report from the Web site Medical News Today discusses a presentation on the Internet that demonstrates breathing exercises designed to minimize the use of Asthma inhalers. The complete story can be found here: Managing Asthma With New Breathing Exercises
Each year, over 4000 people die from Asthma, with an additional 500,000 hospitalized.
In North America, one out of every 15 children has Asthma. The exact cause is not known.
When your symptoms become much stronger than usual, it is called an Asthma 'attack'. If it is serious, the airways constrict so much that vital organs are deprived of oxygen, possibly resulting in death.
For most people, Asthma is controlled with medication. A small percentage of patients have a more serious form of the disease that does not respond well to conventional medicines.
That is another reason why you should consider trying some of the remedies mentioned below!
The first of four Asthma home remedies we will discuss is Quercetin.
Quercetin, commonly found in apples, is a member of a large group of plant pigments known as Flavonoids. Flavonoids are considered to be beneficial antioxidants.
It is thought that Quercetin prevents mast cells from releasing pro-inflammatory compounds that cause Asthma symptoms.
It may interact with various medicines, so talk to your healthcare provider before taking.
The second of our Asthma home remedies we will discuss is Flaxseed Oil.
Flaxseed oil contains Alpha-linolenic acid, an Omega-3 fatty acid. There is a connection between Asthma and pro-inflammatory compounds called Leukotrienes.
One way to counteract production of these inflammatory compounds is to increase consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids
Fish is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids.
Numerous medicines may interact with this supplement, so consult with your healthcare provider before taking it.
The next of our Asthma remedies we will discuss are vitamin supplements. Of all the Asthma home remedies discussed so far, this category has shown the most mixed results.
Vitamin B6, has been shown to promote relaxation of Bronchial smooth muscle tissue. The Bronchial tubes are the air passages branching off from the Trachea and enter the lungs. Vitamin B6 has shown to be an effective Asthma remedy
A Scottish study implicated pregnant women with low levels of Vitamin E may be linked to increased rates of childhood Asthma.
Some of these vitamins may interact with medicines, so talk to your healthcare professional before taking any.
With the exception of Vitamin B6, research is all over the map for these Asthma home remedies, so we are unable to give our stamp of approval for the remaining vitamins as a treatment for Asthma.
The last of our Asthma home remedies we will discuss is L-Cysteine.
This amino acid's primary benefit for Asthma sufferers is its ability to break up mucus in the lungs. In individuals with Asthma, glutathione levels are lower then the amounts found in normal individuals.
The addition of L-Cysteine helps to increase the levels of glutathione in the blood thereby improving the body's ability to metabolize mucus.
There have been no adverse side effects nor known drug interactions associated with L-Cysteine consumption.
We hope our discussion of Asthma home remedies has proven insightful.
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* Shortness of breath or wheezing
It is thought that Quercetin prevents mast cells from releasing pro-inflammatory compounds that cause Asthma symptoms.
The next of our Asthma remedies we will discuss are vitamin supplements. Of all the Asthma home remedies discussed so far, this category has shown the most mixed results.
The last of our Asthma home remedies we will discuss is L-Cysteine.
