DR. WALKER

Asthma

Asthma is a condition in which the bronchial tubes increase the production of sticky mucus material, resulting in difficulty breathing, tightened /inflamed airways, and coughing. This is a condition that could begin in childhood; however, adults may also be affected. Sometimes there may be things triggering the attack, but not always.

What are the early symptoms of asthma?

Early signs include frequent coughing, mostly at night, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Generally, these early signs are not severe enough to prevent normal daily activities. However, symptoms could quickly worsen.

What are some more worrisome signs?

Despite early treatment, lungs, gradually tighten, restricting movement. For these individuals, if adequate treatment is not available, they could eventually become unable to speak and develop a bluish discoloration about the lips. In this event, more aggressive therapy should be utilized as these could be life-threatening.

What are some common triggers for asthma?

For some people, a trigger can bring on an attack right away. For other people, or at other times, an attack may start hours or days later. Triggers can be different for each person. But some common triggers include:

• Air pollution: Air pollution includes factory emissions, car exhaust, wildfire smoke, and more.
• Dust mites: You can’t see these bugs, but they are in our homes. If you have a dust mite allergy, this can cause an asthma attack.
• Exercise: For some people, exercising can cause an attack.
• Mold: Damp places can spawn mold, which can cause problems if you have asthma.
• Pets: Your pets can cause asthma attacks. If you are allergic to pet dander (dried skin flakes), breathing in the dander can irritate your airways.
• Tobacco smoke: If you or someone in your home smokes, you have a higher risk of developing asthma.
• Strong chemicals or smells. These things can trigger attacks in some people.
• Certain occupational exposures. You can be exposed to many things at your job, including cleaning products, dust from flour or wood, or other chemicals.

When to see the doctor?

Seek medical attention right away if you have signs or symptoms of a serious asthma attack, which include:

• Severe breathlessness or wheezing, especially at night or in the early morning
• The inability to speak more than short phrases due to shortness of breath
• Your wheezing gets worse even after you have given your medicine time to start working (most quick-relief medicines work within 15 minutes)
• Having to strain your chest muscles to breathe
• Low peak flow readings when you use a peak flow meter
• No improvement after using a quick-acting (rescue) inhaler

Self-care tips:

Remove milk and milk products. Try to reduce fast foods and fried foods as many contain trans fatty acids. Increase consumption of omega-3 fatty acids. Gluten, wheat, and corn should be reduced in your diet. Additionally, try to add anti-inflammatory products including more omega-3, and fatty acids including salmon, and mackerel. Omega-3 fatty acids tend to reduce overall body inflammation. Also increase the consumption of probiotics, turmeric, and ginger.
Vitamin D3 level should also be maximized as a natural anti-inflammatory. Remember that the actions of vitamin D3 will be potentiated with adequate magnesium levels. Wash bedsheets and pillowcases frequently. Remove all feather materials from the bedding. Lastly, people suffering from chronic Gerd may be exacerbating asthma symptoms.

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