QUEZON City, Philippines (January 15) – Asthma cannot be cured fully but it is possible to control the symptoms with treatment. If you have asthma, it is important to know its causes or triggers. And also, it is important to know how to manage it. Avoidance of precipitating factors can be helpful.
Asthma affects people of all ages, but it most often starts during childhood. A common lung disorder in which inflammation causes the bronchi to swell and narrow the airways, creating breathing difficulties that may range from mild to life-threatening. Symptoms can include wheezing (especially on expiration), coughing, and difficulty in breathing. Asthma can appear and disappear without warning. If an attack is severe enough, it can kill.
According to American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, people with a family history of allergies or asthma are more prone to developing asthma. Many people with asthma also have allergies. This is called allergic asthma.
Causes
The most important inhaled allergens and triggers contributing to asthma attacks are:
- animal dander
- smites in house dust
- fungi (molds) that grow indoors
- mold spores that grow outdoors
- cockroach allergens
- tree, grass, and weed pollen
- occupational exposure to chemicals, fumes, or particles of industrial materials in the air
- strong odors, such as from perfume
Is There A Natural Cure?
With all the new findings on alternative medicine and natural remedies, you may wonder if there’s a natural cure for asthma. Unfortunately, there is no cure at this point. In fact, it’s highly advisable to avoid any treatment or product — natural or otherwise — that claims to be a “cure” for asthma.
How to manage Asthma?
Even though there’s no natural cure for asthma, your symptoms can be treated and controlled with several medications. Your goal in managing asthma is to:
- Get an accurate diagnosis.
- Work with your doctor to develop an action plan.
- Monitor your peak flow rate daily and take appropriate measures when it drops.
- Keep a diary so you can track all your symptoms and medication use.
- Avoid triggers or asthma, including outdoor irritants such as smog.
- Seek medical advice and treatment for coexisting problems that can worsen symptoms, such as GERD, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis.
- Exercise daily to maximize your aerobic fitness.
- Prevent exercise-induced asthma by medicating before exercise.
- Eat nutritious foods to maximize your immune defenses against viral and bacterial infections.
- Maintain a normal weight.
- Get plenty of restful sleep.
- Call your health care provider at the first sign of symptoms.
- Check in with your health care provider regularly for breathing tests to make sure your asthma is managed and your medications are working optimally.
You hold the key to living well with asthma. Trust your health care provider to give you guidance, and then take daily responsibility for your breathing with proven self-care measures.
(written by Maria Christine Langurayan, edited by Jay Paul Carlos, additional research by Lovely Ann Cruz)
