Asthma, or more specifically called as respiratory asthma, is a chronic disease that cannot be cured; however, its symptoms can be alleviated and prevented. During asthma attacks, there is a constriction or narrowing of the airways causing uneasiness in breathing. There is also stiffness in the muscles of the airway causing chest tightness and wheezing.
The wheezing sound heard when breathing is called asthma breathing. It is the characteristic sign of asthma. Other signs include uneasiness in breathing, chest tightness, coughing, fast breathing, and fast heart beats.
If you are an asthmatic or if you are the parent of children with asthma, here are some pieces of advice on what to do during an asthma attack:
Let your child leave the area where asthma triggers are visible or present. Some triggers include tobacco smoke, strong perfumes, pet animal hairs or dander, plants, and pollens.
Make sure that an asthma inhaler is always available; it will enable an asthmatic’s constricted or narrowed airways to open. These inhalers are prescribed by doctors to those who are asthmatic for use during asthma attacks.
Calming down and sitting may help. If your clothing is too tight, loosen them. Asthma attacks could also be due to emotional stresses, so calming down tremendously helps.
Try taking one puff of your asthma inhaler every minute until the symptoms of asthma begin to disappear and your condition begins to improve.
Most asthma attacks usually disappear in five to eight minutes. If you notice no improvement in your body, call 911 or go to the hospital straight away.
Never stop puffing your asthma inhaler until the paramedics or any health care provider is within your reach.
Some home remedies of in preventing asthma attack include:
- Eating foods which are a great source of Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 that can be found in eggs, dairy products, and meat. Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 are known to decrease the swelling of the lungs.
- Eating foods high in Vitamin C. These boost the immune system, making the body fight well against infections and diseases.
- Drinking a glass of warm milk with a teaspoon of turmeric powder before bedtime. This provides relief from frequent asthma attacks.
- Taking gingko biloba, a medicinal herb shown to decrease the recurrence of asthma attacks
- Having your chest and back massaged with a minimal amount of camphor oil mixed in mustard oil three times a week
- Drinking licorice tea once a day
- Taking salmon oils. However, as with everything else, the key is moderation. Eating salmon at least twice a week is advisable.