Asthma

What is asthma?

Asthma is chronic disease of the respiratory system that causes inflammation and constriction in the airways, increasing sensitivity to allergens, cold, warm or moist air, and physical exertion or stress.

When muscles surrounding the airways shrink, excess mucous is produced and the individual suffers difficulty breathing or an "asthma attack." In extreme cases, such attacks can cut off the oxygen supply to vital organs, sometimes resulting in death.

What causes asthma?

Though a very common disease, the exact cause of asthmatic inflammation remains largely unknown. However, genetics, emotional stress, and early-life viral infection increase the risk, as does overexposure to allergens and airborne irritants such as pollution and tobacco smoke.

What are the symptoms?

Some indicators that an individual may be suffering from asthma are:

• Shortness of breath

• Coughing, wheezing and tightness in the chest

• Difficulty in talking and concentrating

• Nasal flaring while breathing

• Hunched shoulders or drooping posture

• Bluish or gray tint to the skin, beginning in the area around the mouth

• Visible contraction in the neck and area below the ribs while breathing

Are there any natural cures?

At the moment, there is no permanent cure for asthma since the primary cause of the condition remains unknown. However, foods containing additives and preservatives such as sulfates, MSG, gallates and colorings are commonly believed to trigger asthma attacks and reactions. Avoiding those foods as well as those containing yeast or mold such as blue cheese and breads can help minimize risks.

In addition, the condition can be controlled through medication, environmental changes, and natural treatments which enhance the patient's quality of life.

HONEY, mixed with warm water and cinnamon powder, consumed daily with breakfast or at bedtime offers some relief from asthma, as does a jar of honey held under the nose of anyone suffering from an asthma attack.

GARLIC can also aid in alleviating asthma symptoms in the initial stages. To utilize it's effectiveness: Boil ten garlic cloves in 30 milliliters of milk and drink the mixture once each day. Or, add two garlic cloves to steaming ginger tea, and drink each morning and evening.

Two tablespoons of APPLE CIDER VINEGAR added to an eight-ounce cup of water and consumed each day has proven helpful against asthma, too.