How does Asthma affect Individuals?

The human body is one of the most remarkable creations of the nature. Infact, it’s actually astonishing to know how our body performs such complicated tasks with so much of ease on a daily basis. We can definitely symbolise it as a natural machine. And, as we all know, every machine needs energy to perform its tasks.

Many people believe that we get this energy from food, and that’s partially true. But food is actually a storage of such chemical energy. The body uses oxygen from the air we breathe to break down food and produce energy.

We receive this oxygen with the help of a simple process commonly known as breathing. Our body performs this function on an autopilot mode. However, we often take for granted the complexities and adaptability of our organs. It is only when one is experiencing breathing difficulty that they realise the importance of the respiratory system.

Asthma, however, is different from the occasional breathing difficulties that are associated with allergies or colds that do not require any treatment.

Asthma is a chronic (long-term), noncommunicable disease of the lungs that can cause breathing difficulties that will last for a lifetime. The disease affects people of all ages, often beginning in childhood, but can also appear in adults for the first time.

Certain factors, such as animal dander, pollution, infections, or cold weather, can stimulate or exacerbate asthma symptoms. Such factors are known as asthma triggers.  When symptoms intensify, you may experience an asthma attack.

However, all types of asthma can be controlled well with the right treatment, allowing people to live normal, active lives. The objective of this blog is to cover all the aspects of the disease, including symptoms, causes, management, and treatment alternatives, in a single place. We will also be covering information related to dietary and lifestyle modification for a person with this condition. Continue reading to learn more.

What happens in Asthma?

Asthma is a disease impacting the lungs that leads to breathing difficulties in individuals, at times. The condition is medically termed as bronchial asthma. It is related to the issues with the respiratory system, specifically the airways that are found in our lungs. These airways have an inner lining called mucosa.

Now, the mucosa is protected by a layer of soft muscles that surround it. In people with asthma, these airways are chronically inflamed, which makes them sensitive to certain stimuli called asthma triggers.

Thus, in a nutshell, asthma is a disease that interferes with lung functioning and makes it reactive to certain factors that may cause respiratory problems.

How does asthma affect the lungs?

To fully grasp how asthma affects our lungs, we first need to know how the organs usually function. Then, we can examine how asthma makes it harder for the lungs to perform their tasks normally.

• Your lungs are present on each side of your heart, inside your chest cavity.
• They are the most important organs for conducting the breathing process in our body.
• Our lungs complete this process with the help of the airways.
• Asthma makes the airways in the lungs to become inflamed and sensitive to allergens.
• This reaction makes the airways narrower, leading to breathing problems.

So, this was the basic explanation about the functioning of our lungs and how asthma affects their working, leading to severe health complications such as persistent cough at night, asthma attacks and other such respiratory diseases. Now, the question that arises over here is – what causes asthma in adults as well as children in the first place? Well, let us discuss such factors below.

What are 5 causes of asthma?

Asthma can have many causes, including;

1.  Family History: The likelihood of developing asthma is three to six times greater among people whose parents have asthma than among persons with no family history of asthma.
2. Smoking: If you are wondering, can smoking cause asthma? Well, the answer is yes. Infact, smoking also aggravates asthma and triggers more severe and more frequent attacks besides causing harm to airways and resulting in inflammation and faster deterioration of lung functions.
3. Viral respiratory diseases: Childhood illnesses like bronchitis, pulmonary fibrosis, and pneumonia, which can cause wheezing or other breathing difficulties, may lead to chronic asthma.
4. Obesity: It is also believed by many health experts that children and adults who are overweight are more likely to develop asthma. The reasons for this are unknown, but some scientists think that one of them is low-grade inflammation observed in people with obesity.

Occupational Exposures: Exposure to harmful substances at work, such as toxic gases, dust (like industrial or wood dust), chemical fumes, and moulds, can trigger asthma attacks and lead to symptoms like continuous cough in some people. Also, such harmful gases have a tendency to inhibit asthma in individuals for the first time.

What are the effects of air pollution on asthma?

Air pollution can cause asthma. Many studies show that both outside and inside air pollution can lead to asthma. A study on city people found that kids have a more vital link to asthma from air pollution than teens and adults. This means cutting down on air pollution might help prevent the increasing cases of asthma symptoms in kids.

After covering all the factors that might cause asthma to develop in individuals, let’s discuss various asthma symptoms.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

It is quite obvious that most of the asthma symptoms must be related to breathing issues. Such symptoms can be divided into two subgroups based on the severity of this disease. While, mild symptoms may be controllable with the help of prescribed medicines, more severe symptoms can lead to episodes of asthma attacks and demand medical attention.

Common Asthma Symptoms include;

The early warning signs might vary from person to person, but some usual ones to watch out for are:

• Coughing: A cough that lasts for a long time, especially during the night, while laughing, exercising or in the morning.
• Wheezing: A whistling or a high-pitched sound in your chest when you breathe out or occasionally when you breathe in.
• Shortness of breath: Shortness of breath, which may occur even at night when you are lying down.
• Chest tightness: Difficulty in breathing because your chest feels constricted.
• Waking up at night due to issues like sneezing, coughing, and wheezing
• Feeling short of breath after being around something you know triggers it.
• Having trouble breathing when you have a cold or respiratory infection.
• More mucus or sputum
• Runny, stuffy, or congested nose
• Itchy neck or chin
• Feeling tired or weak

Severe symptoms of Asthma :

If your asthma is getting worse, look out for these signs and symptoms:

• Severe chest pain or tightness
• Extreme difficulty breathing
• Breathing rate is either too fast or too slow
• Trouble walking or speaking because of shortness of breath
• Skin tightening around the neck or rib cage when breathing in (rare in adults)
• Visible movement of the ribs or stomach
• Hyperinflammation
• The bluish or greyish colouration of the skin, lips, or eyes (cyanosis)

If you experience severe symptoms, your asthma needs medical care. Ignoring asthma symptoms can lead to asthma attacks. Early signs and prevention can improve asthma management. Remember, prevention is key. Now, let’s talk about how to diagnose asthma.

Asthma: Steps in testing and diagnosis

The asthma diagnosis can be made by a doctor based on your physical examinations, medical history, and many other tests. These include the following:

1. Lung Function Tests: These tests will indicate how you are able to inhale air into your lungs and exhale out from your lungs. These tests can include:

• Spirometry: This test calculates the volume of air you can exhale and the speed at which you do so.
• Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) Test: It determines how quickly you can exhale.
• Bronchodilator Responsiveness Test: This compares your spirometry or PEF results before and after taking a bronchodilator, which helps in getting a better understanding of the above-mentioned tests.

2. FeNO Test: This measures the concentration of nitric oxide in your breath, indicating the presence of lung inflammation.
3. Blood Tests: These check your immune system for elevated levels of eosinophils and immunoglobulin E (IgE), which could suggest severe asthma.

Your doctor will also examine your symptoms and overall health, including:

• When symptoms occur
• Triggers for your symptoms
• Allergies or hay fever
• Family history of asthma, allergies, or hay fever
• Other health conditions you may have
• Medications you are taking
• Exposure to tobacco smoke, dust, or chemicals.

Remember that asthma is not diagnosed by a single sign or a single test or a single visit to the doctor. This condition can be diagnosed only by a set of tests. However, if you have this condition, there are certain measures for the prevention of asthma attacks and other such complications.

What are common asthma triggers, and how can they be avoided?

Asthma triggers are things, activities, or conditions that worsen asthma and lead to an asthma attack. Common triggers include:

• Smoke from Tobacco;

People with asthma should avoid smoking and stay away from smokers to prevent episodes. Breathing in secondhand smoke can also trigger an asthma attack. To avoid exposure to tobacco smoke:

• Avoid places where smoking is periodic, such as bars and clubs.
• Maintain a safe distance from secondhand smoke.
• If a family member smokes inside your house, request them to avoid doing so inside. Inform guests or visitors not to smoke at your residence.
• Prohibit smoking in your vehicle, too.
• Figure out what makes you want to smoke, like stress or being at a bar, and find ways to avoid these situations or deal with them without being involved in smoking.
• Convert your home into a smoke-free environment by getting rid of cigarettes, ashtrays, and lighters.
• When the urge to smoke arises, try chewing gum, snacking on candy, or consuming healthy options like carrots or mints.
• Dust mites

Dust mites are asthma triggers. Such tiny creatures are usual in homes. To avoid attacks:

• Lower humidity: Dust mites prefer warm, humid places; thus, keep it below 50%.
• Wash bedding: Clean your sheets in hot water weekly.
• Cover your bed: Put covers on your mattress, pillows, and quilts to stop dust mites.
• Vacuum often: Vacuum your house once a week, mainly on the mattress and furniture.
• Remove dust traps: Take down soft furniture and curtains.
• Open windows: Keep your windows open to let in fresh air.
• Air pollution

Asthma attacks can be triggered due to air pollution, which results from the emission of pollutants by factories, cars, and wildfires. The people with asthma can mitigate the risk by:

• Checking air quality: Look at the Air Quality Index (AQI) in your area to see how much pollution is in the air. You can find this information on TV, radio, or the Internet.
• Spending less time outside: Remain indoors when air pollution is at its peak, especially between 11 AM and 8 PM. Avoid exercising outside on hot, smoggy days.
• Choosing where to exercise: Work out early in the morning and in areas that are relatively quiet and clean.
• Wearing a mask: Put on a mask when the air quality is not good.
• Keeping indoor air clean: You can use an air purifier for this purpose.
• Cockroaches and pests

Cockroaches and other pests are usually found in places with food and little wasted crumbs. To prevent pests from entering your home:

• Cut off their water and food supply.
• Clean up dishes, crumbs, and spills immediately.
• Put food in sealed containers, keeping them away from the reach of such insects.
• Throw your trash in a can with a lid that closes tightly.
• Vacuum or sweep areas that attract pests often.
• Close up the gaps in the cabinets, walls, baseboards, and around the pipes.
• Stay away from using sprays and foggers for insects, because they may start asthma attacks.
• Pet Dander

Asthma can be aggravated by those who have pet dander allergies. Considering finding a new home for the pet might be a better solution. If this is not possible, you can help yourself by:

• Keeping pets out of the bedroom.
• Bathing your pets regularly.
• Implementing allergen-blocking mattress and pillowcase covers.
• Trimming your pet’s fur won’t help with asthma.
• Mould 

Even if you’re not allergic to mould, breathing it in can trigger an asthma attack. Mould grows in damp places like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements or where there’s water damage. To reduce mould in your home:

• Dry wet items within 24 to 48 hours to stop mould growth.
• Fix any water leaks right away.
• Replace mouldy ceiling tiles and carpet.
• Use an air conditioner to lower humidity.
• Clean mould off hard surfaces with soap and water, then dry them completely.
• Pollen 

Pollen can cause fever, which can affect a person’s asthma. To reduce these symptoms, you should:

• Stay inside when pollen is high, keeping windows and doors shut.
• Avoid being outside between 5 AM and 10 AM, and during the times when pollen is most active.
•  Keep your home dry and replace the carpet with hardwood or tile.

Other triggers for an asthma attack include:

• Flu, colds, and infections
• Inhaling certain chemicals or scents
• Unfavourable weather conditions like thunderstorms or extreme humidity and dry air
• Certain foods or medications for allergic individuals
• Physical activity or intense emotions that result in rapid breathing
• Acid reflux (the medical term for stomach contents flowing back into the oesophagus).

However, a healthcare expert can help you figure out what causes your symptoms and create a plan to manage your condition better. Next, we’ll discuss different treatment choices for the disease.

Looking into the ways to treat Asthma

Asthma medications in allopathic treatment options are divided into two main types: bronchodilators that open up airways and anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce swelling.

These medications help prevent or lessen asthma symptoms and can be used for short or long periods in pill or inhaler forms.

Inhalers and pills, both types of medications, are capable of affecting the whole body, causing severe side effects.

However, all these medications only treat asthma symptoms, not cure it. Understanding this, let’s look into their possible side effects.

• Mood changes or depression, especially in children,
• Increased appetite and obesity,
• Restlessness and hyperactivity,
• Sleeping disorders
• Heartburn and stomach upset,
• Diabetes worsening or even diagnosis for the first time after medications,
• Weaker bones,
• Eye problems like cataracts,
• Weaker muscles,
• Lower immune power,
• High blood pressure,
• Slower growth in children

So, these were a few side effects and complications involved with allopathic treatment for asthma. As asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions in kids, it is advisable to notice all the changes sincerely in your child after the medication process. Do reach out to a well-qualified health expert, if you observe something unusual.

Homeopathic Approach for Asthma Management

Asthma is a condition where the lungs have difficulties working because the immune system is overactive. Treating asthma at the immunological level is important for a successful outcome. Homeopathic medicine aims to treat the main cause of the disease by adjusting the immune system’s sensitivity and enhancing its natural healing ability, rather than just treating the symptoms.

Homeopathy offers an enduring way for asthma patients to manage their condition. It is a sustainable long-term solution that does not have side effects and has no addiction potential. In this way, people can lead normal lives with only a few or no asthma symptoms at all. Research indicates that those who receive homeopathic treatment feel better and have a higher quality of life in comparison to those who rely on conventional treatments such as steroids and inhalers.

We’ve talked about different treatments and now want to emphasise that managing asthma requires ongoing work from the person with it. Let’s look at some lifestyle changes that can help.

Tips for Better Asthma Control

Making good choices for your health and taking appropriate steps towards it can help you in better management of your condition. Here are some dietary and lifestyle tips for you;

Diet for asthma patients

Eating well can make asthma better by reducing swelling, improving breathing, and managing weight.

1. Include fruits and vegetables: Ingesting lots of fresh fruits and veggies can make your asthma better. Studies keep showing that not eating enough of these can make your asthma worse, so make sure to include them in your everyday meals.
2. Tomatoes for antioxidant supply: Tomatoes are loaded with lycopene, an antioxidant that can help with asthma symptoms if you eat them regularly. Lycopene is found more in tomato sauce and cooked tomatoes compared to raw ones.
3. Raw honey for fighting allergies:  Raw honey has bee pollen and propolis in it, which are good for fighting allergies, reducing inflammation, and helping you in reducing cough mucus. To prevent asthma attacks, try having a teaspoon of raw honey in your food or in warm water three times a day.
4. Garlic, a natural antibiotic: Garlic is great for your lungs because it has anti-inflammatory benefits and protects against harmful radicals that can damage your lungs. Studies have found that garlic can lower the chance of getting lung disease and make it easier to breathe.
5. Ginger for lung detox: Ginger can help break down the mucus in your lungs, but it has to be fresh. You can make ginger tea by boiling water and adding ginger, then drink it every two hours when you’re having asthma problems. It is considered as one of the best natural remedies for asthma.
6. Turmeric to Fight Inflammation: Turmeric consists of a substance known as curcumin, which possesses anti-inflammatory properties. To get the most out of it, drink one teaspoon mixed with juice on an empty stomach.
7. Fennel seeds to fight mucus: Fennel seeds and their plant nutrients are very helpful in clearing the mucus accumulated in our lungs. Just add fennel seeds to hot water and breathe in the steam. You can also chew on the seeds or eat them raw.
8. Fish for omega-3 supply:  Fish and fish oil have tons of omega-3 fatty acids, which can support in reducing inflammation and make allergies better.

Lifestyle Modification

Well, by now, you must be aware of the fact that asthma, indeed is a highly manageable condition. You just need to put consistent efforts towards its management and follow certain restrictions, according to there unique triggers. Here, are other ways which might help;

1. Avoid Triggers: Figure out what sets off your asthma, like dust, pollen, smoke, or even exercise, and try to stay away from them. Keep track of how you feel and look for patterns to help you figure out what’s causing your symptoms.
2. Keep Your Weight in Check: Being obese can make your asthma worse, so it’s a good idea to eat right and exercise regularly to help keep your asthma under control.
3. Quit Smoking: Smoking or being around smoke can make your asthma symptoms worse and increase the chance of having problems. If you smoke, look for help to quit and stay away from smoke.
4. Relax: Stress and anxiety can make your asthma flare up, so it’s important to find ways to relax, like meditating, doing yoga, or talking to a counsellor.
5. Stay Active: Moving around can help your lungs work better and keep you healthier, but it’s important to talk to your doctor about a safe exercise plan for your asthma.

Your healthcare provider may recommend  some more lifestyle changes to help keep asthma symptoms in control.

Why choose us?

Along with an effective treatment procedure, opting for qualified and experienced medical professionals is equally important. At Bharat Homeopathy, we understand the challenges and difficulties that asthma might inhibit in a person’s life.

We, with the support of our highly qualified and experienced medical professionals, offer the most effective asthma homeopathic treatment. Especially,  our homeopathic treatment for asthma in children is specifically designed after thoroughly examining the child’s condition and symptoms, considering their age and unique needs.

We aim to empower our patients to take control of their asthma and live life to the fullest.

Case Studies

This section highlights the effective recovery of our patients from various kinds of Kidney diseases.

Case Study 1: Asthma Relief of Rahul through seeking treatment at  Bharat Homeopathy 

Patient Details

• Background: The patient had asthma for 1. 5 years, having breathing problems, coughing and chest complications. He used to face a lot of difficulty in breathing. At times he couldn’t go to the office because of the low air quality in the city. He used to cough a lot and could hear sounds coming from his chest while breathing. He faced heaviness due to the congestion in his chest.
• Previous Treatments: He took medicines from his local chemist. When he didn’t get any relief he went to see an Allopathic Doctor who gave him some medicines. Those medicines did give him some relief but only for a short period of time and then a while later his condition started getting worse.
•  Discovery of Bharat Homeopathy: He came across Bharat Homeopathy through YouTube and the success stories of the patients that they had handled prompted him to seek their services.

Treatment and Results: In 3 months’ time, he followed the recommended homeopathic medicines from Bharat Homeopathy and adopted to healthy diet, his symptoms were relieved. He could breathe much better and stop coughing; the chest congestion was gone, and he could go back to work.

Case Study 2: Long-term Asthma Patient Finds Relief with effective Homeopathic treatment- The success story of Gunjan Kumar

Patient Details

• Background: The patient was suffering from asthma since he was five years old.
•  Previous Treatments: He took many treatments from different clinics and doctors in all these years but got not much relief from his symptoms.
• Discovery of Bharat Homeopathy: He came to know about Bharat homeopathy from a friend of his father. He started treatment.
• Treatment and Results:After three months of taking regular treatment from Bharat homeopathy, there is much relief in his symptoms. He did not require inhalers anymore and could live a normal life without worrying about things that made his asthma worse.

Case Study 3: Monu’s Asthma Recovery (Patient: Monu, Delhi)

Patient Details

• Background: Monu is a resident of Laxmi Nagar, Delhi, who was suffering from severe asthmatic problems which does not allow him to lead a normal life
• Previous Treatments: Monu attempted to take medications from different sources, but he did not get any long-term relief for his asthma. His condition made him angry and helpless to carry out simple activities.
• Discovery of Bharat Homeopathy: A family friend recommended Monu to Bharat Homeopathy.
• Treatment and Results: Within a few days of consuming the medicines from Bharat Homeopathy, Monu found a lot of difference. He was able to go back to his normal activities without any obstruction due to asthma complications.