Asthma: 

Asthma attacks are when the airways in the lungs swell up, making the person wheeze and have trouble breathing. The airways clog up with extra mucous and the muscles that surround them go into spasms, which makes breathing even harder. Asthma attacks are often triggered by allergies. Asthma consists of wheezing, coughing and tightness in the chest caused by the inflammation of the bronchioles, the tubes that carry air within the lungs. Asthma can also make mucus glands work overtime, producing a thick, sticky fluid that congests the airways.   

Vitamin C can help reduce the number of attacks and also make them less severe.  Vitamin C lowers your histamine production so your allergies won't trigger an asthma attack. The antioxidant effect of Vitamin C protects your lungs and airways against damage from your own free radicals and from outside air pollution. 

Vitamin B6 Some people have experienced decreased frequency and intensity of asthma attacks by taking 50 milligrams of vitamin B6, twice daily. 

As Asthma is a serious health problem, if you are taking medication - even nonprescription drugs - don't stop. Talk to your doctor about taking supplements. 

The popular beverages coffee, tea, caffeinated cola drinks, cocoa and chocolate are derived from plants and count as herbal products.  And they all contain caffeine as well as other compounds that may help fend off asthma. In a pinch, if caught without your medication, people with asthma could drink a few cups of coffee, which is a potent bronchodilator.   Actually, coffee, tea, caffeinated cola drinks, cocoa and chocolate have more than caffeine.  All reportedly contain two other major natural anti-asthmatic compounds, theobromine and theophylline.  These chemicals help stop brochospasms and open constricted bronchical passages. Levels of these anti-asthmatic compounds vary, depending on the strength of the brew. These compounds are not, however, risk-free and can cause insomnia and the jitters. 

   

RECOMMENDED:

BioVent for Natural Asthma Relief.

BronchoSoothe Tissue Salts for Natural Relief of Acute Asthma

Remember, however, that asthma can be life-threatening, so listen to your physician and use natural approaches only as supplemental treatment.

See your doctor if you are on asthma medication and you need to use it more frequently and in larger doses, or you have severe difficulty breathing or are experiencing an asthma attack that you cannot control.

NOTE: SEVERE REACTIONS: If you have new symptoms that include hives and wheezing, alone or with severe chest congestion that makes breathing difficult, see your doctor.

A good daily vitamin and mineral regime also goes a long way to relieve this problem  Daily Nutrition For Optimum Health

Anaphylaxis:

Some people have been known to have severe reactions to certain substances. It is known as anaphylaxis. Most allergic reactions are just annoying involving sneezing, itching, watery eyes and hives. However, the life threatening allergies must receive medical attention within about a half an hour. Anaphylaxis develops suddenly after ingestion of a substance that a person is extremely allergic to. Symptoms include difficult breathing, collapse and convulsions. If these develop, call 911 and say "suspected anaphylaxis". 

Home    Health Tips   Health Concerns  Site Index   Glossary

We have used our best judgment in compiling this information. The Food and Drug Administration may not have evaluated the information presented. Any reference to a specific product is for your information only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease

© 2000-2007 McVitamins, Inc.
.  All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of this website in full or in part is prohibited without the express written permission of McVitamins