January 22, 2008
Looking For A Cure For Asthma Attacks!
Are you looking for a cure for asthma attacks? Do you understand what asthma is and what happens during an asthma attack? Before we look for a cure for asthma attacks, we must understand the cause of these attacks. Asthma is a disease of the airways in lungs. It is generally chronic. It causes inflammation in lung airways and the patient experiences breathlessness during an asthma attack. This attack is usually triggered by a stimulus such as a draft of cold air, strenuous exercise, dust particles, pollutants or anxiety. During an asthma attack, the muscles of the airways spasm, their lining swells up and narrows down the bronchi. This makes breathing difficult for an asthmatic person.
Treatment For Asthma
Allopathic Treatment
Whenever an asthmatic seeks allopathic help for asthma, the medical practitioner conducts a spirometry test on him to determine the function level of his/ her lungs. After that, he decides the prescription for the patient. The drugs that are most often used in allopathic cure for asthma attacks are either anti-inflammatory in nature that control night time aggravation or bronchodilators that provide immediate relief, especially in sudden attacks. Sometimes steroids are also used as they resemble body hormones. Steroids are very effective in blocking inflammation.
Some doctors prescribe leukotriene modifiers. These drugs act against the leukotriene produced by the white blood cells present in the lungs. All these drugs can be taken by inhalation, oral administration or through injections.
Nutritional Treatment
Food plays an important role in the cure for asthma attacks. The sufferer is asked to avoid milk, processed foods, starch, refined sugars, and foods with artificial coloring or addictives. The sufferer should take fresh fruits, vegetables and whole food grains. The quantity of salt should be reduced in the diet. A wholesome vegetarian diet seems to prevent asthma attacks.
Water is the elixir of life. An asthmatic patient is well advised to drink a lot of water. Water keeps the patient’s airways hydrated. Including onions and garlic in regular diet also helps in preventing asthma attacks. These herbs are rich in flavonoids that block the release of histamine, which are the prime cause of the inflammatory reaction.
Multivitamin supplements should be taken regularly. These supplements should contain vitamins A, C, E and B complex. Mineral supplements like magnesium and selenium should also be taken. Food containing Omega 3 fatty acids go a long way in preventing asthma attacks.
Herbs like turmeric, if taken with a glass of milk, is said to be very effective in asthma. A massage with mustard oil on the chest helps in loosening the phlegm. Ginger tea helps in reducing the severity of asthma symptoms.
Ayurvedic Treatment
Ayurveda claims great cure for asthma attacks. Ayurvedic medicines like elecampe work as a tonic for the respiratory system. Jimson weed helps in relaxing the bronchial spasm. Dried coltsfoot tea helps in relieving cough.
Asclepias tuberose acts as an expectorant. Hyssopus officinalis is a flower that acts as a vasodilator. Red clover tea also relieves the symptoms of asthma. Common mullein cures inflammation and maidenhair fern tea helps prevent asthma.
Although there are several remedies to choose from, you must have a complete faith in your physician and follow his advice to a T in your search for the best cure for asthma attacks.






