5 Recommendations for the Asthma Sufferer

This subject is passionate for me because my daughter has struggled with this health condition for twenty-four years. As a parent many times I would rather take on her condition rather than to see her struggle to breathe.

This condition touches the homes of millions of people, but one does not need to be discouraged or lose heart. In this hub I have researched and given some helpful recommendations for those who suffer with or have family members who suffer with this condition. Asthma affects the lungs of an individual causing the airway to become obstructed.

Whenever an asthma attack is in session some of the signs are coughing, tightness in the chest and a hard time breathing. A person with this condition should be made aware that an attack can be triggered by an allergen. Such things as dust, animal dander, fumes, environmental conditions, and smoke just to name a few can trigger an attack that can last from a few minutes to hours. Another type of asthma attack is called a nonallergic attack which can be triggered through stress and anxiety, temperature changes, rigorous exercise and even laughter. Below I have given five recommendations for the asthma sufferer.

Create a management program by writing down and keeping a journal of everything that has triggered asthma. This helps in two ways by first giving the sufferer a knowledge of what to stay away from. And second this can serve as information that one's physician can use that would be of great benefit.

Because exercise can trigger an attack and many people want to stay in shape, the sufferer should monitor salt intake because according to one study report, people with asthma who eat a high intake of sodium (4,000 milligrams) daily have a harder time breathing during exercise than a person with a lower sodium intake of around 1500 milligrams daily.

Practice methods that can be used to reduce anxiety and stress which can trigger an attack. Some stress can be reduced through simple preparation in advance. Many people wait until the last minute to take care of business, for example a bill that is due on a certain date should be set aside for that date instead of waiting until the day before the due date and wonder how it is going to be paid.(smile)

Avoid eating ice cream and drinking extremely cold beverages which tend to shock the bronchial tubes into spasms. Dairy products can also trigger an attack.

Certain actions that can put pressure on the diaphragm should be avoided as these can also trigger attacks. Such things as eating lightly during meals instead of eating heavy meals and becoming to full. Foods that cause gas and bloating also put pressure on the diaphragm and should be avoided, foods such as beans broccoli and cabbage to name a few.

A reported study by the journal of allergy and clinical Immunology found that eating fish three times a week and taking two salmon oil capsules before each meal may be of some benefit for those with asthma.

A study conducted by the North Dakota State University found that by simply taking twenty minutes per day to three days per week to write helped improve asthma 47% out of the seventy participants in a one month study.