Taking A Deep Breath: Understanding And Easing Asthma Discomfort

Being safe and eating well may help you live a healthy lifestyle, but certain conditions that affect your physical and emotional health may still arise. Considering that an estimated 24 million Americans have asthma, understanding this common disorder is smart. Unfortunately, most people believe the condition only decreases a person's ability to breathe. While surprising for most people to learn, asthma can cause a great deal of inflammation and discomfort, especially if left untreated. With this guide, you will learn more about the uncomfortable inflammation of asthma and learn the best options for finding relief.

Understanding Asthma

Before you can understand where the inflammation occurs, you need to fully understand how asthma develops. Basically, the condition causes airways to swell and narrow, reducing the air's ability to travel from the nose or mouth to the lungs. Patients may struggle to breathe in and out comfortably. In addition, most asthma patients suffer with excessive coughing and wheezing.

There is not one main cause of asthma, but certain issues can increase the risk of developing the condition. Here are a few common risks that may trigger asthma:

  • Airborne irritants – Pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores
  • Respiratory infections
  • Cold air
  • Pollution – Smoke, toxic chemicals, gases, and other air pollutants
  • Excess physical activity
  • Chronic stress or anxiety

Asthma Pain

The narrowing of airways will restrict your ability to breathe properly, but this narrowing irritates your respiratory system.

A great deal of inflammation will develop in the bronchial tubes, resulting in discomfort and tightness in the chest. This inflammation and tightness can become severely painful when trying to breathe in or catch your breath after overexerting yourself.

The inflamed bronchial tubes will also struggle with excreting mucus from the airway. This will cause you to cough up thick, gooey mucus during a flare-up of your asthma. Once the mucus is coughed up and out of your system, you will find some relief. Not only will this lessen your chest discomfort and tightness, but will also help you breathe a bit easier.

Reducing Asthma Inflammation

The easiest way to reduce your inflammation and pain is to avoid asthma triggers. Be sure to work with your doctor to determine what is stimulating your asthma attacks, and then eliminate the trigger from your environment. Of course, this is easier said than done. You may need to stop using certain products or avoid certain polluted areas. Allergy testing may be necessary to determine if your asthma stems from conditions in your home or work, such as dust, mold, or pets.

Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications for relief from your asthma symptoms. These medications will ease the inflammation of your bronchial tubes, while reducing the buildup of mucus. It is important to note that NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or aspirin are not effective for asthma inflammation. In fact, aspirin contains high levels of leukotrienes, which cause the bronchial tubes to contract, worsening your asthma symptoms.

Incorporating certain foods and supplements into your diet is also beneficial for reducing asthma inflammation. Oranges contain high levels of vitamin C, which offers anti-inflammatory properties. Add more onions to your diet, as well. Onions contain flavonoids, which strengthen capillary walls, easing inflammation in your airways. Omega-3 fatty acids that can be found in fish or taken as a dietary supplement will also fight painful inflammation and asthma symptoms. Lastly, probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt, are also a healthy option for patients with asthma. Probiotics are proven to fight inflammation.

Asthma may be a common condition, but most people are not aware how painful it can be. With this guide, you will understand asthma inflammation and learn how to take a comfortable deep breath. To learn more about supplements that might help, contact a company like God's Nutrition.

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