Home remedies for asthma can play a vital role in keeping symptoms under check. Benefits range from simply identifying triggers to making lifestyle adjustments.
Asthma is a disease that causes inflammation in the airways in the lungs. The resulting swelling and narrowing of the airways make it harder to breathe, as do the increased levels of mucus and tightening muscles around the airways.
All of these effects can happen at once and continue to get more intense, leading to what people often call an asthma “attack.” During an asthma attack, the lungs do not get enough oxygen, so the person feels short of breath. They often cough, gasp, wheeze, and feel a tightness in their chest.
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People with asthma, of whom there are more than 24 million in the United States, may sometimes need to go to the hospital or stay home from work, and the condition can even be fatal.The importance of self-care
The importance of self-care
Asthma is a chronic disease, which means that there is no cure. However, people can often manage it with a combination of daily and rescue medications.
In addition, self-care is important for people with asthma. Individual responsibility and action are essential for the prevention of attacks. In combination with a medically sound asthma action plan, home remedies for asthma can be very helpful and play an important role in keeping it under control.
Identifying and eliminating triggers
One of the most effective home remedies for asthma is identifying and eliminating triggers for asthma attacks. These triggers vary from person to person, although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that the following are common:
- smoke, especially from tobacco, but also from burning wood or grass
- household pets, including dogs and cats
- dust mites
- air pollution
- being sick with a respiratory infection, such as influenza
- emotional stress
- cold air
Once a person knows what their asthma triggers are, they can take action to avoid them by, for example:
- refraining from smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke
- using allergy-proof bedding, and washing and drying it weekly
- vacuuming regularly
- using airtight food storage to keep pests away and cleaning storage and dining areas frequently
- tracking air quality forecasts and changing plans to accommodate low air quality
- having an air filter in the bedroom
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, these healthful habits can help people manage their asthma:
- quitting smoking, if a smoker
- reaching or maintaining a moderate weight
- being physically active
- getting enough sleep
- practicing stress management techniques, such as mindfulness and deep breathing
Research indicates that yoga can be an effective home remedy for asthma. Data showed that participants with asthma who practiced physical yoga poses called Asanas, yoga breathing practices called Pranayama, and meditation had:
- reduced frequency of asthma attacks
- fewer asthma symptoms
- enhanced lung capacity
- improved blood flow
- better response to medication
Herbal remedies and supplements
According to experts, in 2012, 21.2% of adults and 7.2% of children with asthma in the U.S. used herbs, nonvitamin dietary supplements, or both to manage their condition. Although there is no reliable scientific evidence of their efficacy, the most common choices were:
- fish oil
Researchers have identified other natural products that people commonly use as home remedies for asthma. Again, there is not much scientific evidence to support them, but they include:
- over-the-counter (OTC) chest rubs, especially for children, frequently comprising eucalyptus oil, menthol, and camphor
- herbal therapies, such as chamomile, mint, and echinacea
It is important to use home remedies for asthma with caution because even OTC and so-called natural products can be dangerous for some people or in specific situations or combinations. People who are not aware of these hazards can put themselves at risk.
Experts point out that popular herbs, such as echinacea and chamomile, are members of the ragweed family. If people who are sensitive to ragweed use these herbs to manage their asthma symptoms, they may find themselves getting worse instead.
Other known and yet often unexpected side effects associated with home remedies for asthma include ephedra having a synergistic cardiovascular effect with albuterol (Ventolin) and some kinds of black licorice prolonging the half-life of corticosteroids.
People should discuss all aspects of managing their asthma with their healthcare providers and use caution when considering home remedies for asthma. Just because a treatment is popular does not mean that it is safe or effective.
For example, the American Lung Association reported research showing that soy isoflavone supplements, while popular, do not provide any benefits for people with asthma.