3 ways to manage asthma and its symptoms
Asthma is a long-term breathing disorder that affects the lungs. There is no definitive cure, but it can be controlled. This condition can cause the airways to tighten and swell up and produce excess mucus. The symptoms of this condition include shortness of breath, wheezing, loss of sleep, and chest tightness. This disease affects 25 million people every year. Here are some of the treatment options, meal plans, and tips for asthma management:
Initiate treatment plans immediately
The severity of the symptoms of this health condition varies among patients. Healthcare experts, most often, formulate an asthma treatment plan depending on what suits best for the patient. This plan will have information about asthma triggers and the available treatment options. Some of these treatment options could be:
Tezepelumab
Tezepelumab, a human monoclonal antibody, blocks thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) in those with severe asthma. The FDA-approved treatment option is used for grown-ups and children aged 12 years or above with severe asthma, which cannot be controlled through other treatment methods.
Nucala
Another humanized monoclonal antibody, Nucala, is used to treat severe eosinophilic asthma, hypereosinophilic syndrome, and eosinophilic granulomatosis. The injection is administered once in four weeks as prescribed by your doctor.
Fasenra
An add-on maintenance treatment for patients aged 12 years or above is Fasenra, and it treats severe eosinophilic asthma. But it is not for sudden breathing problems or other eosinophilic conditions. Make sure a physician prescribes this treatment option after examining the condition.
Xolair
This treatment option is used for asthma, urticaria, and nasal polyps. It is particularly designed to treat moderate to severe persistent allergic asthma in patients above six years old. It advised to consult an allergy specialist before opting for this treatment option.
Zyrtec
A second-generation antihistamine, Zyrtec, is used to treat urticaria, allergic rhinitis, and dermatitis. Patients may experience its effects within an hour, and it could last for a day. It is used to treat mild to moderate asthma.
Follow a healthy balanced meal plan
Although the treatment options are helpful, including some foods that contain nutrients that are good for lung health could also be beneficial. Though there are no such recommendations for people with asthma, a few foods that support lung function could reduce asthma symptoms and boost the immune system.
Some nutrients that are useful for people with asthma are:
Vitamin E
Vitamin C
Beta carotene
Vitamin D in foods and supplements
Antioxidants, such as selenium and flavonoids
Hence, some asthma-friendly foods are apples, oranges, ginger, salmon, beans, spinach, turmeric, pomegranates, and tomato juice.
Avoid foods that may cause gas, such as onions, cabbage, and beans, artificial ingredients such as flavorings or chemical preservatives, sulfites available in dried fruits, and foods containing trans fats, omega-6 fatty acids such as processed foods and margarine. These foods may worsen asthma and other health conditions.
Follow natural ways to manage asthma attacks
Many people with asthma can live a normal and healthy life provided they make sustainable lifestyle changes. Some lifestyle changes can also prove helpful in asthma management, and these are as follows:
Establish good sleeping habits
An eight-hour sleep is important for overall health and well-being. It is also key for asthma management and treating allergies. People who do not have a sound sleep regularly may have a weak immune system. The immune system plays a vital role in the health of the body and the lungs. It is suggested to avoid blue light emitted from mobile phones, televisions, and laptops one to two hours before going to bed. In addition, setting a daily sleep and wake schedule and following it every day has also proven beneficial.
Regular exercise
Though exercise plays an important role in one’s overall health, it is a lesser-known fact that it also helps keep airway inflammation under control. It is also advised to start low-intensity exercises like yoga, cycling, and walking until the symptoms of asthma (breathing and wheezing) are under control. Consult a doctor before starting any exercise regime. Some benefits of regular exercising are improved lung function, reduced stress, a healthy body weight, a good immune system, and reduced airway inflammation.
Manage stress and anxiety
Stress and anxiety can trigger asthma and other lung-related conditions. Certain activities like yoga or meditation can have a calming effect on the mind, thus boosting lung health. People with asthma who also have untreated depression should consult a doctor and seek counseling as it can lead to poor adherence to the treatment plans and may worsen symptoms.
Reduce the effects of environmental factors
Some environmental factors, such as dust mites, animals, pollen, mold, and cockroaches, can affect those with asthma, leading to the progression of the condition. So, it is necessary to avoid or keep these triggers in check so the condition may be more effectively managed and controlled.
One needs to pay attention to the warning signs of asthma as it is a complex inflammatory disease that can be quite challenging to manage. The affected person can also track the triggers if the condition still persists. While there are treatment options to control asthma, lifestyle changes, and nutritional foods may also be helpful, as mentioned earlier. But, still, it is suggested to consult a healthcare expert for the best advice.