Asthma Attack Home Remedies

Around 22 million people in the United States and 300 million people worldwide suffer from asthma, a respiratory disorder characterized by inflammation of lungs. While it is possible to treat the condition using medication, there also exist some natural methods, ranging from chewing fennel to intake of vitamin C rich foods, which are helpful in relieving its symptoms.

Asthma is a chronic lung disorder characterized by inflammation of airways, which, in turn, disrupts normal breathing pattern. Basically, people suffering from asthma have hypersensitive airways. Any irritation in the respiratory system, triggers the defense mechanism and blocks these airways, thus leaving the individual complaining of shortness of breath.

Causes of asthma range from simple cold and flu (allergic asthma) to anxiety and stress (non-allergic asthma). Asthma attack symptoms include difficulty in breathing, loss of consciousness, chest pain, etc. If not treated in time, severe attacks can even lead to death.

Home remedies generally aim at providing relief from asthma attack using readily available food items, herbs, and some precautionary measures to tackle breathlessness associated with it.

Given below are some simple remedies to relieve you of the complications associated with this respiratory ailment.

• One of the natural cures for asthma attack is to drink a cup of strong black coffee. It will keep the situation under control until the patient is provided medical help.

• In the event of an attack, adding juniper oil to hot water and inhaling its fumes can help in providing much-needed relief for asthmatics.
• Other than juniper oil, people suffering from this condition can also add caraway seeds to boiling water and inhale the fumes.

• Studies have revealed that vitamin B6 and B12 are helpful in reducing inflammation of lungs, therefore foods rich in these vitamins can be used to ease asthma.
• The Ginkgo biloba herb is also effective in treating asthma attacks and reducing their frequency owing to its ginkgolide B content.

• Reducing the amount of salt intake and taking 2000 mg of Vitamin C an hour before exercising can help in relieving exercise-induced asthma.
• Add 2 teaspoons of fenugreek seeds to a glass of water and boil it till only half the solution remains. Drinking this solution once a day can help in reducing the frequency of attacks.

• As a preventive therapy, you can add some Bishop's weed to boiling water and inhale the fumes emitted from the solution every night before sleeping.

• Inhaling the smell of honey, or adding 2 spoons of honey to a glass of milk and drinking it, can help in alleviating asthma symptoms.
• Crush a piece of turmeric into fine powder, add some honey to it (1 part turmeric powder and 2 parts honey), and eat it. This will help in curing asthma and related breathing problems.

One point to remember is that these home remedies should not be used as a substitute for prescribed medication. In case a person is suffering from severe asthma and undergoing treatment, he should stick to asthma inhalers or nebulizers recommended by the doctor.

Other than resorting to these home remedies, altering your way of life can also help in ensuring that you don't suffer from asthma attacks. You will have to identify the triggers, like foods, smells, allergens, etc., which aggravate the respiratory ailment in your case and try to avoid them. Asthma attacks can be discomforting indeed, but some simple precautions on your behalf can make sure that the condition is kept at bay.

Disclaimer: This Story is purely for the purpose of providing information and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice.