Natural Ways to Control Your Asthma

Controlling your asthma can feel like a never-ending – and expensive – battle. Between juggling inhalers, prescription medications, and over-the-counter antihistamines, it can get pricey in a hurry. Certain times of the year, when air quality is reduced, can make your asthma flare-up even worse than usual.

If you’re tired of pouring all your money into pills and inhalers that aren’t working, it may be time to consider alternative solutions. Natural asthma control is possible.

In this article you’ll learn:

• How common is asthma?
• Is it easy to get an asthma diagnosis?
• How do doctors usually control asthma?
• What are some natural asthma solutions?

How common is asthma?

Asthma may be more common than you realize. The latest figures from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America estimate that 25 million Americans live with the condition. Asthma affects adults and children and can’t be cured. Most people with asthma lead active, full lives without much interference from their condition.

Some sophisticated medications and treatments exist for managing your asthma symptoms. Some work better than others. Physicians well-trained in caring for asthma patients can recommend options that suit your individual needs.

Is it easy to get an asthma diagnosis?

Not always! Many people who have asthma don’t realize they’re living with the condition. They may not equate their occasional coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing with asthma. So, they are unlikely to seek out a diagnosis from a qualified healthcare professional.

Another monkey wrench in the process is that asthma symptoms can come and go. You can suffer for weeks only to have all those warning signs disappear the moment you’re at the doctor. Some physicians may send you home again, assuming you had a seasonal virus.

Before you know it, your symptoms return and you’re miserable all over again. When you have asthma, you can go weeks or even months without an active flare-up. However, all it takes is one of your triggers to provoke symptoms.

First, document your asthma symptoms to determine what causes them. Then, take that information to an allergy/immunology specialist to get testing and a proper diagnosis so you can begin treating your condition.

How do doctors usually control asthma?

Managing your asthma (or your child’s) requires a combination of prescription drugs and treatment strategies to reduce the environmental triggers that provoke symptoms. Some of the following everyday items are the most common culprits for inflaming your asthma:

• Aerosol sprays
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Cigarette smoke
• Dust
• Paint
• Scented laundry detergents and fabric softeners

Asthma medications are classified as preventative or long-term. Quick-relief inhalers open swollen airways that limit normal breathing. Asthma sufferers may only need to use them occasionally. Long-term asthma control medications are taken daily with to prevent asthma attacks.

What are some natural asthma solutions?

Natural asthma solutions exist. They can supplement any traditional medications and treatments your doctor has prescribed. While the following natural asthma solutions can help, they should never replace the care of a physician. Asthma is a serious medical condition your doctor must closely monitor.

Here are natural alternatives you can use to complement your asthma-control efforts.

Consume anti-inflammatory foods and supplements

Certain foods have natural anti-inflammatory properties. When consumed, they can keep inflammation in your body at bay. Some of the tastiest foods that can help control your asthma include fatty fish, green leafy vegetables, olive oil, and tomatoes.

You also can use anti-inflammatory supplements:

• Licorice root is a known anti-inflammatory for the lungs. It reduces bronchial tube inflammation and calms airways. You can add 2 teaspoons of licorice root powder to a cup of hot water. Steep for 10 minutes, strain, and add honey. Drink at least one cup a day for asthma maintenance. (Note: Licorice root isn’t recommended for diabetics or people with adrenal disease, high blood pressure, or reduced kidney or liver function.)
• Magnesium sulfate can relax tight airway muscles. Doctors use it when asthma attack patients come into the ER for help. Ask your doctor if it’s safe for you and for a recommended dosage if you decide to try it.
• Pycnogenol® (French Maritime Pine Bark) can help adults and children with asthma reduce their symptoms. In one study, asthma patients reported fewer flare-ups after taking daily doses of 200 mg for 4 weeks. (Note: Never use Pycnogenol® if you’re pregnant or nursing. It’s also not safe for anyone with an autoimmune disorder.)

Eliminate common triggers

Dust mites and pet dander are among the most common indoor allergy and asthma triggers. Aim to reduce pet dander and dust mite shedding on mattresses, bed linens, and upholstered furniture. An effortless way to do this (that doesn’t involve getting rid of your furry family members) is with Easy Air Organic Allergy Relief Spray and Organic Allergy Relief Laundry Rinse.

Easy Air products naturally destroy indoor air allergens on carpeting, clothing, bed linens, and upholstered furniture without harsh chemicals. Pair them up for maximum relief.

Improve indoor air quality

Americans spend 90 percent of their lives indoors. It may surprise you to know that concentrations of some pollutants are 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors. You can improve your indoor air quality with the following actions:

• Change air conditioning and furnace filters regularly.
• Never smoke or burn wood indoors.
• Use a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) vacuum at least twice a week.

You also can run an air purifier in your home or other indoor spaces to keep the air clear of pollutants that can trigger your asthma. Choose a system that uses a HEPA filter for the best results.

Breathe deep again with natural asthma solutions

Asthma doesn’t have to limit your life when you pair traditional medications and treatments with natural solutions to keep your symptoms in check. Always check with your doctor before trying anything new.

Sources

About Allergists/Immunologists. aaaai.org. Accessed June 15, 2022.

Asthma. mayoclinic.org. Accessed June 15, 2022.

Asthma Facts and Figures. aafa.org. Accessed June 15, 2022.

Asthma medications: Know your options. mayoclinic.org. Accessed June 15, 2022.

Foods that fight inflammation. health.harvard.edu. Accessed June 15, 2022.

Indoor Air Quality: What are the trends in indoor air quality and their effects on human health? epa.gov. Accessed June 15, 2022.

Magnesium sulfate for asthma treatment. medicalnewstoday.com. Accessed June 15, 2022.

The synergistic anti-asthmatic effects of glycyrrhizin and salbutamol. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Accessed June 15, 2022.