Understanding Asthma
As a fellow Asthma sufferer it is a condition of particular interest for me. I know first hand how it feels to have an asthma attack and live with it.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a condition that inflames and narrows the airways, making it difficult for air to flow in and out of the lungs. This inflammation can lead to various symptoms that range in severity from mild to severe. Symptoms can include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. It usually develops in childhood but isn’t uncommon in adulthood.
Genetic and environmental factors contribute to its development, along with gender differences - males being more commonly affected during childhood, while females tend to be more affected during adulthood.
Treatment
There is no current ‘cure’ for asthma therefore it is important to work with what is in our control such as diet, environmental management through the reduction or exclusion, of possible triggers, temperature modulation, stress management, environmental control of exacerbators such as mould and dust and immune support.
Ensuring you consume a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables has been shown to reduce the occurrence and severity of asthma attacks. Supporting healthy and diverse gut microbiome through pre and probiotic foods as well as those high in fibre will support the functioning of the gut-lung-axis. Managing stress through light to moderate exercise, mindfullness, creative activities etc and reducing alcohol intake can be great starategies to reduce excess inflammation within the body.
Asthma is often linked with conditions like sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinus cavities which can exacerbate symptoms. This pattern typically aligns with seasonal variations, worsening in the winter and easing in the summer. The arrival of allergy season during spring can worsen sinusitis and asthma for individuals with pollen allergies.
It is important to know that asthma is a condition that can be managed. It doesn’t need to stop you from doing things you love or want to do.
