It is estimated
that the effects of asthma accounts for 1 in every 250 deaths worldwide. Many
of the deaths are preventable and treatable with improving access to healthcare
services and avoiding the most common triggers.
Education and public awareness is the first line of defense that can
save millions of lives.
This devastating
condition is becoming much more common in all ages but the greatest increase
has been seen in children. Asthma occurs
in all countries regardless of the level of development but over 80% of asthma
deaths occur in low-to-middle income countries according to the World Health
Organization (WHO).
What is asthma?
Asthma is one of
the most common chronic diseases that can be characterized by recurrent attacks
of breathlessness and wheezing that is caused by narrowing of the airways. Narrowing of the airways reduces vital airflow
in and out of the lungs that can have immediate effects on the brain and
organs.
Recurrent asthma
symptoms frequently cause sleeplessness, daytime fatigue, reduced activity
levels and increased absenteeism. Historically, medication is the most common
way of treating asthma but avoiding specific asthma triggers is the best
solution.
What triggers asthma?
Everyone is
different. One person that is exposed to
certain environmental factors will respond differently than another. One’s response goes far beyond just genetics,
but also encompasses all lifestyle related factors. Previous and current health conditions, one’s
diet and physical fitness level and other lifestyle factors play a significant
role in the prevention and management of asthma.
The strongest
risk factors are a combination of genetic predispositions and exposures to
environmental toxins. These toxins can
provoke an asthma attack through allergic reactions that can cause narrowing of
airways.
Over exposure to
the following can increase the risk of developing asthma according to WHO:
- indoor allergens (for example, house dust mites in bedding, carpets and stuffed furniture, pollution and pet dander)
- outdoor allergens (such as pollens and molds)
- tobacco smoke
- chemical irritants in the workplace
- air pollution
The most common
asthma triggers can be found in one’s daily life and commonly cannot be
avoided. It can be physical, chemical
and even emotional stressors such as anger, anxiety and fear that can trigger
an asthma attack.
The good news –
a healthy lifestyle will improve how your body is able to respond to the daily
onslaught. An improved response will reduce the risk of
developing an attack.
A proactive plan
is needed to prevent all health conditions as their treatments can be common
causes of asthma. Medications such as
aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and even drugs that treat high
blood pressure and heart conditions has been found to trigger asthma.
Vitamin D and asthma
Increasing one’s
vitamin D can significantly improve asthma according to recent research
published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Researchers found that vitamin D deficiency
is linked to increased airway reactivity, lower lung functions and worse asthma
control.
Vitamin D
supplementation may improve asthma control by blocking inflammation in the
airways and lungs. Inflammation is the
leading cause of airway constriction and asthma.
Vitamin D is
often called "the sunshine vitamin" because our bodies make it when
we are exposed to sunlight but it is also available in one’s diet. Vitamin D
rich foods include:
- Fish such as tuna fish, salmon, mackerel and sardines
- Eggs
- Dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt
Omega-3 and asthma
Omega-3 fatty
acids have been found to have powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation may underlie the origin of many
diseases, including asthma. Adding
omega-3 fatty acids to your diet will not necessarily improve your symptoms,
but a diet deficient in omega-3 fatty acids is likely to worsen them.
Omega-3 fatty
acids are found in many of the same fish as vitamin d. Salmon, mackerel, halibut, sardines, tuna,
and herring all have high amounts of omega-3. Walnuts, flax seeds, chia seeds and many
other seeds and nuts are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
These nutrients
should not take the place of medications necessarily. As asthma is a serious health condition,
consult with your healthcare professional for specific recommendations.
Tobacco and asthma
Tobacco smoke is
unhealthy for everyone, including people with asthma. Quitting smoking is one of the most important
ways to prevent and treat asthma.
Secondhand smoke is created by a smoker and breathed in by another. If you have asthma, people should never smoke
near you.
Outdoor air
pollution can also trigger an asthma attack. This pollution can come from
factories, cars, and other sources such as the smoke from burning wood, plants
and rubbish.
Common in-home threats
Dust mites are
tiny bugs that are commonly found in your bedding. One of the best ways to prevent mite-induced
asthma attacks is to use a mattress cover and pillowcases to make a barrier
between you and your bedding. To kill
mites, wash your bedding frequently with the hottest water setting.
Mold is one the
most hazardous household substances for people with asthma. It is commonly
caused by water leaks in one’s ceiling, walls, bathroom or kitchen. One should look for possible moldy areas and
take corrective steps to ensure your home and workplace is mold-free.
3 take-away asthma tips
Tip 1: Identify symptoms
If you have unexplained
breathlessness, wheezing or tightness in the chest – consult with your
healthcare professional right away.
Tip 2: Take asthma seriously
Asthma can be
fatal. It is important to identify if
you have the common lifestyle and environmental triggers for asthma. The most effective treatment is not relying
on the short-term use of medication but identifying the underlying causes and
eliminating them.
Tip 3: Have a plan
A comprehensive
lifestyle plan is needed to prevent or effectively manage asthma. Are you getting natural sources of vitamin d
and omega-3 fatty acids? Are you
engaging in physical fitness and activities that will promote a strong immune
system? Can you reduce physical, mental
and emotional stress in your life?
Planning is the
best way to control and prevent the devastating effects of asthma. Medication
is not the only answer. It is important to avoid the most common asthma
triggers and implement a diet and lifestyle that is known to reduce one’s risk.
Dr. Cory Couillard is an international healthcare speaker and columnist for numerous newspapers, magazines, websites and publications throughout the world. He works in collaboration with the World Health Organization's goals of disease prevention and global healthcare education. Views do not necessarily reflect endorsement.
Email: drcorycouillard@gmail.com
Facebook: Dr Cory Couillard
Twitter: DrCoryCouillard
Dr. Cory Couillard is an international healthcare speaker and columnist for numerous newspapers, magazines, websites and publications throughout the world. He works in collaboration with the World Health Organization's goals of disease prevention and global healthcare education. Views do not necessarily reflect endorsement.
Email: drcorycouillard@gmail.com
Facebook: Dr Cory Couillard
Twitter: DrCoryCouillard
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