Alongside medication and a proper treatment plan, home remedies for asthma can play an important role in keeping symptoms under control. Remedies range from simply identifying triggers to making various lifestyle adjustments.
Asthma is a disease that causes inflammation in the airways in the lungs. The resulting swelling and narrowing of the airways make it harder to breathe, as do the increased levels of mucus and tightening muscles around the airways.
All of these effects can happen at once and continue to get more intense, leading to what people often call an asthma “attack.” During an asthma attack, the lungs do not get enough oxygen, so the person feels short of breath. They often cough, gasp, wheeze, and feel a tightness in their chest. This can require hospitalisation and can be life-threatening.
Asthma is a chronic disease, which means that there is no cure. However, people can often manage it with a combination of daily and rescue medications.
In addition, self-care is important for people with asthma. Individual responsibility and action are essential for the prevention of attacks. In combination with a medically sound asthma action plan, home remedies for asthma can be very helpful and play an important role in keeping it under control.
Identifying and eliminating triggers
One of the most effective home remedies for asthma is identifying and eliminating triggers for asthma attacks. These triggers vary from person to person, although the following are common:
- smoke, especially from tobacco, but also from burning wood or grass
- household pets, including dogs and cats
- dust mites
- mould
- air pollution
- cockroaches – not so much of an issue in North Somerset!!
- being sick with a respiratory infection, such as influenza
- emotional stress
- cold air
- exercise
Once a person knows what their asthma triggers are, they can take action to avoid them by, for example:
- refraining from smoking and avoiding second-hand smoke
- using allergy-proof bedding, and washing and drying it weekly
- vacuuming regularly – Maybe invest in a cordless vacuum – makes running around daily, quick and simple.
- using airtight food storage to keep pests away and cleaning storage and dining areas frequently
- tracking air quality forecasts and changing plans to accommodate low air quality
- having an air filter in the bedroom
- Use a face covering/scarf to warm air in the cold weather.
Asthma plan
An asthma plan written down is good, as it reminds you where you are on a good day, and when you deteriorate what you need to do. Otherwise, symptoms are easy to ignore and you can ‘push through’ until you end up on oral steroids. Don’t carry on until you can’t!!!
Family and friends
Making sure the family knows what to do in an emergency, and always have your blue inhaler with you.
Practice good breathing techniques
Pilates and yoga have been shown to:
- reduce the frequency of asthma attacks
- reduce asthma symptoms
- enhance lung capacity
- improve blood flow
- improve response to medication
Asthma friendly plants in house and garden
Generally, wind pollinators are bad, and plants pollinated by bees/insects are much better.
Plants, in general, can reduce air pollution and improve asthma symptoms
Azaleas, daffodils, and orchids are just some of the beautiful asthma-approved options you can choose from.
Herbal remedies and supplements
Vitamin D is a must (for everyone not just asthmatics!!)
Although there is no reliable scientific evidence of their efficacy, the most common choices are:
- fish oil
- prebiotics
- probiotics
- glucosamine
- melatonin
Popular herbs, such as echinacea and chamomile, are members of the ragweed family. If people who are sensitive to ragweed use these herbs to manage their asthma symptoms, they may find themselves getting worse instead.
Sometimes it is a bit of trial and error.
Cleaning products
Firstly, try to avoid spray cleaners which immediately get into the air and can be easily inhaled. Even when using solid or liquid products, avoid those that are scented, particularly if you have previously found that scented products cause irritation. In fact, water and microfiber cloth are sufficient and safer in most cases. Otherwise, you can try other natural cleaning products, or those labelled as allergy-friendly: these products contain lower levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
If the use of chemical products is still preferred or unavoidable, make sure the area you are working in is well ventilated or wear a face covering.
Spray deodorants
Avoid sprays – there are many solid or cream deodorants on the market now and also look for aluminium free. We sell NUUD at Walnut Grove – it’s amazing, aluminium free and for most people you only need to apply it every 3-4 days.
Playing a wind instrument or singing
Helps to improve breathing mechanics, timing and improving use of full lung capacity.
Swimming
As above – improves breathing mechanics and depth of breath assuming that you are not sensitive to chlorine! If you are, try to find a pool local to you that uses ozone rather than chlorine to keep the pool clean.
This is not an exhaustive list but hopefully some ideas for self-help in asthma which can make such a difference to quality of life.
