Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the passageways that carry air to and from the lungs.  Someone who has Asthma, an asthmatic, has swollen or inflamed airways, making them susceptible to allergic reactions.  When the airways are inflamed, there is a restricted amount of air that goes in and out of the lungs.  This causes the person to become wheezy or have shortness of breath.  Asthma affects people of all ages (roughly 25 million people in America have Asthma) and it usually starts during childhood.    

Signs of Asthma will usually reveal themselves during childhood.  They include shortness of breath, wheezy coughing (especially at night), or chest tightness and pressure.  Not everyone experiences the same symptoms.  Some people can go for long periods of time without symptoms, but periodic interruptions known as Asthma attacks can worsen symptoms when they arrive.  Others can have Asthma attacks during exercise, colds, or viral infections. 

• Frequent Coughing
• Chest Tightness
• Feeling Tired After Exercising
• Decreases or Changes in Lung Function
• Colds, Allergies, Nasal Infections
• Trouble Sleeping

Asthma occurs when the airways are inflamed and inhibits proper airflow to and from the lungs.  One of the most common causes of Asthma is being allergic to certain substances.  When the allergen is inhaled it can trigger and Asthma attack because it irritates the already inflamed airways.  Since Asthma usually begins during childhood, children who are exposed to tobacco smoke or highly polluted environments can easily develop Asthma.  Additionally, the way a child is born can give him/her Asthma.  Babies born via Caesarean Section are 20% more likely to get Asthma than babies born via vaginal birth because it is thought that Caesarean Section babies are exposed to immune system-modifying infections from bacteria during the procedure. 

• Tobacco Smoke
• Allergies
• Pregnancy
• Stress
• Obesity
• Genetics
• Airway Hyperactivity
• Environmental Factors

• One of the best things you can do to fight off Asthma is to combat it before it occurs.  Because allergies can trigger Asthma symptoms, a great thing to use is a Neti Pot or a saline cleanse.  By squirting the saline solution into your nose daily, you rinse away the pollen or airborne allergens that you are allergic to.  This can lessen nasal congestion or runny noses.
• Avoiding cigarette smoke and smoking altogether is a great way to keep your Asthma symptoms at bay.
• Taking herbal supplements such as butterbur can help prevent pollen or mold allergies.  This herb, which doesn't have an associated drowsiness, has a great track record for being a great antihistamine.  Similarly, cooking with turmeric can help because it acts as a decongestant.  The properties in turmeric help ward off colds and allergy symptoms.
• It is important to keep your environment clean.  Eliminating dust, mold, or pollen from you home can help reduce your allergy symptoms.  Also, using all natural, chemical-free cleaning products can help you avoid allergic reactions you might have to chemicals in regular cleaning products.
• A change in diet can always benefit your immune system.  Abstaining from foods that you are allergic to, in addition to fast food, alcohol, salt, and sugar, can be beneficial for your Asthma.

• Bananas
• Magnesium
• Berries
• Oranges
• Flax Seed
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Rosemary
• Ginger
• Turmeric