Combat Asthma with Vitamins and Over the Counter Products

Asthma is a seriously debilitating and sometimes life-threatening disease that affects more than 8 million adults in the United States. Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by episodes or attacks of inflammation and narrowing of small airways in response to exposure to environmental stimuli.

The main symptom of Asthma is shortness of breath as the result of the bronchial passages becoming narrowed through exposure to some type of stress, either physical (allergy) or psychological. Asthma is not contagious, and although it appears to follow some genetic patterns. Although the research in asthma has advanced rapidly in recent years, the etiology of asthma remains unclear.

Researchers have found that an asthma attack can be caused by heredity, air pollution, food allergy, infections, emotional disturbances, and dozens of other factors. Asthma prevalence has been increasing to epidemic levels, especially in areas with high urbanization.

Mold sensitization is common amongst patients with severe asthma requiring multiple hospital admissions. It has been reported that asthma patients are more likely to live in a damp dwelling and their asthma severity was correlated to the degree of dampness and mold growth in their home.

It is also known that asthma deaths in young adults in England and Wales are commonest in the months of July, August and September, which coincides with peak levels of mold spores in the outdoor air in the UK. Further study of indoor and outdoor risk factors, which trigger asthma attacks in susceptible individuals in this population are needed.

Asthma symptoms are increased in California and Pennsylvania on days when mold spore counts are high. Asthma attacks can vary from mild to life threatening.

Asthma is experienced during the life span of approximately 10% of the population, resulting in morbidity and mortality costing a substantial economic burden on the individual and on society.

According to the 2001 California Health Interview Survey [35], Native Americans were more likely to have been diagnosed with asthma than any other racial/ethnic group. Different studies indicate that asthma morbidity among Native Americans/Alaskan Natives is very common and may be higher than other racial/ethnic groups.

Even with all of the advances in medical treatment for asthma patients, asthma is not well controlled in many individuals and people are dying more frequently from this illness.

Although medications for the treatment of asthma abound and are improving, there are inherent risks and side effects with all of them.

Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with the disease of asthma such as Vitamin C, Beta Carotene, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Butterbur, Vitamin A, Pantothenic Acid, Glucosamine, Manganese, Omega Smooth and Flavonoids.

Vitamin C is nature's protective nutrient, essential for defending the body against pollution and infection and enhances the human body immune system.

Beta Carotene protects the mucus membranes of the mouth, nose, throat and lungs. It also helps protect Vitamin C from oxidation, which enables it to perform at optimum efficiency.

The Journal of Clinical Investigation report published in December 8, 2005 revealed that taking Vitamin D supplements could help improve the effects of steroid drugs used to treat Asthma.

Vitamin E protects the lung tissue from inhaled pollutants and aids in the functioning of the immune system.

Butterbur is a common herbal extract that is highly effective asthma therapy. As far back as the 17th century, butterbur was used to treat cough, asthma, and skin wounds.

A number of studies have suggested that taking antioxidants such a Vitamin A reduces the risk of bronchoconstriction associated with asthma. Vitamin A is stored in the liver and fat cells of the human body and can reach toxic levels. DO NOT take more than the recommended dosage of Vitamin A.

Many find pantothenic Acid to be very helpful against asthma symptoms. It is another form of non-toxic Vitamin B.

Glucosamine is an anti-inflammatory and may give some relief from asthma symptoms.

Magnesium has been employed in the treatment of acute asthma, but its use has not become universal, nor has it been studied for the treatment of chronic asthma. Manganese has been found deficient in bronchial biopsies of asthmatic patients, indication manganese replenishment could aid in the treatment of asthma.

Omega smooth is a delicious tasting liquid that is derived from fish oil. Regular fish comsumption has been associated with a reduced risk of children having asthma attacks.

Flavonoids are the brightly colored pigments found in most fruits and vegetables. When consumed, they have antioxidant properties and have been associated with improved lung junction.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and not to be construed as medical advice.