Asthma is a leading chronic illness among school children five to 17 years old. In 2007, 5.6 million children reported having it. Asthma is one of the leading causes of absences from school and the main cause of hospitalization for children.The rate among children has increased 160 percent since 1980. It is more prevalent among children living in urban areas, low-income populations and minorities. Treatments for asthma typically include drugs and inhalers, but research shows that diet can have an effect on preventing asthma and asthma attacks.
Symptoms
Asthma is a lung disease that causes the tubes that carry air in and our of your lungs to become obstructed. Spasms in the muscles surrounding the small airways in the lungs constrict, hindering air flow. An asthma attack typically includes coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest and difficulty breathing, and can last from a few minutes to several hours. Spasms are caused by chronic inflammation and hypersensitivity to certain stimuli. Common allergens are animal dander, chemicals, dust mites, environmental pollutants, feathers, food additives, mold, fumes and tobacco smoke. Other contributing factors include exercise, temperature changes, humidity extremes and stress.
Treatment
The long-term control and prevention are key to preventing asthma attacks. By being aware of your triggers, you can avoid them. Tracking your breathing can help make sure your medications are keeping asthma under control. Long-term medications include inhaled corticosteroids, with few side effects and safe for long-term use; long-acting beta agonists; combined inhalers, which may increase your risk of an attack; and theophylline, a daily pill to open airways. Quick-relief medications bring relief during an attack and can be used before exercise if recommended by your doctor. These include short-acting beta-agonists; ipratropium, used often for emphysema and chronic bronchitis; and oral and intravenous corticosteroids.
Nutrition
A team of researchers from from Holland's National Institute of Public Health and the Environment studied the dietary habits of 600 children eight to 13 years old. Children who ate whole grains were 54 percent less likely to develop asthma and 45 percent less likely to develop wheezing than those who did not. Children who ate fish were 66 percent less likely to develop asthma and 56 percent less likely to have wheezing than their non fish-eating counterparts. Dietary recommendations in the "Prescription for Natural Healing" include fresh fruits and vegetables, oatmeal and other whole grains, ample protein and few carbohydrates. They also recommend plenty of garlic and onions, which inhibit an enzyme which helps release inflammatory chemicals.
Supplements
Taking 2,000 mg of vitamin C prior to working out inhibits coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. You can take the following supplements to reduce inflammation and dilate bronchioles: Super GLA/DHA or flaxseed oil; probiotics for a healthy digestive tract; enzymes pancreatine and hydrochloric acid for food-related asthma attacks; bioflavonoids to improve lung function; the herbs milk thistle and tumeric to inhibit inflammatory cytokines; herbs yerba mate, licorice and American angelica to soothe respiratory passages and lessen mucous secretions; and bee pollen to inhibit the release of histamine.
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