If a person is healthy, he does not think about how his breathing is performed, he does not experience any difficulties. But in patients with bronchial asthma, the presence of chronic inflammation of the respiratory tract can disrupt the act of breathing itself, up to the formation of suffocation due to pronounced bronchospasm. Often the cause of this condition becomes an allergy, constant or periodic contact with substances to which the body is sensitized. Although this is a serious pathology, it is quite possible to control it and live a normal life if you do physical exercises, monitor nutrition, avoid contact with allergens and fight stress.
Respiratory Impairment in Asthmatics
When a person inhales air through his mouth or nose, he moves into the lungs through the bronchi, a system of branched tubules that look like tree branches. At the end of each branch are tiny sacks, inside of which, during breathing, gas exchange takes place. The blood is saturated with oxygen, while simultaneously releasing carbon dioxide, which, when breathing, is released into the environment. When develops bronchial asthma, breathing is disturbed due to the fact that the walls of the bronchi inflame, swell and shrink (due to spasm of smooth muscle cells that make up these walls), causing wheezing, coughing and a feeling of tightness in the chest.
Bronchial asthma refers to chronic pathologies, without constant monitoring, it is prone to progression. Often, shortness of breath is triggered by allergies, then we are talking about atopic bronchial asthma. Knowledge of the main triggers and taking prescribed drugs in accordance with the prescriptions of the doctor – these are just some of the ways to control the disease. But diet and exercise should also be part of the system of normalizing breathing and preventing attacks.
Using peak flow meter for bronchial asthma
Many doctors recommend that people with bronchial asthma use a portable peak fluorometer. This device measures how much air is exhaled by the lungs. The data obtained during the measurements will prompt the patient and the doctor how well the selected ones work. medication for asthma, and when the treatment plan needs to be adjusted. It is important to discuss the need to purchase a picfluometer for home use with mandatory patient training in its proper use.
Allergy and Allergen Detection
Often the cause of asthma is allergy. Attacks can be caused by various allergens, such as dust, pollen, mold, cigarette smoke, cosmetics, or infections, including the common cold or flu. But not only allergies, but professional factors, such as dust, fumes, irritating gases or other dangerous chemicals, can cause bronchial asthma.
In addition, some patients develop asthma symptoms during exercise. If allergies or other factors provoking attacks are identified, the doctor may recommend the use of inhalers when contact with triggers leads to shortness of breath or wheezing.
Coffee and tea to help
Coffee and black tea lovers can safely drink their favorite drinks. They contain biologically active chemicals that help in bronchodilation (expansion of the bronchi). Experts explain that caffeine is chemically similar in structure to the drug theophylline, which is used to treat asthma. Taking coffee or tea reduces fatigue of the respiratory muscles, thereby removing spasm in the airways. Studies published in 2010 showed that caffeine in people with asthma improves the function of the respiratory tract within four hours after taking it.
The benefits of fruits and vegetables
Studies published in 2012 in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition show that an antioxidant-rich diet that contains, for example, spinach, broccoli, strawberries, and tomatoes can be associated with a decrease in asthma symptoms. One of the three types of treatment was prescribed to patients with asthma:
- a diet high in antioxidants and inactive placebo drugs,
- low-antioxidant diet and tomato extract,
- diet low in antioxidants plus placebo.
Research has shown that antioxidant-enriched dietary patterns have affected asthma symptoms. The high antioxidant diet included five servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit a day.
Diet that suppresses inflammation
Many specialists involved in the study of bronchial asthma recommend using a specific diet that suppresses systemic inflammation. It is based on the Mediterranean diet, the systematic use of which reduces the inflammation that often occurs with asthma and other serious conditions such as heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to combating inflammation, a rational choice of foods, portion sizes, reduced consumption of fatty or fried foods, weight loss are needed.
Adequately selected physical activity
Full and adequate exercise stress important for all patients, even if they have bronchial asthma. A study published in the June 2015 issue of Thorax magazine showed that patients with moderate and severe asthma showed less serious reactions to exercise after 12 weeks of training and aerobic training. In addition to controlling asthma, exercise also helps to get rid of extra pounds that can worsen the course of the disease. This is a very urgent problem, as part of asthmatics, in addition to the main pathology, also have excess weight.
Ability to relax
It is important to keep emotions under control and to deal with stress. Studies have shown that stress is directly related to asthma, frequent hospitalization and the use of drugs. Even prolonged laughter or crying, anxiety, anger, or fear can lead to a choking fit. The American Lung Association suggests calming down with breathing exercises or muscle relaxation techniques. No less useful are psychotherapy, yoga, outdoor recreation.