Asthma is a condition which affects the small airways of the lungs. People with asthma have sensitive, or 'twitchy' airways. When these sensitive airways are exposed to certain triggers the airways can narrow, leading to difficulty in breathing.
The narrowing of the airways is caused by inflammation and swelling of the lining of the airways, the tightening of the muscles around the airways and the production of excess mucus. The result is a reduction of the flow of air in and out of the lungs.
Asthma is extremely common. Over 2 million Australians have asthma and the trend is doubling every 15 years.1
Asthma tends to run in families. It is also associated with other conditions such as eczema, hayfever and allergies.
Some common triggers are:
- Colds
- Changes in the weather
- Cigarette smoke
- Dust and dust mites
- Pollen
- Some animals
Wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath are the most common symptoms.
There is currently no cure for asthma, but it can be managed. People with well managed asthma can lead full and productive lives.
Medications
Asthma can be well controlled with the appropriate medication in
almost all children. With treatment and proper management, almost
everyone with asthma can lead active lives. The medicines work by
either opening the narrow airways or preventing them from narrowing
in the first place.
The two common types are:
- Relievers - quick acting and used during an attack to open the airways (such as Bricanyl, Respolin and Ventolin).
- Preventers - slow acting and used to prevent an attack from occurring (such as Becotide, Intal and Pulmicort).
Exercise
Contrary to popular belief, moderate exercise is very beneficial
for asthmatics. It helps strengthen the lungs and increase blood
flow and oxygen to the body. When asthma is properly managed, swimming,
walking, cycling and team sports are all possible, and are great
ways to keep active and healthy… in fact many top Olympic
athletes have asthma! Talk to your doctor first before starting
any exercise program.
Diet
Studies suggest that a diet high in Omega 3 marine fatty acids (fish
oil) may be associated with reduced asthma risk in children.2
The Omega 3’s in fish oil have the unique effect of blocking the “inflammatory messengers” which contribute to the tightening of the airways.
There is also evidence that reducing dietary salt and omega-6 fatty acids, and increasing antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce the severity of exercise-induced asthma.3
As a rule, a healthy diet is important to help maintain an asthmatic’s general health and wellbeing.
Some suggestions include:
- Increase antioxidants in the diet (fresh green leafy vegetables,
fruits or through herbal/mineral supplements such as selenium
or Green Tea)
- Increase Omega-3 consumption by eating more fatty fish, or
taking a fish oil supplement
- Reduce salt and Omega-6 fatty acids (found in vegetable oils
and many processed foods)
- Some food colourings, preservatives and chemical additives can cause attacks in sensitive individuals. Limit foods with these additives and consume fresh organic foods where possible.
Avoiding Triggers
Dust Mites
One of the most common triggers of asthma and allergy attacks is
dust mites. Dust mites are extremely common in Australia, and live
mainly around bedding and soft furnishings. Research suggests up
to 80% of children with asthma are also sensitive to dust mite allergens.4
By reducing the number of dust mites in the home, you can significantly
reduce the frequency of asthma attacks.5,6
House dust mites can quickly and easily be eliminated from bedding, bedclothes and other clothes by regular soaking and washing using Bosisto's Eucalyptus Dust Mite Wash. (See also our Bosisto's Eucalyptus Dust Mite Wash Program).
Used regularly in conjunction with Bosisto's Eucalyptus Spray on carpets, beds and fixed furnishings, Bosisto's Eucalyptus Dust Mite Wash will keep dust mites under control.
Cigarette Smoke
You might think it would be uncommon for people with asthma to smoke.
However startling new figures have shown more asthmatics in Australia
smoke (25.9%) than non-asthmatics (24.1%).7
Research is continuing into this trend. However cigarette smoke
- even from passive smoke - is a well-known trigger of asthma attacks.
Children exposed to environmental tobacco smoke are more likely
to have asthma, and more likely to have it severely. For your health
or for the health of your children, avoiding smoky places and quitting
smoking is essential. Visit www.quit.org.au for more information.
Air filters or purifiers can be useful in the home to further reduce
exposure to dust, pollen and cigarette smoke particles which can
trigger attacks.
References
Available on request.
This material is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist, please contact your healthcare professional.
