Lifestyle Choices That Impact Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that causes reversible airway narrowing and increased airway responsiveness to provocative stimuli. The symptoms of asthma include recurring periods of wheezing, cough, tightness in the chest and shortness of breath.

Pollen, house dust, air pollution and mold are common triggers that can lead to an asthma attack. However, there are many habits and lifestyle choices that can exacerbate the severity and symptoms of asthma. To ensure that your condition remains under control, it is important to make the following lifestyle changes:

1. Find out if pets are a trigger

This may not be true in every case, but animals such as dogs, cats, birds, mice and rabbits carry allergens that could trigger an asthma attack. These allergens are found in the pet’s fur, saliva, urine and dander (dead skin flakes). The allergens found on cats and dogs are known to affect the eyes and the nose. Symptoms include a stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes and a skin rash. If you are allergic to one or more animals, it is best to avoid having them in your homes.

However, if you already have a pet, then it can be difficult to keep your symptoms under control. In such cases, it is important to limit your exposure to such allergens. Keep your bedroom off-limits for your pets and regularly vacuum your home. If possible, ask another family member to brush your pet outside so that you can reduce the shedding of loose hair and dander in your home.

2. Follow A Balanced Diet

A well-balanced diet can help in coping with asthma. Foods that are rich in vitamin D such as salmon, eggs and orange juice help in strengthening your immune system and reduce the inflammation in your airways. Vegetables like kale and broccoli are also recommended for asthmatics as they are high in vitamin E and can decrease the symptoms of asthma.

Apart from delivering the right nutrients to your body, a healthy diet can also help with weight loss and maintenance. Those with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more have a much higher risk of having asthma than those with a lower BMI. Load up on fresh fruits and vegetables, which are full of anti-oxidants, and limit your intake of saturated fats.

3. Be Mindful About Physical Activity

Many people who suffer from asthma tend to avoid exercising. In reality, a regular fitness regime can help keep your asthma under control. Exercise can decrease symptoms by improving your stamina and lung function, boosting your immune system and aiding in weight loss.

However, all types of exercise may not be suitable for those with asthma. Cold weather activities like skiing or outdoor runs on days with high pollen counts or pollution can trigger an attack. Avoid vigorous activities and opt for low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking or yoga.

4. Quit Smoking

Cigarette smoke contains more than 7000 chemicals, many of which are carcinogenic or toxic in nature. When a person inhales tobacco smoke, the chemicals settle into the airways and cause inflammation. In addition, the smoke also damages the tiny hair-like projections in the airways called the cilia, which sweep the dust and mucus out of the airways. The irritation and build-up of mucus often trigger an asthma attack.

If you quit smoking, you not only stop harming your body but also protect those around you. Second-hand smoke, which is a combination of cigarette smoke and the smoke exhaled by a smoker, can increase the risk of developing asthma, especially in children.

5. Keep An Eye On The Rest Of Your Body

Other health conditions can also worsen asthma. It is estimated that more than 75 percent of patients with asthma also experience gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is the backward flow of the stomach acids into the oesophagus. It occurs when the lower oesophageal sphincter does not close completely and allows some semi-digested food and gastric acid to be pushed back up into the oesophagus. This reflux can often exacerbate the symptoms of asthma by irritating the airways and lungs. In fact, people with asthma are twice as likely to have GERD as those people who do not have asthma. Losing weight, avoiding heavy meals and elevating your head while sleeping are a few lifestyle measures that can treat GERD and thus decrease the symptoms of asthma.

Respiratory infections, such as colds and flu, can also trigger an asthma attack. Since these conditions inflame the airways and cause more mucus to be produced, they can significantly worsen your asthma and cause an obstruction in breathing. Ensure that you take your flu vaccines on time to keep yourself protected.

By making these small changes in your habits, you can make a big difference in how asthma affects your life.