An asthma home remedy can prevent an attack
There are asthma home remedy treatments that work and many play a big part in managing asthma. For most of history, treating asthma has meant dealing with the symptoms of an acute asthma attack. If there were any preventives suggested, it was more along the lines of advice to 'avoid exercising and getting out of breath'. But over the past 25 years doctors have learned a lot about what really happens in people who have asthma, and now understand that asthma isn't something that just sits there dormant and suddenly flares up out of control. They now recommend treating asthma the same way we treat diabetes - as a chronic health condition that affects your life every day - and can be affected by your habits, your lifestyle and your environment.
Because asthma can be worsened - or triggered in the first place - by certain contaminants in the air and the home, one of the keys to controlling asthma is controlling the environment around you.
Some asthma home remedy treatments that really work
1. Do not smoke, or let other people smoke in your home. Tobacco smoke is a number one irritant that can cause allergic reactions and asthma flare-ups.
2. Don't light wood fires in fireplaces or wood stoves, as wood smoke can irritate the lungs.
3. Be careful what you spray. Remember that anything you spray into the air gets breathed into the lungs and can irritate the airways. Air fresheners, strong perfumes and household cleaners can all cause asthma flare-ups.
4. Keep the dust down. Dust mites are one of the most common allergens that cause asthma flare-ups and attacks. Keeping dust down isn't just about dusting frequently. The real home remedy is to cut down on as many places where dust mites breed as possible. Use polyester filled pillows, comforters and mattresses and cover all pillows and mattresses with mite-proof covers. Wash all blankets and bedding in hot water once a week. Avoid upholstered furniture, carpets and heavy drapes since they all collect dust and allow dust mites to grow. And use a vacuum cleaner and air conditioner with HEPA filters to trap dust mites and other allergens.
5. Watch out for mold. Mold is another allergen that often makes asthma worse. Some ways to reduce mold in your house include wiping down the bathroom with bleach at least once a week. Not using humidifiers since they encourage mold to grow. Use a dehumidifier in basements or other damp areas, but keep the catch basin spotlessly clean to avoid mold growth. And use a fan or ventilator in the bathroom to cut down on moisture.
Other asthma home remedy options
There are two other home remedy asthma treatments that doctor's vouch for: vitamin B6 and Caffeine. Vitamin B6 supplements seem to reduce the severity of asthma symptoms, but you should always check with your doctor, of course.
Finally, in an emergency if you don't have access to an inhaler, says one Canadian allergist. Dr. Allan Becker of the University of Manitoba tested the effects of caffeine on asthma. He stresses that coffee and tea are not a substitute for your medicine, but in a pinch two strong cups of hot coffee or a couple of chocolate bars could buy you time to get to your medicine.
