by Gisela D. Perez

Created on: August 08, 2007   Last Updated: August 02, 2011

Asthma is a reoccurring respiratory illness in which airways become affected causing attacks with the symptoms of shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing and coughing. Asthma can range from intermittent to severe persistent and can range in frequency as well.. Uncontrolled asthma is dangerous and should always be treated by a physician. If left untreated, asthma can be fatal.  There is a growing trend in the treatment of asthma symptoms to use natural remedies. Using natural remedies for asthma under the care of a holistic practitioner or physician can help to lessen the dependence on steroidal medications and control symptoms.

When using natural remedies for asthma, a holistic practitioner should always be consulted and the primary treating physician should be notified of any and all changes in the asthma sufferer's medical treatment and medications.  A holistic practitioner is important because not all natural remedies are safe or may not be effective for the patient's specific symptoms.  The practitioner will monitor the patient and will know when it is appropriate to change a dose as well as what elements in the diet the patient should undergo.

Diet is important to look at when treating asthma as asthma symptoms can stem from an allergic reaction to some foods, mainly dairy, and removing those asthma triggers can be the biggest aid in the prevention of attacks and symptoms.  A lot of asthma suffers will find that diary foods can cause asthma symptoms to appear or worsen.  Those suffering from asthma will benefit from following a diet that is low in sugars and fats as obesity is shown to lead to more severe asthma in those already suffering from it.  Diets that protect and boost the immune system are also beneficial, having a respiratory infection or flu can exasperate asthma symptoms and cause asthma attacks to become more serious and frequent. By boosting and protecting the immune system, the asthma patient can aid their body in avoiding and fighting off colds and the flu.  Caffeine can actually help asthma suffers by reducing their symptoms for a short period of time, while it should not replace any medications, it might help when they are not readily available.

Another easy and natural remedy for asthma is to rid the home of chemical cleaners and switch to using all natural cleaning products.  Some asthma suffers are chemically sensitive and some chemicals are actually known to cause asthma symptoms.  By using natural cleaning products not only are toxic chemicals eliminated from the home but with frequent and diligent cleaning so are dust mites and dust.  Dust can be a major trigger of asthma symptoms and attacks for the majority of asthma suffers.

One great natural and free remedy for asthma is to learn to meditate.  Meditation helps asthma suffers in two ways, it teaches them how to better control their breathing and helps them to relax and learn to control their stress.  Stress and emotional upsets are some of the greatest triggers of asthma symptoms and sudden attacks.  Learning how to calm their emotional state while focusing on calm breathing may help prevent symptoms before they start.

Asthma suffers seeking natural remedies for asthma can learn to use the natural remedies to supplement their medications, not replace them, for effective asthma management.  Consulting all treatments with their treating physician will help asthma suffers in selecting the right remedies for their asthma symptoms safely and effectively.

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