Tips To Help Your Asthma Symptoms

If you have asthma, you already know your body well. You know what chemicals and food tend to trigger your asthma. You know what activity levels you can tolerate. You know how long you can spend outdoors.

It is very important to continue to stay tuned to your body's signals. You are your best resource when it comes to your own health care. Asthma cannot be cured, but only managed. Proper management can result in a lessening or remission of asthma symptoms over time.

The following list of extra tips for asthma patients is provided by the American Chiropractic Association.

- Use air filters to help clean air in your home.
- Cover mattresses and pillows with dust covers and use hypoallergenic bed clothing to reduce exposure to dust mites.
- If your condition is getting worse, get checked for viral respiratory infections.. Endocrine factors, such as menstruation, pregnancy, and thyroid disease, may exacerbate asthma, as well.
- Some medications (aspirin; beta-blockers, including eye drops; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, etc.) can also precipitate or aggravate asthma symptoms.
- If your asthma is exercise-induced, an individually prescribed exercise program carefully chosen under the guidance of your primary health care provider or doctor of chiropractic should be incorporated into the treatment plan.
- Avoid sulfites or monosodium glutamate (MSG) in foods. Since both additives are used in a wide variety of foods, carefully read processed food labels and choose MSG-free foods when eating out.
- Choose a more vegetarian-type diet. Animal proteins found in meat include arachidonic acid—a precursor for inflammation.
- Include foods with omega-3 fatty acids in the diet—such as fish or fish oil.
- Supplement with vitamin C, which helps reduce allergic reactions and wheezing symptoms.
- To reduce stress in your children, spend quality time with them and limit their exposure to TV programs that include violence.

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