Asthma can be scary, especially if you or someone you love gets a sudden breathing trouble. The condition affects nearly 35 million individuals in India, highlighting its status as a major public health issue. While the modern treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms with inhalers, many people wonder if there are home remedies that can help. Various precautionary steps can complement the treatment and help manage asthma symptoms better.
What is an asthma attack?
An asthma attack happens when airways in your lungs become swollen and tight. The muscles around the airways squeeze, and the lining inside them becomes inflamed. This makes it hard for air to get in and out of the lungs. Mucus can sometimes also build up in the airways, making things even worse.
During an asthma attack, it becomes very difficult to breathe. You may cough, wheeze or feel tightness in your chest. Asthma attacks can be mild or life-threatening, so they must always be taken seriously.
What causes an asthma attack?
Various reasons can trigger an asthma attack. These factors can vary for each person, but some common ones include:
- Allergens like dust, pollen, mould, pet fur or some foods
- Smoke from cigarettes or pollution
- Strong smells, such as perfumes or cleaning sprays
- Exercise, especially in cold air
- Stress or strong emotions
- Colds, flu or other infections
When you breathe in triggers, your immune system overreacts. The airways swell and tighten, and this can lead to an asthma attack.
Signs & symptoms of an asthma attack
It is important to recognise the warning signs of an asthma attack. Acting quickly can help prevent a mild attack from becoming more serious. Some common signs include:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)
- Tight feeling in the chest
- Coughing that won’t stop
- Trouble speaking or eating due to breathlessness
- Faster breathing
- Feeling panicky
If someone’s lips or face turn blue, they cannot speak or they are gasping for breath, this is an emergency. Call for medical help straight away.
How to prevent an asthma attack?
The best way to deal with asthma is to try to stop attacks before they happen. Here are some prevention tips:
- Take asthma medicine as prescribed. Quick relief inhalers help to keep the airways calm and reduce swelling.
- Know your triggers. Keep a diary to see what makes your asthma worse, and try to avoid those things.
- Use an asthma action plan. This is a simple set of steps to follow if your symptoms get worse.
- Get regular check-ups. Doctors can adjust your treatment if needed.
- Eating a balanced diet, staying active and avoiding smoking can help your lungs stay healthy.
- Reduce dust and mould in your house by cleaning and airing out rooms.
Along with caring for your asthma, it is wise to think about your family’s health as a whole. Family health insurance can help pay for your medical care as well if someone in your family falls sick or has an emergency. This way, you know everyone you care about is protected and can get help quickly.
Home remedies to prevent an asthma attack
While no home remedy can replace proper asthma medicine, some people find that healthy habits at home help keep their asthma under control. These include:
- Steam inhalation: Breathing in warm steam may help loosen mucus, but be careful not to burn yourself.
- Honey and warm water: Some people use honey in warm drinks to soothe their throat and reduce coughing.
- Ginger: Adding fresh ginger to meals or drinks may help reduce inflammation.
- Turmeric: Turmeric has natural anti-inflammatory properties. You can add it to food or warm milk.
- Breathing exercises: Practising slow, deep breathing may help train your lungs and reduce anxiety about asthma.
- Herbal teas: Herbal teas made with liquorice or chamomile can help relax the airways, although they should not replace medicine.
These remedies might help you feel more comfortable, but they should never replace your inhaler or other prescribed treatment. It is also important to plan in case your asthma gets worse. Medical insurance can help you pay for doctor visits, medicines or even a hospital stay if needed.
What to do during an asthma attack if you don’t have an inhaler?
If you start having an asthma attack and do not have your inhaler with you, try to stay calm. Panic can make your breathing worse. Follow these steps:
- Sit upright: Don’t lie down; sitting helps keep the airways open.
- Try to slow your breathing: Take long, steady breaths if you can.
- Remove yourself from the trigger: If you are near smoke, dust or strong smells, move to a cleaner place.
- Loosen tight clothing: Make sure nothing is pressing on your chest or neck.
- Stay calm: Anxiety can make symptoms worse. Focus on breathing slowly.
- Drink warm water: Warm fluids may help relax the airways slightly.
- Call for help: If your symptoms do not get better quickly, or you cannot talk clearly, call for emergency help.
Do not try home remedies in place of emergency care. If you are struggling to breathe, you need medical help straight away.
Conclusion
Asthma can be worrying, but with good care and planning, it is possible to live a healthy life. Knowing your triggers, taking your medicine properly and avoiding causative factors can help prevent attacks. While home remedies might help you feel better day to day, they cannot replace asthma medication.
It is always better to get medical help during serious asthma attacks than risk things getting worse. Also, think about protecting yourself from unexpected medical bills with medical insurance. You can get helpful health insurance advice by filling in the form on this page. It’s a good way to look after both your health and your finances.
FAQs
1. Can home remedies cure asthma?
No, asthma cannot be cured with home remedies. Only proper medicine can control it. Home remedies may help you feel better, but they do not treat the cause of asthma.
2. What is the fastest way to stop an asthma attack?
Using a reliever inhaler is the fastest way. If you don’t have one, try to sit upright, stay calm and get medical help immediately.
3. Are there natural ways to prevent asthma?
Living a healthy lifestyle, avoiding triggers and keeping your home clean can help prevent asthma. However, you should still take prescribed medicine.
4. Does exercise make asthma worse?
For some people, exercise can trigger asthma symptoms, especially in cold air. Using an inhaler before exercise and warming up properly can help.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a certified medical and/or nutrition professional for any questions. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.