Asthma and its intervention

The severity of asthma fluctuates with corresponding change in management requirements. Effective early introduction of anti-inflammatory treatment in children with asthma improves the prognosis. The earlier the treatment is started the greater the improvement will be in lung function. Usual symptoms of asthma are wheeze, cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath and sputum production. Some may exhibit prodromal symptoms preceding attack like itching under the chin, discomfort between shoulder blades and inexplicable fear. Education, counseling and environmental interventions are very important if you have this disease.

Some parents take asthma for granted. Please don’t take any symptoms for granted. Asthma most of the times are associated with colds and cough. Yes that is true but at certain intensity of the disease, it has to be taken cared of and intervened promptly. A persistent cough and wheeze every night, poor or unmanaged asthma impacts a person’s personal relationships, lifestyle, activity, attendance at school and at work, social interaction and feeling of well being. The prevalence of allergic sensitivity is lower in adults than in children. One of the most important tests is the test for lung inflammation since the main physiological manifestation of asthma is variable airway obstruction. It is logical and compulsory to include pulmonary function test in evaluating the effectiveness of asthma intervention. However with rare disease brittle asthma, high prevalence of food intolerance has been noted.

Overweight is significantly higher in children with moderate-to-severe where overweight promotes severity. The effects on increased BMI on asthma are mediated by the mechanical properties of the respiratory system associated with obesity. Elevated BMI and dietary patterns especially intake of excess lipids contribute to symptoms of asthma. Nutritional status is very important in order to maintain healthy lungs. Lungs functions are said to be better with higher antioxidant levels. Dietary modifications may help manage asthma by preventing distention of stomach from large meals. Large meals results to distress which aggravates asthma. Diet affects altered immune or antioxidant activity which may cause the lungs infection and effect airway inflammation.

Intervention:

1. Optimize nutritional status on Vitamins C, B6 and E, selenium and magnesium. Reduce intake of Oleic acid while increasing intake of Omega 3 fatty acids.
2. Health maintenance program or exercise or physical activity. Maybe tai chi or calisthenics may be advisable at the early stage of physical activity to increase stamina first. Then increase with sports and other strenuous physical activity if tolerated. Stop and rest when you feel you are hardly breathing.
3. Plan a balanced, small meal. Fruits and vegetables are preferred. Omit food allergens like milk, eggs, seafood and fish. Try to lose weight.
4. More fluid intake is encouraged. Please use less sodium.
5. A combination of three herbal extracts in China identified as ASHMI has been found to be useful.

It is always best to consult your doctor and a nutrition expert in your area before implementing your planned diet. I appreciate if you could post comments regarding asthma prevention practice you have.