Having asthma is not cool. It can affect your everyday life even if it’s not really a serious medical condition. But it can potentially endanger your life if you ignore it. If you experience asthma attacks, you should consult an asthma doctor for proper treatment.

Asthma can be caused by certain allergies. Among common allergens include:

• Pet dander
• Foods (shellfish, eggs, nuts, etc.)
• Dust and pollen
• Chemicals in household products
• Insect bites (bees, mosquitoes, etc.)

Allergic reactions happen when our body responds to certain allergens that are deemed harmful. Reactions vary from person to person. For example, some may experience skin rashes after eating foods that cause their allergies. Others experience asthma attacks when they come into contact with dust, pollen, or pet dander.

There are asthma treatments available upon a doctor’s prescription. It may not be a life-threatening condition – at first. But if it happens more often and you ignore it, it can lead to fatal consequences or even death. In such cases, you should consult an allergist to help you manage asthma attacks.

What happens during an asthma attack

One common symptom of an asthma attack is wheezing. It also occurs if you have colds. It should not really cause an alarm. However, you should see a doctor immediately if it’s recurrent and accompanied by breathing difficulties. Also, it can be a medical emergency if the person’s skin is starting to turn blue due to lack of oxygen.

In most cases, an inhaler will come in handy and help in relieving asthma attacks. It should be availed upon prescription by an allergist doctor. Meanwhile, some prefer using natural home remedies to get relief from an asthma attack. But if the situation worsens, it is best to rush to the emergency room immediately.

Natural ways for asthma relief

Speaking of home remedies, there are a lot of natural ways to relieve symptoms of asthma. In fact, a lot of people swear by the effectiveness of these natural remedies. However, there may be doubts whether these can really relieve asthma symptoms. This is due to a limited scientific understanding regarding their effects on the human body.

Among commonly-suggested natural ways to relieve asthma include:

1. Acupuncture

Apparently, acupuncture can help reduce the occurrence of asthma attacks. However, it is not scientifically proven yet. But you can give it a try if you want.

2. Yoga

One major trigger of asthma is stress. Yoga can help relieve stress through correct breathing. In effect, it can help lessen asthma attacks.

3. Health supplements and herbs

Herbs and plants have been around since time immemorial. Our ancestors mostly relied on nature to treat illnesses, among other things. Some plants and herbs were said to help treat asthma. Likewise, health supplements such as antioxidants and Vitamin C are said to lessen asthma attacks. However, there are no scientific studies that can back up these claims.

3. Coffee/tea

It is said that the caffeine content in coffee and tea can provide relief from asthma. Drink it warm, not piping hot, for better results.

4. Essential oil (Eucalyptus)

Eucalyptus has a minty, menthol scent that is also a common cure for cough, colds, and other illnesses. It can also provide relief from asthma attacks. Put a few drops of the oil into a cup of hot water or an oil diffuser. Slowly breathe in the vapor deeply.

During an asthma attack, try sitting upright. This will allow for easier breathing. Also, try to breathe slowly and deeply. It can be hard to do while having an asthma attack. But it can help you stay calm and loosen up your chest so you can breathe better.

Are they safe?

An allergy specialist may not recommend home remedies for asthma relief. For one thing, most supplements and other so-called home cures are not scientifically-proven as of now. Likewise, these remedies are not regulated by the FDA. Some of these natural remedies (which are taken with some other medications) can cause adverse effects and do more harm on the patient than good. It is best to consult an allergy physician before using any home remedies for asthma.

When to seek medical help

Prescribed medications can usually provide relief from asthma attacks. But if symptoms persist or worsen to the point of life-threatening, you should go to an allergy specialist doctor in Manassas VA or elsewhere near you for immediate treatment.