1 in 10 kids in India experiences asthma or breathing problem. They are mostly characterized by difficulty in breathing, chest congestion, and frequent coughing. Moreover, a high-pitched, whistle-like sound can be heard when the child is breathing or sleeping. However, taking extra care and including the right nutrition in the diet can help children with asthma or breathing problems. Read more!!

WHAT IS ASTHMA (BREATHING PROBLEM)?? 

The chronic inflammatory condition of the lungs is asthma. It causes the airways to become constricted and swollen, which causes breathing problem. Additionally, it makes it challenging and occasionally impossible to engage in any daily physical tasks.

To understand how asthma affects the lungs, let’s first understand how normal respiration takes place. When you breathe, the air goes from your nose or mouth, passes through the throat, into the airways and finally into the lungs. Inside the lungs, there are so many air passages that deliver the oxygen from the lungs into the bloodstream. When the muscles surrounding your airways constrict and the lining of your airways expands, symptoms of asthma develop. The amount of air that can pass through is then further diminished as mucus fills the airways. The coughing and chest tightness that are symptomatic of an asthma “attack” can then arise from all these circumstances.

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GENERAL SYMPTOMS OF ASTHMA

The most typical asthmatic symptom is wheezing. Basically, wheezing is a crackling or whistling sound that happens during breathing. Other symptoms of asthma include coughing while laughing or exercising, chest tightness, difficulty in talking, anxiety, chest pain, exhaustion, fast breathing, more recurrent infections, and trouble sleeping.

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Asthma in infants and children:

Approximately 10% to 12% of children may have asthma. A child with asthma may typically experience their first attack by the time they are 5 years old, or even before that, although it may take longer to identify them.

Causes :

Children’s asthma may initially be brought on by an allergy. They may develop asthma as a result of a respiratory infection or family history, or they may be allergic to pollen, pet hair, dust mites, or saliva.

SYMPTOMS:

Children with asthma may sometimes have rapid breathing patterns, tightness in the chest, breathing problem, heavy coughing, wheezing noises, difficulty feeding, sluggishness, feeble cries, and blue or pale skin or nails.

When to see the doctor?

If you find any following symptoms in your child, then immediately contact the doctor.

1. Bigger chest
2. Stopped feeding or suckling
3. Fainted crying
4. Widened nostrils
5. Change in skin colour
6. Increased breathing rate or breathing problem.

REMEDIES FOR ASTHMA (OR ASTHMA BRONCHITIS):

Modifications in the diet: 

Sometimes being obese may worsen the conditions of asthma. Hence it is important to note that children must be given a healthy and balanced diet with foods rich in beta carotene, vitamin E and C. These nutrients help to reduce the inflammation in the airways of lungs.

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Buteyko Breathing technique:

Breathing exercises are part of the Buteyko Breathing Technique (BBT) programme. By breathing slowly and gently, it might be able to lessen your asthma symptoms. BBT emphasises using the nose to breathe rather than mouth. The airways may become drier and more sensitive if the child breathes through the mouth.

Papworth method:

Asthma sufferers have benefited from the Papworth method, a breathing and relaxation technique, since the 1960s. It includes creating breathing patterns by using the nose and diaphragm.

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Yoga:

Teaching children yoga can help in their overall fitness level as well as flexibility. The breathing exercises in yoga help for healing any respiratory disorder.

Hypnotherapy:

In hypnotherapy, hypnosis is employed to help patients become more at ease and receptive to novel ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving. Inducing muscle relaxation through hypnosis may help asthma sufferers handle symptoms like chest tightness.

Avoiding triggers:

Avoid substances, odours, or items that have in the past made it difficult to breathe.

Reducing allergens exposure:

Avoid allergens that you’ve found to cause asthma attacks, such as dust or mould, if at all possible.

FOODS TO AVOID:

• Shellfish
• Vinegar
• Pickle
• Dried fruits
• Beans 
• Processed meats
• Dairy products

HERBS AND FOODS THAT HELP IN ASTHMA BRONCHITIS/ BREATHING PROBLEM:

Ashwagandha

Asthma patients’ breathing is thought to be benefited by ashwagandha by relaxing the muscles in the airways. Additionally, it suppresses immune system reactions that are inflammatory and has general stress-relieving properties.

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Tulsi and black pepper

Tulsi is a potent herb that benefits those who suffer from asthma. Asthma can be controlled by taking tulsi leaves and crushed black pepper. Tulsi leaves can also be ground with water and eaten with honey.

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Giloy

Giloy is used to relieve severe coughs and asthma. It has effective anti-inflammatory properties and diminishes the response of substances that cause inflammation. This lessens airway irritation in cases of cough and asthma.

Turmeric

Curcumin, an anti-inflammatory compound found in turmeric, is crucial for boosting lung health and treating diseases like asthma.

Amla

Vitamin C, which is abundant in amla and helps to boost immunity and asthma tolerance. Its anti-inflammatory qualities are extremely important in lowering the intensity of the asthma attack. It is also a component of certain over-the-counter asthma treatments.

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Nuts 

Nuts such as hazelnuts, cashew and almonds are good sources of vitamin E which may be beneficial for those with asthma.

Seeds

Seeds such as flaxseeds, melon, sunflower and pumpkin seeds are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. They also include magnesium, which helps to keep the airways open by relaxing the muscles around the bronchi and other air passages.

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