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Asthma is a common condition: about 14 million adults have it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It can start at any age, although it most often begins in the elementary school years. Some people, however, first notice symptoms of asthma while they're teenagers. No one knows exactly what causes asthma, although it's thought to be a combination of environmental and genetic (hereditary) factors. A person with asthma may have a parent or other close relative who has asthma or had it as a child. Asthma is never contagious, although it can sound that way because of the coughing and wheezing that often occur.

The most common symptoms of asthma: -

• Cough
• Chest tightness
• Rapid breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing

What are the causes of asthma?

It is difficult to conclude as to what causes asthma. We can generally say that a person is prone to asthma if-

• There is a family history of asthma, eczema or any type of allergy.
• Smoking during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of the child developing asthma
• Children whose parents smoke are more likely to develop asthma in the long run
• environmental pollution can make asthma symptoms worse
• Asthma may also develop after a viral infection or any other type of infection.
• Irritants or triggers found at home or workplace may lead to a person developing asthma.

Prevention from Asthma Attack: -

The following are some of the risk factors which asthma patients must avoid:-
• Avoid using perfumes.
• During your asthma attack always sit up straight or bend forward. Never lie down.
• Take special care that your bedroom is free from allergen material.
• Dust your room often but not with broomstick instead if possible use a vacuum cleaner.
• Wear a scarf round your mouth and nose during cold weather to be on the safer side. This will warm the air and prevent the cold air from entering in and reaching the sensitive airways
• Use a plastic cover over your mattress and if possible wash this in hot water every week.
• If you have an air conditioner than see to it that you change its filter periodically.

Home Remedies for Asthma: -

• Grind some turmeric (use old turmeric for better results). Mix one teaspoonful of this powder with one tablespoonful of honey (again, the honey must be as old as possible). This is to be taken orally. This recipe is believed to work even when all other methods fail.
• A glass of warm milk, with a tsp of turmeric powder added to it, will be beneficial in keeping the asthmatic attacks at bay.
• For asthma in the early stages, it is beneficial to chew some black pepper before going to bed.
• Make a mixture of 1/4 cup of onion juice, 1 teaspoon honey and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. It gives immediate relief from congestion and alleviates breathlessness.
• Another efficient cure for asthma would involve having roasted grams every night. After eating grams, drink a glass of warm milk.
• In 1 cup of water soak 1 tspn of Fenugreek seeds overnight. Strain it and add 1 tspn of Ginger juice and 1 tspn of honey to this solution. Drink it every morning and evening.
• Put three tbsp of water in a pan and add six pieces of cloves. Bring the water to a boil, remove from heat and strain. Let it cool down a bit, add a tsp of honey and eat the mixture.


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