What Drink Is Good For Asthma Relief?

Content

• Overview
• Orange juice
• Tea
• Caffeinated drinks
• Are there drinks that may make my asthma symptoms worse?
• The lowdown

Asthma is one of the most chronic lung conditions, affecting millions¹ of people. Although there is no cure, this condition is highly treatable. Most treatment plans for asthma are highly effective and could ensure you manage the condition well.

One of the most effective approaches in the management of asthma is avoiding your triggers. However, triggers differ from person to person and can include environmental toxins, allergies, or various forms of physical exertion.

In addition to asthma medications that can help relieve symptoms and prevent complications, you can also use various beverages to help manage your condition. This stems from research suggesting that proper hydration may be beneficial to managing your condition. Moreover, the nutrients from some of these beverages may also be beneficial. Below are some of the most common ones.

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Fresh orange juice may be a great source of vitamins C and E. There are potential respiratory benefits of citrus and orange juice due to the compounds found in them, including flavonoids such as naringenin and hesperidin. These flavonoids possess anti-inflammatory and antiallergic properties that can have a beneficial effect² on asthmatic individuals.

Various studies³ report that these compounds may help decrease the prevalence of exercise-induced asthma attacks. Vitamin C has also been found⁴ to allow a reduction in the corticosteroid dose required to maintain asthma control in adults.

Furthermore, research⁵ shows that a low level of vitamin D may be a risk factor for asthma attacks and that vitamin D supplementation can reduce the attacks and their severity. It is, therefore, safe to suggest you increase your intake of 100% fortified orange juice for that extra vitamin D.

Tea has always been a part of various treatment options. There have been several studies reporting the beneficial effects of certain types of teas in managing asthma attacks.

Let’s go through some of these teas.

Ginger tea

Adding ginger to your tea may help relax your airways and relieve other asthma symptoms, which may reduce wheezing and difficulties in breathing. Recent research⁶ shows that ginger tea may also relieve chest tightness.

A certain component of ginger (gingerol) was found⁷ to reduce hyperresponsiveness in the airways and allow the respiratory smooth muscles to relax.

Most people like ginger tea because it’s easy to make. All you need to do is peel a knob of ginger and then steep it in at least one glass of boiling water for 20 minutes. You then strain out the ginger. You can add other ingredients to the drink, including honey, cinnamon, or whatever else you like.

Mullein tea

Mullein tea may sound familiar to you as a treatment remedy. It’s been used for years to help treat respiratory conditions such as mucus buildup, bronchitis, and asthma. This tea helps treat coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and inflammation. According to various studies,⁸ it can also significantly help relax your respiratory tract.

You can use dry mullein leaves to make the tea by steeping them in a kettle of water or use tea bag packages from your local grocery store or online. Some people add honey to sweeten it or even mix flavors to their liking.

Licorice tea

Licorice tea is often used alongside other treatment options to ensure effectiveness. The licorice root contains a compound known as glycyrrhizin which may help relieve many asthma symptoms. Moreover, when combined with asthma treatments such as albuterol, this compound has proven effective in both animal and human studies.⁹

However, as with most things, you may experience the side effects of using licorice tea in large quantities and long-term use.   Some side effects of the tea could be dangerous — it may impact potassium levels or cause high blood pressure, kidney failure, or an irregular heart rate. It’s best to talk to your doctor before using this tea as a treatment.

Other herbal teas

There are so many other types of herbal teas you could try, including black tea, eucalyptus tea, and green tea. All these teas may help your breathing, reduce inflammation, boost the general immune system, and relax your muscles. You could also try a specifically created mixture of herbal teas designed to improve your breathing and respiratory functions.

One good example is Breathe Easy tea, which contains both eastern and western herbs. It includes fennel fruit, ginger, Bi Yan Pian, licorice root, peppermint, and eucalyptus, among other ingredients. But as always, consult with your physician before using any herbal mixtures or drinks, particularly if you have any other health conditions or are taking any medications.

There’s plenty of research¹⁰ backing caffeine in alleviating asthma symptoms. Caffeine, found in drinks like black and green tea or coffee, may improve lung function and help dilate your airways. Coffee has compounds like methylxanthines and caffeine that studies show could reduce the risk of recurring symptoms.

However, you’re advised to still take it easy on your caffeine consumption.

Yes, most definitely. But as mentioned earlier, triggers are different for everyone. You should also note that some of these beverages are linked with the risk of developing asthma. These include:

Sugary drinks

As usual, sugar is associated with most lifestyle diseases, including obesity. As such, consuming lots of sugary beverages during childhood or adulthood may increase weight, which can certainly make your asthma worse. Additionally, studies¹¹ have also found that sweetened drinks, particularly sodas, can significantly increase the risk of asthma in both children and adults.

Studies also reported a higher risk in children of women with high consumption of sweetened beverages during pregnancy. Perhaps it is time to cut down on soda and other sweetened drinks.

Alcohol

Alcohol is one of those drinks that leave you dehydrated. Dehydration may make your asthma symptoms worse and, as such, increase the chances of experiencing attacks.

Additionally, studies¹² have found that drinking alcohol can be highly triggering asthma attacks in many individuals — this is due to the histamine and sulfite content found in many alcoholic drinks, particularly beer and wine. Not everyone will react the same to alcohol, but many people may have a sensitivity to sulfites which causes allergic reactions.

Staying hydrated is the key to a healthier life. You may just decide to drink the recommended amount of water daily or look for beverages that will provide you with nutrients that could ease your symptoms. Your efforts can ensure your asthma symptoms are manageable.

However, it is still wise to stay cautious and let your doctor know which drinks you want to include in your treatment regime. You should also ensure you always consume any of these drinks moderately to avoid any adverse effects from overconsumption of certain nutrients.

Which drinks are good for asthma?

Certain drinks may alleviate or worsen symptoms of asthma. Some drinks may have anti-inflammatory effects on the airways, whereas others may be an asthma trigger.

Asthma is a chronic condition in which a person’s airways react to certain triggers, which leads to swelling and inflammation in the airways. As a result, it becomes hard for air to pass through the airways, making it difficult for the person to breathe.

Drinks that have anti-inflammatory properties may, therefore, help with symptoms.

In this article, we discuss which drinks may help with asthma, which drinks to avoid, and other asthma remedies.

There is some evidence that certain drinks may help lessen asthma symptoms. These include:

Caffeinated drinks

Caffeine is a substance that is in coffee, tea, certain soft drinks, and cocoa.

An older study suggests that caffeine may have beneficial effects on asthma symptoms. The study showed that consuming small amounts of caffeine could improve lung function for up to 4 hours.

The authors note that caffeine is very similar chemically to a drug called theophylline, which doctors use as a bronchodilator to open up the airways in the lungs.

Due to this effect of caffeine, people should make a doctor aware if they have recently consumed caffeine before taking a lung function test, such as spirometry.

Drinks with vitamin D

A 2016 study notes that children and adults with low levels of vitamin D are more likely to experience asthma symptoms and that those who include vitamin D in their diet are less likely to require hospitalization due to asthma.

Fortified cows’ milk or plant-based milk may contain vitamin D, which might help prevent asthma attacks in some cases.

Water

Dehydration may make a person more likely to experience asthma symptoms.

A 2019 study found that dehydration reduces blood flow to the skin and affects how efficiently the heart works.

Exercise reduces airway hydration, which increases the risk of the airways constricting, leading to asthma symptoms.

People should consume enough water to prevent dehydration. Those who exercise regularly or vigorously may need to drink more. While many foods and drinks are hydrating, water is a simple way to prevent dehydration.

There are several drinks that people may wish to avoid if they have asthma. These include:

Sugary drinks

A 2019 study identified an association between drinking soft drinks and having asthma. Adults and children who consume soft drinks are more likely to have asthma. The study also notes that children born to people who drank soft drinks during pregnancy are more likely to have asthma.

A 2015 study suggests that children who consume 100% fruit juice and drinks with added sugar have a significantly increased risk of developing asthma.

While researchers do not know exactly why soft drinks have an association with asthma, it is possible that the sugar affects the airways. If a person consumes drinks high in sugar, this may increase inflammation in the airways, causing asthma symptoms.

Alcohol

Some people with asthma may also benefit from avoiding alcohol.

Alcohol contains two triggers that may make asthma worse: histamines and sulfites.

Histamines are chemicals that are present in the body and at varying levels in almost all foods and drinks.

Sulfites are a natural preservative in alcohol. Some manufacturers may add more sulfites to wine to prevent it from fermenting in the bottle.

Alcoholic drinks that contain higher amounts of histamine and sulfites, such as wine, beer, and cider, may trigger asthma symptoms. Some people may also find that drinking alcoholic drinks makes them more sensitive to other asthma triggers.

Several foods may also help asthma symptoms. These include foods that contain:

• vitamin D, such as egg yolks and fortified food
• vitamin E, such as sunflower seeds, almonds, greens, and pumpkin
• fish oil
• fruits and vegetables, such as apples, bananas, and green beans

These foods may have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. This effect may decrease inflammation in the lung airways, reducing the risk of asthma symptoms.

Food that is high in fiber may have a protective effect against airway inflammation because fiber affects the number and types of bacteria present in the body.

However, some other foods may make asthma symptoms worse. Western diets tend to be high in fat, which can increase airway inflammation. Research shows that young children who consume fast food and meat at least three times a week are likely to experience more asthma symptoms.

Find more diet tips for asthma here.

People can try home remedies or medical treatments to help manage their asthma.

Home remedies include avoiding any known triggers whenever possible. People who smoke may also find that their asthma symptoms, or those of their child or another household member, improve if they stop smoking. Consuming a healthy, balanced diet may also lessen the effects of asthma.

Medical treatments for asthma include bronchodilators and inhaled steroids. In severe cases, a person may require hospitalization and oxygen therapy.

People should seek medical attention immediately if they are finding it difficult to breathe. Anyone who believes that they or a person in their care is experiencing asthma symptoms should make an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible.

Learn more about six home remedies for asthma here.

Asthma is a chronic condition that can lower a person’s quality of life.

Certain drinks may be beneficial in managing asthma symptoms. For example, caffeinated drinks, fortified milk, and water may reduce airway constriction. However, sugary drinks and alcohol may make asthma symptoms worse.

Some people may also find that certain foods reduce the symptoms of asthma. Food that is high in vitamins D and E, fish oil, and fruits and vegetables may have anti-inflammatory effects on the airways. Conversely, fast food and meat may increase the frequency or severity of symptoms.

If a person is concerned about their asthma, they should contact a doctor. Although dietary changes may lessen the symptoms of asthma, they are not a substitute for medications.

Effect of caffeine on people with asthma

Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, cola and cocoa. Caffeine is a substance very similar to theophylline. Theophylline is a bronchodilator used to open up the airways in the lungs and therefore relieve asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Scientists want to understand whether caffeine affects the lungs in the same way as theophylline.

There are two main reasons why it is important to know if caffeine is a bronchodilator. First, it may be beneficial for asthma patients to take caffeine to relieve asthma symptoms. Second, caffeine intake can interfere with the results of important tests used to assess the severity of asthma.

If caffeine acts as a bronchodilator and dilates the airways, then a patient who consumed caffeine prior to the lung function study would show a better result than if they had not consumed it. A potential problem is that if test results are better than expected, doctors may prescribe a lower dose or a weaker drug than required, which could lead to problems with asthma control.

This review carefully reviews all available high-quality clinical studies on caffeine in asthma. This review was done to see if people should avoid caffeine before a lung function test.

A review showed that even small amounts of caffeine can improve lung function for up to 4 hours. Because of this, caffeine may interfere with the outcome of a lung function test (eg, spirometry) and should therefore be avoided whenever possible prior to a lung function test, and prior exposure should be recorded.

It remains unclear whether caffeine intake improves symptoms. It is possible that such significant amounts of caffeine would be required to alleviate asthma symptoms that its adverse effects will appear, and therefore more research is needed.

Another clinical study evaluated the effect of caffeine on exhaled nitric oxide levels, however, no significant effect was found, and therefore it is unlikely that patients should avoid caffeine prior to this study. However, these are the results of only one study, which means that further study of this issue is necessary.

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Translation notes:

Translation: Masalbekova Aida Azizbekovna. Editing: Mikhail Evgenievich Kukushkin and Lilia Evgenievna Ziganshina. Project coordination for translation into Russian: Cochrane Russia – Cochrane Russia (branch of the Northern Cochrane Center on the basis of Kazan Federal University). For questions related to this translation, please contact us at: [email protected]; [email protected]

Asthma diet and nutrition – good and bad foods

Author Valentina Lazareva

Therapist experience 26 years

Content of the article

1. General description
   1. Classification and causes
   2. Asthma symptoms
   3. Complications
   4. Forecast
   5. Prophylaxis
   6. Treatment in official medicine
2. Healthy foods for asthma
   1. Traditional medicine
3. Hazardous and harmful products for asthmat
4. Information sources

General description of the disease

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease
which is characterized by periodic attacks. Inflammatory in asthma
process in the airways during breathing provokes spasms
obstructive origin, up to asthma attacks ^[3] .

Today this pathology is a real scourge of our time. suffering from asthma
and men, and women, and children, in total up to 10% of the total population
planets ^[5] . At the same time, about 250 thousand cases end in death.
outcome. In the developed countries of the world, health care spending on combating
with bronchial asthma account for at least 2% of the total cost.

Classification and causes

Depending on the origin, asthma is classified into:

• endogenous – cold air can provoke this form of the disease,
  infectious pathologies, severe nervous strain;
• exogenous – cause allergens that enter the respiratory tract;
• mixed – develops with the activity of exogenous and endogenous
  factors.

Depending on the symptoms, asthma is classified into:

1. 1 intermittent – this type of disease is quite rare
   exacerbations – 1 time in 15-20 days;
2. 2 mild persistent attacks
   disturb the patient 3-4 times a week, at night less often, not more than once
   once every 7 days;
3. 3 moderate persistent
   characterized by daily attacks during the daytime and regular
   night, about 1 time in 5-6 days;
4. 4 persistent severe
   – Asthma attacks disturb the patient several times during the day,
   day and night.

Depending on the clinical manifestations, the following types of asthma are distinguished:

• allergic – caused by triggers in the form of allergens,
  proceeds as an inflammatory process of the respiratory tract;
• non-allergic – is chronic and does not depend on allergens;
• obstructive – characterized by obstruction
  airways in the bronchi, which interferes with normal circulation
  air;
• asthma in obesity – characterized by poor disclosure
  respiratory tract;
• with late onset – typical for older women
  middle age, usually a reaction to certain medications.

The main risk factors for developing bronchial asthma include:

1. 1 increased stress load;
2. 2 genetic predisposition – if both parents
   suffer from asthma, the probability of developing their child is 70%;
3. 3 natural and climatic conditions;
4. 4 frequent pneumonia;
5. 5 smoking, both active and passive;
6. 6 presence of other pathologies of allergic origin
   – allergic rhinitis
   or dermatitis;
7. 7 obesity;
8. 8 susceptibility to frequent catarrhal pathologies;
9. 9 constant contact with allergens – house dust, household hair
   animals or pollen from house flowers;
10. 10 chemical irritants at work;
11. 11 polluted air in megacities;
12. 12 excessive exercise.

Symptoms of asthma

The main symptom of the disease is a severe asthma attack, which
usually consists of 3 stages:
that a severe asthmatic condition is approaching. To them
include: inability to take a full deep breath, incessant
sneezing, wet cough, copious discharge from the nose and respiratory
ways;

However, not only seizures can diagnose the disease.
The main symptoms of bronchial asthma include:

1. 1 cough worse at night;
2. 2 frequent colds with respiratory complications;
3. 3 pain in the sternum, accompanied by
   general weakness and tachycardia;
4. 4 severe dyspnea, which is aggravated even with mild physical
   loads;
5. 5 cyanosis of the skin of the face;
6. 6 anxiety, panic;
7. 7 breath accompanied by wheezing and wheezing;
8. 8 severe cough with sputum;
9. 9 increased perspiration;
10. 10 in some cases increased pressure;
11. 11 allergic reactions in various manifestations;

Patient aggravated by exposure to smoke, allergens,
with changes in air temperature and during physical exertion.

Complications

Bronchial asthma can cause serious complications that
can be life-threatening:

• pathologies of the respiratory tract of an infectious nature;
• vascular and heart diseases;
• constriction of the bronchi, which greatly complicates breathing;
• emphysema
  lungs – a violation of gas exchange, which provoke changes
  lung tissues;
• bronchiectasis – chronic pathology of the lungs and bronchi;
• status asthmaticus;
• pneumothorax;
• side effects of drugs that the patient takes for a long time
  to stabilize severe asthma.

Forecast

The prognosis of bronchial asthma with adequate therapy is favorable.
It is important at the first signs of the disease not to self-medicate, but
Seek medical attention as soon as possible to
The pulmonologist chose the most effective treatment regimen.

Prevention

To prevent the development of asthma, the following measures must be taken:

1. 1
   vaccination;
2. 2 minimization of contact with allergens;
3. 3 keep the home and workplace clean;
4. 4 remove mold at work and at home;
5. 5 adhere to breastfeeding;
6. 6 use only hypoallergenic cosmetics;
7. 7 treat colds in time;
8. 8 if possible avoid stress and increased emotional stress;
9. 9 change air conditioner filters in time;
10. 10 do not open windows during flowering;
11. 11 stop smoking, avoid passive smoking.

Patients with bronchial asthma to prevent new attacks and
development of complications should:

• periodically take vitamin complexes;
• give up alcohol;
• get rid of dust accumulating objects in the house, such as carpets, massive soft toys, rugs;
• ventilate the apartment every day and do wet cleaning;
• do breathing exercises;
• use hypoallergenic detergents and cleaners;
• limit contact with pets, including ornamental fish, whose food may contain allergens;
• replace upholstered furniture with fabric upholstery with leather or leatherette;
• Only use duvets and pillows with synthetic fillings.

Treatment of asthma in official medicine

It is impossible to diagnose asthma only on the basis of the patient’s complaints.
First, the doctor listens to the patient’s lungs with a stethoscope.
with asthma, wheezing and whistling are clearly audible. Pulmonologist if necessary
appoints spirography, the results of which show the volume and speed
movement of air during inhalation and exhalation.

Pathology can occur differently in each patient, respectively,
and the method of therapy is selected individually ^[8] . To stop an attack
first you should calm the patient, give him a drink in small sips
150 g of warm water and only then use the inhaler. Most
The main thing is to prevent the development of panic. Asthma attacks
many patients are easier and faster in the sitting position. If
within 20-30 minutes the patient does not feel better, it is better to call
ambulance.

Drug treatment involves a basic course that controls
asthma course: glucocorticosteroids and monochannel antibodies, and
also a symptomatic course aimed at the prevention of pathology:
xanthines, antibacterial and expectorants ^[6] .

To minimize the number and intensity of seizures in patients with AD
follows:

1. 1 get rid of fleecy blankets, bedspreads and carpets in the house;
2. 2 use air purifiers at home and at work ^[4] ;
3. 3 minimize contact with any pets;
4. 4 Get rid of house insects and dust mites in a timely manner.

Good results in the fight against asthma can be achieved with the help of allergen-specific
immunotherapy, which involves long-term vaccination for
4-5 years. In this case, the patient is injected with microscopic doses of the allergen,
which leads to a decrease in the sensitivity of the immune system.

The success of treatment is also influenced by the conscious behavior of the patient himself,
he must adhere to the following rules:
seek medical attention;

Healthy foods for asthma

Proper nutrition for asthma helps to normalize metabolism
substances, stop the inflammatory process, accelerate recovery,
therefore, such patients are recommended diet number 9, which assumes
the use of such products:

1. 1 the maximum amount of fresh vegetables and fruits for satiety
   weakened body with microelements and vitamins;
2. 2 lean meats;
3. 3 rye flour baked goods;
4. 4 porridges with cream
   oil;
5. 5 fermented milk products;
6. 6 light, hateful first courses;
7. 7 compotes and fruit drinks.

At the same time, meals should be fractional and frequent, and meals should
steam, bake, boil or stew.

Folk remedies for asthma

• for thinning sputum during an attack folk healers
  recommend drinking 50 g of dry wine. It has a similar effect
  and tincture of valerian;
• rub the patient’s chest with melted bear fat;
• take hydrogen peroxide solution, 1 drop on the first day
  three times a day, in the following days increase 1 drop, so
  bring up to 3 drops 3 times a day ^[1] ;
• during an attack, apply mustard plasters to the calves of the legs;
• eucalyptus oil
  famous for its decongestant effect, a poet at the head of the patient
  in the evening they put a piece of cotton wool soaked in oil in order to
  all night the patient inhaled its vapours;
• to get rid of accumulated sputum, you can take a solution
  water with honey
  in a ratio of 1: 1 with the addition of cinnamon;
• daily eat ½ head of onion
  onion, which relieves the inflammatory process and narrows the bronchi;
• drink ginger daily
  tea to relieve spasms in the bronchi;
• drink three times a day, 100 g of decoction of birch leaves;
• drink tincture of purified aloe leaves for 10 days
  on dry red wine with honey ^[2] ;
• warm tea with viburnum berries will help ease the attack;
• to cope with shortness of breath will help decoction of dry leaves of celandine;
• A drink made from
  fresh figs,
  filled with warm milk.

Dangerous and harmful foods for asthma

antigenic activity, such as:

• white flour muffins and pastries;
• alcoholic beverages;
• fatty meats;
• spices;
• store-bought mayonnaise and sauces;
• carbonated soft drinks;
• first courses based on strong rich broths from meat and fish;
• offal;
• smoked products;
• chocolate;
• citrus fruits;
• strawberries,
  raspberries
  melon,
  tomatoes,
  eggplant.

Sources of information

1. Herbalist: golden recipes of traditional medicine / Comp. A. Markov. – M.: Eksmo; Forum, 2007. – 928 p.
2. Popov A.P. Herbalist. Treatment with medicinal herbs. – U-Factoria LLC. Yekaterinburg: 1999.- 560 p., illustration.
3. Asthma, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11430178/
4. Asthma in adults: Principles of treatment, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/316
5. /
6. Asthma.