Herbs for Asthma

Each year, thousands of people die from asthma related complications. Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment with symptoms like wheezing, coughing, congestion, and shortness of breath. Many people often suffer anxiety about not being able to breathe.

Statistics show that children are more likely to die from asthma in the summer while people over 65 are more likely to die in the winter months from asthma.

Many things can trigger asthma attacks like histamine, strenuous exercise, cigarette smoke, chemicals, aspirin, pet dander and sulfites that are added to food. There’s also a lot more pollution these days than in the past and some speculate that’s part of the rise in asthma cases each year. People are often stuck working inside and some believe that indoor pollution or “sick buildings” are also to blame.

One drug used to treat asthma is theophylline also known as Theo-Dur. Theo-Dur is a bronchodilator which opens up the bronchial tubes.

If you catch yourself off without your medication, a few cups of coffee have been shown to be a good emergency substitute in helping open the bronchial tubes. Coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate and other caffeinated drinks or foods are good to help fend off a severe asthma attack. Not only do they contain caffeine but they also contain two other major asthma fighting compounds, theobromine and theophylline, both of which are xanthines. Xanthines help stop bronchospasms and open up bronchial airways.

Natural approaches should be used with caution and only as supplemental treatments to what your doctor has prescribed for you. These natural treatments may help reduce the amount of medication that you need but should be discussed with your doctor first.