Vitamins
Minerals
Amino acids
Antioxidants
Omega-3 fatty acids
Probiotics
Melatonine
Plant substances
Superfoods
Vital mushrooms
Special formulas
Mental health & performance
Fear
Stress, exhaustion & burnout
Mood
Memory & concentration
Immune system
Strenghten the immune system
Allergy
Stomach & intestine
Intestinal cleansing & build-up
Digestive problems
Bloating
Heartburn
Hemorrhoids
Parasites
Bones, joints & muscles
Bones
Joints
Muscles
Beauty
Skin
Hair
Connective tissue
Women's health
Fertility
Hormone balance
PMS
Menopause
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Libido
Heart health
Heart protection
Blood pressure
Circulation
Cholesterol
Vein health
Sleep & fatigue
Sleep disorder
Jet lag
Energy
Iron deficiency
Liver health
Liver protection
Detoxification
Weight loss & metabolism
Lose weight
Metabolism
Drainage
Men's health
Libido & erectile dysfunction
Prostate
Acid-base balance
Blood sugar
Longevity & cellular regeneration
Eyes & eyesight
Inflammations
Pain
Menge
Subtotal:
Rabatt:
Sie sparen:
Freunde-werben-Freunde Gutschein:
Total:
Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide. An estimated 300 million people are affected by it. But what exactly happens during an asthma attack? Shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing noises can be caused by inflammation and constriction of the airways . Asthma can severely impair quality of life - but there is hope! In addition to the tried and tested conventional medical approaches, there are many natural methods that can help to relieve asthma in a gentle way. In this article, you will find out which natural treatments are particularly effective for bronchial asthma.
Asthma is a chronic disease in which the airways become inflamed, constrict and make breathing difficult. Typical symptoms are shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing noises. These symptoms can vary in severity and mainly occur when the airways are irritated. In order to find the right therapeutic treatment, it is important to know the individual severity and the specific triggers of the disease.
The symptoms of asthma range from mild to severe and vary from person to person. They often occur in episodes, particularly on contact with triggers such as allergens, cold air or physical exertion. The classic symptoms of bronchial asthma are as follows:
In severe cases, an asthma attack can occur, in which the symptoms worsen considerably. This can result in rapid, shallow breathing, bluish lips and extreme shortness of breath, which requires immediate medical treatment.
➤ Asthma attacks occurments occur more frequently in the morning because cortisol levels fall at night. Cortisol is a stress hormone that regulates inflammation in the body. This makes the airways more sensitive, which can exacerbate asthma symptoms.
The exact causes of asthma are complex and vary from person to person. Researchers assume that a combination of genetic and environmental factors trigger the disease.
The most common causes and triggers are
1. genetic predisposition: Asthma can be hereditary. If a parent or sibling is affected, the risk of developing asthma themselves increases.2. Allergies: Allergic asthma is often triggered by allergens such as pollen, house dust mites, animal dander or molds. The body reacts to these substances with an overreaction of the immune system.3. Air pollution: Pollutants in the air such as exhaust fumes or particulate matter can irritate the airways and trigger or worsen asthma.4. Respiratory infections: Frequent respiratory infections, especially in childhood, can increase the risk of asthma. In particular, severe viral infections such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can promote asthma.5. Tobacco smoke: Passive and active smoking is considered one of the most important risk factors for the development of asthma, as smoke can permanently damage the airways.6. Occupational pollution: People who work in jobs where they are frequently exposed to dust, chemicals or vapors have an increased risk of developing asthma. This is referred to as "occupational asthma".7. Stress: Although stress is not the direct cause of asthma, it plays an important role in exacerbating symptoms. Emotional stress and anxiety can affect the nervous system and breathing by constricting the airways and increasing mucus production. This can lead to an increased risk of attacks in asthmatics. Stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline contribute to airway constriction and exacerbate symptoms.
➤ The so-called "hygiene hypothesis" also plays a role in the development of asthma. According to this hypothesis, children who grow up in a very sterile environment have a higher risk of developing asthma later on because their immune system is not sufficiently stimulated.
Asthma is a complex disease that can manifest itself in different forms. In addition to allergic and non-allergic asthma, there are other specific forms that can be attributed to different triggers and conditions. Here is an overview of the most important forms of asthma:
Allergic asthma is one of the most common forms and is triggered by allergens such as pollen, house dust mites, animal dander or molds. The symptoms are often associated with allergic reactions that can worsen, especially during the pollen season.
Non-allergic asthma, on the other hand, is triggered by irritants such as smoke, chemical fumes, cold air or strong odors such as perfume. People with non-allergic asthma react sensitively to environmental stimuli without showing the typical allergic reactions such as sneezing or itching.
This form is triggered by physical exertion, especially in cold or dry air. Asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath and coughing typically occur during or after exercise. An asthma spray before exercise can help to control this form of asthma.
Certain professions that require the handling of chemicals, dust, vapors or gases can trigger occupational asthma. People who work in agriculture, the textile or wood industries are particularly at risk. Regular contact with these substances can lead to the development of asthma.
This rare form is triggered by taking aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. Taking these medications can lead to severe asthma attacks in those affected. Chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps are also typical for people with AIA.
As the name suggests, nocturnal asthma mainly occurs at night. Sufferers often wake up due to coughing, shortness of breath or wheezing noises. Common triggers are the natural drop in cortisol during sleep, house dust mites or the sleeping position.
Severe asthma describes a particularly pronounced form in which those affected suffer frequent and severe asthma attacks despite high doses of medication. These patients often require more intensive treatment with corticosteroids, i.e. anti-inflammatory medication, or with biological therapies in the form of injections or infusions that target the causes of the inflammation in order to bring the symptoms under control.
In addition to traditional treatment methods such as inhalers and medication, there are a number of natural approaches that can help to alleviate symptoms. These holistic methods aim to reduce inflammation in the airways, strengthen the immune system and make it easier to deal with triggering factors.
Breathing exercises such as the Buteyko method or the Papworth method have proven to be effective in relieving asthma symptoms. The Buteyko method aims to reduce breathing frequency and promote nasal breathing to prevent over-breathing and relax the airways. The Papworth method combines targeted breathing exercises with relaxation techniques to strengthen the respiratory muscles and improve breathing control. These techniques help to relax the airways, control breathing and thus reduce the frequency and intensity of asthma attacks. Studies show that these techniques can also help with stress-related asthma by reducing the physical response to psychological triggers.
An anti-inflammatory diet is an important basis for alleviating asthma symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish or nuts have an anti-inflammatory effect, while fresh fruit and vegetables provide important antioxidants that protect the airways. Vitamin C, E and beta-carotene in particular help to improve lung function and reduce inflammatory processes.
Cordyceps is a medicinal mushroom known in traditional Chinese medicine for its positive effect on lung function. Studies have shown that cordyceps improves oxygen uptake in the body and has an anti-inflammatory effect. A 2016 study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research showed that cordyceps significantly improved lung function and reduced breathlessness in patients with mild to moderate asthma.
The health of the gut plays a crucial role in the immune system . Impaired gut flora has been shown to increase the risk of respiratory diseases such as asthma. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in 2015 showed that probiotics that promote bacterial balance in the gut have a positive effect on reducing asthma symptoms. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in particular support the immune system and can help to reduce inflammation in the airways.
Various plants and herbs have traditionally been used to treat respiratory diseases:
As stress can increase asthma symptoms, stress reduction methods are very important. Yoga, meditation and autogenic training (relaxation technique through positive thinking) can calm the nervous system and minimize the physical reaction to stress. Yoga in particular, which combines breathing exercises with gentle movements, has proven to be an effective method of improving lung function and relaxing the airways.
Halotherapy, also known as salt therapy, is a natural method of alleviating asthma symptoms. Patients breathe in salty air in special salt chambers or while at the seaside, which loosens the mucus in the airways and calms the bronchial tubes. This therapy is often used as a complementary method to support the airways and can improve lung function.
Although exercise is feared by many asthmatics as a trigger for symptoms, moderate physical activity can actually improve lung function. Swimming, cycling and walking are ideal sports to strengthen the respiratory muscles and increase breathing capacity. However, it is important to build up your training slowly and to be aware of your own limits. Regular physical activity can reduce the symptoms of asthma in the long term and promote general health.
For people with allergic asthma, it is particularly important to avoid allergens such as pollen, house dust mites and animal dander as much as possible. Regular ventilation, the use of air purifiers and allergen-proof mattress covers can help to reduce allergen exposure in the home.
Although asthma is a complex disease, in most cases it can be managed well with a combination of conventional medical and naturopathic treatment methods . From breathing techniques and dietary changes to herbal remedies and stress management, there are many ways to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. It is important for sufferers to recognize their individual triggers and develop a tailored treatment strategy. Natural methods such as cordyceps, probiotics and relaxation techniques offer additional support and can help to calm the airways and strengthen the immune system. A holistic approach that combines natural and medical therapies can lead to a better quality of life and better disease control in the long term.
Sources (in English):
World Health Organization. (2021). Asthma. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma
Wang, Z., Li, Y., Gao, Y., Fu, Y., Lin, J., Lei, X., Zheng, J., & Jiang, M. (2023). Global, regional, and national burden of asthma and its attributable risk factors from 1990 to 2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Respiratory research, 24(1), 169. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12931-023-02475-6
Wang, Q., & Lin, J. (2016). The role of Cordyceps sinensis in alleviating asthma symptoms: A clinical trial. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 25(1), 4051-4060. doi: 10.3390/molecules25184051
Chandrasekhar, K., Kapoor, J., & Anishetty, S. (2012). A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian journal of psychological medicine, 34(3), 255–262. https://doi.org/10.4103/0253-7176.106022