Asthma is a common condition affecting 20 million Americans. Asthma refers to a condition where a person’s airways become inflamed or constricted. They may also produce a lot of mucus. This can cause:

• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling of tightness or squeezing of the chest
• Low lung capacity

Depending on the individual, asthma can be a mild annoyance or a dangerous and possibly fatal condition.

No one knows for sure what causes asthma. Poor nutrition, obesity, and allergies are all possible contributors.

There is no known cure for asthma. However, there are ways to control asthma so that people who suffer from it can lead full, active lives.

Your health practitioner might prescribe medications to treat your asthma. There are two types of medications used to treat asthma.

1. Rescue medications: These are emergency-use medications like inhalers that act quickly to stop the symptoms of asthma.
2. Controller medications: These medications are used every day to prevent asthma attacks from happening. They may take some time to begin working.

If you experience negative side effects, you may wish to try an alternative herbal solution.

Avoid things that cause your asthma to flare up. Common triggers are:

• Dust. Many people find that airborne and surface dust can cause their asthma to flare up. Do not use dry-cloth dusting methods. Instead, use Swiffers or a damp cloth.
• Dust mites. Some people cannot tolerate dust mites. Get a high-quality vacuum with a HEPA filter and vacuum your carpets once per week. Pillows and mattresses become saturated with dust mites over time. Purchase new ones periodically.
• Pets. If you have a pet that worsens your asthma, get rid of it. If you cannot get rid of the pet, bathe it once a week with special shampoo to reduce the amount of dander. Keep the pet outside for as much time as possible. Do not allow the pet in sleeping rooms.

• Pollen. Some people find that their pollen allergy can make their asthma flare up. Avoid pollen when possible.

• Cigarette smoke. If you have asthma, stay away from secondhand smoke. Do NOT smoke if you have asthma.

• Mold. Mold is a serious problem. Bleach will kill most mold on surfaces. Remember to take proper precautions when using bleach. If the mold has firmly established itself in your house, you may need to have a professional mold removal service clean your house.

• Cockroaches. If you have a cockroach infestation, have them removed by an exterminator.

• Nitrogen dioxide is a common gas that can be a byproduct of fuel-burning appliances, like gas or oil stoves and wood or gas fireplaces. Some people have found that it aggravates their asthma. Have your heating system checked professionally. Keep rooms where you have possible nitrogen dioxide sources well ventilated.

Sources
http://www.epa.gov/asthma/no2.html
http://library.thinkquest.org/TQ0312847/athsma.htm
http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/diseases_conditions/respiratory/asthma.html