Search Results for: asthma

May 2, 2023 By Sonal Pradhan 2 Comments

All You Need to Know About Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the airways that transport air to and from the lungs. Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swells and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Asthma can’t be cured, but its symptoms can be controlled.

Types of Asthma

Many different aspects of a person’s environment and genetic makeup can contribute to the development of asthma.

Extrinsic: This type is associated with and triggered by allergens. Sometimes known as allergic asthma, it is more common and typically develops in childhood. Your immune system reacts to what would normally be a harmless substance by increasing antibodies, increasing mucous and thereby, making airways narrow and inflamed. It can be associated with
- Pollens
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Certain foods like Nuts
Intrinsic Asthma: This is a non-allergic, non-seasonal form. Usually, it first occurs during adulthood. Intrinsic asthma represents a small amount of all cases. It usually develops after the age of 30 and is not typically associated with allergies. Intrinsic asthma can be difficult to treat and symptoms are often chronic and year-round. Substances irritate the airways. It is associated with:
- Chemicals such as cleaning products, aerosols, air fresheners
- Exercise-induced
- Environmental pollution or cigarette smoke
- Extremes of cold or very hot weather
- Emotional extremes – such as laughing, stress

What Causes Asthma?

Many different aspects of a person’s environment and genetic makeup can contribute to the development of asthma.

Genetics: It is widely accepted that asthma is a disease that can be inherited. If there’s asthma, eczema, hay fever or other allergies in family, it makes asthma more likely.
Persons with allergies can develop asthma. A strong link exists between allergies and asthma.
Smoking increases the risk of developing asthma. It has a part to play in adult-onset asthma. Smoking during pregnancy or passive smoking may also increase the risk of developing asthma in children.
Exposure to triggers at work: Sometimes asthma triggers present at the workplace which is a reason for causing asthma.
Female hormones: Hormones can play a part in triggering late onset asthma and some women first develop asthma during or after the menopause.
Pollution plays a part in causing asthma. Environmental pollution, including traffic fumes and chemicals from power plants, can make asthma symptoms worse and may play a part in causing asthma.
Childhood Development: The early months and years of a child’s life are critical times during which a baby can develop or become susceptible to developing asthma. The abnormal development and growth of the lungs can increase a person’s risk for developing asthma.

Asthma Triggers

Exposure to various irritants and substances that trigger allergies (allergens), can trigger signs and symptoms of asthma:

Airborne substances, such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander or particles of cockroach waste
Strong emotions and stress
Respiratory infections, such as the common cold
Physical activity (exercise-induced asthma)
Cold air
Certain medications, including beta blockers, aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen (Aleve)
Sulfites and preservatives added to some types of foods and beverages, including shrimp, dried fruit, processed potatoes, beer and wine
Air pollutants and irritants, such as smoke

What Are The Risk Factors Involved?

Having a family history with asthma
Exposure to occupational triggers, such as chemicals used in farming, hairdressing and manufacturing
Having another allergic condition, such as atopic dermatitis or allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
Being overweight
Exposure to exhaust fumes or other types of pollution
Being a smoker
Exposure to secondhand smoke

Symptoms Of Asthma

The classic signs and symptoms of asthma are shortness of breath, cough (often worse at night), and wheezing (high-pitched whistling sound produced by turbulent airflow through narrow airways, typically with exhalation). Many patients also report chest tightness. It is important to note that these symptoms are episodic, and individuals with asthma can go long periods of time without any symptoms.

It’s not necessary that every person with asthma shows all of these symptoms. For instance, some people may have disturbed sleep at night due to excessive coughing, while others may experience breathlessness while exercising.

Can It Be Prevented?

Avoidance of triggers is a key component of improving control and preventing attacks of Asthma. It’s vital to learn to identify your asthma triggers and take steps to avoid them. If you have allergies and asthma, it’s important to minimize your exposure to allergens (substances to which you are allergic). Minimize exposure to all sources of smoke, including tobacco, incense, candles, fires, and fireworks.

Avoid close contact with people who have a cold or the flu, because your asthma symptoms may worsen if you catch the infection from them. Early pet exposure may be useful. Coping with stress can help prevent and control your asthma. Meditation helps a person reduce stress.

Exercise is beneficial in people with stable asthma. Yoga could provide small improvements in quality of life and symptoms in people with asthma. With proper management and prevention of asthma you can minimize your symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life.

If this article helped you, let us know in the comments below! You can find more informative articles here or you can speak directly to a GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here.

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December 22, 2020 By Aesha Mehta 1 Comment

7 Foods To Avoid If You Have Asthma

Asthma is an ancient Greek word which means “Short drawn breath”. It can be quite troublesome as it causes chest tightness, shortness of breath and coughing. Patients suffering from asthma have more trouble exhaling carbon-dioxide than inhaling oxygen because the air passages of the small bronchi become clogged, making it difficult to breathe. Most asthma patients face more difficulty breathing during the night time.

Modern medicine has not been able to find a cure for this troublesome respiratory disease. Drugs and vaccines help in reducing symptoms and provide temporary relief. Allergy is a major cause of asthma but it can be managed with proper diet and lifestyle such as eating foods which are easy to digest and adapting lifestyle methods such as yogic kriya – which helps in proper assimilation of food, strengthening of lungs, digestive and circulatory system.

Which Foods Should You Avoid If You Have Asthma?

While there are foods which can help you alleviate the symptoms of Asthma, here are some which you must avoid at any cost.

Sugar: Sweet carbonated drinks, candies, cakes, biscuits and all the foods which are rich in sugar increase coughing and wheezing in children. Sugar attacks the immune system of the airway which causes narrowing of airways and mucous production. Instead of sweets, Include jaggery and coconut sugar
Junk Foods: like burgers, pizza, red meats, fries, etc. which are loved by a large part of the population, worsens asthma symptoms. These foods make one overweight and the lungs have to work harder, making it difficult to breathe. Include simple, homemade foods instead of junk foods
Alcohol: Sulphites is one of the allergens which is present in many alcoholic beverages which worsens asthma symptoms. It increases wheezing and breathing difficulty. Include more natural beverages like lemon water and coconut water instead of beer and wine.
Beans: cause gas in our body and puts pressure on diaphragm and increases acid reflux. It is better to avoid beans and other foods like cabbage, onion and garlic which are gas forming.
Tea and coffee: Another allergen, Salicylates, is found in tea and coffee. Though it is rare, some asthmatic patients are allergic to salicylates and find difficulty in breathing. As an alternative, you can include herbal teas like chamomile tea and passionflower tea instead of regular tea and coffee.
Shrimp: contains sulphites which is an allergen. Yes SULPHITE again! It can worsen asthma symptoms.
Salt: is one of the worst foods for asthma. It can tighten the airways, cause inflammation and fluid retention, making it a very serious lung complication. Include natural flavouring ingredients like cumin, turmeric and chilli flakes instead of salt.

We hope this article helps you. Do leave your thoughts in the comments below. For more on Asthma, check out Healthy Reads or tune in to LIVE sessions by experts on GOQii Play.

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December 17, 2019 By Saba Mirza Leave a Comment

Tips to Help You Manage Asthma During Winter

Winter is a little tough for most of us to deal with but for people suffering from asthma, it can be more challenging.When out, the cold air irritates the respiratory mucosa and exacerbates the symptoms. On the other hand, when you’re indoors, asthma triggers are present in the form of molds, pet dander and dust mites. When cold waves hit the airways or when asthma triggers enter the respiratory tract, the airways get into a spasm and produce more mucus which clogs the pathway and causes excessive coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath! So how exactly can one manage asthma during winter?

Tips to Manage Asthma During Winter

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Apart from getting your flu vaccines before the onset of winters and being ready with all the prescribed medicines from your doctor, here are a few simple measures which will help you manage asthma during winter.

Limit Outdoor Activities: To prevent the flaring up of asthma because of cold air, limit your outdoor activities, especially walking or outdoor sports. Workout in a gym or at home, which will prevent any shortness of breath and will also help in boosting physical fitness.
Cover Your Face While Going Out: Drape a scarf over your mouth and nose or wear a winter mask covering the lower part of your face whenever you go out. It will warm the air up a bit before you breathe.
Prevent Mold Formation In The House: Keep the house dry and clean to prevent the formation of molds. We can prevent the growth of dust mites and molds by ventilating the house, especially the kitchen and bathroom, with exhaust fans. Prevent moisture formation on hidden areas and dry all the wet places. Be sure to repair any leaky pipes, roofs and windows.
Prevent the Spread of Infections: Cold and flu viruses are on the rise in winter and can exacerbate the symptoms of asthma. Prevent catching these infections by washing your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, using hand sanitizer whenever you’re out and maintaining distance from people who are infected.
Keep Yourself Hydrated: Drinking good amount of liquids is helpful in thinning down the mucus in the lungs which can then be easily expelled. Lukewarm water, herbal teas, hot clear soups, etc. are quite effective in soothing sore respiratory mucosa. Avoid drinking cold water or cold beverages as cold irritates the respiratory mucosa and can exacerbate the attack.
Use Essential Oils: Eucalyptus oil has been used since ages for various infections, predominantly asthma and bronchitis. Put a few drops of eucalyptus oil in hot water and inhale the vapours for a few minutes. This will help you find relief from breathlessness! Lavender and Basil oils are quite effective as well.
Include Anti-inflammatory Food Daily: Include omega-3 fatty acids rich food like fish, flax seeds and nuts more regularly during winter. This will help reduce inflammation in the body. Antioxidant-rich foods like seasonal fruits, fresh and colourful vegetables also help in cleansing the body by destroying the toxins accumulated in the body cells. This helps in boosting the body’s immune response to various infections.
Practice Yoga: Gloomy days in winter also contribute in increasing stress levels. High-stress levels can trigger the symptoms of asthma. Deep breathing exercises, as done in pranayama, can be helpful in improving lung efficiency in people with asthma as well as relieving the stress!

We hope this article helps you manage asthma during winter! If your symptoms get too severe, visit your doctor immediately. For home remedies and more information on asthma, you can view LIVE videos by experts and interact with them on GOQii Play.#BeTheForce

May 12, 2023 By Vaishali Vibhute 3 Comments

Benefits Of Eating Watermelon During Summer

Summers are incomplete without the red and juicy watermelon. Watermelon is a large, sweet, and refreshingly low calorie fruit. It is grown in a favorable climate from tropical to temperate regions worldwide. Besides cantaloupe, honeydew and cucumber, watermelon is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family. All parts of this fruit are edible.

There are lots of nutrients from the seeds to the white flesh closest to the rind. The rind contains more amino acid citrulline than the flesh. Rind is edible after cooking. Watermelon rinds are often cooked as vegetables in most parts of India. Watermelon seeds are also loaded with nutrients. They are high in protein, fiber, vitamin B and omega 3 fatty acid.

Healthy Reasons To Eat Watermelon

Each bite contains 92% water and 6% sugar. It’s name makes perfect sense, as it consists mostly of water. So apart from keeping you hydrated, what else does this healthy summer fruit offer?

Rich in nutrients: It is an excellent source of a wide variety of nutrients specially Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Potassium, Dietary Fiber and Antioxidant Compounds.

Nutrients present in 100gm of watermelon are as follows :

Sr.No.	Nutrients	Units	Quantity
1	Energy	Cal	30
2	Carbohydrate	Gm	7.5 including 6.2 gm sugar
3	Fiber	Gm	0.4
4	Magnesium	Mg	10
5	Potassium	Mg	112
6	Choline	Mg	6.3
7	Vitamin A	Mcg	27
8	B – carotene	Mcg	467
9	Lycopene	Mcg	4532
10	Vitamin C	Mg	8.3

One ounce i.e 28.5gm of seeds provide around 8gm of protein.

It helps you to shed extra kilos: Watermelon is the best fruit to eat if someone is trying to lose weight. It is rich in lycopene. It will increase your body’s Arginine level, an amino acid, which helps burn fat quickly. Due to its low calorie and highwater content, it keeps a person full for a long time and helps promote weight loss.
Good for eyes: Lycopene, an antioxidant present in watermelon keeps the eyes healthy and protects against age related macular degeneration (AMD).
Keeps your kidney healthy: Watermelon is a natural diuretic. Potassium present in watermelon removes toxic substances from the body and reduces the percentage of uric acid present in the blood.
Prevents constipation: It is high in water and a good source of fiber that helps prevent constipation and promotes good bowel movement.
Promotes a healthy heart: It is the best source of Citrulline – an amino acid that our body converts to Arginine, an essential amino acid that plays a key role in relaxing blood vessels and helps improve blood flow. It also helps control blood sugar and helps lower blood pressure.
Keeps your skin and hair healthy: Watermelon contains vitamin C, which the body needs to produce collagen – a protein that keeps your skin supple and hair strong.
Helps in cancer prevention: Being a source of numerous antioxidants and flavonoids, watermelon consumption helps in protecting against certain types of cancer such as colon, breast and lung cancer.
Helps with sore muscles: Due to the presence of amino acid, citrulline in watermelon, muscle soreness can be treated. Watermelon may enhance performance and speed of recovery post exercise.
Reduce asthmatic attack: An antioxidant lycopene present in watermelon helps reduce asthmatic flares up in both children and adults.
Keeps you energetic: Potassium present in watermelon has electrolyte properties that leaves you feeling energetic for a long time.
Enhances the immune system: Vitamins and antioxidants present in this fruit, aids the production of RBC (red blood cells) which keep the immune system strong.
Good for the brain and nervous system: Being rich in Choline, an antioxidant present in this fruit, helps in learning, memory and brain development.

It is the best cooling fruit to eat during the summer season. Apart from the above benefits, Watermelon also has Vitamin B6 and potassium. Potassium maintains water balance in the body while Vitamin B6 improves immunity. Citrulline prevents muscle cramps. Remember that Juicing breaks down the fiber, making sugar easier to absorb and you may not get the benefit of fiber. People with diabetes should consider eating fresh, whole watermelon rather than drinking the juice.

We hope this article helps you head to the market and pick this amazing fruit now! Find more tips on nutrition and healthy summer eating here or speak to a GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here.

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