Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by difficulty in breathing, frequent coughing and a feeling of suffocation.  An attack of asthma is often precipitated by physical or emotional stress, respiratory infections, air pollution, changes in temperature or humidity, and exposure to fumes such as those of gasoline or paint, as well as sulfur dioxide and sulfites.  It may also be related to low blood sugar, disorders of the adrenal glands or specific allergies.

Symptoms of asthma are tightness in the chest and difficulty in breathing usually accompained by a wheezing or whistling sound.  Violent coughing often occurs as the lungs attempt to expel mucus.  An attack can last for several minutes to several days depending on individual situations and causative agents.

Skin tests are often given to pinpoint the patient’s allergic tendencies.  Common offenders are pollen, animal hair, dust, and certain foods.  Proper nutrition is necessary, and the asthmatic should eliminate from the diet those foods that my bring on an attack.  A high fluid intake and the inhalation of steam may help to liquefy mucus and make it easier to expel from the air passages.

VITAMIN A is necessary for general health of the lungs and, together with VITAMIN E guards against visible and invisible air pollutants.  The person should have a diet sufficient in the B COMPLEX vitamin to avoid deficiency symptoms of nervousness, which might bring on an asthma attack.  The need for VITAMIN C is increased by stress and exposure to hot or cold weather, cigarette smoking, and industrial air pollution.

Information obtained from the Nutrition Almanac, Third Edition.

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