Asthma: Not This Holiday Season

Asthma over the holidays can totally ruin a good time.  Apart from actually healing from asthma (as I did and numerous other people did too), asthmatics need to understand what triggers an asthma "incident".  Here are some triggers to think about, address and/or avoid over the Christmas season.

Common asthma triggers include:

•  Allergies can trigger asthma symptoms: Common allergens include house dust mites, animal dander (dead skin flakes), molds, pollen, cockroach droppings or foods. Identifying what you are allergic to and finding ways to avoid those, can make it an easy day to breathe.

• Tobacco smoke, which is an irritant that often aggravates asthma: Stay away from anyone who smokes around you, in your home or your car.  This should go for anybody who has lungs. Your may also be irritated by strong odors or fumes, weather changes or air pollution.

• A weakened immune system: viral and bacterial infections such as the common cold can aggravate your body.  Adjustments have been proven to strengthen the immune system.

• Strenuous exercise or exposure to cold, dry air:  Exercise has actually been shown to help asthma.  However, this is for a person who has progressed to vigorous exercise.  Exposure to cold and dry air is stressful to anyone.  Being prepared for the cold (i.e. a scarf) is the best way to handle this.  A humidifier at home makes the air more comfortable. 

• Acid reflux, even if you do not experience heartburn:  pay attention to your nutrition program.

• Some medications can cause or worsen asthma. These include aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen; and beta-blockers (used to treat heart disease, high blood pressure, migraine headaches or glaucoma).

• Even eating certain foods can trigger wheezing in some people. If any foods seem to trigger an asthma attack, avoid eating them.

• Emotional anxiety may also increase your asthma symptoms and trigger an attack. Proper rest, diet and exercise are important for your overall health and can help in managing asthma.

If you noticed in the beginning of this article, we said "incident" as opposed to "attack".  Asthma does not "attack" you.  Can you see tobacco smoke, allergens, foods, anxiety actually attacking you?  I would think not.  The problem isn’t necessarily those things.  The problem is you (or your child).  Things aren’t working properly inside.  If they were, there would not be an "incident".

The breathing mechanism isn’t working the way it is supposed to.  That is a big deal to the person trying to breathe.  If you would like more information on how Specific Upper Cervical Care can help your body’s breathing mechanism work properly, call our office today (810) 225-7246.

I grew up with asthma and severe allergies.  I could not spend the night at grandmas at Christmas because of those malfunctions.  We understand, we care and we want to help you.