How to use diet to supplement for bronchial asthma

Written by Zeng Xiang Bo
Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
Updated on December 20, 2024
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Generally speaking, for bronchial asthma, especially milder cases or those with rare occurrences and short duration, there is no need to deliberately seek dietary supplements. Moreover, since bronchial asthma is a type of allergic disease, caution should be taken with dietary supplements to ensure there are no allergies to certain foods or herbal remedies. For chronic, recurrent asthma, traditional Chinese medicine often attributes it to kidney deficiency or a deficiency in both the lung and kidney qi, where the organs fail to properly grasp the qi. In such cases, dietary supplements that originate from both food and medicine can be helpful. Examples include cordyceps duck soup, walnut kernels, cordyceps, and mulberry seeds. These substances can support kidney function and help manage asthma to some extent. (Note: The use of these substances should be guided by a professional doctor.)

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What to do about chest tightness in bronchial asthma?

Bronchial asthma is a disease characterized by breathlessness, chest tightness, rapid breathing, and coughing, caused by the infiltration of various inflammatory cells in the airways, resulting in the narrowing of the bronchial lumen and the production of a large amount of mucus. When patients with bronchial asthma experience chest tightness, we can treat them with some nebulized inhalation medications. These medications are usually short-acting bronchodilators that can take effect within 3-5 minutes, quickly alleviating the symptoms of chest tightness. Additionally, patients should avoid exposure to allergens that may trigger asthma attacks, such as animal fur, viruses, and dust, to prevent recurrence of the symptoms.

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Symptoms of bronchial asthma cough

Bronchial asthma can also manifest as a disease primarily characterized by coughing, which we call cough-variant asthma. It does not necessarily exhibit typical symptoms of bronchial asthma such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness; it manifests solely as coughing. This type of cough generally occurs more frequently in the early morning and at night, characterized primarily by a dry cough without mucus. If the coughing is severe, some chest tightness may occur, accompanied by symptoms such as an itchy nose, itchy throat, or the presence of hives, an allergic condition, which is different from ordinary coughs. Therefore, when these characteristics are present, attention should be paid to whether it is combined with bronchial asthma, rather than just a simple cold or bronchitis manifestation.

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Written by Hao Ze Rui
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Symptoms of bronchial asthma

The most common symptoms of bronchial asthma are episodic difficulty in breathing, which can also manifest as episodic chest tightness and coughing. During an asthma attack, there will be accompanying wheezing sounds. If the patient is more severe, they may be forced to sit up to breathe during episodes of breathing difficulties, exhibiting orthopneic breathing. Some patients may experience a dry cough or cough up a large amount of white foamy sputum. In severe cases, symptoms of hypoxia such as cyanosis of the lips and nail discoloration can occur. Asthma attacks are generally acute, with symptoms appearing within minutes, but they can also begin more slowly, worsening over several hours or days. Asthma generally relieves itself, or even after relieving, it may recur, typically worsening during the night.

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How to check for bronchial asthma?

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease. Patients primarily exhibit symptoms of episodic wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, which usually can be relieved with or without medication. Typically, during an attack, there is wheezing and audible stridor. A diagnosis can usually be made based on symptoms and medical history, as well as physical examination. However, for atypical patients, further tests may be necessary. Generally, the main tests for asthma patients are pulmonary function tests, which include provocation tests and relaxation tests, as well as the 24-hour peak expiratory flow variability. These tests are helpful for the definitive diagnosis of bronchial asthma.

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Can bronchial asthma be treated with nebulization?

Patients with bronchial asthma can undergo nebulization, especially pediatric asthma patients who are more suited for nebulizer therapy. Nebulization inhalation is currently a safe and effective method for treating childhood asthma and is listed by the World Health Organization as the first choice for global asthma prevention and treatment. For severe asthma during acute exacerbations and attack periods, nebulization therapy is not recommended. When using nebulization therapy, it is important to regularly disinfect the nebulizer and replace it periodically. During severe bronchospasm, it is important to avoid using excessive doses of receptor agonists, and care should be taken to avoid too low drug concentrations during nebulization, as it is not conducive to the effectiveness of the treatment.