Asthma

Asthma is shortness of breath accompanied by wheezing caused by a spasm of the bronchial tubes or by swelling of the mucous membrane. No age is exempt but asthma occurs most frequently in childhood or early adulthood. The patient may assume a "hunched forward" position in an attempt to get more air. Other allergic disorders may coexist. Recurrence and severity of attacks are mental or physical fatigue, by exposure to fumes, by endocrine changes at various periods in life, and by emotional situations. A continuous asthmatic state may last for hours or days. Asthma can't be cured, but its symptoms can be controlled.

Allergens inhaled in the air or infections of the respiratory may precipitate an attack. Occasionally foods (eggs, shellfish, or chocolate, and a few others) may precipitate an attack. In some cases asthma develops in persons with allergies of unknown etiology. It may be precipitated by infection of the upper or lower respiratory tracts.

Causes

• Airborne substances, such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, or particles of cockroach waste, dust, and animal dander
• Physical activity (exercise-induced asthma)
• Cold air
• Air pollutants and irritants, such as smoke
• Certain medications, including beta-blockers (Beta-blockers are drugs that block the effects of adrenaline, the hormone that triggers your body's fight-or-flight response when you're stressed), aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and naproxen (Aleve)
• Strong emotions and stress
• Sulfites and preservatives added to some types of foods and beverages, including shrimp, dried fruit, processed potatoes, beer and wine
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acids back up into your throat

Complications

• Sign and symptoms that interfere with sleep, work or recreational activities
• Sick days from work or school during asthma flare-ups
• Permanent narrowing of the bronchial tubes (airway remodeling) that affects how well you can breath
• Emergency room visits and hospitalizations for severe asthma attacks
• Side effects from long-term use of some medications used to stabilize severe asthma

Proper treatment makes a big difference in preventing both short-term and long-term complications caused by asthma.

It isn't clear why some people get asthma and others don't. It could be due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors.

People with asthma seem to have a higher risk of getting diabetes than those who do not suffer from asthma. Those with both conditions seem to have a tougher time keeping their blood sugar under control. Diabetics that are poorly controlled are more likely to show dips in lung function over time than those with well-controlled diabetes.

Specific foods you eat might have a direct impact on your asthma. The following foods will also help if you have diabetes.

• Eat plenty of raw fruits and vegetables
• Eat foods with omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, tuna, and sardines
• Avoid Trans fats and omega-6 fatty acids. Look at the labels to make sure foods you eat don't contain these things.
• Keep healthy weights, as overweight people tend to have more trouble controlling asthma and diabetes.