Asthma: the most effective dietary supplements

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects the airways of the lungs. It is characterized by intermittent airway inflammation, causing narrowing of the airways, which makes breathing difficult. Typical symptoms include wheezing, chest tightness, a persistent cough, and difficulty breathing, especially at night or early in the morning. The underlying mechanism of asthma is an abnormal inflammatory response of the bronchi to various stimuli, such as allergens, pollution, stress, or physical exertion.

Etiology

The causes of asthma are multifactorial, involving both genetic and environmental factors. Major risk factors include exposure to allergens (dust, animal dander, pollens), air pollution, tobacco smoke, and early respiratory infections. In addition, recent studies have highlighted the potential impact of vitamin D deficiencies on the worsening of asthma symptoms. Imbalances of the gut and respiratory microbiome, as well as prenatal and postnatal stress, are also recognized as factors that can influence the onset and severity of asthma.

Symptoms

Asthma symptoms vary in intensity and can occur in attacks. The most common include: • Wheezing: A high-pitched whistling sound, especially during exhalation. • Chest tightness: A feeling of constriction in the chest. • Persistent cough: Often worse at night or early in the morning. • Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, particularly after physical exertion. These symptoms can fluctuate, with periods of remission between attacks. Asthma can be classified into different categories, ranging from intermittent asthma to severe persistent asthma, depending on the frequency and severity of symptoms.

Treatments

The treatment of asthma primarily aims to control airway inflammation and prevent attacks. Therapeutic options include: • Rescue Medications: Bronchodilators, such as salbutamol (albuterol), are used to rapidly relieve symptoms during attacks. • Preventive Medications: Inhaled corticosteroids (such as beclomethasone) are commonly used to reduce chronic airway inflammation. • Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists: Used when corticosteroids alone are not sufficient. • Theophyllines: Medications that help widen the airways by relaxing bronchial muscles. • Trace Elements: Treatments based on trace elements such as selenium and gold can be used as complements to modulate the inflammatory response.

Prevention

Asthma prevention relies on managing risk factors and adopting certain practices to reduce attacks: • Allergen Control: Minimize exposure to household allergens (dust, pet dander, etc.) and use anti-mite covers. • Lifestyle: Avoid smoking, maintain regular physical activity, and manage stress. • Supplementation: Adequate vitamin D intake may play a role in preventing asthma attacks, although further studies are needed to confirm this link. People with asthma should adhere to their treatment and adjust their medications based on medical advice.