Asthma – a chronic lung disease in which airways tend to become inflamed, filled with mucus, and narrowed. It causes symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and chest tightness, which are often triggered by smoke, allergens or exercise. The symptoms are managed with the help of medication, trigger avoidance, and an asthma action plan, even though the exact and accurate cause includes environment and genetics. 

COPD – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – A lung disease which is progressive, making breathing difficult. Asthma is caused by long-term exposure to the irritants of the lungs, such as smoke, which leads to the airways and air sacs being damaged, thereby resulting in several other symptoms like chronic cough often with mucus, shortness of breath and wheezing as well. The treatments emphasise the management of symptoms through pulmonary rehab and inhalers. It is recommended to avoid triggers because, at the current time, there is no possible cure. 

Several other triggers include dry or cold air to cause airway constriction, infections like pneumonia or flu, indoor pollutants from fires or heating, which are further managed with the help of using a humidifier, but it is crucial to clean it, staying hydrated by taking in warm fluids, and wearing a scarf to cover your mouth and nose. It is advised to always keep your inhaler handy for your rescue, get vaccinated, avoid smoking and similar irritants, and exercise indoors for the prevention of flare-ups. 

Winter triggers for COPD and Asthma 

• Cold Air: As the cold and dry air is known to strip moisture from airways, thereby causing them to tighten, which is also called bronchoconstriction, this can trigger wheezing and coughing. 
• Indoor Pollutants: The indoor pollutants like pet dander, dust, smoke from cooking or fireplaces and mould from the dirty humidifiers often get trapped indoors, which becomes a trigger. 
• Indoor Dryness: Various heating systems often dry out the indoor air, which can irritate the respiratory passages, thereby becoming a trigger. 
• Infections: The common infections, such as flu, cold and pneumonia viruses, are severe for those who suffer from respiratory conditions. 

TIPS AND TOOLS FOR MANAGEMENT 

• Use of inhalers: It is advised to always carry the rescue inhaler and thereafter, use it just as directed by the healthcare provider. Perhaps it is recommended to be used before going out in the cold weather. 
• Humidifier: You must use a humidifier in order to keep the indoor humidity between 30% to 50%. It helps in the prevention of mould as well as bacteria. Hence, you are recommended to clean it on a regular basis. 
• Protecting Your Airways: It is essential to wear a mask or a scarf to cover your nose and mouth whenever you are outdoors to humidify the air. Therefore, it is advised to breathe through your nose. 
• Avoiding irritants: You must limit smoke, whether passive smoke or fireplaces, heavy dust, as well as strong perfumes. 
• Staying hydrated: You should drink plenty of fluids, specifically warm water or tea, to thin the mucus. 
• Air Quality: It is very important to check the Air Quality Index and make use of air purifiers if it is really required. 
• Indoor Activity: It is advised to exercise indoors, whether on a treadmill or doing yoga, in spite of the outdoors on severely cold days. 
• Diet: It is better for you to eat antioxidant-rich foods such as vegetables and fruits, as well as omega-3s like nuts and fish. 

Conclusion 

Ayurveda has a particular protocol for the treatment of various types of diseases. It helps in addressing the root cause. Hence, the disease is cured at the source. If you want to get rid of any disease or manage your Asthma through Ayurveda, you can visit Ananta Ayurveda and get yourself treated. Geetanjali Kansal helps her patients live a smooth and happy life by providing Ayurvedic treatments, which are completely natural. 

FAQs 

Q1: Is it fine if I use Ayurvedic treatment alongside modern medicine? 

A:  Yes, it is completely fine if you want to combine your modern medicine with Ayurvedic medicines, as they both complement each other regarding the treatment of Asthma. But anyhow, it is still crucial to consult your healthcare provider as well as a well-qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before combining the medicines in order to avoid any risks or complications. 

Q2: Which foods do I need to avoid if I have Asthma? 

A:  It is often advised to avoid foods which increase mucus production, such as cold and fried foods, dairy products, cold drinks, processed foods, ice creams, excessive sweets, rice, raw salads and pickles as well.