We’ve asked our resident naturopath some common questions about Asthma, to make it easier for non-sufferers to understand and help if they need to. In addition offering some advice to Asthmatics that’ll help them stay on top of their symptoms and be more aware of what to look out for to stop an attack.

Q. What is an Asthma Attack?

When someone is having an asthma attack, they’re experiencing recurring bursts of wheezing and breathlessness. This arises when the tubes that carry air into the lungs become inflamed and cause the airways to narrow. During an asthma attack, the walls of the airways in your lungs swell. As a result, the airways shrink and more mucus is produced, which clogs them even more.

Q. What causes an Asthma Attack?

An asthma attack can happen when you are exposed to certain triggers. There are no hard and fast reasons for someone to experience an asthma attack, as the triggers aren’t the same for everyone. It could be allergens such as dust mites, mould, cigarette smoke, the weather and even certain foods. It’s important to know your triggers and try your best to avoid them.

Q. How can you tell if someone is having an Asthma Attack?

These are the four most common signs to look out for:

1. Noisy, wheezy breathing
2.  Short Breaths
3. Frequent coughing
4. Complaining of tightness in the chest

Q. Does Asthma Prevent Exercise?

Having asthma shouldn’t stop anyone from exercising. In fact, a recent study found that adults who walked three times a week for 12 weeks actually improved their asthma control and fitness levels without provoking an attack. There are qualified personal trainers who will be able to coach you through this and help work out a routine that is best suited to your lifestyle.

Q. How can I help keep Asthma symptoms away?

Being smoke free and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle is a good start, for obvious reasons. Try monitoring stress levels - we know, this can be easier said than done, but it’ll go a long way to preventing attacks. Create an asthma plan with your health care professional to learn how to spot triggers and symptoms yourself. Make sure you stay on top of your prescribed medication and think about including some natural remedies into your lifestyle.

Q. How can an Asthmatic be helped?

Asthmatic’s should always have their inhaler on them, but may forget to use it when in a panic. Make sure they do. The best thing for you to do is keep calm and offer reassurance. Sit the person down and get them to lean forward slightly. Ensure that their arms are supported, either by their knees, a table, or the arms of a chair. Asthma might feel like a life sentence that can hinder you from partaking in activities with friends and families, but it certainly doesn’t have to be. It’s important to know what’s likely to set your asthma off and the best way for you to ease an attack if one does happen. If you live a healthy lifestyle combined with good treatment and management, there is no reason why an asthmatic cannot enjoy a normal and active life.

Mr Vitamins recommends:

Good Health Healthy Lungs

A liquid formula that contains herbs that aid in soothing the mucus membranes, as well as having anti-spasmolytic actions, which help to relieve the airway spasms that occur in asthmatics. Find out more about Good Health Healthy Lungs here

Good Health Men's Multi and Women's Multi

Topping up your daily dose of multi vitamins can build your immune system. We all have busy lives…whether it's rushing from home to work to school or to play. It 's not always easy to eat all the right food all of the time. A good multi vitamin and mineral formula is the perfect way to ensure you're getting the right daily nutrients needed for a healthy functioning body. Find out more about Good Health Men's and Women's Multis here