Fish Oil. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in cold water oily fish and in supplements (preferably DHA-EPA, the important compounds in fish oil) have anti-inflammatory effects. Some evidence suggests they may be helpful for people with asthma, although it is weak.
Caffeine. Caffeine has properties that are similar to the asthma drug theophylline. A major analysis of studies reported that caffeine improved lung function for up to 4 hours after consumption. Although tea and coffee are the major sources of caffeine, some sodas contain it and should be avoided when children have an asthma attack. (People who are going to have their lung function tested should avoid drinking coffee, tea, or other caffeinated beverages for at least 4 hours beforehand.)
Food Allergies. Although 67% of people with asthma believe their symptoms are aggravated by food allergies, studies indicate that this belief may be true in only 5% of cases. If young children show signs of or test positive for food allergies, however, parents should be extra cautious in preventing exposure to any asthma trigger. Some doctors now counsel all children with asthma to avoid nuts entirely, and, of course, children who experience reactions to any foods should avoid them. Chemicals that may pose some risk for an allergic reaction are monosodium glutamate, or MSG (found in some canned soups, cheese, and certain vegetables), and sulfites (preservatives in foods, such as frozen potatoes and tuna). Contrary to what many believe, dairy products do not appear to exacerbate asthma symptoms in people who are not already allergic to them.
Exercise
Encourage children with asthma to swim and play sports, such as baseball, that will present less difficulty for them. Intense activities lasting less than two minutes, such as sprinting or competitive swimming, are less problematic than longer-lasting exercises.
Asthma is no reason to avoid exercise. Historically, about 10% of US athletes who participate in the Olympics have asthma. Some studies are indicating that long-term exercise may even help control asthma and reduce hospitalization.
Young people who enjoy running should probably choose an indoor track to avoid pollutants. Swimming is excellent for people with asthma. Yoga practice, which uses both stretching, breathing, and meditation techniques, may have particular benefits. One study reported that two-thirds of patients who practiced yoga regularly were able to reduce or stop taking their asthma medications.
Patients should consult their doctors before embarking on any exercise program. Exercise-induced asthma is a limited condition that has specific recommendations.
Preventing and Treating Respiratory Infections
People with asthma should try to minimize their risk for respiratory tract infections. Washing hands is a very simple but effective preventive measure.
There has been some question concerning influenza vaccinations because of some reports that vaccines may worsen asthma. Recent and major studies report, however, that the vaccination is safe for adults and children. It is also very important for patients to reduce their risk for respiratory diseases. Still, 90% of patients with asthma remain unvaccinated.
Patients with asthma should ask their doctor about the flu vaccine and also whether they should receive the vaccination against pneumococcal pneumonia.
Zanamivir, a new drug used for treating influenza, is now considered safe for patients with asthma 12 years of age or older. In one study, patients with asthma treated with zanamivir experienced fewer flu symptoms, and their lung function improved.
Reducing Stress and Negative Moods
People with asthma have no higher rate of anxiety or depression than the general population. However, such emotions interact with the effects of asthma and its treatments in important ways:
- Negative emotions can discourage compliance with medication and the ability to cope.
- Poor control of asthma symptoms, in turn, increases the risk for negative emotions.
- Stress and depression have been associated with more severe symptoms and even an increased risk of fatal asthma attacks.
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