Extrinsic Asthma Naturist Treatment
When an allergen or antigen enters the body and causes an immune response that results in asthma, it is referred to as "extrinsic asthma." Extrinsic asthma is the body's immunological response to allergens that are inhaled, such as pollen, dust mites or animal dander.
Treating extrinsic asthma is not easy because it is oftentimes difficult to pinpoint which particular allergen triggers the asthma and because many allergy sufferers have what is referred to as "mixed asthma." As its name suggests, mixed asthma is a mixture of intrinsic and extrinsic asthma, which means that if you have asthma, your triggers could be allergens, as well as a variety of other things, including colds, flu, cold weather and exercise. While there is no known cure for asthma, there are a handful of naturist treatments to help avoid and minimize symptoms of extrinsic asthma.
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Avoiding Dietary Triggers
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Allergy testing is a logical first step in identifying the triggers that lead to extrinsic asthma. Once these results are known, you can begin avoiding your body's triggers. When allergy testing results are inconclusive, naturist treatments include starting with the diet. This includes avoiding aerosol products when cooking, such as vegetable sprays, as well as food additives, salt and any foods that use chemicals as preservatives. In addition, it is recommended that you include more fruits, vegetables and raw nuts in your diet.
Avoid Emotional Triggers
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The patient must avoid emotional triggers that can lead to expanded breathing and, in turn, result in additional inhaled allergens. When one is angry, anxious or highly upset, one tends to take deeper breaths. Relaxation methods, as involved as meditation and yoga or as simple as counting to 10 or the use of journaling or writing descriptions of feelings, can help keep extreme emotions in check and help avoid emotional triggers that exacerbate extrinsic asthma.
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Herbal Treatments
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Herbs such as elecampane, garlic, mustard and ginger are readily available at natural foods stores and are known to help control and calm coughing that can lead to worsening extrinsic asthma symptoms. These herbs have properties that are claimed to strengthen the respiratory system. They come in various forms, such as chocolates, teas and ointments to be rubbed over the chest to help soothe bronchial airways during coughing episodes or chest tightening.
Environmental Triggers
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Environmental triggers in the home, such as dust mites, can be reduced by vacuuming with a HEPA vacuum cleaner, using a protective bed covering designed specifically for reducing allergens and taking a shower before going to bed to remove any allergens that may have settled onto the hair and skin.
Fluids
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Drinking plenty of fluids is a proven way to not only maintain your body's hydration, but to help loosen airway secretions that can lead to extrinsic asthma symptoms. Doctors recommend that you drink at least eight large glasses, or 64 oz., of water each day.
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