How to Control Asthma Without Medicine

Anyone who has suffered an asthma attack is all too familiar with the symptoms. First comes the wheezing, followed by a tightening in the chest, coughing and the inability to catch your breath. In most cases, several "hits" from an inhaler and a dose of prescription medication will offer relief. You may, however, be able to control your asthma without medicine by following some simple tips.

Things You'll Need

• Inhaler or nebulizer
• Food diary
• Air filters
• Air conditioner
• List of triggers
• Vitamins C, B6 and magnesium
• Yoga mat

Instructions

1. Identify your triggers. A "trigger" is what sets an asthma attack in motion. Found inside or in fresh air, they can include: smoke, chemicals (such as hair products, fragrances and paint products), pet dander, seasonal airborne particles (such as pollen and mold), changes in the weather and dust. Identifying and eliminating contact with as many triggers as possible may reduce, even eliminate, asthma attacks.

2. Manage your home. Air filters and air conditioners are recommended for a fresh, more healthy living environment. Chronic asthma sufferers may want to invest in a vacuum cleaner that features a more efficient filtering system to avoid polluting the air with allergans.

3. Monitor your diet. Some asthma attacks may be prompted by certain foods. Known culprits are wheat, chocolate, some dairy, nuts and a multitude of additives and preservatives. Keep a food diary and eliminate any foods that can be linked to asthma attacks.

4. Learn yoga and other forms of meditation that require the practitioner to focus on breathing. Benefits include regulated breathing patterns, improved lung function, increased oxygen absorption and a strengthened immune system.

5. Explore alternative therapies. Acupuncture, homeopathy and herbal remedies are possible ways to control your asthma without medicine. Some have been proven effective in diminishing or removing the need for prescription medications and inhalers. Checking with your physician and insurance carrier before pursuing these methods is advised.

Tips & Warnings

• Asthma can be hereditary.

• Try to keep stress and anxiety to a minimum.

• Drink plenty of water.

• Participate in a regular exercise regimen.

• Consider taking daily doses of vitamins C, B6 and magnesium.