Community Spotlight: Excuse my dry cough - The Edwardsville Intelligencer

Community Spotlight: Excuse my dry cough - The Edwardsville Intelligencer
Photos: COVID-19 Survivors Journal Symptoms and After Effects - NBC 7 San Diego
Asthma Latest Facts: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention and Treatments - Gilmore Health News

Posted: 24 Jul 2020 07:12 PM PDT

Vamsi Ahobila, MD Contributing Columnist

9:12 pm CDT, Friday, July 24, 2020

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Coughing is one of the body's natural defense mechanisms. It is a reflexive action that helps to facilitate the clearance of particulate matter, accumulated secretions, and irritants from the respiratory tract. A cough can serve as a warning for both respiratory and non-respiratory diseases and is one of the most common reasons for individuals to seek medical care.

One important type of cough is known as a dry or nonproductive cough. This type of cough does not produce phlegm or mucus https://www.healthline.com/health/dry-cough. In contrast, a productive or wet cough https://www.healthline.com/health/wet-coughproduces phlegm or mucus and is often due to bacterial or viral infections. With a wet cough, physicians can test a sample of the patient's sputum, or phlegm, in order to reach a diagnosis. The cause of a dry cough, however, may more difficult to determine. Having a dry cough on occasion is often normal; however, one that is persistent may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.

In the time of COVID-19 a dry cough is one of the leading symptoms of cases. It's important for you to consider the below factors in regards to seeking medical attention:

Cough duration

Physicians classify a cough based on several factors. One such factor is the duration. The symptoms of a cough often get worse, depending on how long the cough persists. In this way, coughs are classified as acute, subacute, or chronic. An acute cough lasts less than three weeks, while a subacute cough may last anywhere between three to eight weeks. Both are in contrast to a chronic cough, which lasts longer than eight weeks https://www.rightdiagnosis.com/sym/nonproductive_cough.htm.7 As stated previously, a chronic dry cough may indicate a more severe condition.

Common causes of dry cough

Several medical conditions are associated with a chronic dry cough, and in accordance, a dry cough may present with many other symptoms https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29080708/. For example, a dry cough with wheezing, shortness of breath, and a whistling sound upon exhalation may point to asthma https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/asthma, which is an inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract. A variant of asthma, called cough-variant asthma (CVA), however, is not associated with typical asthma symptoms. In CVA, patients only present with a chronic dry cough and increased airway inflammation.

Chronic dry cough may also be found in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which presents with difficulty swallowing, a burning sensation in the chest or upper abdomen, and bad breath. As many as 40% of GERD patients report having a chronic dry cough. However, up to 75% of people with a chronic dry cough related to GERD, may not have the typical gastrointestinal symptoms of GERD. Therefore, based on a cough alone, GERD may be a complicated syndrome to diagnose.

Other causes of chronic dry cough are postnasal drip and viral infections. With postnasal drip, patients usually have a chronic cough, along with runny nose, sore throat, and frequent swallowing. This syndrome is caused by mucus build up in the back of the nose and throat and is commonly associated with a viral infection, asthma, or even GERD https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/post-nasal-drip. Viral infections causing an upper respiratory infection can be associated with a dry cough that may linger long after other symptoms, such as runny nose, sore throat, muscle aches, and fever, have improved. These types of coughs can go away with time.

Less common causes of dry cough can include idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer https://www.mesolawsuitafterdeath.com/mesothelioma/does-mesothelioma-asbestos-cancer-cause-a-cough/, cigarette smoking, exposures to irritants, such as chemicals, pollution, or dust, allergies, and even medications (eg, ACE inhibitors). In some cases, a dry cough may even go unexplained. In order to come to a proper diagnosis, it is essential to take into consideration a whole medical history and associated symptoms. Temporary dry coughs are most likely benign, however, coughs that linger for weeks to months, get worse, or start to produce blood or mucus may require a more thorough examination.

Vamsi Ahobila, MD obtained a medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine in 2016. Since that time, Vamsi has helped co-author publications and clinical textbooks in the fields of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Critical Care Medicine. He owns and operates ProScriptMD.

Photos: COVID-19 Survivors Journal Symptoms and After Effects - NBC 7 San Diego

Posted: 30 Jul 2020 07:26 PM PDT

A collection of stories from people across the country explaining in their own words living with the long-term complications of COVID-19. They are part of an 80,000+ member support group on Facebook called Survivor Corps

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1/27

Andrea Ceresa, Branchburg, NJ:
I was a healthy 46-year-old woman up until 99 days ago when COVID took over my entire body. Severe GI issues are too numerous to list, and I am in constant pain. I have hearing loss, my eyesight is blurred, a horrible rash, unexplained bruising. I have neuropathy in my hands and feet and constant tremors. I'm losing my hair, cannot eat, and am constantly dehydrated. I'm dizzy, disoriented and exhausted and have lost an extreme amount of weight. Constant anxiety. My immune system is completely depleted and I am unable to fight this horrific virus. Numerous doctors, ER visits, procedures, and specialist, with more to come. This virus is crippling me and I don't know if these symptoms are reversible or if the damage is permanent. Not knowing when and if I'll ever get better is my biggest fear.

2/27

Gail Fenton Pesses, Metairie, LA:
My name is Gail Pesses. I live in Metairie, LA, a suburb of New Orleans. After finding out that COVID was here during Mardi Gras, my adult children, who had both come in from out of state for one of our best Mardi Gras days ever, and I counted off the weeks following. When all three of us were still healthy four months later, we thought we were home free, but then I got sick in early April with chills followed by constant diarrhea. No fever. No cough. I called my doctor who had me tested for COVID. Negative. I developed shooting pains on my side, sharp constant pain in both legs, more diarrhea, shortness of breath, complete exhaustion and pressure on my chest (like an elephant was sitting on it.) A second COVID test also came out negative. I was pretty sick. There were several nights I was truly scared of dying. Yet my oxygen levels were good, so I resisted going to the ER. I feared getting sicker there or ending up on a ventilator. Friends could not believe I was still sick. Finally at the beginning of May, I heard that the doctors at my doctor's hospital were going to begin seeing patients in person. I knew I was getting worse and had to see a doctor. I was lucky to get an appointment. The last appointment for the next day with a different doctor. She sat with me, listened to all I had been through so far, listened to my lungs, chest, etc and fully examined me. (She was the first/only doctor to tell me that the COVID tests have a 30% false negative rate). She immediately sent me for more blood work, a chest X-ray, a CAT scan of my chest and an ultrasound of my leg. She called me the same day with the results of all the tests. I had atypical pneumonia and my liver and pancreas were not functioning as well as they should. There were no blood clots in my legs. She prescribed medication for the pneumonia and warned me that I would be exhausted for the next six weeks. During the next six weeks, the chest pressure continued while the pain slowly receded. She sent me protonix and an inhaler which took two weeks to help. After three months, my constant diarrhea gave me a break for a day or two. A new pattern started with no diarrhea for 1-2 days, then back to square one. Then I was OK for three to four days, then back. As of two weeks ago, the diarrhea has been gone, only coming back two different days. I am still exhausted and have to pace myself daily so as not to overdo it.
Besides the obvious fears and frustrations of dealing with a new virus that so little is known about, it has been difficult to explain my "flavor" of it. I never ran a fever (rarely do), did not have the sore throat or terrible cough identified initially as the reliable symptoms and my tests were negative. The symptoms I did have were not well documented until just a few weeks ago. Few people know how the virus really works and that it can last for months.

3/27

Karyn Bishof, Boca Raton, FL:
I am a 30-year-old single mom in Boca Raton, Florida. Was a firefighter/paramedic at the time of infection. I am on day 130. I have a collapsed lung and was never hospitalized, and have experienced about 70 symptoms. I feel like an absent parent because I can't do things I used to do with my son. I can't even do basic household chores or walk my dog more than 100 feet. I have not been able to receive any medical care due to lack of belief and insurance and workers comp issues. I created a survey with 1,500 plus responses for those like me wanting to educate and raise awareness about the long haul experience. The world needs to be aware that it's not a cold or flu.

4/27

Joey Jones:
Diagnosed and put into isolation for eight weeks in mid-March, 2020. Doctors, nurses and I read CDC guidelines, WHO info, etc. together as at that time, they had little to go on. Still fighting some symptoms, although I finally got a test recently and showed negative, which I was told didn't mean a lot as the tests have problems with false negatives. Have definitely improved over four months ago, but far from being back to normal. Still have to lie down for a while after I shower, and my energy levels are junk. Some better days, some bad. No predictable pattern. Being in isolation for eight weeks, apart from my husband and dogs, was challenging. I created a "stained glass window" coloring page that I colored in a bit every day and a program I followed to keep my spirits up, designed in chats with doctors and nurses.

5/27

Jessica Standifird, Portland, OR:
My name is Jessica and I've been sick since March 11. I am on an upswing, but overall it's been a two steps forward, three back journey. You feel better, nearly human again, for a few days and then bam, you're fatigued and too weak to do anything. Or your fever comes back. Or your symptoms change from respiratory issues to GI issues. It's like being gaslighted by a disease -- so many seemingly unconnected symptoms. I've had skin abnormalities (rash, odd scarring and reactions), fevers as high as 104.1, conjunctivitis in the eye, the symptoms listed above, and mouth ulcers, to name a few.

6/27

Wendy Lanski:
I was in the hospital from March 24 to April 5 and 4 months later I still have tachycardia, hair loss, fatigue and many other lingering symptoms. I was in critical condition and my body and mind are still not recovered. I had an autoimmune disease to begin with acquired as a 9/11 survivor. Contrary to what skeptics say, it isn't just about the death toll, it is about the lingering toll on survivors.

7/27

Jeanette Deschene:
Mid-March, exactly five days after having contact with someone who traveled to the epicenter of this virus, I developed a low-grade fever and shortness of breath. Speaking felt like I just ran a marathon. I was tested one day later as a healthcare worker. Negative results. Fast forward 116 days later and I am still experiencing daily fevers and shortness of breath. I've added to that list tachycardia, livedo reticularis (those lovely legs below), headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and brain fog.
I've forgotten my social security number at times. I can't sleep, but I'm exhausted. I'm not sprinting down the street to get my heart rate that high, I stand up. My new normal heart rate at rest is usually 110-120 and if I stand up it rises as high as 195 bpm. No answers, no magic cure, no provider I've spoken to who is aware of the symptoms my new COVID survivor family is going thru, but we're resilient. We got this, together.

8/27

Jennifer English:
Prior to COVID, I was a healthy 46-year-old marathon runner and 107 days later I still continue to fight off this horrific roller coaster of a virus. I'm fearful that my body will never recover. Rushed to the ER yesterday by my doctor for a abnormal EKG and blood so thick that they couldn't draw it to run tests. I'm now on blood thinners to reduce my chances of clots and ease the tension in my heart. This virus is relentless and does not only affect those with underlying issues. I'm hopeful that I will one day run again, but for now I'm just happy that I can take my dog for a 10-minute walk.

9/27

Terri Tillinger:
COVID ruined my life, but I am a survivor. I've lived through my sons drug addiction and the loss of two husbands. I will survive this and come out on the other side!

10/27

Scott Krupinski :
He was very close to death. He's now home and doing better, but has lingering issues. He can't sleep, has PTSD, fast heartrate, RLS, pain and numbness in his extremities, joint pain and loss of voice. This virus is not a hoax or government conspiracy, but a real virus affecting real people.

11/27

Donna Talla, New Jersey:
March 25 -- COVID-19 hit me like a freight train! Four times in and out of hospitals, Pulmonary embolisms, blood clots in lungs, bilateral pneumonia, tachycardia, macular hole in my retina, etc. The list goes on and on, but here I stand today 118 days later and living life! As I said from day one, dig deep and fight the fight! It takes mental toughness and determination to win this war and I refuse to go down! Find the silver lining in your life and go after it!
#JerseyStrong

12/27

Dwantrina Russell:
I tested positive March 19 and am still experiencing loss of smell. Once I realized my loss of smell is an extensive effect of COVID I installed additional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as a safety precaution and to ease my paranoia. Last week, my family and I went to bed and sometime during the night I was woke out of my sleep by God warning me that something wasn't right in my house. I laid in my bed a few minutes afterwards and began to smell a funny odor but I wasn't sure because I hadn't been able to smell for a long time. I got out of bed and went to the kitchen and smelled a strong scent which was gas escaping from my stove, one of the pilots was on high. I turned everything off and checked the carbon monoxide detective and discovered I never activated the detector. It's activated now! Thank God nothing serious happened to me and my family.
As of result of this I'm trying Aromatherapy with smelling coffee brewing, coffee beans. I've tried Eucalyptus a few times it opens my nose and I'm able to smell for a short period of time but it goes back to limited sense of smell. I never imagined not being able to smell as normal but I'm hopeful this will pass soon.

13/27

Dona Marie:
This was day one in the ER on March 28. I was waiting for oxygen. Over 100 days later, I now have a blood clot in my left leg. The diagnosis is Small Vein Thrombosis. The clot is not in danger of breaking off, but has to be monitored closely and I now have to take aspirin and prescription Folic Acid for it. I have Right Bundle Branch Blockage which showed up on a post-COVID EKG. My neuropathy has gotten worse since COVID, and I now thump when I walk. Thickening on my right lung, hair is still falling out, brain fog, severe anxiety, and blurred vision. Eye doctor appointment is next week. I was not recovered after 14 days. It took 47 days before I was able to come out of isolation.

14/27

Anne McKee:
I became ill in late February-early March. In late February I had gastrointestinal issues. March 3rd, went to urgent care with pressure in chest & shortness of breath. In urgent care it became very difficult to breathe and Oxygen levels went down. They sent me to the ER in an ambulance. Treated with oxygen and intravenous anti-inflammatory/pain reducer for eight hours & released. March to mid-July I experienced chest pain/pressure (like punched in middle of chest), shortness of breath, bouts of low oxygen (low 90's - high 80's), difficulty talking due to SOB, sweats, respiratory infection/sinusitis, headaches, diarrhea, fatigue, weakness, vertigo, loss of taste & smell. I now have pattern of ground glass opacities in my lungs and lung damage that my pulmonologist is unsure is reversible. I also have nerve damage in the nerves along my upper gums from having the respiratory infection for four-and-a-half months. This feels like having several toothaches at the same time. This, hopefully is reversible with time. The last several days, I have struggled with Bradycardia, increased chest pressure and SOB, struggling to talk again due to SOB. Had this several times with COVID-19 – scared, confused and really want to get better!!!

15/27

Dr. Kathy Reilly Fallon, NYC:
I am a Doctor in NYC and came down with the coronavirus on March 23, 2020. I was not well for two to three weeks but many of the symptoms lingered up until now.
My initial symptoms on March 23 was severe dysentery/diarrhea (15-20 bouts a day) and so I dropped 23 pounds, followed by fever, night sweats, shortness of breath, mild cough, rhonchi and crackles in my left lung field (using a stethoscope I could hear it), my Oxygen level using a Pulse Oximeter fell to 90 and that is why I had shortness of breath, extreme fatigue - (tired beyond words), extremely cold feet and hands, muscle/bone aches and pains, hair loss, lost my sense of smell and taste. I experienced very vivid dreams.
I always take showers every night and a few times I showered while I had COVID-19 I almost passed out in the shower as I developed nausea.
My doctor wanted to admit me to the hospital but I knew what was going on in the hospitals and thought I would do better by staying at home under isolation and taking medication at home. I took Zithromax (ZPak) for five days and started to improve but was still very weak and lethargic and then continued on another Zithromax course for five days. I took these daily: two multivitamins, Vitamin B Complex, Zinc and Vitamin D 50,000 units (1 pill per week). I am also on Singulair for asthma (as I served as a doctor at Ground Zero after 9/11) so I took one pill every night. I took baby aspirin to reduce my fevers and take away the excruciating muscle and bone pains. I also did deep breathing exercises to get air into my lungs. I also had my son James (while he wore a mask and I wore one too) use a Theragun everyday on my entire back/lungs fields to use vibratory motions to keep everything flowing. I quarantined in my bedroom for three weeks. I relapsed when I had cleared CDC guidelines and I did eight charity outreaches in one day, I developed fever and chills that night so I started a third Zithromax (Z-ZPak).
I still had cold feet and hands and diarrhea into April and May, so I started Levaquin 750mg for seven days which resolved the cold extremities.
I was tested for COVID with the nasopharyngeal swab and was positive.
I went for a venipuncture in May and tested positive for the antibodies. I started the paperwork to schedule and donate my plasma. I still have fatigue and hair loss since getting COVID-19.

16/27

Danielle Sexton, Nesconset, NY:
I'm Danielle Sexton. I'm from Nesconset, New York, Suffolk County, Long Island. I first felt sick the night of March 15 with a very slight fever (100) and asthmatic cough. The next day I was coughing more. Called my doctor's office and they said I should be given a test because of my asthma and to call the northwell walk in. I called, was asked a bunch of questions, and told I didn't qualify. By the next day, I felt it was more like a sinus infection. By the time I sat down to eat my corned beef and cabbage for St. Paddy's Day, my taste was off. By the next morning, I couldn't smell my coffee. I had no smell or taste at all. I called my doctor. He put me on prednisone. This was Friday the 20th, my head was so foggy and I've never lost my smell and taste before. The next day I felt worse and went to city MD and was given amoxicillin for the sinus infection. Monday the 23rd, I called my doctor again and he switched me to Z-pack and gave me a second dose of prednisone. I had bad asthmatic cough all week and never got my smell or taste back. On March 27, I got an email from Excel urgent care saying they had COVID tests. I called them. It was late. I told them my ordeal. The receptionist said I sounded like I'd qualify and to come down and call when I parked. They had me wear a mask and gloves and went right into a room. The nurse immediately gave me a test. The physicians assistant John saw me. He said my lungs were rattling badly and I needed an X-ray. I cruelly laughed and said it was my asthma. He said he would call me if the X-ray was positive. They were closing soon so I expected the call the next day. I got home and my phone rang almost immediately. He said I had the beginning of pneumonia and he thinks it's COVID. The results would be a few days for the COVID test. He changed my antibiotic to cefdinir which I started the next day. I felt like I got hit by a bus by Saturday. I couldn't eat and I couldn't move. That Sunday, they called to tell me I was positive for COVID. I had the nebulizer at home, so I battled this beast by using it, resting up and drinking lots of water. The fatigue was crazy for a few days, along with headache and asthmatic cough. No fevers.
I retested on Good Friday, April 10 and I was still positive! Retested again April 30 and was finally negative. I had another test to truly confirm.
I am currently dealing with asthmatic bronchitis. I was just put on more prednisone, steroid inhaler, nebulizer and Z-pack. The doctor said I'll be on meds for months. I'm unable to workout. I'm usually a fitness junkie. Those with asthma should know, it's going to take time and go easy on yourself.
Side note- I have three girls, a husband and an aunt and I'm the only confirmed case. My youngest is still nursing and I believe she got my antibodies as she has never been sick. I've been donating plasma. I've had some good runs with no bad flare ups, right now it's bad.

17/27

Sarah Kaszubski, Greenlawn, NY:
My name is Sarah & I live in Greenlawn, NY. I started feeling ill in April with loss of sense of smell/taste, fatigue, head ache/sinus pressure and ear pains. I tested positive on the 24th of April and quarantined for three weeks in my bedroom to avoid infecting my parents. My sense of smell/taste slowly came back and the other symptoms became manageable when my chest started to hurt. A dull pain that turned very quickly into stabbing spreading pains throughout my left side. This pain occurred every night for another month. I packed a hospital bag and wrote all of my personal info down in case I was rushed to the hospital. After several weeks, I went to the hospital after one night I thought my heart felt like it was going to explode. They ran every test on me – blood work, CT scan, MRI, echocardiogram. Nothing explained the pains I was having. After the hospital visit and four other appointments, I went to see a cardiologist and he stated it was simply a residual effect of COVID-19.

18/27

Rachael Sunshine:
My first war with COVID-19 was 47 days, 45 of those with a fever and a wide array of symptoms that include bumps, COVID cough, low BP, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, tachycardia, muscle pain, extreme fatigue and headaches. Two times I was hospitalized and was probably five minutes from a ventilator.
I recovered, well I thought I did, and ultimately got sick again. Here I am in the second week of flare or post-viral symptoms with pneumonia, bumps, and every single symptom all over again.

19/27

Martha Griffin:
I pulled out this blank diary the day after I was notified of my positive COVID test. I put the sticker on it to encourage me (you've got this!). I use it to track my symptoms, thoughts, and anything I learn to help me make good decisions about improving my health. I thought it had way too many pages, but 61 days later, I'm a COVID long hauler and this little journal is one of my lifelines in my recovery. Not quite running out of pages, but it is getting full. Also, I realized weeks into this that "You Got This" could also mean – you got this – this being COVID! You have to find humor in this craziness!

20/27

Laurie Shafer:
Diagnosed April 1, but it was no joke! Still experiencing episodic loss of taste and smell, hair loss/thinning, heart racing intermittently with minimal activity, elevated BP, bouts of fatigue. I have so much to be thankful for, so I'm not complaining.

21/27

Marjorie Elleon:
I was sick with COVID in March, spent 16 days in the hospital, 12 days in ICU intubated. I got discharged in April 6, went back to my full-time job on May 24. I am for the most part doing great having survived and lived. My lasting symptoms include soreness on my left leg, shortness of breath that just comes on out of the blue, bad migraine and unexplained itchiness with welts and hives all over the body. I had lab draws done for blood clots and X-rays for the leg and it was normal. I had x-rays done post hospitalization and it is clear. My migraine feels very intense and much more debilitating. The hives and welts come sporadically, very itchy and is totally driving me insane. Although I am grateful to be COVID-free these lingering symptoms still affect me so much everyday. I try to move on far, far away from COVID but these lingering symptoms seem to not want me to move on.

22/27

Maricon Hentschel:
COVID hit me mid-March. I was quarantined for eight weeks. For the first week, I had severe rib cage and chest pains. It felt like my rib cage was in a vice grip and someone was stepping on my chest at the same time. I had insomnia, fever, hallucinations, tingling and numbing all over my body, especially my legs and arms. The headaches were massive which I attributed to my hallucinations and brain fog. And the continuous whole body malaise and fever rocked my body as well…
It progressed to throat infection, diarrhea, conjunctivitis and hair loss.
I lost my sense of smell and taste on day five and it lasted for 9 nine weeks. The throat infection was so severe that I ended up in Urgent care and had to be on a z-pak.
I could barely swallow and when I did, it felt like shards of glass were going down my throat. I lost 18 pounds during this time.
I came out of quarantine on the ninth week, but the symptoms and complications are still riddling my body as we speak.
As I continued to recount my illness to a friend who is a nurse, she told me that the tingling and spasms on my arms, legs, fingers and toes were coming from poor oxygen saturation. The only way I was able to breathe is by flipping myself onto my stomach to relieve the pressure from my chest. Unbeknownst to me that doctors started to practice it later on on their patients.
I am on my 18th week and my intestinal issues and conjunctivitis came back. Muscle spasms, numbing and pain on my legs sometimes become severe that I have to take a couple days to recover.
I have insomnia again. My hair loss is still ongoing.
I have noticed my labored breathing and sometimes, my inability to get enough air in my lungs causes me to get lightheaded.
I have Graves disease, Crohn's, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and very asthmatic. My hands have been branded for about six weeks now. The darker the discoloration, the more my hands experience numbing and weakness.
I have gone back to being a fitness and wellness instructor, but it is a daily struggle.
I am a huge proponent of mask wearing... I believe in being selfless to show respect, love and kindness to my family, friends, and community… this should never be an issue. At the end of the day, we are all in this together and this too shall pass.

23/27

Dr. Marjorie Roberts:
Hi, I am Marjorie and I have been riding the "Coronacoaster" for 16 straight weeks. My symptoms started mid-March and I was tested on April 4, told I was negative and sent home with information on viral infections. I proceeded to develop more COVID-19 symptoms that led to two additional trips to the emergency room and to me being sicker than I have ever been in my life.
After four lung X-rays, three EKG'S, three CT scans, one new primary Doctor later and visit to a lung specialist, it was determined that the negative COVID-19 test administered was a false negative… Next step for me, a scheduled Bronchoscopy which allows doctor to visualize scar tissue and nodules that have formed in my lungs.

24/27

Lisa O'Brien:
Week 20, day 135 and still dealing with intermittent tachycardia, random oxygen drops, lingering shortness of breath, skin rash, occasional GI issues, puffy, dry and scratchy eyes, nausea, little appetite, neurological symptoms like brain fog, forgetfulness, short term memory loss, blurry vision, insomnia, and numbness in my face. I now take blood thinners every day for the blood clot found in my lung in week 12.
I'm praying that we all eventually make it back to who we were before this.

25/27

Lisa Michalek, Penn Valley, CA:
I'm an RN, exposed at work on the front lines, and contracted COVID-19 on March 24.
I started with a major headache, body aches, dizziness, swollen lymph nodes, and raging fatigue.
The hospital I worked for has been less than helpful, to say the least. They also fired me last month for still being ill, then just send me a bill for $12,000 to repay a bonus I was given last year.
I'm still unable to work. My disabled, retired military husband is taking care of me. At this point, 17 weeks of illness, I now use a twice daily steroid inhaler, a nebulizer when things are really bad, and have to take a beta blocker for my new high blood pressure and heart palpitations.
I pray I'm not permanently disabled, but it's sure looking that way right now. I have no energy, no stamina, generalized muscle aches, tremors, short term memory problems, and too much sensory input is completely overwhelming.

26/27

Kristen Calabrese:
Symptoms persist at day 130 with GI issues, hair loss, brain fog, fatigue, loss of breath and chest pain. I am lucky enough to have antibodies and to have felt well enough to donate. The news around COVID should not only focus on the numbers but what life is like post-COVID and how life-altering symptoms can be!

27/27

Kristen Ricca, New Jersey:
I was diagnosed March 30, 2020 (this photo is from that day). I had a dry cough, the worst body aches I've ever felt, a low grade fever, chest pains, shortness of breath and did lose taste/smell. It was a roller coaster for about 2 weeks in isolation of my room. One day I was okay, the next I was not. I am thankful I was able to recover at home and do have antibodies now. But, here we are July 23, 2020 and I still have lingering symptoms. I have daily shortness of breath, and simple activities like walking up the steps drain me. After going up a single flight of stairs just yesterday, my HR rose to 178. I have rapid heart rate and chest pains as well. Prior to this I was a healthy 26-year-old with no prior conditions. While I am undergoing testing, the doctors just aren't sure of any answers. I am technically "recovered," but just don't feel like me and am scared this is my new "normal." Praying for everyone that we get better one day at a time.

Asthma Latest Facts: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention and Treatments - Gilmore Health News

Posted: 27 Jul 2020 06:53 AM PDT

Table of Contents

Asthma is a disease characterized by a more or less pronounced inflammation of the airways, bronchi, and bronchioles. It leads to breathing difficulties, shortness of breath, wheezing, and a feeling of tightness in the chest.

Asthma Inhaler

Asthma is a chronic disease that manifests most often through sudden attacks separated by periods of normal breathing. However, in some people, asthma leads to persistent breathing difficulties that interfere with daily activities.

Asthma is often associated with an abnormal reaction of the airways to various stimuli (allergens in the air, smoke, perfumes, etc.).

Asthma attacks

An asthma attack is a sudden worsening of symptoms. In many people, asthma manifests itself in occasional attacks with normal breathing between the attacks.

An asthma attack often begins with a dry cough, followed by breathing difficulties that cause a clearly audible wheeze. It is usually accompanied by sputum.

During an attack, the opening of the bronchi is narrowed by a strong inflammatory reaction and contraction of the muscles in the lining of the bronchi.

Attacks can be effectively relieved with medication. However, they are potentially dangerous, especially in fragile people (elderly people suffering from respiratory infections, etc.).

Prevalence

Since the 1960s, asthma has steadily increased in industrialized countries. It is estimated that 1 in 13 Americans have asthma or about 25 million people.

Two stages in life seem to be more prone to the onset of asthma: childhood and the early forties.

One in eight children with asthma (8-12% of children aged 11 and under) has asthma symptoms. This is usually one of the first chronic diseases of childhood. Fortunately, about half of these children will become completely asymptomatic during adolescence. They will still be at risk though.

Causes

The causes of asthma are not well known, although it is known that there are both genetic and environmental risk factors.

Inflammation of the airways leads to the production of thick mucus in the bronchi, which obstructs the flow of air. At the same time, the muscles around the bronchi contract, causing the bronchi to "narrow" (bronchospasm). This causes breathing difficulties.

Asthma is associated with respiratory allergies in about 80% of cases but is not always of allergic origin. People with asthma have an excessive sensitivity of the bronchi (hyper-reactivity) to one or more substances.

The following factors can help trigger an asthma attack or aggravate breathing difficulties, but they are not the cause of asthma:

Airborne allergens (dust, pollen, animal hair, mites).
Airborne pollutants (irritants in the workplace, wood smoke, exhaust fumes, air pollution, etc.).
Tobacco smoke.
Food (food allergies) or food additives such as sulfites.
Certain drugs (aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, beta-blockers).
Respiratory tract infections (colds, bronchitis, sinusitis, etc.) because they cause local inflammation.
Physical activity, especially if practiced outdoors in cold and dry weather in winter.
Strong emotions (laughter, crying, anger, excitement), especially in children.

Degree of severity

For some people, asthma attacks are rare and do not have a serious impact on everyday life. However, asthma can become more severe if the attacks are frequent and the symptoms are intense. In some cases, breathing difficulties and shortness of breath may persist between attacks.

Here are some signs of severe or poorly controlled asthma:

Symptoms during the night
Limited activity during the day
The need to use inhalers several times a day or night
Attacks requiring hospitalization

Possible complications

Poorly controlled asthma can cause permanent symptoms. In exceptional cases, it can become complicated with shortness of breath and endanger the lives of those affected. Every year in the US about 3,564 people die from asthma attacks. Most of these deaths could be prevented by good management of the disease.

The vast majority of people with asthma can, therefore, live normally, as long as they follow their treatment correctly. On the other hand, attacks rarely occur suddenly and without warning. If you learn to recognize these signs, you can take timely action to reduce the severity of attacks.

Asthma symptoms

The symptoms may be intermittent or persistent. They can occur after training or when another triggering factor is present and are usually more pronounced at night and early morning.

Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath (dyspnea)
Wheezing
A feeling of tightness in the chest
Dry cough

Note. For some people, asthma is simply a persistent cough that often occurs at bedtime or after physical exertion.

Alarm signals in case of an attack

During an asthma attack, the symptoms of shortness of breath, coughing, and secretions of mucus get worse. If the following symptoms are also present, it is imperative to ask for help or go to the emergency room to control the attack as soon as possible:

Sweating
Increased heart rate
Difficulty speaking or coughing
Anxiety, confusion, and agitation (especially in children)
Bluish discoloration of the fingers or lips
Loss of consciousness (drowsiness)
The inhaler that is usually effective does not seem to work

People and risk factors for asthma

People with a genetic predisposition to allergies or with parents or siblings who have asthma
People with low birth weight.
Obese people.
People with gastroesophageal reflux disease. Although reflux is not a cause of asthma, it is considered an aggravating factor or even a trigger for asthma symptoms.

Risk Factors

The increase in the number of asthmatics in recent decades may be due to the following external factors:

People who are often exposed to chemicals in the workplace, such as paints, hairdressing products, metals, plastics, etc., are more likely to have asthma.
Environmental pollution. More and more people live in the heart of urban areas where air pollution is significant.
Exposure to tobacco smoke. The fact that the mother smokes during pregnancy also increases the risk of asthma in children.
Active and passive smoking irritates the airways and aggravates asthma.

Preventing asthma

The treatments aim to make the symptoms of asthma disappear, but in some people, asthma is still a chronic disease with phases of improvement and worsening. Sometimes asthma disappears after adolescence, especially if it was properly treated in childhood and there is no allergic cause.

At present, the only basic preventive measure recognized is to avoid active and passive smoking. Tobacco smoke irritates the airways and is a breeding ground for respiratory diseases. There is currently no known measure to prevent asthma; there is no medical consensus on this issue.

Consuming the right amount of fruit and vegetable fiber can help prevent asthma.

The development of asthma depends on the amount of fruit and vegetables consumed. Intestinal bacteria ferment fibers in the digestive tract of fruit and vegetables. This helps to transport the fatty acids in the blood, which influence the immune response in the lungs.

Breastfeeding a child also provides some protection against asthma. This seems to be related to allergenic products that, when consumed by the mother during breastfeeding pass into the milk and lead to tolerance to these allergenic substances.

Measures for early detection

Asthma can be detected early on by spirometry testing. These are measurements of lung capacity (e.g., the volumes and rates of airflow passing through the lungs as you breathe in and out), which are measured with a spirometer. The patient simply blows into a small electronic device with a nozzle. Spirometry has been used for many years in the diagnosis of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This examination is performed on a doctor's prescription, in a pulmonologist's office or in a hospital.

Measures to reduce the intensity and frequency of attacks

Desensitization treatment

If asthma is closely related to allergies, desensitization treatment can help prevent asthma attacks. This requires allergy testing to detect the substance causing the symptoms.

General Measures

Development of an action plan. Find out from your doctor the factors that cause attacks and avoid them as much as possible: allergies, activities, behavior, etc. Pay attention to the warning signs of worsening asthma so that you can act quickly as per your doctor's advice. These signs may vary from one person to another:

Dry cough or wheezing
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness
Symptoms that occur during the night
More frequent use of inhalers
If you use a peak flow meter, a 30% decrease in peak flow is a sign of exacerbation

It is important that an asthmatic always take his medication with him so that he can relieve the symptoms at the beginning of the seizure and prevent them from getting worse. Children with asthma should also have their inhaler handy at school. If your child has asthma, it is a good idea to inform teachers so that they can help the child in case of an attack.

Check for mold, pets, pollen, and other respiratory irritants, especially if the asthma is from an allergic source.

The mold is usually found in damp and excessively isolated rooms; to combat it, the rooms should be well ventilated;

If you are allergic to pets, the best solution is to remove the pets from the house;

Avoid exposure to pollen by keeping the windows of the house closed. Make sure the filters of the indoor ventilation units are clean to ensure proper recirculation of indoor air;

Avoid exposure to respiratory irritants.

Control dust mites. Dust mites feed mainly on dead skin fragments and grow in hot and humid environments. In case of allergy:

Use a dust mite cover for your mattress and pillow.
Wash your bedding at least once or twice a month with 60% water.
Monitor the humidity level. Keep the humidity in the house and bedroom low by ventilating the house and bedroom every day if possible. Also ventilate your bathroom and kitchen correctly, as these are particularly damp rooms.
Control the dust. Dust Control in the bedroom is a key strategic element.
Keep the wardrobe clean.
Avoid curtains and horizontal blinds that collect dust.
Avoid carpets, otherwise, vacuum them frequently and wash them regularly with steam.
Avoid blankets and duvets.
Wash soft toys and dolls regularly.
Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke. Avoid smoking areas and do not smoke in houses or cars. Parents of asthmatic children or people with asthma should do everything possible to stop smoking because smoke is an irritant that aggravates asthma.
Avoid going outside during pollution peaks. Asthmatics should limit their time outside and especially physical effort during pollution peaks.
Be vigilant with regard to medication. Certain medications such as acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin®) or certain antihypertensive medications such as beta-blockers may cause attacks in some asthmatics. You should, therefore, be vigilant. If you want to take medications (even those that seem "harmless" for colds and flu), you should consult a doctor or pharmacist.

People with well-controlled asthma should not stop exercising – quite the opposite! Regular moderate outdoor exercise and breathing exercises are recommended. Regular exercise improves lung capacity and bronchial dilation and gradually reduces the threshold for stress-induced asthma. In addition, physical activity at any age improves the quality of life and reduces stress. However, individual and endurance sports cause more asthma attacks than team sports. Asthma can be partially prevented by warming up before sustained effort and gradually reducing the effort at the end of the exercise period. People who react to cold, dry air can cover their mouth and nose with a tissue that warms and humidifies the air they breathe. If these preventive measures are not sufficient, an inhaled bronchodilator should be used 10 to 15 minutes before exercise. If asthma induced by exercise is too severe, this may mean that the overall treatment is not appropriate. You should discuss this with your doctor.

Take some time to relax. Sometimes stress or anxiety can cause asthma attacks. In this sense, anything that helps to reduce stress and anxiety, such as deep breathing, massage, etc., helps to control the disease better.

Asthma treatment

Asthma is often a chronic disease that requires regular treatment even between attacks. The medicines used to control asthma do not provide a permanent cure. They facilitate breathing by increasing the opening of the bronchi (bronchodilation) and reducing inflammation. Most of them are taken by inhalation, which allows them to act quickly and with as few side effects as possible. The doctor also tries to administer the smallest dose of medicine to control the symptoms with the best tolerance of the treatment.

However, despite the effectiveness of the treatments, 6 out of 10 asthmatics cannot control their symptoms. The main causes are poor understanding of the disease, fear of side effects, and forgetting to take the medicine. However, the side effects of inhalation treatments are minimal compared to the risks associated with severe and frequent asthma attacks.

The use of inhalation devices seems simple but requires a specific technique to be effective. However, less than half of asthmatics use their inhalers correctly. The different inhalers (metered-dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers, and nebulizers) each have their own mode of use. Your doctor and pharmacist can explain the correct way of use to you.

Metered-dose inhalers: Shake the aerosol well and keep it upright. After gently emptying the lungs, inhale slowly and deeply through the mouth and release the aerosol in the first second of inhalation. Then hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds and exhale slowly.

Dry powder inhalers: These systems are easier to use because they do not require coordination of inspiration and triggering. You should inhale as firmly and quickly as possible, hold your breath for 10 seconds and then exhale outside the inhaler.

Inhalation chambers: These are used with inhalers for children under 8 years of age and the elderly. For babies, inhalation is done with a face mask, which should be kept on the face for at least 6 calm breaths.

Asthmatics are increasingly involved in monitoring their respiratory status. For example, people suffering from severe asthma can measure their maximum expiratory flow at home to adjust their own treatment according to the results. The training must have been completed in advance.

Asthma Drugs

There are 2 categories of medicines used to control asthma symptoms. The first types are rescue medicines that must be taken when symptoms occur. They provide immediate relief but do not relieve bronchial tube inflammation.

The other medications are taken to control the diseases long term. They should be taken daily, even if there is no difficulty breathing. They reduce bronchial tube inflammation and decrease the frequency of attacks. If they are not taken regularly, the frequency and severity of attacks will increase, as will the need for rescue medications.

Many people with asthma do not fully understand the difference between treating attacks and controlling them. Make sure you understand what each of your medicines is for and how often you need to take them.

Treating an attack

Attack drugs are referred to by a variety of terms, including fast-acting bronchodilators or short-acting beta2 agonists. They are only used to relieve symptoms of attacks(coughing, tightness in the chest, wheezing, and shortness of breath) or before stress-induced physical exertion on asthma. For mild and intermittent asthma, the treatment of attacks may be the only medicine needed.

These medicines include salbutamol ((Ventoline®, Ventilastin®, Airomir®, Apo-Salvent®, New Salmol®) or terbutaline (Bricanyl®). They are taken by inhalation and widen the airways very quickly, namely in 1 to 3 minutes. There are few side effects with occasional use, but high doses can cause tremors, nervousness, and an increase in heart rate. If you feel the need to take them frequently (usually more than three times a week), this means that your asthma is not being controlled properly. In this case, it will be necessary to use disease-modifying medication to treat the inflammation.

It is important that a person with asthma always carries his or her bronchodilator with them because an asthma attack can happen anywhere. Take it as soon as the first symptoms of an attack appear and wait at least 30 seconds between inhalations.

Inhaled ipratropium bromide (rare). It is an anticholinergic that blocks the action of a chemical that causes the muscles of the airways to contract. It is less effective than inhaled beta2 agonists and is sometimes used for intolerance to inhaled beta2 agonists. It takes 1 to 2 hours to achieve maximum effect.

Drugs for control

Unlike rescue medications, control medications do not immediately relieve symptoms. They work slowly and are effective in the long term to reduce inflammation and the frequency of seizures. It is therefore important to take them daily.

Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids reduce inflammation in the airways and therefore decrease mucus production. They are usually taken daily in small doses by inhalation (e.g. Alvesco® and Pulmicort®). The doctor prescribes the lowest possible effective dose. They can also be taken in tablets for severe asthma for a short period of several days (e.g. prednisolone, methylprednisolone). Regardless of whether they are taken by inhalation or in the form of tablets, they work in the same way, but inhalation allows much lower doses, a much more localized effect, and therefore fewer side effects. This class of medication is the most effective in controlling asthma. Its effect is felt after a few days of use.

Side effects

Corticosteroids inhaled at moderate doses have few side effects, even when taken over a long period of time. The most common side effects are hoarseness of voice or the appearance of thrush (or candidiasis, caused by yeast that forms white patches on the tongue). For this reason, rinse your mouth after each dose. Corticosteroid tablets have serious long-term side effects (weakening of the bones, increased risk of cataracts, etc.). They are reserved for cases of severe asthma in combination with other treatments.

Long-acting bronchodilators: These are prescribed in combination when inhaled corticosteroids alone are not sufficient to control the symptoms of asthma. Long-acting beta2 agonists cause bronchodilation for 12 hours. Their efficacy can be rapid in 3-5 minutes as Formoterol® (e.g. Foradil®, Asmelor®) or slower after 15 minutes as Salmeterol (Serevent®). They are used in combination with a corticosteroid. There are inhalers that combine both types of drugs, such as Seretide® (Fluticasone propionate / Salmeterol). Combinations with formoterol (Symbicort®, Innovair®, and Flutiform®) can also be used as a rescue drug, although they are also effective for long-term inflammation.

Antileukotrienes: Taken orally, they reduce the inflammation caused by leukotrienes, substances that contribute to the inflammatory response. They can be used alone or in combination with inhaled corticosteroids. They are indicated for the prevention of exercise-induced asthma, mild asthma, for people whose asthma is not controlled by inhaled corticosteroids alone, and for people who abuse their sprays.

Theophylline: This is the oldest bronchodilator (e.g. Theostat®). It is rarely used today because effective dosage without side effects is hard to find. It can be prescribed as a pill for people who have difficulty taking the sprays.

Anti-Immunoglobulin E: This class of medicine is intended to treat severe allergic asthma in people whose asthma is difficult to control with other treatments. Omalizumab (Xolair®) is administered by subcutaneous injection once or twice a month.

It is really important to use a controlled medicine according to your doctor's instructions, even if you have no symptoms. Without regular use, bronchial inflammation will continue and asthma attacks are likely to become more frequent.

If a person has asthma, they shouldn't accept symptoms without doing something. For example, not tolerating shortness of breath, slight coughing, or difficulty breathing at night. The disease should not progress because if you get tired of it, you can avoid treatment and over time it can degrade the bronchial tubes, which can lead to a permanent worsening of symptoms and, in serious cases, frequent superinfections and hospital stays. It is best to work with your doctor to find an effective treatment.

This is especially important for parents of children with asthma. They are often reluctant to give their children medication, and this is understandable. But in this case, they are wrong. These children must have the opportunity to develop their respiratory capital properly so that they can use it as adults. Even a child who shows signs of untreated asthma sleeps poorly has difficulty playing a sport and grows poorly. The treatment makes them feel better and saves their bronchial tubes for the future.

Complementary approaches to asthma treatment

A comprehensive preventive approach, including lifestyle changes, allows some people to reduce their medication use. The unconventional approaches presented here aim to improve the quality of life of people with asthma by reducing the frequency of attacks. They do not relieve an acute attack and should be used in addition to controlling drugs if they are still needed.

Yoga: Yoga can help to reduce the consumption of medication by asthmatics of all ages, improving their quality of life both psychologically (good mood, positive attitude, self-confidence, etc.) and physiologically (muscle relaxation, mobility, and joint strength, the health of coronary arteries, etc.). Yoga can also help to reduce the risk of asthma attacks. As yoga safety is well established, it seems to be an interesting and cost-effective therapeutic intervention that can be used to complement conventional asthma therapy.

Possible effectiveness of the Buteyko method: The Buteyko method is a breathing technique developed in Russia in the 1950s by Dr. Buteyko. According to Dr. Buteyko's view, asthmatics are in chronic hyperventilation; their CO2 levels in blood and alveoli are too low. The breathing exercises developed by Dr. Buteyko should help people breathe better and a little slower. According to practitioners of this method, these exercises have helped many asthmatics to improve their quality of life after a few days. A systematic review to evaluate the effectiveness of the Buteyko method on asthmatics was published in 2005. In general, breathing exercises seem to improve the quality of life and reduce asthma symptoms, as a 2009 clinical study showed. However, the positive effects were only noticeable after 6 months.

Possible efficacy Vitamins A, C, and E: Numerous studies have shown an association between asthma and low blood levels of antioxidant vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E). Several studies have investigated the efficacy of oral intake of such supplements in relieving asthma symptoms in people exposed to high levels of air pollution. The largest study involved 158 asthmatic children living in Mexico City. For one year, one group took vitamin C supplements and another group took a placebo. Some parameters of lung function, which were evaluated weekly, improved with the intake of vitamins C (250 mg per day) and E (50 mg per day). However, this efficacy is controversial as others have not demonstrated any benefit from this supplement. Further clinical trials are therefore required.

Note: Cigarette smoke reduces levels of vitamins C and E in the lungs.

Vitamin C supplements may reduce exercise-induced asthma but there is little scientific evidence to support this recommendation. In one study, participants received 500 mg of vitamin C (or placebo) two days before the training. Taking vitamin C reduces bronchial contraction during exercise. However, in 2009, a meta-analysis concluded that there were not enough reliable clinical trials to recommend such a supplement.

Acupuncture: A systematic review and a meta-analysis published in 2004 concluded that there was not enough evidence to recommend acupuncture for the treatment of asthma. Although some studies suggest that acupuncture can be effective, the results are contradictory and the quality of the studies is often insufficient.

Flavonoid-rich foods. Flavonoids, including luteolin, apigenin, or quercetin, have anti-allergy (achieved by inhibiting the release of histamine), anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Several studies have shown that asthma is less frequent in people with high dietary intake of flavonoids, particularly those who consume high fruit and vegetable diets.

Chiropractic: According to 3 systematic reviews, there is no evidence that chiropractic can be an effective treatment for asthma although some people have benefited from it.

Homeopathy: There is little published scientific research on the effects of homeopathy on asthma. A team at the University of Glasgow, Scotland, showed that a dose of 30 CH of pollen and dust mites was more effective than a placebo in treating hay fever and asthma respectively. In addition, a meta-analysis demonstrating a positive effect is controversial, and a study of 186 people suffering from asthma caused by dust mite allergies concluded that the homeopathic treatment given was ineffective. In 2004, a meta-analysis, in which 6 studies and 556 patients were regrouped, concluded that the data were insufficient to conclude that homeopathy was effective against asthma.

Fish oils: Researchers believe that the low level of omega-3 fatty acids in the diet of the western population, due in particular to omega-6 fatty acids, could be a cause of the increased number of cases of allergic diseases in modern societies (asthma, allergic rhinitis, skin allergies, atopic eczema, etc.). Currently, this is only a hypothesis. About twenty small-scale studies on asthma have been carried out: The results are mixed and the data set does not allow any conclusions to be drawn on the effectiveness of fish oils. Although several studies produced encouraging results a meta-analysis of 10 randomized trials conducted in 2006 showed that it was impossible to conclude that omega-3 supplements are effective in asthma.

Autogenic training: A meta-analysis of 60 studies (including 35 randomized controlled trials) defined the diseases for which autogenic training is particularly effective. Asthma is one of them. However, these results are based on only a few asthma studies: 3 randomized controlled trials involving a total of 93 subjects. The beneficial effects reported include improved pulmonary function, reduced anxiety, and reduced need for medication.

Pycnogenol: Several preliminary studies conducted on a small number of people with asthma suggest that Pycnogenol may be useful in treating this condition. For example, a study of 60 young people aged 6 to 18 years with mild to moderate asthma showed that taking Pycnogenol (1 mg/lb body weight) for 3 months reduced the symptoms of asthma and the use of bronchodilators.

Ivy leaf extract (Hedera Helix): Ivy is believed to promote mucus excretion and reduce bronchial spasms. A systematic review conducted in 2003, including 3 clinical trials, showed that ivy extracts-based preparations improved respiratory function in asthmatic children.

Chinese medicine: Numerous studies and meta-analyses have examined the efficacy of Chinese herbal preparations for the treatment of asthma. Several appear to have beneficial effects, including Mai-Men-Dong-Tang and Liu-Wei-Di-Huang-Wan.

Boswellia (Boswellia serrata): Boswellia resin, which comes from the trunk of this large tree native to India, is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat inflammation of the respiratory tract. It appears that the Boswellia resin inhibits the production of certain pro-inflammatory substances in the human body, especially leukotrienes, which intervene specifically in bronchoconstriction. A preliminary study suggests that Boswellia improves respiratory function in asthmatics.

Gingko Biloba: A preliminary study showed that Gingko Biloba leaf concentrate improves pulmonary function in asthmatics. Several studies in rats support the efficacy of Gingko in reducing bronchial tube inflammation.

Lobelia (Lobelia Inflata): Lobelia flowers have traditionally been used internally to treat certain respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic bronchitis. They facilitate breathing by promoting mucus excretion and reducing bronchial spasms. A meta-analysis published in 2010 reports the positive effects of this plant on the symptoms and respiratory function of asthmatics. Its use is limited in time by gastrointestinal side effects.

Warning: In high doses, the plant can cause vomiting and is poisonous.

Dietary recommendations

Eliminate allergens from food. Food allergies are thought to cause or aggravate bronchial obstruction in 2% to 8.5% of children with asthma. A reaction to food is thought to trigger an immediate or "delayed" asthma attack. Eggs, fish, shellfish and crustaceans, nuts and peanuts could trigger an immediate attack, while cow's milk, chocolate, wheat, citrus fruits, food additives (dyes, preservatives, sulfites, etc.), soybeans, lemons, and corn could do so with a delay. The introduction of a rotating diet can help identify allergenic foods that can trigger asthma.

Note: Several clinical studies have examined tartrazine (yellow #5, one of the most commonly used food colors), which is suspected of triggering allergies. In 2001, a synthesis of 6 randomized controlled trials concluded that most asthmatics who exclude tartrazine from their diet see no benefit. People who are particularly sensitive to tartrazine are rare.

Avoid pro-inflammatory foods: saturated fats (mainly in animal products: meat, poultry, and dairy products), refined products, and sugars as they contribute to bronchial obstruction.

Choose fresh vegetables, whole grains, legumes, onions, and garlic (unless you are allergic to them). Onions and garlic are rich in vitamin C and quercetin, two substances said to have an anti-allergy effect.

Magnesium: In conventional medicine, magnesium is administered intravenously in the event of an acute attack, but the results of 2 clinical studies involving more than 300 subjects suggest that magnesium has no clinical effect on asthma symptoms.