Airways are thin pipes that carry oxygen-rich air, deliver it to the lungs, and remove the carbon dioxide from the lungs. Asthma develops when the airways get inflamed, resulting in breathing difficulties. Here, one may be exposed to triggers that cause inflammation. The symptoms can be mild, interfering with daily routine, or severe requiring immediate medical attention. However, early detection can help one get timely treatment, resulting in better management of the condition.

Common symptoms
Recognizing early symptoms of asthma can help manage the condition better. Early detection is especially important for children, as getting the appropriate treatment can help kids with asthma lead healthy lives. Here are the most common symptoms of asthma:

• Breathlessness
• Tightness in the chest
• Cough
• Wheezing—breathing accompanied by a whistling sound

When one notices any such signs, they should consult a doctor for a thorough examination and diagnosis. The doctor may refer the patient to pulmonologists who specialize in lung diseases. When these symptoms develop in a child, the condition is more likely to improve with age.

Causes and triggers
Doctors are yet to identify a precise cause and permanent cure for asthma. However, e airways swell, they can become narrow, making it difficult for air to move. The swelling can develop when one is exposed to a specific trigger. In rare cases, one could experience a random asthma attack without a trigger. The most common triggers are:

• Dust
• Pollen
• Environment pollution
• Strong fragrances from perfumes
• Exposure to irritants, such as those in smoke, fumes, or cleaning products
• Cooking fumes
• Strenuous exercise
• Flu or any respiratory infections

Management options
If untreated, asthma can cause severe respiratory stress or pneumonia, requiring hospitalization and emergency treatment. The main options for treating asthma are:

• Inhalers provide instant relief during an asthma attack
• Long-term prescription treatment focuses on reducing the inflammation in the airways
• Self-management, including nutritional and lifestyle changes to avoid exposure to triggers and strengthen immunity

Best foods
An asthma-friendly food plan should help one breathe easily, build immunity, protect the lungs, and prevent inflammation. Here are some foods to help with asthma management:

Vitamin D-rich food: One can opt for salmon, tuna, cod liver oil, beef liver, mushroom, salmon, and fortified foods. Vitamin D can help lower the frequency of asthma attacks.

Sources of vitamin E: Foods like wheatgerm, sunflower, soybeans and oil, nuts and nut butter, beets, pumpkin, and red bell pepper can also help lower the risk of asthma.

Foods with omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3s are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. When dealing with asthma, one can choose foods like fatty fish, walnuts, chia seeds, and flax seeds.

One should avoid or limit foods like beans and lentils that can cause gas and bloating and contribute to chest tightness. Further, one should skip tree nuts, shellfish, and nightshades if prone to allergies. Avoiding sugar and dairy might also be beneficial, as such foods can promote inflammation and increase mucus production.

Remedies
Lifestyle changes can aid treatment and recovery. Here, breathing exercises and meditation can relax the lungs and help manage stress, which is an asthma trigger. Further, natural asthma remedies like oxygen therapy and nebulizers can reduce symptoms like breathlessness and ease inflammation in the airways. One should avoid exposure to allergens by wearing protective masks and replacing harsh cleaning agents with organic and natural products. Moving to regions with less environmental pollution can also help one deal with asthma.