When an attack is in progress the muscles surrounding the airways in the lungs contract and constrict the air passage. This is further aggravated by a swelling in the lining of the passage and a coating of mucus from an excess production of phlegm. The total effect is a reduction in the area through which air can flow. This results in wheezing, breathlessness and difficulty in breathing, which are the most common symptoms.

         There is no known cure for asthma. Preventive measures are taken to avoid the risk factors associated with an attack, and medication is prescribed to suppress an attack. Other than that, there are procedures to provide relief during an attack.

         There are some natural remedies that are known to be beneficial in staving off an asthmatic bout. Some of these are as follows:

• Hynotherapy is used by some successfully but this cannot be termed as a cure. It serves to relax a person towards a negative approach to stress which might give rise to an asthmatic attack.
• Attacks are warded off by some natural relaxation remedies like deep abdominal breathing; progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and biofeedback which also help relieve stress.
• Buteyko Breathing Technique: It promotes shallow breathing exercises. The premise is that shallow breathing increases blood levels of carbon dioxide. This is believed to give relief on the basis that it relaxes the muscles and so dilates the airways.
• Diet is believed to play a preventive role. Omega 3 found in certain types of fatty fish encourage the body to produce more products with anti-inflammatory properties/
• Arachidonic acid is said to be a primary fat that causes inflammation in the airways. Foods shellfish, egg yolk and meat should be avoided or reduced.
• Fruits and vegetables: An increased consumption is reputed to bring relief, especially green leafy vegetables, carrots, tomatoes and apples, to name a few.
• Boswellia: An Indian Ayurvedic medicine which inhibit leukotrienes which cause narrowing of the airways.
• Butterbur: Tablets or a tea made from the extract of this perennial shrub native to Europe, Asia and North America are believed to reduce the incidence of muscle spasms and have an anti-inflammatory benefit.
• Bromelain: An extract from pineapples, Bromelain is reputed to have anti-inflammatory properties. This is best avoided by people with pineapple allergy and side effects which may upset digestion and have an allergic effect.
• Wieght loss: Obesity is believed to be a risk factor.

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