Asthma

Supportive Management

For cough:

  • Drink clear liquids all day (e.g. water, tea, broth, water with lemon). Drink a minimum of eight glasses (or 2 liters total) of fluid per day.

For shortness of breath:

  • Perform deep breathing exercises:
    1. Find a quiet and comfortable place where you can be alone with yourself.
    2. Sit upright in bed or chair, and find a comfortable position.
    3. Place one or both hands over the abdomen, just below the ribs.
    4. Deeply breathe in through the nose, while keeping mouth closed. Breathe in for a count of four.
    5. Feel the abdomen rise with each inhalation, and as far as possible.
    6. Through a pursed-lip, breathe out. Breathe out for a count of seven.
    7. Feel the abdomen sink with each exhalation.
    8. Perform deep-breathing exercises for 5-10 minutes at a time, and as many times each day.
    9. Stay calm (makes breathing easier as it prevents further tightening of the chest muscles).

Prevention:

  • Promote breathing through the nose (mouth-breathing can trigger asthma as the air doesn’t get humidified enough). Too dry air, too cold air, and too humid air can trigger asthma.
  • Avoid exposure to triggers (e.g. pollen, dust, animal dander, food cigarette smoke, etc.)
    • If the trigger are pollens: take a shower in the evening, and change into fresh clothes as soon as returning home.
    • Stay in an environment with clean air.
    • Use facemask when cleaning.
    • Clean and dust home regularly.
    • Clean bathtubs and showers monthly to control indoor molds.
    • Wash linens on the hottest water setting to control dust mites.
    • Restrict pets to certain areas of the home to control animal dander. Indoor pets should be bathed frequently.
    • If with food allergy, avoid food that trigger asthma.
    • Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke (both first-hand and second-hand exposure).
    • Stay indoors during hot, humid days. Avoid doing exercises outdoors during the hottest part of the day (11am – 3pm).
    • If exercising in cold, dry weather, cover the nose or mouth with a scarf.
    • Take anti-asthma medication before exercising.
    • Do warm-up exercises 6 – 10 minutes before an exercise routine.
    • Avoid other triggers that are known to you.

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Herbal Medicine

(*Important: Herbal remedies should not replace standard asthma treatment. Before starting herbal therapy, speak with doctor first regarding plans to include it in asthma management.)

  • Brewed Coffee
    • Provides momentary relief (around 1-2 hours) from asthma. Drink no more than 2 cups of brewed coffee a day.
  • Kintsay (Celery)
    • Pound seeds of kintsay and wrap them in light, thin cloth. Inhale this frequently.
  • Ginger Tea
    • Cut into small parts one inch of ginger and boil in 1 ½ cups of water for 10 minutes. Strain. Drink the ginger tea 2-3 times a day. May add honey or calamansi to taste.
  • Turmeric and Honey
    • Grind the turmeric. Mix one teaspoon of turmeric with one tablespoon of honey in a warm cup of water.
  • Pineapple Fruit
    • Eat fresh pineapple fruits liberally.
  • Mangga Leaves Decoction
    • Boil chopped young leaves (dried or fresh) in 2 glasses of water for 15 minutes. Cool and strain. Divide the decoction into 3 parts. Take 1 part 3 times a day. Amount of water leaves to be boiled:
    • If dried leaves:
      • For adults: 4 tablespoons
      • For ages 7-12: 2 tablespoons
      • For ages 2-6: 1 tablespoon
    • If fresh leaves:
      • For adults: 6 tablespoons
      • For ages 7-12: 3 tablespoons
      • For ages 2-6: 1 ½ tablespoons
  • Papaya Leaves Decoction
    • Boil either 3 handfuls of fresh papaya leaves or a handful of dried papaya leaves in 2 glasses of water for 15-30 minutes. Strain. Divide the decoction into 3-4 doses to be used in one day. Always use the decoction the same day it was prepared.

Recommendation

Immediately consult doctor:

  • If with persistent shortness of breath, agitation, and inability to speak in full sentences.

Consult doctor:

  • For proper diagnosis and pharmacologic management of the condition.

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Please note that the information provided by this tool is provided solely for educational purposes and is not a qualified medical opinion. This information should not be considered advice or an opinion of a doctor or other health professional about your actual medical state, and you should see a doctor for any symptoms you may have. If you are experiencing a health emergency, you should call your local emergency number immediately to request emergency medical assistance.