We all want to get outside on these sunny days, but as smoggy summer rolls in, that’s a safer project for some than for others.
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Those with asthma – a condition where air passages in the lungs are chronically inflamed – and other breathing ailments often find fun in the sun elusive. And while cleaning up the pollution in our atmosphere will, no doubt, take decades, there’s a host of respiratory survival strategies folks can turn to every day.
Among these are getting the advice of a certified asthma educator, monitoring the air quality index, learning about asthma triggers like dust, mould, pollen and intense emotion, and sticking to meds if prescribed. And especially important: don’t experiment without consulting your doctor.
What the experts say
“Asthma is an overreaction to stimuli, so stress can make it worse. When we talk about stress, we really mean distress. Those with asthma can’t control their disease and don’t know when the next attack is going to come. Anxiety alters the immune response. Asthma is more severe in people with stressful occupations. Three things can help: optimism, a strong support system and a belief system, not necessarily any one religion but the idea that things happen for a reason rather than randomly. These are important in managing any inflammatory disease. Mindfulness-based therapy can help the individual gain control.”
GAILEN MARSHALL, professor of medicine and pediatrics, U of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson
“Professional cleaners, bleach and ammonia affect asthma. So do sprays in atomizers or aerosol applications. Never mix cleaning products if you mix the wrong product, you can cause a release of irritant gas like chlorine. Always read label instructions. People use products in excess and in higher concentrations than necessary. Open windows during and after cleaning. Environmentally friendly and green products are not necessarily more friendly to your health.”
JAN-PAUL ZOCK, research professor, Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology, Barcelona
“Our study found that eating three or more burgers a week was associated with a higher lifetime prevalence of asthma and wheeze, particularly in rich countries among children with no allergies. Burger consumption could be a proxy for other lifestyle factors, since the increased asthma risk associated with it was not found in poor countries. High fruit intake was associated with a low rate of wheeze among children from rich and poor countries. A diet high in fish protected children in rich countries, while a diet high in cooked green vegetables protected children in poor countries. Overall, a Mediterranean diet – high intake of fruit, vegetables and fish and low intake of burgers and fizzy drinks – was associated with a lower lifetime prevalence of asthma and wheeze.”
GABRIELE NAGEL, Institute of Epidemiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
“Remove allergens – get good air filters. Wheat and dairy can aggravate asthma. Wear a respiratory mask if exposed to dusty environments, such as when cleaning. For exercise-induced asthma, build up exercise levels gradually. Try to breathe through the nose when exercising. Reduce mucus production and excessive histamine reactions by using omega-3 oils and vitamin C. Avoid mucus-forming foods like dairy, sugar, refined flours. Strengthen the lungs through herbal treatments, acupuncture and breathing exercises.”
VANESSA LEE, naturopath, Toronto
“Many factors contribute to asthma: family history, use of antibiotics and/or drugs, low stomach acid, poor food choices and environmental triggers such as mould, dust, pollutants, etc. You have to heal the digestive tract to heal the condition. Stomach enzymes break down food into small particles. Larger molecules than the body is used to can escape through a leaky gut lining and cause the immune cells in the circulatory system to see them as harmful invaders. This sets off allergic reactions. Healthy gut flora must be present. Avoid allergens or foods that cause sensitivities. Glutamine is healing.”
ZORANA ROSE, naturopath, Toronto
