asthma symptoms

Question

Breathing has been weird for me lately, and I don’t know if it’s asthma symptoms or just allergies acting up. It started a few weeks ago – I noticed I was getting short of breath after simple things like climbing stairs or even talking too much. Then came this tight feeling in my chest, like someone is pressing on it, especially in the evening. No major wheezing, but I do hear a slight whistling sound when I breathe out sometimes.

Coughing has also been an issue. It’s not like a regular cough with phlegm, just this dry, annoying cough that won’t go away. It gets worse at night, especially when I lie down. I don’t have a fever or cold, so I don’t think it’s an infection. But now I’m wondering, are these early asthma symptoms? Or can something else cause this?

I had mild asthma as a kid but never really needed an inhaler. Could it be coming back? I also noticed that cold air makes my breathing worse, and I sometimes wake up in the middle of the night feeling like I need to take a deep breath. Could this be related to vata or kapha imbalance? I read somewhere that Ayurveda has different reasons for asthma symptoms depending on doshas.

Is there any Ayurvedic way to reduce these asthma symptoms naturally? Are there specific herbs or breathing exercises that help? Also, do certain foods trigger it? I drink a lot of milk and eat yogurt almost daily – could that be making my asthma symptoms worse? What should I avoid? I’d rather not start using an inhaler if I can manage it naturally first.

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

Based on the symptoms you've described, it seems like you may be experiencing a combination of vata aggravation along with possible kapha imbalance, which can contribute to respiratory issues such as asthma flare-ups. The shortness of breath, chest tightness, and dry cough, especially at night, align with these doshic imbalances. Your sensitivity to cold air also indicates a vata issue, as it can aggravate respiratory tract sensitivity.

To help alleviate your symptoms naturally, start with specific breathing exercises such as pranayama. Focus on practices like Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) and deep diaphragmatic breathing, which can help calm the nervous system and strengthen lung capacity. Aim to practice these for about 10 to 15 minutes each day, ideally in the morning or early evening.

In terms of dietary adjustments, you might consider reducing or eliminating dairy products like milk and yogurt, which can create mucus and potentially exacerbate your symptoms. Instead, incorporate warming spices and herbs, such as ginger, turmeric, and black pepper, to support digestion and respiratory function. Herbal remedies like yastimadhu (licorice) and pippali (long pepper) can be beneficial for lung health. You can prepare a tea with these by boiling them together in water and drinking it once or twice daily.

Avoiding cold and heavy foods will also be useful, focusing instead on nourishing but light meals that are easy to digest. Warm soups and broths with spices can provide comfort. It's also important to stay hydrated, as warm herbal teas can help soothe the throat.

Additionally, ensure your environment is free from allergens or irritants that can worsen your condition, like dust or smoke. If symptoms persist or worsen, especially if you experience increased shortness of breath or wheezing, seeking immediate medical evaluation is crucial to rule out any severe conditions. But with these measures, you can work towards managing your symptoms naturally and understanding the Ayurvedic approach to your respiratory health.

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