{"id":50008,"date":"2022-03-21T09:30:21","date_gmt":"2022-03-21T13:30:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=50008"},"modified":"2026-02-02T20:44:44","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T01:44:44","slug":"home-remedies-for-asthma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/home-remedies-for-asthma\/","title":{"rendered":"7 home remedies for asthma\u2014and what to do if they don\u2019t work"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019ve been diagnosed with asthma, you\u2019re not alone. Approximately <\/span>25 million<\/span> Americans have this chronic lung condition that causes wheezing, trouble breathing, coughing, and tightness in the chest.<\/span><\/p>\n

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In addition to being prescribed <\/span>proper medication<\/span><\/a> and having an <\/span>asthma action plan<\/span>, there are lifestyle modifications you can make to help prevent asthma attacks, manage symptoms, and breathe easier.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

7 home remedies for asthma<\/span><\/h2>\n

Asthma can be defined as either intermittent, meaning symptoms or rescue inhaler use occur no more than twice a week, nighttime symptoms no more than twice a month, and exacerbations no more than once a year. If symptoms, rescue inhaler use, or exacerbations are more frequent, asthma is defined as persistent.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Genetics is one of the most common risk factors for asthma. Meaning, you\u2019re more likely to develop asthma if one or both of your parents has asthma. The <\/span>Environmental Protection Agency<\/span><\/a> (EPA) notes that most asthma cases are attributed to a combination of family history and environmental factors. The most effective home remedies for asthma are aimed at avoiding or reducing the environmental factors that can cause symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLifestyle modifications are the cornerstone of an allergist\u2019s treatment plan,\u201d says J. <\/span>Allen Meadows, MD<\/span><\/a>, board-certified allergist with Allervie Health in Montgomery, Alabama. \u201cMaking changes to your everyday routine can help you to avoid asthma attacks.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While these changes are an important part of a treatment plan, they shouldn\u2019t be your only tool. Meaning, they aren\u2019t a replacement for medical treatment and prescription medication. \u201cTen people die each day in the U.S. from asthma, so it\u2019s important not to rely on lifestyle changes alone,\u201d says Purvi Parikh, MD, allergist with the <\/span>Allergy and Asthma Network<\/span><\/a>. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (<\/span>AAFA<\/span>) notes that most of these deaths are avoidable with proper treatment and care.<\/span><\/p>\n

In combination with medication and an asthma action plan, these natural remedies for asthma can help.<\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

1. Losing weight<\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

Recent <\/span>studies<\/span><\/a> have shown a link between being overweight and developing asthma. \u201cCarrying excess weight can contribute to inflammation and poor asthma control,\u201d Dr. Parikh says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The good news is that <\/span>dropping even a few pounds can make a big difference<\/span><\/a>. It won\u2019t cure your asthma, but it can result in better symptom control and improved lung function.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Quitting smoking<\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

Tobacco smoke can trigger <\/span>asthma symptoms<\/span><\/a>. Dr. Parikh recommends that her patients with asthma quit smoking and to also avoid second-hand smoke. For those who need help kicking the habit, The Truth Initiative, a non-profit public health organization, has partnered with The Mayo Clinic to offer <\/span>BecomeAnEx,<\/span><\/a> a free smoking cessation program that offers participants an individualized plan, expert advice, and text message support. In addition, over-the-counter medications such as <\/span>NicoDerm<\/span><\/a> can help to reduce the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. <\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Nicoderm coupons\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>What to expect from nicotine withdrawal<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

3. Eating healthier<\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

What you eat can also affect the severity of your asthma symptoms. <\/span>Research<\/span><\/a> has shown that a Western diet loaded with refined grains, red meat, and sweets, can increase inflammation, which could make asthma symptoms worse.<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

According to Dr. Parikh, while a poor diet can <\/span>exacerbate asthma symptoms<\/span><\/a>, eating a healthy diet can improve symptoms. That means increasing fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants. Substitute fatty fish for red meats. You\u2019ll reduce your saturated fat intake, and add beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Or, try adding turmeric to your cooking. This spice is frequently touted for its anti-inflammatory properties. These steps may improve airway inflammation and asthma control.<\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

In addition, those with asthma often have lower levels of vitamin D, an important nutrient in fighting inflammation. You can increase your vitamin D levels by eating foods such as fortified milk and juices, egg yolks, cheese, mushrooms, and oily fish including salmon, tuna, and sardines. Whether or not taking a vitamin D supplement might help with asthma is still being <\/span>studied<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Using breathing techniques<\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

Since asthma affects your lungs, it makes sense that breathing exercises can help with the symptoms of asthma, as well as increase lung strength. \u201cBreathing techniques learned in yoga and meditation can be helpful,\u201d Dr. Parikh says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The American Lung Association<\/span><\/a> offers free online videos and instructions on how to practice two breathing methods that help with asthma symptoms:<\/span><\/p>\n