Strange Asthma Relief

[OnlySunshine]

I thought I'd share this seeing how it's worked so well for me so far.

Last night, I was doing some research on over-the-counter asthma relievers because my rescue inhaler is being used WAY too much because of the allergies around here and Zyrtec isn't doing a darn thing except drying me out, which is making the asthma worse! A doctor suggested the Zyrtec and I took it for 30 days and noticed no difference. I have been suffering from an asthmatic cough since December which is the longest I've ever suffered from asthma and I've had it since I was a baby. Being unemployed, I cannot afford a doctor's visit unless it's an emergency. I know some would argue that not being able to breathe is an emergency, but I'm not having trouble breathing--I'm having trouble with the cough. It all started in December when I got a horrible cold that took 2 weeks to go away, but the cough remained.

So, last night, during the research, I came across several websites that suggested that those suffering from asthma should eat more fish or take fish oil capsules. I was like . Seems like such a simple solution so I was skeptical. I mean, if regular antibiotics, prescription steroids, and allergy meds can't clear it up, then fish oil SURELY cannot. But I thought, "It can't hurt. It can only help or do nothing." So I found the fish oil I had from about a year ago which has not expired and took one to test the theory. I didn't notice anything during the night because I was still coughing. But I woke up this morning with no wheezing and barely any coughing! I decided to take two more capsules and it's still working. The strength is pretty high at 1200mg per capsule. I told my mom about it, and she couldn't believe it either. We'll have to see if it works tonight as my cough tends to worsen when I lay down to go to sleep. But just the fact that I'm not coughing so much in the day time gives me hope.

http://www.methodsofhealing.com/the-benefits-of-fish-oil-for-asthma/

http://ezinearticles.com/?Does-Omega-3-Fish-Oil-Help-Treat-Asthma-Symptoms?&id=498227

Of course, it is recommended that one speak to their doctor first before taking any dietary supplements. I have been cleared by my doctor to do so.

[Sarah147]

I'm a lover of google and PubMed researching on vitamins, minerals, and natural supplements. Nutrition is very healing!

That is awesome news about the fish oil!

I learned that they use magnesium in emergency medicine to treat asthma attacks. And I've read of people that found magnesium cleared up most or all of their allergies. Magnesium is among one of the most important nutrients in the body, so it's deficiency, which is sooo common, can cause soooo many symptoms; and such, it can clear up so many problems. A lot of heart attacks and deaths are rescued using magnesium, based on scientific google research. Just goes to show how critical this nutrient (mineral and electrolye) really is. You know about runners that have dropped dead, even in seamingly good health? That's said to be from losing magnesium from the bodily wear and tear, and sweating it out. I could go on and on forever with the wonderful things magnesium has done for people. Especially on reviews for various forms of magnesium on vitamin websites.


[url="http://www.healthy.net/scr/column.aspx?id=74"]http://www.healthy.net/scr/column.aspx?id=74[/url]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2146789/pdf/canfamphys00077-0094.pdf

Edited September 1, 2010 by JoyfulLife

[Marie-Therese]

As one of PM's resident medical professionals...

Caffeine is also an excellent remedy for asthma. When I have had patients who were experiencing bronchial constriction related to an asthma attack, I would give them a hot cup of coffee. The heat and the caffeine act as a vasodilator, opening the constricted passages. It's a good way to relieve asthma symptoms in a pinch when a rescue inhaler is unavailable.

[OnlySunshine]

[quote name='Marie-Therese' timestamp='1283381917' post='2166631']
As one of PM's resident medical professionals...

Caffeine is also an excellent remedy for asthma. When I have had patients who were experiencing bronchial constriction related to an asthma attack, I would give them a hot cup of coffee. The heat and the caffeine act as a vasodilator, opening the constricted passages. It's a good way to relieve asthma symptoms in a pinch when a rescue inhaler is unavailable.
[/quote]

I've actually found caffeine to cause asthma attacks for me. Especially if I consume more than a cup of coffee's worth. Once, I had a Red Bull just to see what it tasted like. About 15 minutes later, I started wheezing.

I guess it depends on the person.

Edited September 1, 2010 by MaterMisericordiae

[Sarah147]

Long-term use of inhalers or caffeine *can* put a lot of strain on the adrenals, which can cause issues with panic, depression, anxiety, poor stress-resistance, etc. Another reason fish oil and magnesium is a great idea.

Edited September 1, 2010 by JoyfulLife

[Marie-Therese]

[quote name='JoyfulLife' timestamp='1283382536' post='2166635']
Long-term use of inhalers or caffeine *can* put a lot of strain on the adrenals, which can cause issues with panic, depression, anxiety, poor stress-resistance, etc. Another reason fish oil and magnesium is a great idea.
[/quote]

One should take care with magnesium supplements, however...unless monitored by a doctor, an excess of magnesium can cause cardiac dysrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) and can lead to muscle damage, as well as heart failure. Magnesium is a very important electrolyte, but it should be used with care.

[Sarah147]

Absolutely check with your doctor first. It seems like it helps people more than it has caused problems, especially with heart and muscle health. I just recently heard about it clearing up or reducing tics and twitches in children, as well as epilectic attacks.

Edited September 2, 2010 by JoyfulLife

[OnlySunshine]

[quote name='Marie-Therese' timestamp='1283386268' post='2166670']
One should take care with magnesium supplements, however...unless monitored by a doctor, an excess of magnesium can cause cardiac dysrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) and can lead to muscle damage, as well as heart failure. Magnesium is a very important electrolyte, but it should be used with care.
[/quote]

This.

I read about magnesium on an article that mentioned fish oil as well and I thought the fish oil was safer to try. Magnesium is safe in small amounts, but, as with anything, should be used in moderation. I have a healthcare background and I remember learning about this in Human Nutrition.

[OnlySunshine]

Well, so far, the fish oil is continuing to work against my nighttime cough as well. I think I'm going to start taking the recommended dosage of two softgels in the morning and in the evening (what the bottle says). I'm so glad to have found something that works, even if it is for a short time. I'm so tired of coughing!

[kafka]

I have mild sport's asthma so I might try that someday. Usually I take mullein leaf in a tincture on the bad days of summer and it helps. There are other things like mushrooms. My guess with the fish oils is that the amino acids in them are aiding the body in repairing the damage in the lungs.

Edited September 2, 2010 by kafka

[Piccoli Fiori JMJ]

I need to start taking my fish pills again...

[Jaime]

I love me my fish oil.

Not so much the burps.

[Nihil Obstat]

I take a big old omega-3 oil capsule every day. Better than taking a tablespoon of the oil. I think it's gross.

[Sarah147]

[quote name='MaterMisericordiae' timestamp='1283390301' post='2166712']
Magnesium is safe in small amounts, but, as with anything, should be used in moderation. [/quote]

The typical RDI is something like 300-400MG (varying with age and gender); much more than is contained in typical mutli-vitamin/mineral. Many MD articles I've read recommend even higher doses for certain health conditions. So it seems to depend on the state of deficiency and the condition. Tiny doses won't do much.

Honestly, I'm more weary of pharma drugs than natural supplements, which our bodies require to live, and are contained in soil and food. The warning list on pharma drugs is crazy. Some MD's online have said that magnesium is safe, and the medical site "UpToDate" says that toxicity can happen at doses of 1000MG or more, mainly with diarrhea.

Sure, everything has to be checked with a doctor, and everything has limits, but it's nothing to fear trying. It has helped so many people.

I'm honestly leaning more toward interest in Complementary Medicine MD's, as they are better educated in nutrition and supplements, and the connection to illness. Typical Western Medicine is so stuck on medicating the symptom. And there is so little research on nutrition as it isn't as lucritive as pharma drugs. And what's with the big ban of ever saying something "cured" you? If something made someone well again, they are cured, right? I suppose it could be due to some snake oil websites making false claims. But there are some true stories out there... Ranting...

[Sarah147]

Fantastic article on magnesium:
[url="http://www.healthy.net/scr/Article.aspx?Id=541&xcntr=3"]http://www.healthy.net/scr/Article.aspx?Id=541&xcntr=3[/url]