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7 Effective remedies for treating cough due to asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease caused due to genetic and environmental factors characterized by heavy panting and difficulty in breathing. Coughing is one of the symptoms associated with most asthmatic patients. The coughing in asthma is dry cough which implies the absence of phlegm. The reasons for this dry cough are speculated to be the allergens or irritants that set off body’s immune mechanism thus producing histamine and leading to swollen airways. These airways or bronchial passages then go into spasms to force the allergen out which causes the cough. However, with proper treatment and remedies, the coughing can be controlled.

Using the bronchodilator

While the allergens are being forced out of the airways, the muscles around the bronchial passages form a strong hold on the airways. This causes difficulty in breathing referred to as panting and shortness of breath. Using a bronchodilator helps loosen up these rigid muscles, thus decreasing the resistance developed in the airways and relieves the patient of the cough causing spasms. The bronchodilaor has been found to be the most effective form of treating the coughing associated with asthma, providing instant relief to the patients.

Magnesium-rich diet

Asthma patients have found to have low magnesium levels. Magnesium helps control muscle contractions, thus reducing the cough causing asthmatic spasms. A diet rich in magnesium is hence a must for asthma patients. Foods rich in magnesium should be included in the diet. Magnesium-rich food includes bananas, broccoli, potato, beetroot, etc. Having two bananas per day has been found to benefit asthmatic patients profoundly. Broccoli, being a cruciferous vegetable, is high in its magnesium content and two portions of broccoli, when consumed per week, can help relieve the cough to a large extent. Beetroot and potatoes are tubers that provide the required amount of magnesium on a daily basis.

Honey and spices

Honey has been known since ages to have a soothing effect on the throat. Asthmatic patients with dry cough often complain of dried and itchy throat. Honey helps relieve this symptom and soothes the throat effectively. When taken in combination with certain spices, the mixture can have medicinal properties. Cinnamon, when taken with honey before going to bed, helps stop the coughing during the night. Turmeric and honey, the first thing in the morning, relax the muscles around the bronchial tubes. Ginger and honey cure the symptoms of common cold thus stopping the coughs.

Black, green or herbal tea

Having a cup of black, green or herbal tea has been found to have curative effect on the coughing associated with asthmatic patients. The caffeine and theophyline – enzymes found in a cup of black, green or herbal tea are believed to relieve the excessive coughing. A cup of black, green or herbal tea before going to bed is a good way of soothing the nerves. For asthmatic patients, it also helps stop the night-time coughing that can often lead to an asthmatic attack further worsening their problems.

Fenugreek seeds

Fenugreek seeds, to be soaked overnight and taken first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, have proven to have a curing effect on the coughing associated with asthma. Fenugreek seeds are a rich source of various minerals, vitamins and phytonutrients which nourish the body and provide relief for the coughing during asthma. This, when done on a daily basis, can help eradicate the coughing to a large extent.

Dried figs

Dried figs are believed to possess many medicinal properties that help reduce the coughing in asthma. Dried figs are rich in calcium, potassium and iron, all of which are necessary for building a strong immune system. Dried figs can be soaked in water for an hour and should be eaten along with the water it was soaked in. They should be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Figs help asthmatic patients control the coughing as they drain phlegm thus reducing the chances of coughing.

Dried grapes

Dried grapes or raisins have believed to have many medicinal properties. They contain micronutrients like iron, copper and manganese. They are also a rich source of B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin K. Dried grapes should be soaked overnight in water and then in milk for an hour. The grapes should then be chewed and eaten. This can be had first thing in the morning to cure the coughing that is associated with asthma.

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