The American Asthma Foundation has recently announced that they’ve discovered, through new research, that dust mites are one of the top allergens for people suffering with asthma. Though it’s been known for some time that dust mites trigger asthma attacks, it was not known until recently why the allergic reaction was so strong. Dust mites, it has been found, trick the immune system into believing it is under attack from a bacterial infection. In doing this, the immune system develops a strong allergic response to the mites which can cause asthma attacks to occur.
Asthma is a condition which affects the respiratory system and impacts the lives of millions of people every day – it can even be fatal in certain cases, causing those suffering from an attack to stop breathing. This chronic disease is brought on by pollution, irritants in the air and, as this study shows, dust particles and mites. Mould spores and other irritants which can get into the lungs can also affect it, so it’s important that you air your home frequently to allow fresh air to flow through.
Though many people think it will make it worse, getting exercise is important to open up the airways and improve your lung capacity – speak to your GP about which forms of exercise are safest though, to avoid overworking your body. Exercise such as yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi are low intensity but will help keep your body flexible and in good shape. A balanced diet will also ensure that you maintain a healthy weight which will also help your breathing capabilities. Many people find that some foods trigger their asthma, such as dairy products, as they cling to the inside of the respiratory tract which can make breathing more difficult. In order to limit this, be sure to lower your dairy intake slightly and fill your diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables to ensure you get plenty of vital nutrients.
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