Asthma is a serious and potentially fatal disease caused by inflammation in the airways. When an asthma attack occurs, the bronchial airways become tight and the lining of the air passages swell. This reduces the amount of air that can pass by, and may be accompanied by tightness in the chest, coughing, or wheezing. Asthma attacks can last from minutes to days. An attack can become dangerous if the airflow becomes too severely restricted.

Most asthma attacks are triggered by breathing in allergy-causing substances such as: pet dander, dust mites, cockroach allergens, molds, or pollens. Asthma symptoms can also be triggered by respiratory infections, exercise, cold air, tobacco smoke and other pollutants, stress, and food or drug allergies.

Some vitamins and herbs are thought to be helpful in preventing or improving asthma. Herbs, and other healing food, considered useful, include: angelica, anise, apple, blackberry, borage, caraway, carrot, cayenne, cocoa, coffee, dandelion, echinacea, eucalyptus, fenugreek, fish, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, grapefruit, green tea, horseradish, hyssop, juniper, lovage, marjoram, mustard, mullein, nuts, olive, onions, rosemary, slippery elm, stinging nettle, sunflower, tea, thyme, turmeric, walnut, watercress, and yogurt. Vitamins (or foods rich in the vitamins) that may be useful, include: B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyrodoxine), B complex, beta-carotene, C, calcium and magnesium, E, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, and zinc.

Avoid the common triggers for asthma, such as: aspirin, sugar, soy, tobacco smoke, and all food additives, coloring, and preservatives. Also, limit dairy foods and salt in the diet. Fear and stress also seem to worsen asthma.

Consume lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Maintain a healthy weight. Try to drink at least 8-12 cups water daily. Caffeine appears to lessen asthma attacks. It is also said that tabasco sauce, after a meal, will lessen asthma attacks.

Disclaimer: This article is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended for use as diagnosis or treatment of a health problem or as a substitute for consulting a licensed medical professional.