Asthma occurs when the bronchial tubes in the lungs became inflamed. The tightening of the muscle walls caused the lung cells to produce extra mucus. This causes the narrowing of the small airways and will lead to shortness of breath, cough, wheezing and chest pain. In severe cases, asthma can be life threatening. The Environmental Protection Agency recorded that there are approximately 5,000 deaths per year in the US due to asthma attack.

Asthma can be triggered by both indoors and outdoor factors. Some common triggers are oxidants or free radicals; environmental pollutants; second hand smoke; haze and smog; combustion by products; household pets; dust mites; cockroaches and other pests; allergens and virus infections.

Certain medication for the treatment of asthma such as corticosteroids can cause hoarseness or loss of voice, oral yeast infections, skin thinning, osteoporosis and catarcacts. Corticosteroids may also slow growth in children.

The Arizona College of Public Health conducted a study on the effect of Pycnogenol on asthma in Iran. Pycnogenol is an extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree and has antioxidant properties. The results of the study indicated that Pycnogenol may be helpful in the management of chronic asthma.

The Mel and Enid Zuckerman Arizona College of Public Health carried out this pilot study. Twenty six patients were recruited for this study and almost all of the 22 patients who completed the study responded favorably to Pycnogenol, with noted improvement in their breathing ability. In addition, no adverse effects were observed. Pycnogenol has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and tremendous antioxidant capacity. Results of the pilot study showed that Pycnogenol has the ability to lower the risk of asthma attacks in asthmatic patients.

Many natural nutrients also contain antioxidants that were found to reduce the risk of asthma and also help to promote healthy lung functions. Flavonoids, a subclass of polyphenols, are a group of phytochemicals that are among the most potent and abundant antioxidants in our diet. Some common food containing Flavonoids are onions, apples, broccoli, cranberries, grapes, chocolate, plums, bell peppers, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, lettuces, spinach and thyme.

Remember, asthma can cause death. Watch what you eat to keep your lungs healthy.