Asthma is a chronic disease that causes inflammation of the gas pipes in the lungs. Persistent asthma is usually characterized by the sudden recurrent contraction of the muscles lining the bronchioles and blockage of airflow that cannot be reversed. Some of the symptoms of persistent asthma include; coughing, rough whistling sounds from the airway, dyspnea, and chest tightness. Some common triggers include; smoking of tobacco, pollen and dust mites that reside in dusty houses.

Many foods can actually help relieve asthma symptoms and prevent asthma attacks, such as:

1. Fatty fish
Fatty fish, for example, Salmon, contain high levels of fatty acids called omega 3. These fatty acids have many health benefits, including restricting inflammation, which is the main pathology in persistent asthma. Omega 3 fatty acids activate the free fatty acid receptor 4 in the lungs, which relaxes the constricted airways. Moreover, the Omega 3 fatty acids lower the release of immunoglobulin E, which are antibodies responsible for the reactions that occur in an asthma patient.

2. Tree nuts
Tree nuts like almonds contain vitamins like vitamin E. Vitamin E has a component by the name tocopherol. Alpha-tocopherol is usually in low levels in asthma patients. By consuming them, patients with asthma raise their alpha-tocopherol levels to lower asthma inflammation. This, in turn, helps relieve asthma symptoms. The food named above also contains a high level of Omega 3 fatty acids. These fatty acids lower inflammation in asthma patients. Therefore, they are used as a treatment for persistent asthma.

3. Avocado
Avocado is rich in a chemical called L-glutathione. This chemical protects the cells of the lungs from being destroyed by free radicals like histamine. Histamine is a chemical produced during inflammation in asthma patients. Avocado is also known to detoxify pollutants that find their way into the lungs. This special property of them helps to hinder the triggers of persistent asthma.

4. Garlic
Garlic has a high level of vitamin C. It is even higher than in some citrus fruits. Earlier on, we said histamine is a great promoter of inflammation, the main pathology in asthma. So, vitamin C supports the breakdown of histamine. This, in turn, relieves asthma symptoms. It also contains a compound by the name allicin. Allicin aids in lowering the level of damage done to smooth muscles in the airways by free radicals in the body. An asthma patient usually produces free radicals that destroy smooth muscles lining the bronchioles.

Therefore, allicin lowers the level of damage done by these free radicals. Garlic also aids the body to produce prostacyclin. Prostacyclin is a fat compound that helps in keeping the airways open for asthmatic individuals. This relieves their symptoms and helps these individuals breathe better.