Asthma - The Airway Hazard 1.0

Asthma- The Airway Hazard
Children, we all know that lungs are one of the most important organs of our
respiratory.
Imagine your lungs are like a pair of balloons. When you breathe in, the air goes
through a special tube called windpipe, just like when you blow up a balloon
using a straw.
When you take a big breath in and out, it's like blowing up a balloon with a
regular straw. The air flows in and out smoothly, and the balloon gets nice and
big.
But for some people, certain things can make this straw narrower. These things
are called triggers, and they can include things like pollen, dust, or smoke. When
these triggers come around, it's like squeezing the straw, making it harder for air
to go in and out.
Now, imagine trying to blow up a balloon with a narrow and squeezed straw – it
becomes really hard, right? That's what happens during an asthma attack.
Breathing becomes difficult and the person might cough, wheeze or feel like their
chest is tight.
Someone with asthma is like a balloon that's a bit different. Instead of having a
nice, wide straw for air to flow through easily, they have a straw that's a bit
narrow and sensitive.
Now, let’s define asthma in scientific terms.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the
airways, leading to recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest
tightness and coughing.
Few of the common triggers for Asthma are:

Allergens: Common allergens include pollen, mold spores, pet dander, dust
mites and cockroach droppings.
Irritants: Smoke, air pollution, strong odours and chemical fumes can trigger
asthma symptoms.
Infections: Respiratory infections, particularly viral infections, can exacerbate

asthma symptoms.
Exercise: Physical activity can induce asthma symptoms in some individuals,

known as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.
Weather Changes: Cold air, humidity or sudden changes in weather can trigger
asthma attacks.
Here are two major triggers in today’s lifestyle which can exacerbate asthma
symptoms.
1) Smoggy weather and Asthma

Smoggy weather and asthma are closely related, as poor air quality, can increase
asthma symptoms and lead to increased respiratory distress. Smog is a type of
air pollution that consists of a mixture of smoke and fog and it is often associated
with urban areas where high levels of pollutants are released into the
atmosphere.
The primary components of smog that are particularly harmful to individuals

with asthma include:
Particulate Matter (PM): Smog contains tiny particles suspended in the air,
known as particulate matter. These particles can be inhaled into the respiratory
system, causing irritation and inflammation in the airways. PM can vary in size,
with smaller particles, such as PM 2.5, posing a greater risk as they can penetrate
deeper into the lungs.
Ground-level Ozone: Smog often contains high levels of ground-level ozone, a
reactive form of oxygen. Ozone can irritate the respiratory tract, trigger
inflammation in the airways and worsen asthma symptoms. Ozone levels tend
to be higher in smoggy conditions, especially during hot and sunny weather.
How Smog Intensifies Asthma:

Airway Inflammation: The pollutants in smog can cause inflammation in the
airways, making them more sensitive and responsive to asthma triggers.
Bronchoconstriction: Exposure to smog can lead to the narrowing of the
airways, known as bronchoconstriction, making it harder for individuals with
asthma to breathe.
Increased Symptoms: Asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest
tightness and shortness of breath can intensify in smoggy conditions.
Reduced Lung Function: Prolonged exposure to smog may lead to a decline in
lung function, particularly in individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions
like asthma.
Preventive Measures:
Limit Outdoor Activities: During smoggy weather, individuals with asthma are
advised to limit outdoor activities, especially strenuous exercise, to minimize
exposure to polluted air.
Use Medications: Adherence to prescribed asthma medications is crucial during
smoggy conditions. Quick-relief inhalers can help lessen acute symptoms.
2) Pigeons- The Danger

Pigeons, often found in urban environments, can pose certain risks to individuals
with asthma and respiratory conditions. While pigeons themselves do not cause
asthma, their presence and activities can contribute to environmental factors
that may trigger or worsen asthma symptoms in susceptible individuals. Here are
some aspects to consider regarding pigeons and their potential impact on
asthma:
Pigeon Droppings:
Allergens: Pigeon droppings contain proteins that can act as allergens. When
dried, the droppings can become airborne, and inhaling the particles may trigger
respiratory symptoms in sensitive individuals.
Histamine Release: Pigeon droppings can release histamine, which can further
contribute to respiratory irritation and may exacerbate asthma symptoms.
Pigeon Feathers and Dander:

Allergenic Proteins: Pigeon feathers and dander (tiny skin flakes) contain
proteins that may act as allergens for some individuals.
Airborne Particles: As feathers and dander become airborne, they can
potentially be inhaled by individuals with asthma, leading to respiratory
irritation and exacerbation of symptoms.
Pigeon Infestations:
Indoor Environments: Pigeons may nest in or around buildings, especially in
urban areas. If a building is infested with pigeons, the accumulated droppings
and feathers can become a persistent indoor source of allergens.
Ventilation Systems: Pigeon-related allergens may circulate through ventilation
systems, potentially affecting indoor air quality and triggering asthma symptoms
for those sensitive to these allergens.
Preventive Measures:
Pest Control: Implementing effective pest control measures to discourage
pigeons from nesting in or around buildings can help minimize exposure to their
droppings and allergens.
Cleaning and Maintenance: Regular cleaning and maintenance of outdoor
spaces, rooftops and areas where pigeons may roost can reduce the
accumulation of droppings and feathers.
Indoor Hygiene: Ensuring proper indoor hygiene, especially in areas where
pigeons may have access, can help prevent the buildup of allergens.
Diet and exercise can play a supportive role in managing asthma symptoms,
although they are not a substitute for medical treatment. Here are some general
guidelines for asthma patients to potentially lessen symptoms through diet and
exercise:
Dietary Considerations:
Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty
fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseeds and walnuts, which have anti-inflammatory
properties.
Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Consume a variety of fruits and vegetables that are rich
in antioxidants, such as berries, citrus fruits, spinach, and kale, to help combat
oxidative stress.
Vitamin D: Ensure adequate vitamin D intake, either through sunlight exposure
or dietary sources like fortified dairy products, eggs and fatty fish.
Magnesium: Magnesium-rich foods like nuts, seeds, leafy greens and whole
grains may help support lung function and reduce symptoms.
Avoid Trigger Foods: Identify and avoid foods that may trigger allergic reactions
or exacerbate asthma symptoms. Common triggers include dairy, sulphites and
food additives.
Hydration: Stay well-hydrated to maintain overall health. Proper hydration helps
keep mucus thin, making it easier to clear the airways.
Exercise Guidelines:
Choose Asthma-Friendly Activities: Opt for activities that are less likely to trigger
asthma symptoms, such as swimming, walking, or cycling. These activities are
often better tolerated by individuals with asthma.
Warm-Up and Cool Down: Always start with a proper warm-up to prepare the
respiratory system and cool down to gradually return to normal breathing after
exercise.
Breathing Techniques: Practice breathing exercises, such as pursed-lip breathing
and diaphragmatic breathing, to enhance lung function and control breathing
during physical activity.
Medication Use: Ensure that you take prescribed medications as directed by
your healthcare provider. Use quick-relief inhalers before exercise if
recommended.
Yoga can be beneficial for asthma patients in various ways, as it combines

physical postures, breath control, and relaxation techniques.
Breathing Techniques (Pranayama):

Deep Breathing: Yoga emphasizes deep, controlled breathing, which can help
improve lung function and increase respiratory capacity.
Diaphragmatic Breathing: Focusing on diaphragmatic breathing can strengthen
respiratory muscles and promote more efficient breathing patterns.
Postures (Asanas):
Chest-Opening Poses: Certain yoga poses, such as backbends and chest-opening
poses, may help improve posture and increase chest expansion, potentially
enhancing lung function.
Gentle Stretching: Yoga postures involve gentle stretching, which can help
reduce muscle tension and improve overall flexibility.

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Asthma- The Airway Hazard

Now, let’s define asthma in scientific terms.

Few of the common triggers for Asthma are:

Infections: Respiratory infections, particularly viral infections, can exacerbate

Exercise: Physical activity can induce asthma symptoms in some individuals,

1) Smoggy weather and Asthma

The primary components of smog that are particularly harmful to individuals

How Smog Intensifies Asthma:

2) Pigeons- The Danger

Pigeon Feathers and Dander:

Yoga can be beneficial for asthma patients in various ways, as it combines

Breathing Techniques (Pranayama):

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