Self Help – For emergency relief, western medicine has done a good job utilizing a number of inhalers, but if symptoms do not subside, please call 911 and/or go to the ER. Some individuals have found natural relief with thyme or mullein tea, eucalyptus steam, or taking a cold shower (burr) but these suggestions are on a very individualized basis. For long term relief, it is suggested that you learn to breathe through your nose. This may take some time to learn but it is well worth it. The nose and sinus cavities are part of the body's air filtration system which helps to reduce dust, mold, pollen, etc. that enter your lungs. If you bi-pass this important system, by breathing through your mouth, all of those particles end up overloading your lungs with irritants. To strengthen and harmonize the nasal/lung relationship - - 1. Implement (on a daily basis) a routine program of abdominal diaphragmatic breathing which will start to strengthen your diaphragm and intracostal muscles. By listening to tapes/CD's or particpating in a breathwork program, you will learn how to change your breathing from shallow, short inhalations/exhalations through your mouth to slow, controlled breathing through your NOSE (on a conscious level). In time (or subconsciously), this practice will harmonize your nervous system and become automatic, effortless and second nature. Please be patient with yourself, it may take weeks, or months but you can do it! 2.Check the pH of your body with litmus paper (saliva, urine). Your body is approximately 70% water, and its pH should be within the range of 6.5-7.4. Anything over 7.4 indicates that your body is in an acid state and most bacteria and viruses thrive in this type of environment. Eating too many acid forming foods (ie. foods that are not water based, proteins, some carbohydrates, etc.) will increase the growth of unwanted bacteria/viruses causing mucous, infection and inflammation within your cells. (See Congestion, Nasal to help you with removing mucous from your sinuses, etc.) 3. Elimination diet. Some asthmatics can be allergic to foods, or what is in or has happened to them in the growing, preserving and transporting process. Our foods, personal care products, etc. have been exposed to dyes, steroids, antibiotics, chemicals, pesticides along the way and our bodies some times react in many different ways to these substances (rashes, diarrhea, cold like symptoms, headache, etc.). Start an elimination diet with white rice and vegetables, gradually add different foods and see what your body likes and dosen't like, (keep a journal). Then you will learn what to avoid...Again this process is very individualized and can only be done by you. Also have allergy testing done for foods. This will greatly assist you with your diet as well. 4. Air quality - this is becoming more of a big problem both indoors and outdoors. Get tested (scratch testing) for air borne allergies. For indoors - purchase a hepa air purification system with carbon filters and put it, at least, in your bedroom. Be careful of the ionic filters and ionic hair dryers (check the net for their possible side effects). Also eliminate the dust mites excrement in your bed linens by either washing them in hot water, (180 degrees) and/or by covering pillows, mattresses with dust mite protectors. Carpeting is great for collecting and hiding dust mites, dust and dirt and should be removed especially from your bedroom. If you have carpeting, purchase a vacuum cleaner with hepa filters. Clean your home with non-aerosol, natural products. (ie. white distilled vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, natural biodegradeable soaps) For outdoors - use a cloth mask with a carbon filter. 5. Anxiety, stress and your emotions (fear) - play a major component in this condition and increases your symptoms. Find a practice that you enjoy. Meditation, prayer, yoga, tai chi, any mindfulness practice that calms your mind, body, and spirit. Over time these modalities will assist in slowing your response to your asthma, give you confidence about your ability to take control of your breath, and help to reduce your anxiety, stress and fear. You will begin to enjoy your breath and see it as an avenue for relaxation and peace. It works!!!! 6. Addiction... our bodies are very addictive entities (ie coffee, alcohol, food, sex,etc). As you see yourself taking gradual control of your breath, you may notice that the use of your medications are diminishing. Gradually taper off those medications with the assistance of your health care professional. Many of those medications have side effects of hyperventilation, headaches, tachycardia, nervousness, etc. 7. Sleep - be good to yourself and get 8-10 hours of good sleep nightly. 8. Exercise - find something you really enjoy doing (yoga, tia chi, qi gong, are all very good for learning how to control your breath); however, any other exercise is encourage, walking, hiking, bicycling, (these activities actually strengthen the muscles of your lungs). Start off slow and gradually work your way to your desired distance. 9. Potassium - most inhalers deplete your system of potassium, pls consume more potassium rich foods, or add supplements to your diet. Always consult your healthcare professional for guidance throughout your program. PLEASE REMEMBER that the treatment for allergies and asthma is VERY individualized. Allergies are very complexed. Each adverse effect of a pollen, food, herb, dust mite is difference and unique to each person and complicated to treat. Keep a journal for reference and share this information with your health care professional.