Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways. It is an inflammatory disease that leads to a variety of symptoms. The causes of asthma may vary from one individual to another. The main cause of the inflammation is exposure to asthma triggers. The airways fill with mucus and become narrow and inflamed when they come into contact with such triggers. When an individual experiences an asthma attack, the mucus membranes swell and become inflamed. There are also spasms in the muscles of the airways. The increased production of mucus makes the airways narrow and this leads to difficulty in breathing. Symptoms such as coughing and wheezing also occur as the body reacts to the irritants present in the airways and tries to eliminate them through the mucus.

Remedies for Asthma
Honey is one of the most common home remedies for asthma. It is said that if a jug of honey is held under the nose of an asthma patient and he inhales the air that comes into contact with it, he starts breathing easier and deeper.

The most important step in controlling your asthma is to reduce exposure to allergens and triggers. Here are some helpful tips:
-- The pollen count is high during certain seasons and this is when you are most prone to asthma attacks. Therefore keep your windows shut during these times. You can also use air conditioning to restrict the entry of pollen.

-- An air conditioner will also help to reduce humidity and will protect you from exposure to dust mites.

-- Make sure that you have your air conditioner cleaned regularly and have the filters changed.

-- Dust can worsen asthma symptoms especially at night. Use dust-proof covers on your pillows and mattresses. Carpets can collect a great deal of dust and therefore it is advisable to opt for linoleum flooring instead. Also ensure that you wash your curtains regularly to get rid of dust.

-- Use a dehumidifier if you live in regions with damp weather

-- Avoid exposure to animals if you are allergic to animal dander. If you have pets, ensure that they are groomed well and bathed regularly.

-- Protect your nose and mouth with a mask while cleaning or dusting the home

-- Cold air can worsen asthma symptom and may even bring on an episode. Therefore it is advisable to cover your face when stepping out.