A new study finds changes in temperature and humidity can trigger asthma attacks in kids.
Researchers at the University of Michigan School of Medicine in Ann Arbor looked at pediatric emergency room visit data and weather records over a two year period. They found that changes in humidity either way resulted in more asthma patients as did jumps in temperature.
Previously, the National Institutes of Health listed changes in weather as an asthma trigger. But scientists involved in the study say theyre the first to investigate the effect of the temperature on attacks.
Lead author of the research Dr. Alan Baptist tells Reuters it is not clear why weather affects breathing, but that these shifts may aggravate the inflammation in the airways of the lungs.
Avoiding known allergens and using an air purifier is believed to help reduce the occurrence of asthma attacks.
Vitamins A, C, D and E are all linked to improving lung function. Some asthma sufferers have also tried natural health supplements containing essential fatty acids like omega-3, flaxseed oil or fish oil as well as magnesium.
Home remedies containing ingredients like garlic, ginger tea, radishes and lemon juice may also be helpful.