If you've ever had an asthma attack, you know how miserable it is to be doing something and then not be able to breathe.

The following information is not intended to replace medical advice (Asthma is a serious condition that should always be checked by a doctor), but these tips may be helpful to reduce some of your asthma symptoms.

1. Hot air may help in some cases, and hot air with steam may help even more. If you have a hot air sauna at your gym, give it a try to see if you breathe better. Even though it may feel like a hot 120 degree day in Phoenix, if it helps, you'll notice right away. Hot air steam rooms can be even more effective, as that steam gets right to the lungs and feels like it relaxes them.

2. Some have found that cold air can trigger an asthma attack or cause discomfort in breathing. If it's really cold outside, try to stay inside as much as possible.

3. Avoid smoke. Smoke can trigger an asthma attack, so avoid it as much as possible. Don't go in a room filled with smoke. Around an outdoor campfire or bonfire, stay back an extra few feet.

4. Certain foods have been demonstrated to aggrevate asthma. Mainly dairy (milk, cream and cottage cheese) and eggs. Although sometimes nuts and seafood (mainly bottom crawlers) can also cause difficulties.

5. Budget Chinese restaurants oftentimes use an additive called monosodium glutamate (MSG). This is what causes that "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome" of feeling sleepy after a Chinese meal. It can also cause asthma problems. Before you eat there, ask the people at the restaurant if they use MSG. Many Chinese restaurants don't use MSG anymore, but if they do, maybe it's time to find a new Chinese place.

6. If you start to have an attack and don't have medicine with you, try a cup of coffee or something else containing caffeine (Coca Cola or better yet, bodybuilding thermogenic drinks). Caffeine is known to calm the effects of an attack (but if you have acid reflux, caffeine can aggrevate acid reflux, so you have to arrive at a balance between the two).

If you have asthma, I know how it feels. It is my hope to share with you what I found to be helpful, as I use the steam room and drink an occaisional bodybuilding thermogenic drink and it helps me a lot.

This is not intended to replace medical advice. If you suffer from asthma, it is important to see your doctor to explore together options that are available to you.

Copyright (c) 2006.