Asthma in Wet Weather – Natural Treatments

Asthma is an allergic condition that results in the narrowing and swelling of the air passages causing wheezing, difficult breathing, production of excess mucus and coughing. The weather plays a significant role in this condition. There are many climatic conditions which have a specific influence on the asthmatic complaints. People with asthma see a marked aggravation in their complaints during a change of weather, hot weather, winters or wet weather. It varies from person to person, depending upon their vulnerability to a certain weather condition. Humid weather in the monsoons is the worst period for people who have asthma. Well-Directed homeopathic treatment for asthma in wet weather can help reduce the severity and duration of the symptoms.The top homeopathic remedies for asthma in wet weather include Natrum Sulph, Dulcamara and China Officinalis.

Why is Asthma Common in Wet Weather?

Multiple factors contribute to asthmatic flare-ups during the wet weather. Some of these include:

Damp and Wet Weather Conditions

During wet and damp weather conditions, the air is more humid and heavy, making it difficult to breathe. People with asthma already have sensitive airways, and this type of moist air triggers the constriction and narrowing of airways. Also, damp air does not flow as smoothly as dry air through the smaller air passages of the lungs, thereby triggering an episode of asthma.
Damp air when inhaled is more likely to cause spasms in the airways. Many people find it difficult to breathe in damp weather since it triggers the constriction of airways causing wheezing, shortness of breath and tightness of the chest.

Pollen Content in the Surroundings 

The pollen content during wet weather conditions is high, and most people who have asthma are sensitive or allergic to pollen grains. Many trees pollinate during this season, raising the pollen count to a significant level. The stormy winds during the rainy season are a perfect medium to carry the pollen across. We are exposed more to these environmental irritants which initiate the allergic reactions in vulnerable individuals.

Spores produced by Molds

Small particles produced by molds (known as spores) thrive well in high humid conditions. Since the moist air is favorable for the growth of dust mites and molds, they multiply in huge amount during the rainy season. There are thousands of types of molds; fortunately only a few are responsible for this kind of allergy. A single growth of mold can generate millions of spores. Rotting logs and vegetation (like piles of leaves) are the prime habitat for molds, as are damp walls and carpet. Molds live and thrive at room temperature, and are present inside homes too, in damp places like bathrooms, house plants, refrigerator, foam pillows, washing machines, and furniture.

Therefore, individuals are exposed more to pollen, dust mite and molds during the rainy season. Most of the times, asthma is an allergic reaction, which means that the body’s defense system is attacking substances which it recognizes as a foreign body. It is during this interaction that a substance (which is responsible for all the symptoms of allergy) is produced. This substance is called histamine. Therefore, when a person develops asthma in wet weather, it is the person’s immune system reacting towards the molds, pollen and dust mites.

Homeopathic Medicines for Asthma in Wet Weather

Asthma is a constitutional disorder and needs to be holistically treated. Homeopathy carries an excellent scope to reduce the chronic tendency of asthmatic attacks.

Natrum Sulph: Leading Homeopathic Remedy for Asthma in Wet Weather

Natrum Sulph is also known as Sodium sulfate. It was discovered by Glauber in 1658 and is therefore also called Glauber’s salt.
Sodium sulfate is an inorganic salt that is found in the intracellular fluids of the human body. Its primary function is regulation of water and other fluids in the human body. It also ensures that the essential fluids like blood, bile, and pancreatic juice are of normal consistency in our body. Symptoms of asthma in wet weather that indicate the need for this remedy include a dry cough with soreness in the chest. The episodes of cough are mostly at night, with difficulty breathing. The person has to sit up and hold the chest. Shortness of breath is another characteristic feature of this remedy. Shortness of breath while walking, a sharp, piercing pain in the chest, a violent asthma attack with expulsion of green mucus are some other symptoms. The asthmatic episodes are worse in damp and cloudy weather. The asthmatic episodes get worse by motion, lying down or after eating. These asthma attacks are triggered by exposure to cold air or by physical exertion. The complaints are more frequent during the early morning, between 4:00-5: 00 am.

Dulcamara

Dulcamara is a climbing shrub commonly known as the “Bittersweet” and belongs to the family Solanaceae. It grows in the moist places of North America and Europe. Homeopathic tincture of this remedy is prepared from fresh stems and leaves collected before the flowering. The main characteristic feature of this medicine is that the ailments are typically worse during wet weather. It is very well indicated for asthma in wet weather. The asthma episode is triggered by exposure to damp cold weather or after getting wet. There is a barking and spasmodic cough with the expulsion of a profuse amount of mucous. It is also helpful in cases where there is a pain in the face along with asthma. Deep inspiration triggers a cough, there is breathlessness during the wet weather. Dulcamara is also indicated for those who tend to catch a frequent cough and cold.

China Officinalis

Another plant remedy which belongs to the family Rubiaceae, China Officinalis grows in the wet forests of South America. Indicated for asthma that gets worse during wet weather, the main symptoms that point towards this medicine include asthma with wheezing and whistling in the chest and shortness of breath with a choking feeling (making the episode look severe and life-threatening). The breathing is short and heavy with a rattling sound in the chest, there may be heaviness and tightness of chest which gets worse during the evening and on lying down. There is continuous irritation in the throat resulting in a hacking cough. It is also helpful where an asthmatic cough results in vomiting of a significant amount of mucous. One may also experience a cutting type of pain in the abdomen upon coughing. The episodes of cough are usually worse during the morning, after rising up or after the meals. Another indication of this remedy is a suffocative feeling in the chest and the person has a desire to take deep breaths. The episodes of asthma or cough are worse after excess talking or lying down. There is marked difficulty in breathing specifically when the head is low (especially while lying down).

Aurum Metallicum

Aurum Metallicum is metal remedy prepared from gold. It is indicated for asthma due to congestion of the chest. There are suffocative attacks of asthma which are worse in the open air. The person always feels that he/she cannot get enough air to breathe, therefore always taking deep breathes. There is dyspnoea (difficulty in breathing) and shortness of breath with a feeling of constriction in the chest. Asthma gets worse during rainy weather and in the open air, there is an accumulation of a huge amount of mucus in the chest which is very difficult to expel. A cough with yellowish phlegm after waking up, which is hard and dry and appears in paroxysms (sudden attack) especially at night time. There is a feeling of pressure on the chest making it difficult for the individual to breathe. The complaints are worse during the damp weather or after exposure to damp air.

Silicea

Silicea is another important remedy for asthma in wet weather. There is shortness of breath which is worse after physical work or walking fast. It is helpful in cases where the cold settles in the chest. Episodes of a recurrent cough and cold that end up into asthma, or when there is a history of pneumonia along with asthma is treated well with this remedy. This medicine is also helpful for hay asthma which occurs during the end of August. Breathing is difficult with rattling in the chest and expectoration of profuse lumpy yellow sputum. Violent episodes of cough while lying down and episodes of gagging cough at night which wakes a person up from sleep are other symptoms that indicate towards this remedy.

Antimonium Tart

Homeopathic remedy Antimonium Tart is prepared from a chemical compound commonly known as Tatar emetic. It naturally occurs as a colorless, transparent substance with a sweet metallic taste. It works well to treat asthmatic episodes with a rattling of mucus in the chest. The breathing is short and quick and makes a rattling sound. It is also very helpful in asthma and bronchitis affecting children. The dyspnoea especially when lying down and gets better while holding the child in an upright position, a spasmodic asthmatic cough, pain in the chest and abdomen during coughing are some other symptoms. The episodes of asthma mostly occur at night with suffocating and exhausting spells of coughing.

Managing Asthma in Wet Weather

– Look for the weather forecast and avoid going out during the stormy days.
– Avoid being exposed to pollens, dust mites or molds. Avoid the areas which can have these substances, and at home, follow proper cleaning routines.
– Avoid doing excessive physical activities during the damp and humid weather as it is harder to breathe.
– Avoid overexposure to pollutant or fumes like those from wood-burning or motor vehicles.
– Change your clothes and keep them separately whenever you come indoors from outside.
– During high-pollen content, make sure to wash your beddings frequently.
– Use a dehumidifier in damp weather to reduce the growth of molds.
– Carry a rescue inhaler in case you suffer from acute breathlessness.
– If you have a cold or flu during rainy weather, ensure you take all immediate action to treat it.
– Avoid smoking.
– Avoid places where there is too much smoke or pollution.

Diet: Foods to Eat to treat Pollen Allergies 

Vitamin A: helps in the production of healthy mucous of the air passages of lungs.

Folates: Help in reducing the allergic and inflammatory reactions of the body.

Magnesium: Very good for overall muscle movement and coordination. It helps in regulating the constriction and relaxation of the bronchioles. In asthmatic cases, it can help in reducing the allergic constriction of the air passages.

Omega-3 fatty acid: These are overall very helpful for boosting the immunity and reducing the inflammation. They can also help to reduce the sensitivity to such allergic conditions.

Vitamin D: It is very beneficial in controlling the allergic tendencies. It boosts the defense mechanism of the body and reduces the tendency of having recurrent episodes of asthma. Also, it has anti-inflammatory properties which can decrease the severity of the asthma episodes.

Food to Avoid in Case of Wet Weather Asthma

Avoiding the food one is allergic to – If you have any associated food sensitivity like gluten, casein, lactose wheat, etc, they should be avoided as any exposure to these can trigger allergic reactions in the body.