Sleep plays a very important role in our physical health, especially in the younger ages. Poor sleep may lead to a lot of health issues and a new study has found that poor sleep quality in teenagers contributes to increased asthma risk. The study done at the University of Alberta, Canada found that teens who stay up late are more susceptible to developing asthma.
According to Dr Arvind Kate – Chest Physician and Pulmonologist, Zen Hospital, Mumbai – lifestyle plays an important in triggering asthma.
“Asthma can be linked to lifestyle changes in teenagers and this includes staying up late at night. Staying up late at night increases acid reflux, acid reflux is medically referred to as GERD Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. So if you are awake late at night and getting up late, there are fluctuations in acid production and acid reflux of the body. It could also be one of the contributing factors for asthma,” said Dr Arvind Kate.
The doctor said that there other things that can trigger asthma, like the consumption of junk food and fruits. He said that the consumption of junk food more than three times a week increases the tendency of asthmatic attack and allergic symptoms.
“Consumption of Ajinomoto and vinegar, which are commonly used in Chinese foods, can also trigger asthma. Sometimes we have seen see foods like prawn trigger asthma attack. Also, artificial colouring agents, food preservatives, additive cold drinks can also trigger asthma or asthmatic attacks. It is not applicable for everyone but at least whosoever has a history of asthma or taking medicines should avoid such things,” he said.
ALSO READ | Scientists Uncover Immune Cells That May Lower Airway Allergy And Asthma Risk
Other triggers are indoor pollution which could be because of mosquito replants, incense sticks, scented candles. “Damp or moist walls can harbour some fungus called Aspergillus fumigates. That is one of the common causes of asthma development and asthma trigger in cities,” the doctor said.
He also said that there are no restrictions on the physical activities of asthmatic persons unless the person is on heavy medication.
“If you are on regular medication, typically exercise and sports activities are not limited. But there is one variant of asthma which is labelled as exercise-induced asthma. People with this condition are otherwise normal but when they used a treadmill or exercise, they get breathless. But when the exercise continues, their breathlessness is settled down,” Dr Kate said.
Dr Kate said that breathing exercises, pranayama, and yoga definitely help patients with asthma. “It will boost up the lung capacity. I will suggest that person with asthma should be regular with some sort of exercise activities,” he added.
