Asthma Management: Lifestyle Interventions and Evidence-Based Care

Asthma from Childhood to Adulthood

Children are at a higher risk of asthma than adults, attributed to both indoor and outdoor air pollution. The high risk of asthma among children can be attributed to the fact that they inhale a higher volume of air per body weight than adults. Numerous studies show that children who live near places with traffic are at a high risk of new asthma onset and asthmatic symptoms (Serebrisky & Wiznia, 2019).

The Relationship Between Obesity and Asthma

Being obese or overweight increases inflammation in the body, worsening asthma symptoms. The extra weight gained exerts more pressure on the lungs, making breathing harder. Some of the suggested mechanisms of obesity-associated inflammation are dietary components such as free fatty acids, intestinal antigens, adipocyte death, mechanical stress, and hypoxia (Miethe et al., 2020).

Alternative Interventions: Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting is voluntary abstinence from drinking and eating for a specific time. During this period, no nutrients or glucose are ingested, leading to the breaking down of glycogen in the liver. By fasting for 18 to 24 hours, hepatic glycogen is completely depleted, and gluconeogenesis occurs (Soliman, 2022).

Intermittent fasting reduces asthma symptoms among individuals with weight issues by reducing the weight exerted on the lungs and reducing inflammation. It enhances immunity through energy metabolism as fasting generates beta-hydroxybutyrate, which has anti-inflammatory properties. During fasting, there is elevation of glucocorticoids that stimulate the immune system. Additionally, intermittent fasting enhances the immune system by modulating the molecular clock (Ma, 2024).

Clinical Considerations

While lifestyle interventions like intermittent fasting and weight management show promise in reducing asthma symptoms, they should complement rather than replace evidence-based medical treatment. Healthcare providers should assess each patient individually and develop a comprehensive management plan that may include both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions.

References

• Ma, R. X. (2024). A detective story of intermittent fasting effect on immunity. Immunology, 173(2), 227-247.
• Miethe, S., et al. (2020). Obesity and asthma. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 146(4), 685-693.
• Serebrisky, D., & Wiznia, A. (2019). Pediatric asthma: a global epidemic. Annals of Global Health, 85(1).
• Soliman, G. A. (2022). Intermittent fasting and time-restricted eating role in dietary interventions. Frontiers in Public Health, 10, 1017254.