Vitamin C and omega 3 fatty acids may help respiratory symptoms.
Date: Monday, July 16, 2007
Source: Chest
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Respiratory tract infections remain the major cause of death from acute illness in the United States, and most likely, they represent the single most common reason patients seek medical attention. Respiratory illnesses included bronchitis, pneumonia, wheeze, asthma, emphysema and influenza. Asthma is a lung disease characterized by recurrent attacks caused by a variety of factors that can lead to constriction of the bronchial tubes and air passages. All asthma attacks have the same scenario in common: the airways become extremely irritated and overreact by going into spasm. Chronic bronchitis is an inflammatory response of the airways and has often been associated with asthma even though there are many other causes that can trigger a bronchial infection. Chronic bronchitis is a condition with continuous or recurrent excess mucus secretions into the bronchial tree causing a chronic cough that tries to get rid of the mucus. Smoking, second-hand smoke and exposure to environmental toxins appear to play a contributing role in respiratory infections.
A recent study published in the July issue of Chest examined the role of dietary nutrients and the risk of respiratory symptoms. 2,112 twelfth graders completed a standardized respiratory questionnaire and a dietary questionnaire during the 1998 to 1999 school year. Before the lung function testing, the students answered questions about medication use, smoking habits and exercising. The researchers found that low dietary intakes of vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids were associated with lower lung function and an increased risk of chronic bronchitic symptoms, wheezing, and asthma. These risks were further increased among students who not only had lower intakes of nutrients but also smoked. In conclusion the authors suggested that higher intakes of dietary nutrients may lower the risk of respiratory symptoms.1
1 Burns, JS, Dockery DW, Neas LM, et al. Low dietary nutrient intakes and respiratory health in adolescents. Chest. Jul 2007;132(1):238-45.
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