People with asthma have frequent attacks of wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. The reason for this is that the bronchi in the lungs narrow.
An asthma attack is stressful for those affected, in the worst case it can even be life-threatening. An overreaction of the immune system is responsible for the disease. An allergic reaction to actually harmless substances such as pollen or animal hair (allergens) often causes an attack. However, it is not always due to an allergy. A respiratory infection or certain medications can also trigger an attack.
Vitamin D as a tamer of the immune system?
Vitamin D appears to play an important role in regulating the immune system [3]. Experts have therefore been discussing for a long time whether it could help with allergies such as asthma. The claim that taking vitamin D reduces the number of asthma attacks appears again and again on the Internet. But can scientific studies confirm this?
Clear answers from science
When it comes to vitamin D against asthma, science has such a clear answer that is rarely the case when it comes to the vitamin: swallowing vitamin D cannot protect those affected from asthma attacks. This is shown by the summarized results of a total of 20 meaningful studies with over 2,000 children and adults [1].
Even with a severe deficiency, vitamin D may not help against asthma. According to the researchers, a severe deficiency was present when the vitamin D levels in the blood were less than 10 ng/ml (25 nmol/L). However, because only a few study participants had such a serious deficiency, the result is subject to great uncertainty.
Severe vitamin D deficiency should be treated, especially in children. Insufficient vitamin D can lead to muscle weakness and stunted growth of bones and cartilage (rickets or osteomalacia) in young children [4].
What happens during an asthma attack?
Numerous defense cells of the immune system patrol the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. Their task is to identify pathogens that enter the body via the respiratory tract as quickly as possible and render them harmless.
In asthmatics, these defense cells are overzealous: They react to substances that are not directly dangerous, such as pollen, grass, animal hair or tobacco smoke. The immune cells often respond to invading viruses and bacteria with more activity than is actually necessary. In some people, severe exertion or stress can also lead to seizures. Asthma attacks can be triggered by a variety of stimuli [2].
With the overreaction of the immune cells, the mucous membrane becomes inflamed and swollen, the muscles around the airways cramp and tough mucus forms. Those affected feel this as shortness of breath.
Avoid allergens and cigarette smoke
Asthma can be treated well and the symptoms do not always increase over time. Sometimes asthma in children goes away as they grow up [2].
In the case of severe asthma, it may be necessary to permanently curb the immune system with medication. Often, however, one treatment is sufficient in the event of a seizure, for example with an inhaler.
Aside from medication, exercise and certain breathing techniques can also help. It is also important to avoid seizure triggers, such as allergens, as much as possible. Smoking aggravates asthma – also known as “passive smoking”. This can affect children whose parents smoke at home [2].
You can find more scientifically sound information on the subject at Gesundheitsinformation.de.