Medical expert of the article
New publications
Ginger will ease bronchial asthma attacks
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Columbia University workers said that a new drug that could help ease the suffering of people with asthma was discovered several months ago. Information about the new drug was presented at the American Thoracic Society International Conference, which was held in Philadelphia last month.
Experts reported that substances contained in ginger root can ease breathing for people who suffer from asthma attacks. Bronchial asthma is a severe chronic respiratory disease that manifests itself in the form of narrowing of the bronchial lumen. Asthma is caused by such specific immunological processes as allergies, sensitization and manifests itself in the form of coughing fits and shortness of breath.
Currently, about 5-10% of the world's population suffers from constant or periodic attacks of bronchial asthma. Various medications are used for treatment: symptomatic medications, which are prescribed to relieve asthma attacks, and medications that can affect the pathogenetic mechanisms of the disease. The most common medications today are beta-adrenergic agonists (also called beta-agonists or beta-adrenergic stimulants), which are used to relieve asthma attacks. Most often, the drugs are presented in the form of aerosols and are often used by professional athletes to provide the body with the so-called "second wind" that occurs due to the expansion of the bronchioles.
The head of a group of anesthesiologists at Columbia University reported that despite the widespread prevalence of chronic bronchial asthma, only a few new drugs have been invented in recent years that can relieve asthma attacks. Recent research by scientists has proven that substances contained in ginger can help relieve asthma attacks. Ginger components can interact with beta-adrenergic stimulants and, when combined with them, can more effectively relax the airways, expand the bronchioles and relieve asthma attacks. For several months, Columbia University researchers have been studying human airway tissue and the possible reaction to drugs on natural components. The specialists experimented with combinations of drugs and natural components of fresh ginger. The results of the study showed that relaxation of airway tissue occurs most quickly after exposure to ginger components in combination with beta-agonists.
The head of the study is confident that the information obtained is of great value for modern medicine. Based on the data obtained, specialists will be able to create new drugs for basic therapy that will alleviate the suffering of patients.
It is worth noting that recent studies by European scientists have confirmed the fact that attacks of bronchial asthma can be cured with the help of singing lessons.
[