Wholistic Medical Centre

Asthma is a chronic disease of the respiratory system which makes breathing very difficult. The bronchi or airways to the lungs react to oversensitivity to a variety of things. Some asthmatics react to only a few irritants, others to many. Once the irritant or allergen hits the smooth muscles in the bronchi linings the airways tighten and less air is able to get through.

This reaction also causes the linings to swell and there is an increase in mucous secretions that may be stringy or thick, thereby adding to the breathing difficulties. The result of these combined factors is Asthma which is recognized by a tight feeling in the chest, wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.

 The incidence of asthma is increasing worldwide, probably due to the consumption of more processed foods and the increases in pollution. 10% of school age children suffer from asthma but this decreases to about 3% in the adult population. A family history of Asthma, hayfever, allergic rhinitis or eczema seems to be predisposing factors in the onset of asthma in children. Asthma which has its onset in middle age represents a more fundamental breakdown in health and is therefore more difficult to treat. Some studies have shown that Asthma is more prevalent in affluent families with only one or two children.

 The main cause of asthma attacks is not lung weakness but hereditary allergies or sensitivities. For instance when an Asthma sufferer inhales dust mite particles, the linings of the body’s respiratory system react as if the dust mite material was a dangerous organism. The body’s reaction to try and get rid of this foreign body is to cause swelling, mucous build up and breathing difficulties.

 Asthmatics are sometimes put into two broad categories, primarily as a result of a genetic disposition;

• Allergic – often seasonal (similar to hayfever) – worse with summer grasses and spring pollens, moulds, feathers, animal furs, various foods, some drugs (aspirin)

•  Non-allergic – triggers include exercise, cold weather, weather changes, smoke, fatigue, emotional upsets, excitement, petrol fumes, viral or bacterial infections and virtually anything dusty or perfumed.

 Evidence from New Guinea, Australian Aboriginal Groups and various other native populations where people previously living in the country have moved to cities shows a dramatic increase in asthma attacks. This could be due to the increased pollution, dust and dust mites in household furniture, smoking, changes in eating habits (increases in processed foods and sugars) or maybe just less fresh air and exercise.

 Naturopathic doctors that are asked to support an asthma sufferer will look at how best to balance the individual’s constitution and improve their immune system. Their remedies and advice will be individual to the patient but will be compatible with orthodox treatment. Taking natural remedies does not necessarily mean stopping orthodox treatments; it just means the use of pharmaceutical drugs may be able to be reduced

•  A herbalist will use herbs to reduce the sensitivity and irritability of the airways and use herbal medicines to dilate the bronchial tubes and remove excess mucous.

• A homeopath will treat chronic Asthma constitutionally and will provide homeopathic remedies that will strengthen the individuals immune system based on their unique symptoms. If attacks are triggered by allergies a homeopath may offer the allergens in homeopathic potency. (Drugs such as Intal and Ventolin are compatible with homeopathic remedies)
• A dietician or allergist will look at a patient’s diet and ascertain which foods are most likely to be causing allergies. After allergy testing they will then recommend a diet that will eliminate these foods and only reintroduce them one at a time to watch the effect on the body.

 During an asthma attack it can be useful to sit with the elbows resting on the back of a chair as this lifts the upper part of the ribcage and therefore makes it easier to breathe. Also try to isolate your allergic triggers and reduce or eliminate them.

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