asthma

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a disease that intermittently affects the lungs. When it strikes, the lungs become inflamed and the airways narrow. The sufferer’s chest tightens, breathing becomes difficult or wheezy, and a persistent cough may develop – especially at night.

Asthma can be triggered by allergies or have its onset from a stressful period of life such as an infection, grief, or even the birth of a baby. Thousands die from asthma each year. It is a serious disease that is increasing in frequency.

For children and adults alike, the struggle to breathe during an asthma attack can be a frightening experience. While conventional medications relieve many of the symptoms of asthma, they cannot cure it. With homeopathy, it is a different story.

Causes of Asthma

Researchers have identified the following as either causing or having strong links to the development of asthma:

  • Caesarean sections,
  • Vaccines,
  • Antibiotic use in early life,
  • Paracetamol (Panadol Or Tylenol) use in early life,
  • Family history of asthma.

Asthma Triggers

The major triggers for asthma include:

  • Poor or polluted air,
  • Tobacco smoke, well
  • Emotional stress,
  • Cold air,
  • Exercise,
  • Upper respiratory tract infections (head colds and sore throats),
  • Exposure to things that provoke an allergic response.

Side-Effects of Conventional Treatments

Conventional asthma medications are split into two main groups. One group dilates the constricted airways (bronchodilators) while the second group reduces inflammation.

Both groups consist of medicines that can either prevent or relieve asthma. They may be prescribed for short-term or long-term use and can be either swallowed or inhaled.

Those that are inhaled usually have fewer side effects because they work directly on the lungs. Those are swallowed affect the whole body and so produce a greater range of side-effects.

What all of these medicines have in common is that they only ever manage the symptoms of asthma, never cure them. Knowing that, let’s look at their side effects:

Inhaled bronchodilators: These medications are marketed as being relatively safe and effective. Side-effects, such as an increased heart rate and muscle shakes, usually wear off with time so are classified as minor problems. Overuse of these medications has been known to worsen asthma and increase the possibility of death.

Tablet or liquid bronchodilators: Systemic bronchodilator medications such as theophylline affect the whole body rather than just the lungs and so have a greater number of unpleasant side effects. These include: mood and behavioural changes; increased urination; allergic reactions; confusion; diarrhoea; dizziness; sleeplessness; nausea and vomiting; tremors; irregular heartbeats; and persistent headaches. Theophylline blood levels should be checked regularly to ensure the proper dose is being taken.

Inhaled anti-inflammatories: Again, because this type of corticosteroid medication is delivered straight to the lungs, side-effects are less common than when corticosteroids are taken orally. The main side-effect is yeast (thrush) in the mouth and throat leading to pain and hoarseness. The growth rate of children can also be slowed by this medication, especially if overused.

Tablet or liquid anti-inflammatories: Systemic corticosteroid medications are prescribed to reverse severe episodes of difficult-to-control asthma. They have serious side-effects, especially when used for long periods of time. For this reason they are only used as a last resort and for as short a period as possible. Side effects include:

  • Mood swings or depression, especially in children,
  • Increased appetite and weight gain,
  • Fattened, ‘moon’ face,
  • Thinning of the skin,
  • Restlessness and hyperactivity,
  • Sleep disturbances,
  • Heartburn and indigestion,
  • Easy bruising,
  • Worsening or triggering of diabetes,
  • Osteoporosis (brittle bones),
  • Cataracts of the eyes,
  • Muscle weakness,
  • Reduced resistance to infection,
  • High blood pressure,
  • Impaired growth in children.

The good news is that by treating your asthma with homoeopathy all of the above side-effects can be avoided and your asthma symptoms are far more likely to reduce over time and clear completely. Let’s hear from two men who are currently being treated for their long-term asthma.

Homeopathic remedies for asthma

  • Aconitum napellus for shortness of breath.
  • Adrenalinum for congestion.
  • Aralia racemosa for tightness in chest.
  • Bromium for spasmodic cough.
  • Eriodictyon californicum for asthmatic wheezing.
  • Eucalyptus globulus for mucus congestion.
  • Phosphorus for chest spasms.
  • ifolium pratense for irritation.

 

Arsenicum album

A person needing this remedy can feel exhausted, yet be very restless and anxious. Breathing problems tend to be worse while lying down, better when sitting up, and may begin, or be the most intense, between midnight and two a.m. Dry wheezing may progress to a cough that brings up frothy whitish fluid. The person can be thirsty, taking frequent tiny sips. General chilliness is usually seen, with burning pains in the chest and heat in the head. Warmth often brings improvement.

Ipecacuanha

Coughing spasms that lead to retching or vomiting strongly indicate this remedy. Wheezing can come on suddenly with a feeling of suffocation and heaviness in the chest. Mucus collects in breathing tubes, but the person has difficulty coughing much out. The person may sweat a lot and feel clammy or nauseous, be worse from motion, and sometimes worse from warmth.

Pulsatilla

Wheezing that starts when a person gets too warm (especially in a stuffy room), or after eating rich food, can indicate this remedy. Coughing brings up yellow-colored mucus, with gagging and choking. Tightness in the chest tends to be worse in the evening and at night, and is relieved by cool fresh air. A person who needs this remedy is likely to be changeable and emotional, wanting a lot of attention and comforting. (Pulsatilla is often useful in children’s illnesses.)

Spongia tosta

A hard or “barking” cough during an asthma attack is a strong indication for this remedy. Breathing can be labored, with a sawing sound, and not much mucus is produced. The person may feel best when sitting up and tilting the head back, or when leaning forward. Warm drinks may be helpful. The problems often start while the person is asleep (typically before midnight). Spongia is often used in croup, as well. Other Remedies

Carbo vegetabilis

This remedy may be indicated when a person feels weak or faint with a hollow sensation in the chest. Coughing jags can lead to gagging. The person may be very cold (especially hands and feet), yet feel a need for moving air, wanting to sit beside a fan or open window. Gas and digestive upset are also likely, and sitting up and burping offers some relief. Feeling worse in the evening, and worse from talking, eating, or lying down are other indications for this remedy.

Chamomilla

Asthma with a dry, hard, irritating cough that starts after being exposed to moving air, or after becoming overexcited and angry, may be helped with this remedy. The cough is often worse around nine p.m., and may continue into the night. The person seems hypersensitive and may be extremely irritable and agitated. (Children may even shriek and hit, though they often calm down if someone carries them.)

Natrum sulphuricum

This remedy is sometimes indicated when asthma attacks are brought on by exposure to mold and dampness. The person may hold the chest while coughing, because it feels so weak. Wheezing and breathing difficulties are aggravated by exertion, and episodes tend to be worse in the very early morning.

Nux vomica

Indications for this remedy include a tense, constricted feeling in the chest during asthma attacks, with pressure in the stomach. Problems are often worse in the morning. Overindulgence in stimulants, alcohol, sweets, or strong spicy food can bring on or aggravate an episode. Both physical effort and mental exertion can make things worse, and warmth and sleep often bring relief. A person needing this remedy is typically very irritable and impatient, with a general feeling of chilliness.

SOME TIPS FOR ASTHMA MANAGEMENT.

1.Reduce dust and pollen in your household.

2.During the pollen season,keep the windows closed; use an air-conditoner.

3.Vacum clen upholstered furniture & mattresse regularly as well as your pets bedding .

4.Wear a scarf over your nose and mouth dusting or go outdoors.

5.Treat cold and flu at the drop of a seneeze.

THINGS TO DO

1.Take your medicine correctly.

2.Know your asthma triggers and avoid them.

3.Deal with emergencies.

4.identify the sings just before your asthma stsrts to go of control.

5.Look at symptoms &  their nature.

6.Do not ignoer your asthma symptoms.