Asthma Causes, Symptoms, Treating Sources

Asthma is a condition in which the muscles of the bronchi (the air tubes of the lung) contract in spasm, obstructing the flow of air and making breathing out, in particular, very difficult. Asthma is becoming increasingly common, especially among children, and may be triggered by a number of factors, including allergens (such as house dust or pets), pollution, infection, emotional trauma, or physical exertion.

Asthma is divided into two categories: intrinsic, for which there is no identifiable cause for attacks, and extrinsic, which is caused by something, usually inhaled, that triggers an attack. In many asthma patients, inflammation of the lining of the airways leads to increased sensitivity to a variety of environmental triggers that can cause narrowing of the airways, resulting in obstruction of airflow and breathing difficulty. In some patients, the mucous glands in the airways produce excessive thick mucus, further obstructing airflow.

An asthma attack may be brief or last for several days. Typically, an attack begins within minutes after exposure to a triggering agent. Some patients have only occasional or “seasonal” symptoms, while others have daily symptoms.

Symptoms 
• difficulty in breathing
• an increase in pulse rate
• wheezing, especially on breathing out
• a persistent dry cough
• a sensation of tightness around the chest

The prevalence of asthma is only about 1 or 2 percent worldwide, but in the U.S. asthma affects about 6 percent of children. In the U.S. asthma affects 1 in 20 adults, affecting over 7 million adults and 3 million children, or roughly 4 percent of the population. Children under 16 and adults over 65 are most commonly affected. The incidence of hospitalization for children suffering from asthma and asthma-related illness has increased by 500 percent over the last 30 years. The incidence of asthma in the U.K. population has increased 30 times over the last 30 years. Asthma is on the increase in the Western world, and although orthodox medicine can control all the worst symptoms, there is no sign of a cure being found. Drinking caffeine is said to open the airways and reduce symptoms by one-third in asthma sufferers.

CAUTION
A prolonged attack of severe asthma that does not respond to simple remedies requires immediate medical attention. If a cough lasts for more than 10 days, or is accompanied by fever, difficult breathing, blue lips, drowsiness, or difficulty in speaking, contact your physician.

TREATMENT

Ayurveda 
Ginger and stramonium may be used to treat asthma.

Chinese Herbalism
The cause of the illness is considered to be Phlegm produced by weakness of the Spleen and Kidneys. Almond and ephedra may be prescribed to open the Lungs.

Herbalism 
Any of the herbs suggested for stress will help you to relax, which should decrease the incidence of attacks. Elecampane can be infused to treat asthma. Drink daily if you are prone to attacks. During a mild attack, grindelia, hyssop, wild cherry bark, and motherwort will help. Turmeric has a bronchodilatory effect, and it can be sipped sprinkled in a cup of warm water.

Aromatherapy 
A steam inhalation of chamomile, eucalyptus, or lavender essential oils can be taken during an attack and immediately afterwards to ease panic and to help open the airways. Pine oil in the bath or a vaporizer will reduce the incidence of attacks. Bergamot, clary sage, neroli, chamomile, and rose are antispasmodic, as well as being relaxant, and they will be particularly useful for attacks brought on by stress.

Homeopathy 
Chronic asthma must be treated constitutionally, but the following remedies can be used for mild attacks, while waiting for medical attention:
• Ipecac., for wheezy children who cough until they vomit up a little mucus.
• Arsenicum, for waking between midnight and 2a.m., accompanied by difficult breathing.
• Bryonia, for asthma at the end of a cold, with a hard, dry cough.
• Nat. sulf., for asthma in damp weather, with a loose cough and yellowish mucus.
• Lachesis, for asthma that starts in spring or autumn, or at menopause.

Flower Essences
Take Rescue Remedy when you feel symptoms coming on. This will ease symptoms and prevent a full-blown attack.

Vitamins and Minerals 
Increase your intake of vitamin B6, which is said to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.