An asthma attack occurs when the airways of the lungs become inflamed. This causes contraction of muscles in the walls of the airways and their subsequent narrowing. Asthma affects one in ten children of school age in some industrialized countries, but only three percent of adults. Asthma can be more serious and more difficult to treat in adults.
Symptoms
• Breathlessness that is accompanied by a characteristic wheezing.
• Tight feeling in the chest.
• In severe attacks, possible increased pulse rate and clammy sweats.
• Dry cough.
• Possible anxiety and fear.
Causes
The increase in childhood asthma in the industrialized world during the last two decades of the 20th century is attributed by many to increased levels of pollution. There is a genetic tendency, however. Asthma is believed to be an allergic reaction to house dust, dust mites, pollen, fur, feathers, or tobacco smoke. It can also be induced by drugs, caffeine withdrawal, stress, or exercise. Foods such as dairy products, wheat, nuts, oranges, chocolate, and refined carbohydrates are known triggers. Asthma is also linked to high pollen counts, atmospheric changes, domestic heating systems, and some soft-furnishing materials.
Conventional care
Asthma sufferers receive treatment plans from doctors or specially trained asthma nurses. These include daily checks on the amount of air flowing in and out of the lungs using a peak-flow meter. In acute attacks, bronchodilating drugs are needed to widen the airways. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation. These drugs are usually taken by means of an inhaler. In serious attacks, hospitalization may be required for oxygen or the use of a powered ventilator to ease breathing. Inhalers used preventatively can reduce the impact of irritants.
Homeopathic medicine
Peak-flow monitoring is necessary, whatever the treatment. Homeopathic treatment of asthma is primarily constitutional. A practitioner will be particularly interested in an individual’s food preferences, their emotional makeup, and any significant environmental factors. The choice of remedy will largely be determined by symptoms, but certain remedies have an affinity with the respiratory tract. Arsen. alb. is indicated for bronchial constriction and Antimonium tart. for bronchial congestion. Bryonia is effective for the pain caused by irritation of the pleurae; and Calc. carb. for ailments arising out of restrictions in the movement of the rib cage. Phosphorus is used for respiratory problems linked with anxiety. For acute asthma, or to boost the immune system, the tubercular, psoric, or sycotic nosodes may be given. Other remedies include Arsen. alb., for attacks in the early hours, with chilliness, restlessness, and a desire for sips of water; Ipecac., when there is persistent nausea; or Kali. carb., for asthma between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. causing exhaustion. If the trigger is allergy, the effects of allergens can be reduced by isopathic remedies —for example, by taking a remedy made from cat fur to treat sensitivity to cats.
Lifestyle
A pharmacist can advise about eradicating dust mites. Placing a child’s soft toys in a freezer for a few hours every week will kill dust mites. Bedrooms in particular should be kept as dust-free as possible, and carpets and soft furnishings shampooed regularly. All known sources of irritation should be avoided, and smoking forbidden in the home. Asthma sufferers are advised to exercise, but must learn to control their breathing, especially during an asthma attack.
C A U T I O N
• If an asthma sufferer turns pale or blue, with clammy skin, and is experiencing severe breathing difficulties, call 911.
• If an acute attack persists for more than 12 hours, consult a doctor.
• If the stated dose of treatment for acute asthma does not bring an attack under control, consult a doctor immediately.
Monday, 14 April 2014
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