WHAT IS ASTHMA?

Asthma is a respiratory disorder in which there is a chronic inflammation of the tracheobronchial tree with hyper-responsiveness causing symptoms-

• Wheeze (scratchy or whistling sound while breathing)
• Cough
• Chest tightness
• Dyspnoea (Difficulty in breathing)

In asthma, the air passages through which air comes in and go out are inflamed and swollen. The muscles around the airway tighten when there is exposure to triggers. The airways then start producing extra mucus, which makes it difficult to breathe.

Asthma can be activity-related also and people develop symptoms of asthma while exercising which is known as exercise-induced broncho-constriction or exercise-induced asthma.

Asthma can be allergic also as people with allergies or with a family history of any allergy are prone to develop asthma and thus it is known as allergic asthma.

People with certain occupations in which inhalation of fumes, gases, dust, other harmful industrial substances develop industrial asthma.

Asthma can develop at any age and can be seen in children also as early as before age of five years.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS OF ASTHMA:

• Recurrent infections in childhood
• Exposure to allergens like house dust mites, household pets, indoor pollution.
• Dietary deficiency of anti-oxidants
• Exposure to pets in early life.

Factors that may protect against asthma:

• Those who live on farms are less common to suffer from asthma.
• The predominance of lactobacilli in gut flora.
• Childhood infections like parasites; can prevent asthma.

TRIGGERS FOR ASTHMA ARE:

• Allergens like house dust mite, animal dander, molds, pollen, cockroach droppings.
• Tobacco smoke.
• Air pollution, strong odors, fumes.
• Exercise.
• Medicines like aspirin, NSAIDs, ibuprofen, etc.
• Anxiety
• Emotional stress
• Flu
• Exposure to cold, dry air
• Change of season
• Humidity
• Acidity.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ASTHMA? 

Symptoms of asthma typically include:

• Wheezing is a scratching or whistling sound during breathing.
• Coughing is a reflex to constriction of the airways and to spit out the mucus formed in the airways
• Chest tightness
• Difficulty in breathing

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ASTHMA?

The exact cause of asthma is not known that why few people suffer from asthma and others don’t but there is a combination of environmental and genetic factors which cause asthma.
But atopy (IgE levels are high) causes sensitization and exposure to allergens is an important risk factor.

DIAGNOSIS OF ASTHMA

Diagnosis of asthma is made by a lung function test, medical history, and a physical examination.
Often while testing the patient is better by bronchodilators.

TREATMENT OF ASTHMA

• Educate the patient about the triggers and ask him to avoid them.
• Inhalers and bronchodilators are given but should not be taken often.
• Homeopathic medicines are best especially in the case of children.

MANAGEMENT OF ASTHMA

• Educate the patient.
• Early diagnosis is good.
• Counsel the patient.
• Look for the triggers of asthma and avoid them.
• Eat a healthy nutritious diet.
• In case of exercise-induced asthma avoid rigorous exercise.
• Maintain a dairy for your doctor about your flare-ups.
• Take homeopathic medicines.

HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT OF ASTHMA

Homeopathic medicines have been shown much better results in the treatment and management of asthma especially in the case of children.
Homeopathic medicines can not only increase the frequency of bouts but improve the quality of life as well.
Medicines like ars alb, pulsatilla, rumex, lobelia, sepia, medo, etc are very good depending on the case.

DO’S AND DON’TS

DO’S

• Maintain a flare-ups diary.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Do yoga.
• Do breathing exercises.

DON’TS

• Don't expose yourself to triggers again and again.
• Don't panic in case of stress and anxiety.