What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects 20 million Americans. Furthermore, statistics show that asthma affects approximately 1 in 10 children in the United States, making it the most common chronic disease of childhood to date. During an asthma attack, the airways of the lung (bronchioles) swell, shrink and are lined with excessive amounts of mucus - causing a restriction of airflow and making breathing difficult.

These attacks are often triggered by pollution or some environmental irritants as cigarette smoke, household cleaning agents or other toxins. Other common triggers include a change in humidity or air temperature, stress, allergies, and physical effort.

Chronic asthma can be a frightening condition that often requires vigilant medical management to prevent and minimize the occurrence of acute attacks. This may take the form of conventional Western treatment of medicine, homeopathic or naturopathic. While many asthma attacks are relatively mild and can be treated and controlled at home, some are more severe and may even require hospitalization.

Diagnosis of asthma

If you suspect that you or your child may have asthma, it is important to seek medical attention in order to make a proper diagnosis. Your doctor will ask about symptoms experienced and whether there seems to be anything that is driving. A medical history will be taken where your doctor may ask about allergies, family history of asthma or other lung related diseases and when symptoms were first noticed.

A physical examination and noninvasive tests of lung function, and will usually help you determine a diagnosis. Your doctor may also examine your skin and ask if there is a history of rashes, eczema or skin allergies, as there is a common link between skin reactions and chronic asthma. If a diagnosis is confirmed, it is important to discuss treatment options with your doctor and explore alternatives.

Symptoms of asthma

Asthma symptoms and the severity, frequency and duration of asthma attacks differ among individuals. It is important to learn to recognize their own symptoms of early detection of an attack to take swift action where necessary.

Asthma symptoms usually include:

* Tightness, pain or pressure in chest

* An audible beep is characteristic of asthma, especially when exhaling

* Shortness of breath

* Persistent cough, especially at night or at dawn

What causes asthma?

Most asthma cases are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Studies have shown that asthma runs in families, with children of parents with asthma are especially vulnerable to the condition. In addition, children with an early history of infections and continuous exposure to secondhand smoke are more likely to develop the condition than other children.

Common asthma triggers

Asthma has a number of triggers that often include:

* Allergies to pollen, grass, certain foods, dust mites in the home, pets or any other environmental allergens

* Air pollution or irritants, including emissions from car and factory

* Smoke

* A number of scented products including deodorants, chemical detergents, fabric softeners and incense

* Colds, flu and respiratory sinus

* Reflux

* Physical exertion or exercise

* Certain medications such as aspirin and penicillin

* Hormonal changes in women during pregnancy or menstruation

* Sudden changes in air humidity or temperature

* Cold air

* Tension, anxiety and other strong emotions

* Preservatives in food

Help for Asthma

Asthma treatment involves working with your health care provider to find better methods of control in terms of prevention and management of acute attacks of milder symptoms. A treatment plan will include learning how to quickly recognize an attack, what to do in emergency situations and how to avoid personal triggers as possible. In most cases, the use of conventional Western medicine and / or herbal and homeopathic remedies are recommended.

Conventional Western medicine asthma is usually treated with a combination of preventive medications and quick relief. These may include frequent use of inhalers, anti-inflammatory medication, bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and anti-allergy medications.

While conventional medical treatment may sometimes be necessary (especially quick relief medications), many of them come with a number of potentially dangerous side effects and adverse effects on immune function. Prolonged use of these medications have the potential to lower the health of the immune system, resulting in increased asthma attacks, reduced resistance to allergens, while also leaves the body vulnerable to other diseases.

You should not stop your asthma medication without first talking to your doctor, naturopath or homeopath trained to address.

Natural Remedies

There are a number of effective herbal and homeopathic remedies that can be used for successful treatment of asthma and other respiratory conditions. Depending on the severity of asthma, natural remedies can reduce or totally eliminate the need for synthetic drugs and / or frequent use, in conjunction with conventional medications as part of a holistic treatment plan.

Herbal ingredients such as Matricaria recutita and Astralagus are known for their anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, while homeopathic ingredients such as Mag Phos. Nat Sulph and assist in the constriction of the chest and throat and soothe mucous membranes while reducing the presence of phlegm in the chest. Used regularly, natural remedies can help to improve respiratory health, reduce the incidence and severity of asthma attacks while strengthening the immune system.