ASTHMA

(Bronchial asthma, reversible hyperreactive lung disease)

Asthma is a chronic disease in which the air passages, or bronchi, overact to normally harmless substances/circumstances.
When these triggering factors enter the bronchi, the airways constrict to hinder the flow of air in and out of the lungs.
Very soon, the bronchi becomes inflamed, and the membranes lining them secrete a sticky mucus. The result is wheezing, coughing and difficulty in breathing. A severe atttack can be life threatening.

Asthma triggers vary from person to person; some of the most common are allergens such as pollen, animal dander, and house dust; irritants such as air pollution, tobacco smoke, perfumes and chemicals; aspirin and related medications; anxiety and stress; and vigorous exercise.

TREATMENTS:
Doctors approach asthma treatment with two major goals,
-to prevent attacks &
-to reverse any flare-up as quickly as possible.
Medications used in the treatment of Asthma are;

Beta 2 Agonists.
Xanthines.
Adrenocorticoids.
Cromolyn Sodium.
Leukotriene Inhibitors

ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES:

Biofeedback, Hypnosis, and Visualization:
these techniques, help asthmatics gain a measure of control over breathing and other normally involuntary functions. When practiced during the early, or prodome, stages of an attack, they may even abort it.

Homeopathy:
Practioners recommend a number of substances, including,
Aconite.
Arsenicum album.
Phosphorous

if a flare-up doesn't improve within a few minutes, however, a conventional drug should be used.

Hydrotherapy:
swimming is one of the best exercise for Asthma because it improves endurance and increases lung capacity in an environment free of dust and other astha triggers. Taking a hot shower or relaxing in a warm tub of water are also beneficial; the warmth eases tensions and the moist air helps clear the lungs of mucus.

Massage:
this provide an excellent means of countering stress. Massage combined with postural drainage-----a precussive tapping of the back while the head is lower than the chest----clear mucus from the lungs.

Medication and Yoga:
these and other relaxation therapies are useful in over-coming the stress that often precipitates an asthma flare-up. They can also lessen the stress and panicky feeling that can exacerbate an attack.

Nutrition Therapy:
many foods and food additives, especially sulfites, will trigger asthma in susceptible people. A nutrition therapist can help identify such foods, and structure a balanced diet. Some suppliments, especially beta carotene, vitamin C and E, and magnesium, are touted as being beneficial for Asthma sufferers, but they should not be taken without the guidance of a doctor/nutritionist.