Asthma: Homeopathy Makes Breathing Easier

Asthma is a medical condition in which the air passage swells and constricts with excess mucus production. This leads to difficulty in breathing, coughing, whistling sound or wheezing on breathing out and short breath. For some people, asthma can interfere with routine activities and may even cause a life-threatening attack of asthma. In this article, we will know the role of homeopathy in the treatment of asthma.

What are the causes of asthma?

The exact cause of asthma is not known. It is believed that asthma is due to a combination of inherited or genetic and environmental factors. The asthma triggers vary from person to person. The various asthma triggers are:

• Respiratory infections such as flu and the common cold
• Increased physical activity or exercise, especially in cold and dry air
• Cold air
• Airborne allergens such as dust mites, pollens, mold spores, particles of cockroach waste or pet dander
• Air irritants and pollutants such as smoke.
•  Emotional stress
• Certain medicines such as non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, and beta blockers
• Preservatives in some food items such as beer, dried fruits, processed potatoes and wine
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD in which acid from the stomach goes back into the throat

what are the risk factors for developing asthma?

Risk factors that increase the probability of having asthma are:-

• Positive family histories such as one or both parents or any sibling having asthma
• Obesity
• Smoking active or passive 
• Exposure to pollution and exhaust fumes
• Having allergies such as red itchy skin or atopic dermatitis or red, itchy eyes and runny nose or hay fever
• Exposure to certain occupational triggers e.g. chemicals used in hairdressing, farming and manufacturing.

Also Read 5 Symptoms of Asthma You Mustn’t Ignore

What are the signs and symptoms of asthma?

The symptoms of asthma vary from person to person. For some, the symptoms of asthma may trigger in certain situations such as exercising and for others the signs and symptoms of asthma are persistent all the time. The various signs and symptoms of asthma are:-

• Tightness or pain in the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing on breathing out. This is a common sign of asthma, especially in children
• Difficulty in sleeping due to coughing, shortness of breath or wheezing
• Wheezing or coughing attacks which become worse by a respiratory virus e.g. cold or flu virus.

Signs and symptoms that are indicative of aggravation of asthma are:-

• Frequent and troublesome signs and symptoms of asthma
• Frequent use of a quick-relief inhaler
• Increase in the difficulty of breathing when measured with an instrument called a peak flow meter which helps to find how the lungs are functioning.

What are the complications of asthma?

Possible complications that may arise due to asthma are:-

• Difficulty in carrying out routine activities or even sleeping
• Leave school or work when there are flare-ups of asthma
• Permanent constriction of the bronchial tubes or airway passage which causes difficulty in breathing
• Hospitalization during severe asthma attacks
• Side effects from prolonged use of certain medications used for treating severe asthma  

Also Read Ten Precautions for Asthma Patients

What are the diagnostic tools for asthma?

Certain tests help to measure the function of the lungs by finding out the quantity of air that goes in and out of the lungs during respiration. These tests are:-

1. Spirometry

This test helps to estimate the extent of constriction of the air passage by determining the quantity of air that goes out after a deep breath and how fast one can exhale.

2. Peak flow meter

It is a simple instrument that helps to determine how hard one exhales. If the peak flow meter readings are lower than usual it is a sign that the lungs may not be functioning properly or that there may be aggravation of asthma

3. Imaging tests

Chest x-ray helps to detect any structural change or diseases in the lungs that is responsible for causing asthma.

4. Allergy tests

They are performed by blood or skin test. They help to identify allergy triggers such as dust, pets, pollen or mold.

5. Methacholine challenge

Methacoline is known to be a trigger for asthma. On inhalation it causes the air passage to constrict. If someone reacts to methacholine it is a positive indication of the presence of asthma.

6. Sputum eosinophil

This test measures the number of eosinophils or white blood cells present in the sputum which is a mixture of mucus and saliva that is discharged during a cough.

7. Provocative testing for cold and exercise-induced asthma

In this, the doctor measures obstruction in the air passage before and after one takes breaths of cold air several times or performs the strenuous physical activity. 

What are the prevention tips for asthma?

There are certain lifestyle changes that can help to prevent and manage asthma. 

1. Avoid asthma triggers

Avoiding triggers is a vital step to preventing asthma. For this one can do the following things

1. Use air conditioner-Air conditioner helps to reduce airborne pollen, and indoor humidity and reduce exposure to dust mites. 
2. If there is no air conditioner keep the windows closed when there is pollen season
3. Decontaminate the décor- Encase mattresses and pillows in dustproof covers. Don’t use down-filled blankets and pillows. Use blinds and curtains that are washable. Remove the carpet and have wooden flooring.
4. Use a dehumidifier to maintain optimal humidity
5. Prevent mold spores
6. Reduce dander from pet
7. Clean the house at least weekly and regularly wash bedding. Wear a mask to avoid dust exposure while cleaning.

2. Stay healthy

1. Exercise regularly to make your heart and lungs strong. Wear a mask if exercising in a cold environment 
2. Maintain healthy weight
3. Control GERD and acidity

3. Coping and support

1. Avoid tasks that make asthma symptoms worse
2. Take breaks between activities 
3. Prepare a to-do list daily and reward yourself for accomplishing goals
4. Talk to others who also have asthma as it makes one feel that one is not alone
5. If the child is having asthma be boosting and concentrate on things the child can do rather than what can’t be done due to the condition.  

What is the treatment for asthma?

There is no cure for asthma in the conventional system of medicine. Also, steroids are used commonly in conventional medicines for asthma which has many side effects. On the other hand, homeopathy has a significant role to play in the treatment of asthma.

Homeopathic medicine helps to optimize the immune system and remove hypersensitivity. Homeopathic treatment does not cause any side effects even if used for a long period. In advanced cases, homeopathy supports the conventional system of medicine and improves the quality of a patient’s life by reducing the intensity, duration or frequency of asthmatic attacks. 

Over a period of time regular intake of homeopathic medicines also help to reduce dependency on harmful steroid-based drugs.  Homeopathic medicines for asthmatic cough are very effective even for children. The best homeopathic medicine for asthma is constitutional medicine for which the homeopathic physician takes a detailed case history of the patient and elicits symptoms from both the mental and physical spheres. One should consult a homeopathic physician for the proper treatment of asthma.

CONCLUSION

Asthma is a respiratory problem in which the airway passages swell and constrict with the secretion of mucus. It is mainly caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to triggers such as dust, pollen, cold air, preservatives, respiratory infections, air pollutants and even hyperacidity. Positive family history of asthma, being overweight and having other forms of allergy are some common risk factors for asthma.

Proper treatment of asthma is necessary or it can severely affect the quality of life and impede routine activities. For the prevention of asthma attacks, it is important to avoid triggers, exercise regularly for strong lungs, maintain a healthy weight, avoid strenuous exercise, take regular breaks from work and be a part of support groups for asthma patients.

For treatment, homeopathy helps to optimize the immune system and make breathing easier. In severe cases, homeopathy supports conventional medicines and helps to improve the quality of a patient’s life. Regular intake of homeopathic medication reduces dependency on harmful conventional asthma medicines.

For medicine, it is recommended to refer to a trained physician rather than self-drugging. One can buy Dr Wilmar Schwabe’s homeopathic medicine for asthma online in India after consulting a physician.