Understanding Asthma - I

Introduction:
Constriction of the air way and increased mucosal discharge due to an altered allergic response causes obstruction of airflow leading to labored breathing this is known as Asthma. It is a very common disorder affecting children (Asthmatic Bronchitis) more than adults. An episode of Asthmatic attack may be mild and pass away quickly or at times may be severe and lasting longer requiring immediate medical help.

Causes:
The causes of Asthma are many fold and most often they are a combination of multiple factors triggering the Asthma attack. Common causes of Asthma include:

- Genetic/Hereditary and familial tendency - Allergens like Pollen and molds from grass, flowers and trees.
- Environmental factors exposure to smoke, dust, pollution, petrol fumes, exposure to chemicals, strong perfumes, paints, varnishes, etc
- Mental stress- Infection of the lung, which can be bacterial, viral predisposes to asthma.
- History of other allergic disorders or Asthma in parents predisposes a person to Asthma. - Childhood history of recurrent allergic respiratory infections is found in most asthmatic patients.

Triggering factors:
Depending on his susceptibility, various factors work as triggers in inducing an asthmatic attack. Some common triggering factors are as given below:

Emotional stress is a known trigger factor for an asthmatic attack. Over strenuous exercise, Inhalation of cold air, Climatic changes are also trigger factors as are Certain drugs like aspirin, etc.

Symptoms:
All Asthma attacks may not have these symptoms and the symptoms of Asthma vary from one person to another. The intensity and duration of the symptoms also vary during each episode of Asthma.

• Coughing: There may be cough, sometimes with phlegm. It is often worse at night or early in the morning thus making it difficult to sleep.
• Wheezing: A whistling sound produced due to air passing through constricted air ways.
• Chest tightness: Sensation as if something is squeezing the chest.
• Shortness of breath: Mild to moderate shortness of breath and shortness and rapid breathing follow with a feeling of Anxiety, sweating
• The person is unable to lie down on the back. Usually the sufferer finds comfort in sitting bent forwards and near the windows.

Homeopathic treatment:
Asthma in all age groups can be effectively treated with Homeopathic medicines. Conventionally it is treated with steroids and bronchodilators with temporary relief. Homeopathic medicines act at the deeper immune level. The allergic nature, genetic predisposition, stress, etc. all these factors are taken into consideration before prescribing an individualized constitutional medicine. The effective result being the medicines give relief from the existing symptoms like breathlessness, wheezing, cough, etc. The intensity, duration, and recurrence of the Asthmatic attacks can be controlled with Homeopathic medicines.

Homeopathic medicines are not habit forming unlike steroids and bronchodilators. They can be used along with the conventional medicines and long term management with Homeopathic medicines help to over come the dependence on steroids and bronchodilators.Homeopathic medicines are safe and gentle; they do not have any adverse reaction. They can be given to patients of all age groups and even infants and pregnant and nursing mothers.