ASTHMA

DEFINITION

Asthma, also known as Reactive Airway Disease, means the bronchial tubes are more sensitive and react strongly to irritants. This sensitivity causes inflammation, leading to excess mucus, swelling, and tightening of muscles in the airways, which makes them narrower.

some of the possible CAUSES /triggers

  • Respiratory infections

  • Gastric reflux

  • Emotional distress

  • Exercise

  • Changes in temperature (cold air)

  • Air pollutants, allergens and irritants

  • Hormonal changes

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

  • Wheezing

  • Coughing

  • Shortness of breath

  • Swelling of the bronchial tubes

  • Bronchoconstriction

  • Clogging - excessive mucus in the bronchial tubes

  • Chest tightness

Naturopathic care

  • Avoid exposure to airborne allergens.

  • Identify food allergies using an elimination diet.

  • Choose a plant-based diet.

  • Reduce or eliminate alcohol, coffee, tobacco, sugar and table salt.

  • Drink 1.5 liters of filtered water daily and avoid chlorinated water.

  • Stay away from artificial additives, preservatives, flavorings, and colourings in food.

  • Consider digestive enzymes.

  • Stomach acid is often low in Asthma. Check Sodium Bicarbonate Stomach Acid Test.

  • Consider quercetin, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), beta carotene, vitamins E and C, B complex, zinc, magnesium and selenium. Talk to your healthcare provider about a correct dosage for you.

  • Hot foot baths.

HERBAL MEDICINE

Herbal medicine can help manage chronic asthma. The main focus is the respiratory system, but support for the cardiovascular, nervous , and digestive systems will also help in herbal treatment. We will aim to strengthen pulmonary health with tonics and use relaxing expectorants, anticatarrhal herbs and demulcents to prevent mucus buildup and soothe irritation. Antimicrobial herbs can help prevent secondary infections.

Some specific herbs for asthma include Verbascum thapsus (Mullein), Thyme, Tussilago farfara (Coltsfoot), Coleus forskohlii, Ginkgo biloba, Grindelia camporum, Liquorice, Pimpinella anisum, Cleavers, Red clover, Stinging nettle etc.

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