-Dr.Manoj Kuriakose
B.H.M.S

What is Asthma
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease—sometimes worrisome and inconvenient—but a manageable condition. With proper understanding, good medical care, and monitoring, you can keep asthma under control.

 Asthma, also known as reactive airway disease, is defined as a chronic lung condition with:

·    *Inflammation (swelling) of the airways.
*Increased sensitivity of the airways to a variety of things that make asthma worse
*Obstruction of airflow

What changes happens in the airways

Inflammation

inflammation of the lining of the airways is the most common feature of asthma. When they are stimulated, certain cells lining the airways release chemical substances (mediators) that lead to inflammation. This causes the airway lining to swell and narrow. The inflammation may last for weeks following an episode. Most people with asthma have some degree of inflammation all of the time.

Increased Sensitivity

Another characteristic of asthma is increased sensitivity of the airways. When inflammation occurs in the airways, the airways become more sensitive. When the airways are more sensitive, you are more likely to have asthma symptoms when exposed to things that make asthma worse

Obstruction of the airways

In addition to inflammation, further airway obstruction sometimes occurs with asthma. Obstruction is caused by tightening of muscles that surround the airways. This is also called bronchospasm. Bronchospasm causes further narrowing of the inflamed airways .In some people with asthma, the mucus glands in the airways produce excessive, thick mucus, further obstructing the airways.

Early Warning Signs of Asthma

Early warning signs are experienced before the start of an asthma episode. By recognizing these clues that occur before actual asthma symptoms, early treatment can be started. These signs are unique to each person. Early warning signs may be the same, similar or entirely different with each episode. Some early warning signs may be noticed only by the individual, while other early warning signs are more likely to be noticed by other persons. Some examples of early warning signs are:

·                         Breathing changes

·                         Sneezing

·                         Moodiness

·                         Headache

·                         Runny/stuffy nose

·                         Coughing

·                         Chin or throat itches

·                         Feeling tired

·                         Dark circles under eyes

·                         Trouble sleeping

·                         Poor tolerance for exercise ·                                                  

Symptoms of asthma

Asthma symptoms indicate that an asthma episode is occurring. Examples of asthma symptoms include:

·                         Wheezing

·                         Coughing

·                         Shortness of breath

·                         Tightness in the chest

Causes  of Asthma

Although the actual cause of asthma is not known, many studies have shown that several factors can lead to the development of asthma. These factors include a person's genetics, development and growth of the lungs and immune system, various infections and exposures in the environment.

Is Asthma a Genetic Disease?

It is widely accepted that asthma is a disease that can be inherited.

Allergens and Asthma

A variety of allergens can make asthma symptoms worse. Common allergens include animal dander, saliva and urine from feathered or furry animals, dust mites (a major component of house dust in humid climates), cockroaches, indoor and outdoor molds, pollens, foods and chemicals. If you are allergic to any of those substances, making changes in your environment to control or avoid contact with the allergen is very important.

Infections and Asthma

Infections can also make asthma worse. Common cold viruses, respiratory infections, sinusitis and influenza frequently cause an increase of asthma symptoms

Emotions and Asthma

Emotions do not cause asthma, but can make asthma worse. Strong feelings can lead to changes in breathing patterns.

Hormonal Changes and Asthma

Some women with asthma have increased symptoms at a particular time during their menstrual cycle, such as pre-menstruation, or during pregnancy

Gastroesophageal Reflux and Asthma

Gastroesophageal reflux, or GER, occurs when the acidic contents of the stomach flow back up into the esophagus. This stimulates a reflex that may cause asthma to worsen. Symptoms of heartburn and breathing difficulty at night can indicate GER.

Homeopathic Approach to Asthma:

Homeopathy has been from time immemorial helping people with Asthma. Many of them have been cured and many of them have been able to control their asthma.undoubtedly most of those children who have seeked homeopathic help for Ashtma have e been cured.

When I treat patients of Asthma, for sometime  I let them continue with the allopathic broncho dilators that they have been using for a long time.As the treatment progress the patients are in a position to taper of their inhalers and over a period of time they will be able to give up the inhalers and other medication for good.

I have found that children with asthma respond extremely well to homeopathic treatment and they can be cured of their asthma if treatment is started at a very early stage.

The most commonly used medication for Asthma and their indications are

Arsenic Album-Asthmatic attacks coming on around midnight with lot of restlessness ,cough and wheezing the patient has to sit down in bed with propped up pillows to get relief.keeps sipping small amounts of water to get relief.

Carbo Veg-useful in cases where the patient feels better by burping

Ipecauc –is found useful when there is breathlessness and cough associated with vomiting

Kali..group of drugs are extremely useful when the attacks come on towards early morning between 2am and 5 am

Hepar sulph-Asthmatic attacks where the patient feels relieved by bending head back and sitting and also useful in attacks aggrevated by exposure to cold drafts of air

Nux vomica-useful in patients having asthma associated with gastric problems

Lycopodium-useful in patients having asthma with distention and bloating of the abdomen

Lachesis,sepia,kali-carb-useful in patients having asthma related to hormonal imbalance

Ignatia,sepia,natrum mur-useful in treating asthma with emotional causes

Read More articles by Dr.Manoj on various other health issues>>

Dr.Manoj Kuriakose is a renowned Hyderabad based  Homeopathy Doctor
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