Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.
For some people, asthma is a minor nuisance. For others, it can be a major problem that interferes with daily activities and may lead to a life-threatening asthma attack.
It isn't clear why some people get asthma and others don't, but it's probably due to a combination of environmental and genetic (inherited) factors.
Asthma triggers
Exposure to various irritants and substances that trigger allergies (allergens) can trigger signs and symptoms of asthma. Asthma triggers are different from person to person and can include:
· Airborne substances, such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander or particles of cockroach waste
· Respiratory infections, such as the common cold
· Physical activity (exercise-induced asthma)
· Cold air
· Air pollutants and irritants, such as smoke
· Certain medications, including beta blockers, aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen (Aleve)
· Strong emotions and stress
· Sulfites and preservatives added to some types of foods and beverages, including shrimp, dried fruit, processed potatoes, beer and wine
· Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acids back up into your throat
Symptoms- Asthma symptoms vary from person to person. You may have infrequent asthma attacks, have symptoms only at certain times — such as when exercising — or have symptoms all the time.
Asthma signs and symptoms include:
· Shortness of breath
· Chest tightness or pain
· Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing
· A whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling (wheezing is a common sign of asthma in children)
· Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu
Signs that your asthma is probably worsening include:
· Asthma signs and symptoms that are more frequent and bothersome
· Increasing difficulty breathing (measurable with a peak flow meter, a device used to check how well your lungs are working)
· The need to use a quick-relief inhaler more often
For some people, asthma signs and symptoms flare up in certain situations:
· Exercise-induced asthma, which may be worse when the air is cold and dry
· Occupational asthma, triggered by workplace irritants such as chemical fumes, gases or dust
· Allergy-induced asthma, triggered by airborne substances, such as pollen, mold spores, cockroach waste or particles of skin and dried saliva shed by pets (pet dander}
HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES
Homeopathic remedies for asthma are very effective and can cure asthma permanently . Homeopathic medicines are natural medicines and work by moderating our immune system which usually becomes overreactive in asthma .
NATRUM SULPH 30--Natrum Sulph is one of the most important natural homeopathic medicine for treating chronic asthma. This homeopathic remedy is often asked for treating asthma in children. It is very useful when asthma is hereditary. Often, asthma that gets aggravated in humid weather and dampness, requires this homeopathic medicine Natrum Sulph. Wheezing is very important symptom for Homeopathic remedy Natrum Sulph to be used
ARSENIC ALB. 30- Homeopathic Medicine Arsenic Album is one the best homeopathic remedy for all forms of asthma . It is beneficial both in the acute phase and the chronic state. It is often indicated when attacks are frequent during night (midnight and after), accompanied with great restlessness and fear of suffocation on lying down.This homeopathic medicine is a deep-acting and is required for those patients who have asthma and are very sensitive to cold, having a personal or family history of tuberculosis
SAMBUCUS 30- Sambuccus, is one of the main homeopathic remedies for asthma in children when the attacks come on suddenly in the night. The afflicted child turns blue, gasps for breath and seems as if he or she is almost dying. Then the little one goes to sleep and wakes up with another attack. Many such attacks can occur in one night. Another characteristic of this wonderful natural homeopathic medicine is that the skin becomes entirely dry and there is a burning sensation when he or she falls asleep. The patient breaks into profuse sweat immediately on waking.
KALI BICHROMICUM- 30 –Homeopathic Remedy for asthma when attacks occur in after midnight (from 3 a.m to 4 a.m). Relief is obtained from sitting up and bending forward, and from the expectoration of stringy mucus. It is indicated for attacks that are liable to return in winter. It is also useful in bronchial asthmatic breathing.
BLATTA ORIENTALIS Q—Blata orientalis is an excellent medicine for asthma. Blatta in acute cases acts better in lower potencies- mother tinctutre to 3x. But in chronic cases it acts better in higher potencies 200 to 1000. It is more suitable to fat persons. Patient get worse in the rainy weather. Cough with much pus like mucus. When improvement is noted , discontinue the medicine.
CASSIA SOPHERA Q- Rattling in the throat without phlegmatic expulsion. Dyspnea of winter aggravation. The complaint aggravates after exposure to dust, change of weather , cold drinks, light , exertion, smoke, morning. Hoarseness of voice and cough with pain in chest. Asthma is associated with itching.
ANTIMONIUM TART. 30-Antimonium tart. Is prescribed when asthmaoccurs with rattling . There is rattling cough as if chest is full of loose mucous, but there is little expectoration of mucous.The cough is triggered by eating. There is drowsiness and weakness. It is more suited to old people and young children.There is burning feeling in chest and in some cases , there is a sensation of something velvety inside the chest.This burning sensation ascend to the throat.The breathlessness is relieved by eructation’s. The cough is better by lying on right side.
GRINDELIA ROB. Q- Cannot breathe when lying down . Must sit up to breathe . An efficacious remedy foe wheezing and oppression . Foamy mucus very difficult to detach
IPECAC 30- Asthma in children. There is violent wheezing cough. Chest seems full of phlegm but does not come out on coughing. Child becomes stiff and blue in the faceNausea may or may not be present.Attacks which occur early are also cured by the use of this remedy.
NUX VOMICA 30—Nux vomica is an effective remedy for asthma with gastric complaints. Nux Vomica is for difficult breathing associated with a feeling of fullness and heaviness in the stomach, particularly manifested after a major meal. The symptoms are aggravated after the meal, in the morning, and are increased by cold air. Belching provides relief to symptoms of asthma. It is sometimes useful also in difficult breathing arising from gastric disturbance.
ASPIDOSPERMA Q—Aspidosperma is considered a tonic for lungs. This medicines removes temporary obstruction of the oxidation of blood by stimulating respiratory centres. It is very useful in cardiac asthma. Give a few drop doses till the feeling want of breath is over.
CARBO VEG 30-Carbo veg is prescribed when there is much abdominal irritation present with much flatulence . Carbo Veg also corresponds to asthma in the aged who are much debilitated and are in search of breath. Passing of wind gives relief .
JUSTISIA ADHATODA Q- Constricting pain across the chest during asthma. Cough associated with haemoptysis after severe dyspnea. Expectoration is yellowish in color. The complaints worse when lying on left side. Patient may have dry cough with hoarseness of voice. Cough is associated with sneezing. Patient cannot endure a closed warm room. There is fever with asthma. Chill in the evening and sweat in the night during fever
KALI CARB 30- Kali carb is prescribed when asthma occurs 3 to 5 am. Dry hard cough with pain in the chest. Expectoration is scanty , tenacious and offensive . Wheezing better in warm weather.
MEDORRHINUM 200-Medorrhinum is prescribed when there is much oppressed breathing. Hoarseness. Pain and soreness through chest and mammae. Incessant, dry cough at night. Asthma better by lying in knee elbow position.
BOERHAAVIA DIFFUSA Q- Asthma. Coryza with dry cough and thick white expectoration
LEUCAS ASPERA Q- Asthma, cough and sneezing
OCIMUM SANCTUM Q- Pain in the chest while coughing during asthma. Patient cannot lie in bed during asthma. Pain in the middle of the sternum.
SOLANUM XANTHOCARPUM Q- Asthma associated with hoarseness of voice and pain in chest. Fever is again associated with thirst and aversion to food. Burning pain all over the body
TYLOPHORA INDICA Q- A specific remedy for bronchial asthma
IPECAC AND ARSENIC ALB 30—In case modalities are not clear. Alternate every 2 hours
BLATTA ORIENTALIS Q AND GRIENDELIA Q- In difficult cases . Alternate every 30 minutes
KALI PHOS 3X AND MAGNESIA PHOS 3X— Spasmodic asthma without mucus. Alternate Kali phos and Magnesia phos every 30 minutes.
