Asthma

It seems that asthma sufferers lack certain chemical and allergic defence agents which usually protect the bronchi from irritating trigger factors which cause an asthma attack. Asthma may begin at any age, and if neglected may recur and become chronic.

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It seems that asthma sufferers lack certain chemical and allergic defence agents which usually protect the bronchi from irritating trigger factors which cause an asthma attack. Asthma is frequently, but not invariably associated with a family history of allergies. Therefore, allergies may be a common cause. Infections of the sinus or bronchial tubes may also be important factors. Asthma patients are adversely affected by such 'non specific' factors as air pollutants, cold air, cigarette smoke and fumes. Stress, emotion, exercise, low blood sugar, laughing and temperature changes may also precipitate an attack.

Asthma may begin at any age. If neglected it tends to recur and become chronic. An asthmatic tends to have overly reactive smooth muscle in the bronchial tree resulting in muscle constriction, mucus secretion and swelling of the lining of the air passages. These symptoms are all inflammatory reactions to certain stimuli. Natural medicine centers around reducing the causes of the inflammatory cascade, thus decreasing the symptoms and responsiveness to such mediators.

Buteyko is promoted as the answer for drug free Asthma Control. Buteyko tutors will not tell you to throw away your asthma medication.

They will help you with your breathing problems and reduce your use of drugs in three ways:

Teach you to monitor your condition accurately, e.g. whether to increase your medication, call an ambulance or simply do some breathing exercises.

Provide you with a natural and effective method of overcoming attacks.

Teach you special exercises which will reduce the frequency of attacks.

During a Buteyko course, 7 one hour sessions, you will be taught:

To develop and practice the Buteyko breathing exercises.

Sound understanding about the mechanics of asthma.

How your medication really works.

To adapt the various techniques in order to enhance daily activities and/or sporting performance.

How stressors such as environment, allergies and triggers cause or aggravate asthma and what you can do about them.

The contact phone number for Buteyko is 0800 427 8462, or Hastings (06) 878 0101,
P O Box 1458 Hastings, New Zealand

Nutritional and Herbal support includes:

Vitamin C, Quercetin and Bromelain - Act as anti-inflammatories and antioxidant nutrients that reduce histamine release.

A good B Complex is also necessary for general well being. Many asthmatics have low Vitamin B6 levels and Vitamin B3 acts as a muscle relaxant and decreases bronchial hyperactivity.

Fish oil - provides potent anti-inflammatory mediators essential for asthmatic control, and in reducing the frequency of asthma attacks.

The herbs Ginkgo Biloba, Lobelia, Mullein and Brigham Tea are all bronchial dilators and inflammatory inhibitors. Or Allergy Check - a potent combination of nutrients effective for helping to prevent the onset of mild allergic reactions. Combines Boswellia a natural anti inflamatory, perilla a respiratory tonic & histadine a natural anti histamine.

Magnesium - Magnesium acts as a muscle relaxant and decreases bronchial hyperactivity. Lowered magnesium levels increase the likelihood of bronchospasm, thus increasing the likelihood of another Asthma attack. Magnesium is especially essential for all asthmatics using blue inhalers, as these medications reduce magnesium levels.

Some interesting points about Asthma:

Be aware of any specific allergies which may aggravate the symptoms. Common chemical sensitivities include tartrazine, menthol, erythrosine, sulphites, MSG, egg whites, shellfish, salicylates and strawberries.

Eat fresh fruit, vegetables and wholegrain with plenty of fish.

Digestive impairment is common in asthmatics. It has been noted that approximately 80% of children with asthma are hydrochloric acid deficient. This is mainly due to cows milk allergy which can irritate the gastric mucosa and cause HCL deficiency.

Avoid drinking cold beverages.

If exercise is contemplated, ensure an adequate warm-up, in a environment that is non irritant. Interval exercises rather than sustained endurance exercises should be performed. Take 2gm of Vitamin C before exercise.

Keep the ambient temperature in the bedroom at a comfortable level of warmth to try and prevent airway cooling during the night. Avoid wide open windows in winter as warm humid conditions have been clearly shown to prevent asthma provoked by airway cooling. A dehumidifier is an excellent investment & definitely warms the air.

Adopt a relaxation and breathing technique to perform every day.

A steam inhalation will help to liquefy the mucous making it easier to cough up and adding Lavender Spike, Chamomile, and Cedarwood essential oils to the hot water will help to reduce the inflammation and spasm.