Asthma attacks are caused by temporary constriction of the bronchial passages, which results in difficulty in breathing, particularly upon exhalation. The narrowing of the air passages often leads to a build up of mucus in the lungs, making respiration even more labored. A severe asthma attack can be life-threatening. Symptoms of asthma include a hard, tight cough, wheezing, shortness of breath or difficulty exhaling, and nervous tension or fright. Conditions or substances that may bring on an asthma attack include allergies (which can not only trigger individual episodes but can also lead to chronic asthma), exercise, respiratory tract and sinus infections, emotional tension and anxiety, hormonal changes, cold weather, drugs, and airborne irritants such as tobacco smoke. Since anxiety can worsen even an asthma attack that is not triggered by an emotional factor, a long-term treatment program should include training in relaxation techniques such as yoga, tai chi, biofeedback, or deep breathing exercises. Chiropractic Care Nutrition and Supplements Herbal Remedies Homeopathic Remedies Essential Oils Chiropractic Care  coming soon BACK TO MENU Nutrition and Supplements Fifteen million Americans suffer from asthma; for many of them, a nutritional approach may be far superior to continued reliance on inhalers and drugs. A comprehensive dietary approach to asthma includes identifying and eliminating food allergens (see Allergies) along with avoiding all artificial food additives, caffeine, alcohol, sugar, and tobacco. Eliminate dairy products, which increase mucus production and may contribute to allergies. The following supplements have been found to be especially beneficial for asthma sufferers: vitamin C with bioflavonoids, 2-5 grams daily, or to bowel tolerance: to reduce sensitivity to toxins vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene, 25,000 IU daily: to repair tissue and strengthen immune function vitamin B6, 100 mg daily: to decrease the frequency and severity of asthma attacks (take with a vitamin B complex) vitamin E, 400 IU daily: as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory magnesium, 500-750 mg daily: relaxes the smooth bronchial muscles quercetin, 500 mg, with bromelain, 250 mg, three times daily between meals: for their anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects BACK TO MENU Herbal Remedies A number of herbs can be used as part of a successful asthma treatment program, both to help gain control of a mild asthma attack and for long-term prevention. The following suggestions should be discussed with your practitioner: ephedra (ma huang), 1/4-1 teaspoon of tincture or 1 cup of tea two to three times daily: contains natural ephedrine, which acts as a bronchodilator. (Ephedra should be used with extreme caution. It should not be used if you suffer from heart disease, diabetes, glaucoma, or thyroid disease.) lobelia, 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of tincture three times a day: relaxes bronchial spasms. Mix with cayenne for increased effectiveness (three parts tincture of lobelia with one part tincture of capsicum); capsicum desensitizes the respiratory system to irritants and is helpful in stopping an asthma attack grindelia, 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of tincture two to three times daily: to ease bronchial spasms and promote the removal of mucus from the lungs licorice, 1/2 teaspoon of tincture or 1 cup of tea two to three times daily: for its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy effects; licorice should be used with caution by those who suffer from high blood pressure Herbs for anxiety and nervous tension may also help to prevent asthma attacks (see Anxiety and Nervous Tension). BACK TO MENU Homeopathic Remedies Homeopathic remedies for asthma include: Arsenicum: for dry, wheezing asthma that comes on in the middle of the night, accompanied by anxiety and restlessness Ipecac: for gagging, profuse mucus that can't be coughed up, or long spasms of coughing that may end in vomiting Spongia: especially if accompanied by loud wheezing Homeopaths may also attempt to reduce the severity of allergen-induced attacks by prescribing homeopathically dilute allergens such as cat's hair.   BACK TO MENU Essential Oils Essential oils can be used by massage (especially to the chest and back), vaporization, or inhalation. Steam inhalation treatments should be supervised by a trained aromatherapy practitioner, because an asthma attack may be aggravated by inhaling hot steam. Use any combination of the following essential ods: clary sage: sedative, antispasmodic, antiseptic eucalyptus: antispasmodic, antiseptic, decongestant, expectorant lavender: antispasmodic, sedative, anti-microbial peppermint: antispasmodic, expectorant, antiseptic PAGE TOP Powered by ProfessionalPlanets.com™ Copyright 1999 © ProfessionalPlanets.com™ All rights reserved. Terms of Use