Asthma can be
a serous and often frightening condition that is typified by a tightening
of the chest, wheezing and difficulty breathing.
Asthma is made
up of two underlying components: inflammation and constriction. During
normal breathing, the bands of muscles that surround the airways
are relaxed, and air moves freely. But in people with asthma, the
bands of muscle surrounding the airways tighten and air cannot move
freely.
In addition,
individuals with asthma often have airways that are inflamed, irritated
and swollen. This can make it hard for them to breathe. This irritation
can also cause the mucus membrane that lines these tissues to produce
excessive mucus, which can further reduce the flow of air into the
lungs.
The airways
of people with asthma are extremely sensitive. The airways tend to
overreact and narrow due to even the slightest trigger.
These can include:
emotional upsets and stress, upper respiratory tract infections,
breathing cold air and even exercising too hard. Airborne allergens,
such as bee pollen, animal dander, dust mold and smoke can also trigger
an attack, as can certain foods or medications.
Asthma attacks
can be both mild and severe. The severity of an attack, however,
can escalate rapidly, so it is important to treat these symptoms
immediately once you recognize them. In any case, it is important
to work with your primary health care provider when you look to treat
this health concern.
Fortunately,
there are a number of things that you can do to help reduce the severity
or eliminate asthma from your life.
Recommendations
for Wellness
To help control
an attack:
- Sit leaning
forward or in a semi-prone position to help restore normal breathing.
- Try placing
a hot, moist towel over your chest to help relax your chest muscles
and restore normal breathing.
To help reduce
your chances of another attack:
- Incorporate
breathing exercises into your daily routine to help strengthen your
respiratory muscles.
- Keep a health
diary. Use it to help you figure out what is triggering your attacks,
then reduce your exposure to them or eliminate those things from
your life.
- Don't smoke.
- Avoid perfumes.
- Make a special
effort to keep your environment allergen free.
- Get an air
purifier. Dust and vacuum often. Change your home furnace or air
conditioner filter regular.
- Stop exercising
if you start wheezing or feel an attack coming on.
- Drink plenty
of water to help thin any mucus build-up in the lungs. Eliminate
or reduce mucus-forming foods such as milk products, products made
with white flower and refined foods.
Lobelia has
a long history for relaxing respiratory muscles and reducing spasmodic
coughing. To help reduce asthma symptoms, include ginkgo biloba into
your health care program.
Herbs such as
mullein, licorice root, marshmallow root or slippery elm can be taken
to soothe irritated tissues.
Fenugreek and
thyme can help to open the chest as it loosens & stimulates the gentle
removal of mucus and phlegm.
Incorporate
a homeopathic Asthma formula to help with shortness of breath, difficulty
in breathing, tightness of the chest and wheezing.
© Copyright
Body, Mind & SoulHealer 2004. All rights reserved. Dr. Rita Louise,
PhD is a Naturopathic Physician and it is her unique gift as
a medical intuitive that enlivens her work. Author of the books
"Avoiding the Cosmic 2x4" and "The Power Within", Dr. Rita Louise,
Ph.D. a can help you identify what is really going on and provide
you with straightforward guidance and advice.
She can
be reached by calling 972-475-3393 or visiting her website at
http://www.soulhealer.com.
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