Asthma

This chronic inflammation of the bronchioles is due to allergic type 1 reactions of inflammation mediated by PAF, PGD2, leukotrienes and thromboxjnes which are all inflammatory mediators.  The effects of this inflammation are on the smooth muscles of the bronchioles, oedema and thickening of the mucous membranes and increased mucous secretion.

SYMPTOMS OF ASTHMA

• Reduced breathing capacity, difficulty exhaling which is worse after exertion
• Wheezing and coughing (dry or productive)
• Cyanosis

WHAT ARE THE COMMON TRIGGERS FOR ASTHMA?

• Food allergies – dairy, wheat/ gluten, eggs, yeast, citrus, salicylate, honey products
• Food additives – Tartrazine (102), Sulphur compounds (220, 221, 222, 223, 224), Benzoates (210, 211, 212), MSG (621)
• Inhalant allergies – dust, pollen, animal dander, feathers, aerosol sprays, powders
• Drugs – aspirin, beta-blockers
• Respiratory infections
• Exercise
• Hypoglycaemia
• Temperature changes, humidity, barometric pressure changes
• Stress, adrenal exhaustion, fatigue
• Emotional factors
• Exposure to chemicals, pollution and cigarette smoke

PREDISPOSING FACTORS FOR ASTHMA

• Family history of allergic disorders
• Previous history of allergic disorders – urticaria, eczema, hayfever
• Maternal exposure to allergens in pregnancy
• Early introduction of solids, gluten and cows milk

DIET CHANGES TO HELP IMPROVE ASTHMA SYMPTOMS

• Removing acidic foods such as red meats, tea, coffee, sugar, preserved and processed foods from the diet often improves asthmatic symptoms, reduces lymphatic congestion and improves general immunity
• Avoid common allergic foods such as wheat and dairy. Other common trigger foods for asthmatics are preservatives, citrus, nuts and yeasts
• Ensure that plenty of fluids are taken each day in the form of water and if you drink juice try diluting it with water, and always choose a juice which is sugar free
• Foods that may help to reduce congestion and alkalise (make less acidic) his system are lemon juice, water, miso soup, barley grass, brown rice, fish, sprouts, nuts and seeds
• Foods which are acidic and promote inflammation in the body are tea, coffee, alcohol, dairy, wheat, sugar, preserved and processed foods, deep fried foods and refined foods
• Drink herbal teas such as ginger, fenugreek, elecampagne, rosehip, aniseed, fennel, lemon juice and manuka honey
• Consume more garlic, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, onions and chillis in your diet as these have antiinflammatory effects and help to reduce respiratory congestion as well as promoting circulation

LIFESTYLE FACTORS FOR ASTHMA

• Check the house for moulds as the spores from mould can lodge in the lungs and cause irritation or a wheeze. If your asthma is worse at night then your room is possibly harboring allergens which you are breathing
• Have an allergy test to help determine what triggers the asthma responseEnsure that your sleeping environment is free from dust, mites, animal fur, mould spores and that your mattress is not harboring allergens. Your room should also receive UV sunlight and plenty of fresh air to cleanse the air and reduce stagnation
• Reduce your exposure to what you are allergic to (foods, environmental allergens, topical allergens). Allergens cause immune sensitivity and the bronchioles and airways to constrict due to inflammation
• Treat any underlying contributing factors to reduced immunity such as allergies, leaky gut, weak immunity, poor digestion and liver function, lymphatic congestion, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infections, nervousness and anxiety or Candida
• Swimming is great way to increase lung function and to help you learn to control your breathing. Also ensuring that you receive plenty of health giving sunshine and fresh air are important natural remedies
• Practice breathing methods such as Pranyama and ButeykoAsthmatics generally respond well to acupuncture due to its effects of stimulating the immune system, clearing cold or heat from the body, reducing dampness and helping to expel wind (the invading pathogen)

NATURAL REMEDIES TO IMPROVE ASTHMA SYMPTOMS

• Herbs to help reduce respiratory distress – Licorice, Elecampage, Pinellia, Coleus, Baical Skullcap, Albizzia, Bupleurum, White Horehound, Thyme and Coltsfoot. Other herbs to improve general immunity are Acerola, Elderflowers, Grindellia, Echinacea, Olive leaf and Forsythia. Speak to a Naturopath/ Herbalist who can tailor make a blend of herbs specific to your needs
• Vitamin C and bioflavinoids as these nutrients improve immunity and reduce mast cell degranulation (allergic responses)
• Make a essential oil mix to add to a vaporiser in your room or use it diluted in a base oil (Jojoba, Avocado oil) to massage on the chest before retiring. A combination of the following essential oils is recommended – Eucalyptus, Lavender, Black Pepper, Thyme
• Cod liver oil is of great benefit in helping the immune system to be less reactive and it may reduce irritation and inflammation of the mucus membranes helping them to be less sensitive to allergens
• Anti-oxidants help to play a role in strong immunity. A multivitamin which contains Vitamin C, Vitamins A & D, Selenium, Vitamin E and Zinc may be of benefit to increase general immunity and reduce inflammatory mediators
• Green lipped mussels contain specific potent anti-inflammatory activity to reduce smooth muscle constriction related to the wheeze and symptoms of obstructed airways and may further help to reduce symptoms of asthma