|
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, including
ginkgo biloba into your health care program.
Herbal combinations such as Nature's Sunshine's
Chinese Lung Support can help to support and protect the lungs.
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. Visit her website at http://www.soulhealer.com
|
