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Asthma
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 12 to 15 million Americans have asthma. Of that number, almost 5 million are children. Asthma can be divided into two categories: extrinsic, which is allergy related, or intrinsic, a bronchial reaction to an event such as cold air or exercise. During an asthma attack the bronchial tubes go into spasm caused by the excessive production of mucous going into the lungs. This causes the inability to expel stale air. Typical symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and dizziness. Common allergens that cause extrinsic asthma are animal dander, mold feathers or food additives. It has been suggested that rising levels of pollution in the air, and allergenic cockroach droppings in inner cities have caused a rise in the number of asthma attacks in the U.S. over the past twenty years.
Symptoms
- A tight feeling in the chest, difficulty in breathing, wheezing and coughing.
How alternative medicine may potentially help?
Certain herbs and nutrients act reduce the intensity of the allergic reaction. These nutrients may reduce stress on the immune system and decrease the inflammation that occurs in the lungs during an attack. (See also Allergies, as respiratory allergies have similar causes, mechanisms of action, and symptoms.)
Herbs
- Ginkgo Biloba has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of asthma, at high doses.
- Licorice is both antiinflammatory and expectorant, with a long Chinese history of use for asthma
- Lobelia is a tradtional native American remedy that may be helpful as a bronchial airway relaxant.
- Onions and garlic are antiinflammatory, and have reduced asthmatic reactions in test animals.
- Mullein flower has been Commission E-approved for catarrhs (mucous congestion) of the respiratory tract. It appears to alleviate irritation and work as an expectorant.
Vitamins
- Multivitamins provide the nutritional basis for optimal lung and immune function.
- Vitamin B-12 may decrease asthmatic severity, especially in persons whose condition is related to sulfite allergy.
- A study in Pharmacology found that vitamin B-6 metabolites are significantly lower in children with asthma who were being treated with the drug theophylline. Supplementary levels of vitamin B-6 can correct the problem.
- Vitamin C is the primary antioxidant in lung tissue. A study in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine found that vitamin C supplements could ease asthma that was exercise-induced
Minerals
- Magnesium intake is necessary for proper lung function and correlates with intensity of asthma attacks.
- Dietary sodium can aggravate asthma.
Other Nutritional Factors
- Omega-3 fatty acids (either LNA in flax, hemp, and canola oils or EPA/DHA in fish oils) are antiinflammatory. Increased intake of fish by children correlates with reduced risk of asthma, and clincial evidence supports the efficacy of omega-3 fish oil supplements. (Flax oil is a much cheaper, albeit somewhat less concentrated source of Omega-3 fats.)
Resources
- For more information, check out the Web site for the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology at www.aaaai.org.