Having trouble breathing is a symptom of asthma, which is a chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes (airways) that causes swelling and narrowing (constriction) of the airways. Fortunately, most treatments can reverse the bronchial narrowing completely or at least partially.
Symptoms of Asthma
Individuals with asthma may experience intermittent asthma attacks, only experience symptoms occasionally (such as when exercising), or constantly experience symptoms.
Asthma signs and symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness or pain
- When children have asthma, wheezing is a common symptom of the condition.
- Inability to fall asleep because of coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
- respiratory virus attacks that worsen coughing or wheezing, such as the flu or a cold,
Signs that Asthma is probably worsening include :
- More persistent and annoying asthma symptoms
- Peak flow meters, which measure how well our lungs are functioning, show that breathing is becoming more difficult.
- the requirement for more frequent use of a quick-relief inhaler
Some people experience flare-ups of their asthma symptoms and signs in particular circumstances:
- Exercise-induced asthma,which could possibly worsen if the air was cold and dry.
- Occupational asthma,aggravated at work by irritants like dust, gases, or chemical fumes
- Allergy-induced asthma,pollen, mold spores, cockroach waste, or skin and dried saliva flakes from pets (pet dander) are examples of airborne substances that can cause an allergic reaction.
Causes of Asthma
Although the precise cause of asthma is unknown, a combination of inherited (genetic) and environmental factors are likely to be at play.
Asthma triggers
The signs and symptoms of asthma can be brought on by exposure to a variety of irritants and substances that cause allergies (allergens), which vary from person to person and can include:
- Pet dander, dust mites, mold spores, pollen, dust mite droppings, and cockroach droppings are examples of airborne allergens.
- infections of the respiratory system, like the common cold
- Physical activity
- Cold air
- Smoke and other airborne irritants
- Beta blockers, aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and others), and naproxen sodium (Aleve), among others, are some of the medications.
- Strong emotions and stress
- Shrimp, dried fruit, processed potatoes, beer, and wine are just a few examples of the foods and beverages that have sulfites and preservatives added to them.
- Acids from your stomach can reflux into your throat, a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Risk factors of Asthma
According to some theories, a number of things can make someone more likely to develop asthma.
- a parent or sibling, or other blood relative, having asthma
- having another allergic condition, such as hay fever, which causes runny nose, congestion, and itchy eyes, or atopic dermatitis, which causes red, itchy skin
- Overweight
- Smoker
- Exposure to secondhand smoke
- exposure to pollution, including pollution from exhaust fumes
- occupational triggers, such as pesticides, manufacturing chemicals, and chemicals used in agriculture, hair care, and other industries
Complications of Asthma
Asthma complications include:
- symptoms that prevent you from sleeping, working, or doing other things
- Taking off time from work or school when you have an asthma attack
- a condition where our bronchial tubes, which transport air to and from our lungs, permanently narrow, making breathing more difficult
- severe asthma attacks that require hospitalization and emergency room visits
- adverse effects of some drugs used to stabilize severe asthma when taken for a prolonged period of time
Effective asthma management can significantly reduce the risk of both immediate and long-term complications.
Allergy fact
The term “status asthmaticus” is used by doctors to describe severe asthma attacks that last for an extended period of time and do not respond to bronchodilator treatment.
The signs of severe asthma include a persistent cough, the inability to speak in full sentences or walk without getting out of breath, a closed chest sensation, and blue-tinged lips. These symptoms are also indicators of a failing respiratory system. Agitation, confusion, and difficulty focusing are other symptoms of severe asthma.
Diagnosis of Asthma
Pulmonary function test
- Spirometry
- Challenge test
- Exhaled Nitric oxide test
- Complete Blood count
- Chest and Sinus X-rays
- CT scan
- GERD assessment test
Homeopathic Treatment of Asthma
Arsenic Album -:In cases of asthma that worsen at night or when eczema or a skin rash alternates with asthma, the most effective medication for suffocative cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath should be used.
Spongia Tosta -:When the dry cough is accompanied by a whistling sound coming from the chest with each inhalation or when the cough is relieved by warm beverages, this remedy is helpful for asthma sufferers with deep, barking, hacking dry coughs.
Antimonium Tartaricum –:Excellent treatment for asthma with a persistent, excessive cough that rattles and feels like there is a lot of mucus in the lungs, as well as for rapid and difficult breathing, excessive suffocation that gets worse when lying down and necessitates sitting up.
Ipecac :Most beneficial when the cough is accompanied by suffocation, shortness of breath, and gasping for air. Recommend when the child may turn blue and stiff during the asthma attack. Useful when there is an excessive cough with mucus rales in the chest.
Sambucus Nigra -:When a child wakes up unexpectedly at night with a cough and suffocation, a very helpful medicine for night asthma episodes in children is administered.
Blatta Orientalis and Bromium -:Given when dust exposure sets off an asthma attack, this medication can help with coughs that cause breathing difficulties and produce pus-like mucus.
Bromium -:When mucus is rattling up a cough, this is helpful. Dust exposure causes suffocation and breathing difficulties.
Lobelia Inflata -:Very effective treatment for smokers’ vasthma, which causes short, labored breaths and a cough as well as a feeling of oppression in the chest and a lump in the throat. Also effective for throat burning.
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