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Dear Doctor,
Are there any naturopathic treatments for asthma?
BP, Billings
Asthma is a complex disease involving either allergic or reactive
bronchial constriction with symptoms of cough, chest tightness, shortness
of breath, and wheezing. People with
allergic asthma have been found to have an imbalance in the immune system
resulting in higher allergenicity causing excess
inflammation, histamine, and mucous production. Reactive asthma results in bronchial
constriction without the inflammation. There are multiple factors that
contribute to asthma and naturopathic medicine is ideally suited to address
the often interrelated conditions that result in asthma.
The following is a list of the most common contributing factors in
asthma:
- Excess
metabolic production of leukotrienes. Leukotriene is an inflammatory molecule and is
1000 times more potent as a bronchial constrictor than histamine. Some asthmatics may feel worse after
taking COX inhibitors like aspirin or ibuprofen as these drugs
increase production of leukotrienes. Tartrazine (yellow dye #5) is also a COX inhibitor
and is found in processed foods, some vitamins and even some asthmatic
preparations.
- Food
allergies – Many studies have indicated that food allergies play an
important role in asthma. Adverse reactions to foods may be immediate
or delayed. Immediate onset sensitivities are usually due to egg,
fish, shellfish, nuts and peanuts, while foods most commonly
associated with delayed onset include milk, chocolate, wheat, citrus
and food colorings. Elimination
diets have been successful in identifying allergens and treating
asthma and are a particularly valuable diagnostic and therapeutic tool
in infants. Elimination of common allergens during infancy (the first
2 years) has been shown to reduce allergic tendencies in high-risk
children (e.g. strong family history).
- Low adrenal
production of cortisol and epinephrine.
These hormones are bronchial vasodilators. If the adrenal glands are
unable to make adequate amounts, then there may be a tendency towards
bronchial constriction.
- Overgrowth of
the common intestinal yeast Candida albicans.
Candida produces an allergic by-product and anti-candida therapies have resulted in clinical
improvement in many cases. Candida overgrowth results from
antibiotic use, food allergies, and excess sugar in the diet.
- Hormonal
fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone. Both estrogen and
progesterone are smooth muscle relaxers.
When levels are either too low, or, are imbalanced, pulmonary function
can decrease in susceptible individuals.
- Food
additives such as red, orange, yellow and blue dyes, sodium benzoate,
sulfur dioxide and sulfites.
- Magnesium
deficiency – magnesium relaxes bronchial smooth muscle and low levels
of magnesium have been found in asthmatic patients. Before the
availability of inhalers, intravenous magnesium was the treatment of
choice for acute asthma attacks.
- Dietary
deficiency of omega 3 fats, antioxidants and flavonoids. Omega 3 fats
decrease inflammation and responsiveness to allergens. Dietary
antioxidants from fruits and vegetables significantly lower airway
reactivity and inflammation. Beta-carotene, proanthocyanins
and flavonoids from orange and yellow vegetables, blueberries and
onions are most beneficial.
- Dietary
deficiency of vitamin C – Low vitamin C intake is an independent risk
factor for asthma. Vitamin C is
the major antioxidant present on the airway surfaces. Smoking and
second-hand smoke reduce vitamin C, resulting in increased asthma in
smoking households. Additionally, studies indicate that asthmatics
seem to have a higher need for vitamin C, in general.
- Environmental
allergens such as pollen, dander, dust mites, mold, and chemicals need
to be reduced as much as possible for some individuals. It is
important to make the bedroom as allergy-proof as possible. An
air-purifier with a HEPA filter may be necessary.
- Structural
imbalances in the thoracic and cervical spine. Restrictions in these
areas can impede optimal nerve flow to the lungs and increase
reactivity.
As you can see, the effective
treatment of asthma requires the consideration and control of many aspects.
It is ideal that each individual with asthma be evaluated for their unique
immune, metabolic, lifestyle and dietary factors that contribute. There are
many wonderful botanical and homeopathic medicines that improve the
symptoms of asthma. Treatment may also include elimination of allergens,
detoxification, supplements, acupuncture, and chiropractic adjustments.
Vocal cord dysfunction can mimic asthma and may need to be evaluated. Remember
that an acute asthma attack can be a medical emergency and may require
immediate medical attention.
Yellowstone Naturopathic
Clinic
720 N. 30th St.
Billings, MT 59101
PHONE 406·259·5096/FAX 406·248·5655
ync@180com.net
Dispensary
406·254·9682
dispensary@yncnaturally.com
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