Asthma

ASTHMA

Asthma is a chronic disease of the respiratory system in which the airway occasionally constricts, becomes inflamed, and is lined with excessive amounts of mucus, often in response to one or more triggers.

Pathophysiology

Inflamed airways and bronchoconstriction in asthma, airways narrowed as a result of the inflammatory response cause wheezing.

Bronchoconstriction

During an asthma episode, inflamed airways react to environmental triggers such as smoke, dust, or pollen. The airways narrow and produce excess mucus, making it difficult to breathe. In essence, asthma is the result of an immune response in the bronchial airways.

The airways of asthmatics are “hypersensitive” to certain triggers, also known as stimuli. In response to exposure to these triggers, the bronchi contract into spasm. Inflammation soon follows, leading to a further narrowing of the airways and excessive mucus production, which leads to coughing and other breathing difficulties.

Diagnosis

A Physician can diagnose asthma on the basis of typical findings in a patient’s clinical history and examination. Asthma is strongly suspected if a patient suffers from eczema or other allergic conditions-suggestion a general Atopic Constitution-or has a family history of asthma.

Testing Peak Flow at rest and after exercise can be helpful, especially in young asthmatics that may experience only exercise-include asthma

If the diagnosis is in doubt, a more formal Lung Function Test may be conducted.

Once a diagnosis of asthma is made, a patient can use peak flow meter testing to monitor the severity of the disease.

A Spirometry Test can also measure how well your lungs are functioning but provides more detailed information than peak flow meter.

Less commonly, other tests such as Chest X-rays are done to make sure do not have any other breathing problems. For example; a disease called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has similar symptoms to asthma.

An Allergy Skin Test may be done to find out whether you are allergic to certain substances.

Signs and Symptom

Some or all of the following symptoms may be present in those with asthma:

i.)                 Dyspnea,

ii.)               Wheezing

iii.)             Stridor

iv.)            Coughing,

v.)              An inability for physical exertion.

vi.)            Some asthmatics that have severe shortness of breath and tightening of the lungs never wheeze or have Stridor and their symptoms may be confused with a COPD-type disease.

Treatment

Asthma cannot be cured. Treatment will aim to reduce the frequency, severity and length of your asthma attacks. Because a lot of different factors are involved in asthma, your treatment plan will be individual to a patient’ itself, combining medicines and asthma management in the way that works best for the patient.

Homeopathic Medicines

Aconite, Bryonia, Arsenic, Blatta orientalis, Boerhaavia diffusa, Calotropis gigantean, Justicia adhatoda, Ocimum sanctum, Gridelia, Ipecacuanha, Passiflora incarnate, Eucalyptus, Lemna Minor, etc.