The Institute of Medicine’s Immunization Safety Review Committee reported to have found a possible connection between immune systems affected by the administration of vaccines and the development of allergies leading to childhood asthma.  For these reasons among many others, it is important for parents to consider natural treatment for childhood asthma.

One of the natural treatments available for childhood asthma is marine phytoplankton.  Marine phytoplankton has supports ocean life with a unique combination of life sustaining nutrients including like Omega 3 essential fatty acids, protein and vitamins. The overdependence of Americans on land-based food sources as lead to a population lacking in many nutrients.  Marine phytoplankton replenishes these nutrients and promotes and maintains optimum health.

Researchers looking for natural treatments for childhood asthma have found that controlled exposure to sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet light could reduce asthma. Studies conducted by the research team at Perth’s Telethon Institute for Child Health Research and funded by the Asthma Foundation of WA illustrated the effects of ultraviolet light exposure on mice with asthmatic symptoms. Mice exposed to ultraviolet light for about 20 minutes experienced significantly less asthma-like symptoms after being introduced to an allergen.  Researchers are excited to try to apply these findings to as a natural treatment for children suffering from asthma.

Homeopaths are tried and proven natural treatments for children suffering from asthma caused by allergies.  Research conducted at the University of Glasgow indicates that those patients who receive very small homeopathic doses of whatever substance to which they are most allergic experience less asthmatic symptoms after just one week of treatment.  In fact, over 80% patients given a homeopathic remedy improved.  Some general of homeopathic treatment include better respiratory function, more open airways, easy breathing, strengthened immune system functioning and relaxed bronchioles.

Speleotherapy is one of the oldest known natural treatments for asthma.  The unique microclimate of the salt mines has been reported to improve patients with various forms of bronchial asthma and other types of respiratory diseases. Every year more than 1000 children attend the Ukrainian Allergological Hospital speleotherapy clinic.  The treatment is quickly becoming well known worldwide as one of the most effective natural treatments for people with asthma.  The alternative to traveling to the salt mines of Eastern Europe is to inhale a salt air steam by heating salt solution in a ceramic salt inhaler.

When it comes to a person with acute bronchitis, the culprit is almost always the similar viruses that could be contracted and could lead to colds. However, one of the causes of bronchitis, especially the acute kind, could also be found on a person’s exposure to second-hand smoke from cigarettes or from his own cigarette smoking. Smog and household cleaners, which are among the most common pollutants that a person can get in contact with, are also known culprits when it comes to acute bronchitis.

The bronchitis disease may, however, also visit persons who have gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. This condition is characterized by the consistent backing up of acids right into the food pipe, from the stomach. Those workers who are also exposed everyday to fumes or certain dusts, which are common causes of bronchitis, could also contract what is known as occupational bronchitis. This is an acute type of bronchitis that usually clears up when its patients refrain themselves from getting exposed to the irritants.

Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, which is a type of bronchitis where the thickening and inflammation of the bronchial tubes’ lining hasn’t improved for more than three months, also has its own causes and they are more serious ones. One of the major causes of bronchitis that has already progressed into being a chronic disease is smoking. Among the symptoms of chronic bronchitis are a continuous cough that is accompanied with great amounts of mucus being coughed up and shortness of breathing. A person is usually regarded as already having chronic bronchitis if his cough continues on after three months until two years.

There are also other causes of chronic bronchitis, which is a serious and ongoing disease. Among these are air pollution and the exposure to toxic gases and dust either in the workplace or in the environment. There are some cases wherein chronic bronchitis can lead to asthma because of the incessant inflammation of the lung’s airways. So, everyone should be mindful of the coughs that they are experiencing. They should consult with their doctors once they notice that they are coughing yellowish or greenish mucus, as mucus that is neither white nor clear can already suggest secondary infection like bronchitis.

The trouble is that early symptoms of asthma seem to be just fatigue, and is usually interpreted as such. As more and more time goes by with nothing being done to keep it under control, the more your chances are of getting a severe asthma attack. And, as asthma statistics show, over 5000 deaths a year are attributed to asthma attacks.

The frightening part, according to asthma statistics, is that even people with mild asthma can have fatal attacks. This means that if it is too mild for the person to take asthma as a serious possibility, there is still a chance that it might be too late before he or she can make that choice.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), in the past few years, asthma statistics have been alarming. Over twenty million people are reported to have asthma – and these are just the diagnosed cases. Even more frightening, the incidence of asthma among children has risen. Especially hard hit have been poor children in urban areas – a clear indication that atmospheric pollution and asthma are closely linked. Over 65% of reported asthma cases all over the world are from America. That is definitely food for thought.

It has been observed that children whose parents have asthma are more likely to develop asthma, as well. In fact, asthma statistics show that about 40% of all children whose parents are prone to asthma develop the disease, as well.

In spite of all the bad news, the good news is that if it is diagnosed in time, it can be kept under control. Even if it is hereditary, you can feel sure that you can live a normal, active life. In fact, if it is hereditary, diagnosis will only become easier.

It is too easy to dismiss early stages of asthma as just breathing trouble, or getting out of shape. An asthma attack that is quite mild can even be dismissed as a persistent and irritating common cold, or a bad case of flu. Once it is diagnosed, you can avoid things that will trigger attacks, and, with proper medication, it will not even be a real factor in your life.

Asthma can be caused by many aggravating or triggering factors including weather, exercise, smoke, dust, seasonal allergens, pets, environmental conditions, pollens, ragweed, dust mites, and many more.  These triggers vary in different people.

Asthma can be cured by many different ways.  It can be prevented by medications, anti-inflammatories, herbal medications, yoga, exercise, bronchodilators, and inhalers.  The cure of asthma depends on one’s way of living.  Inhalers are the fast relieving agents for asthma flares.

Lifestyle modifications also prevent asthma to some degree.  Asthma is caused by the pollutants in the air, which can be removed by air purifiers.  Asthma air purifier collects the hair of pets, allergens, particles, and dust in the air and makes it allergen free by filtering the air.  It makes the air very good and of better quality than before to breath thus increasing the life span of the asthma patients.  It cleans the air by filtrating it and it can filter the dust, fumes, chemical pollutants, and other pollutants in the air.  It makes the air fresh and clean.

Air purifiers are of different types and they used different air purification methods including electrostatic charges and ionizers, mechanical filters, absorbents like charcoal.  The other different types of air purifiers are Austin Air Purifier, Allerair, BlueAir, Whirlpool, Friedrich, and IQAir.  Among them, HEPA filters remove about 99.97% of the pollutants and in return give the fresh and pure air.  HEPA filter technology is the best and the most effective technology, but the filters should be changed periodically.  Electrostatic system by Friedrich cleans the air with charged plates.  The only cost for using this system is one should wash the plates periodically.  The above two technologies removed the particles but they does not remove the odor or chemicals.

The basic functioning of the IQAir purifier is it closes the air that enters into the system and then it filters the air that is sealed.  It removes the basic pollutants making the air clean for asthma patients.  BlueAir functions with a line of air purifiers making the air fresh and safe for the asthmatics.  For making the air free of tobacco smoke, option to add another filter is provided.  Allerair cleans the indoor air.  It is made up of HEPA filters.  The Austin air purifier also works on the same principle. 

Thus air purifiers also contribute their portion in preventing asthma symptoms in asthma patients by making the air fresh and allergen-free.

Though asthma is a chronic disorder, it does not manifest itself all the time. It is exacerbated by certain triggers, which can lead to the bouts of respiratory problems, known as asthmatic attacks. During an asthmatic attack, there is severe difficulty in breathing, characterized by wheezing, gasping, shortness of breath and inability of speech. Generally an attack does not last more than a few minutes. However, a severe attack could kill within those few moments the attack lasts.

The exact cause of asthma is not known. But in asthmatic people, the attacks are caused due to some environmental factors to which they are allergic. There are many allergenic factors in the environment such as dust, hair, pollen, lint, smoke, cigarette smoke, perfumes, deodorants and many others. When such an allergen is present in the environment of the person whose respiratory tract is inflamed, the person develops a violent reaction. This is known as an asthmatic attack.

Asthma is known as Shwaasa roga in Ayurveda. There are five main types of asthma in Ayurveda: tamaka shwaasa roga, urdhwa shwaasa roga, chinna shwaasa roga, maha shwaasa roga and kshudra shwaasa roga. All these kinds of shwaasa roga are due to vitiation of vata and kapha doshas. The main types of vata that are vitiated are the praana vata and the udaana vata.

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Asthma

- Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum)
Aniseed is useful in the treatment of asthma due to its expectorant properties.

- Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
The bark of the arjuna plant has benefits in the treatment of asthma. It is taken in a powder form sprinkled on the preparation of rice and condensed milk known as kheer.

- Asafetida (Ferula fetida)
Along with whooping cough and bronchitis, asafetida is also useful in the treatment of asthma. For better results, its gum is taken in a mixture with honey.

- Bay Berry (Myrica nagi)
Bay berry bark is effective in the treatment of asthma. It can be taken in the form of either a decoction or a powder.

- Bishop’s Weed (Trachyspermum ammi)
Bishop’s weed is an expectorant. It can relieve dried up phlegm within the respiratory tract. It can be taken with buttermilk for best results.

- Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum)
Black nightshade can remove the catarrh and phlegm deposited in the bronchial tubes. Its fruits are taken for the remedy.

- Celery (Apium graveolens)
Celery has antispasmodic properties; hence it is beneficial in the treatment of asthma. Either the herb itself or its seeds can be used for the purpose.

- Clove (Syzygium aromaticum)
Clove has expectorant properties; hence it is effective in the treatment of asthma.

- Garlic (Allium sativum)
Regular use of garlic can reduce the severity of asthmatic attacks.

- Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger is used in treatment of asthma due to its expectorant properties.

(2) Dietary Treatments for Asthma

The following dietary guidelines must be followed in order to reduce asthma:-

- Sour foods such as curd and buttermilk must be avoided.

- Cold fruits such as bananas, guavas, watermelons and papayas are very risky as they can build up phlegm in the bronchial tubes.

- Fried and pungent foods must be avoided.

- Dry grapes are beneficial in asthmatic patients.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatment for Asthma

Sitopaladi choorna is a very common medicine taken by asthmatic patients. It is to be taken thrice or four times a day, mixed with honey. One alternative to sitopaladi choorna is the pippaladi choorna.

Agastya rasayana is another popular medicine which is prepared with Chebulic Myroblan as its main ingredient. Along with Chyavanprasha, it is commonly prescribed to asthmatic patients.

There are some specific Ayurvedic preparations that are prescribed in order to reduce the attacks of asthma immediately. These are Shwasa Kaasa Chintamani rasa, Suwarna Pushpasuga rasa, Kanakasava, etc.

(4) Home Medications

- Mix a couple of leaves of the holy basil with honey and consume them every morning. This is a very effective remedy to keep asthmatic attacks away.

- When an attack is about to come, then chewing on some leaves of the holy basil mixed with rock salt.

- In order to clean the respiratory tract, roast gram and have them with milk just before going to bed.

- Grind some turmeric (use old turmeric for better results). Mix one teaspoonful of this powder with one tablespoonful of honey (again, the honey must be as old as possible). This is to be taken orally. This recipe is believed to work even when all other methods fail.

- For asthma in the early stages, it is beneficial to chew on some black pepper before going to bed.

- For temporary relief from asthmatic attacks, mix some leaves of the holy basil with black pepper and consume them.

- One more remedy is to mix some lemon juice with ginger and consume it once a day.

- Chewing a single fruit of the Chebulic Myroblan (harad) every night will give tremendous relief from asthmatic attacks.

- Boil six cloves in half a cup of water. Take a teaspoonful of this decoction with honey thrice a day.

For those lucky people who don’t know much about asthma, it is a respiratory disorder characterized by recurring episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, cough and thick mucous production caused by inflammation or spasm of the bronchi.

An attack of asthma can be triggered by exposure to an allergen, strenuous exercise or infection. In between attacks, the sufferer breathes normally, but treatment should be ongoing to help prevent inflammation, and thus attacks that are in some cases, life-threatening. This is because during an attack the respiratory mucosa lining the airways swells, the smooth muscle lining the bronchiolar walls contracts and much thick mucous is secreted into the airways causing the sufferer great difficulty in breathing.

Another problem is the body’s own response to the inflammation of the airways. The immune system sends out white blood cells containing leukotrienes to deal with it, but these chemical compounds cause further swelling of the mucous membrane, constriction of the smooth muscle and even more mucous, thus exacerbating the problem.

During an attack the suffer experiences extreme fatigue and anxiety which both make the condition worse. Treatment consists of the use controlling or preventing the inflammation from occurring in the first place by removal of the offending allergens or cause, but in the case of allergens, it is not always possible to identify the culprit.

Bronchodilators must be used to expand the airways, with constant use of two medications that give both long and short-term relief. It is also possible to use aromatherapy to aid in both prevention and treatment of asthma, but the sufferer should never simply go off medication prescribed by the doctor.

To reduce air pollution (bacteria and allergens) place in an atomizer containing an ounce of purified water, 1 drop each of peppermint (mentha x piperita)and tea-tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia), 2 drops of pine oil (pinus sylvestris) and bergamot (citrus bergamia) and 3 of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora). Spray the air frequently or dampen a tissue with it and inhale.

Another good inhalation that can also be used in the bath or as a chest rub to stimulate the removal of mucous, is a mix of 12 drops of Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea), 2 drops of Ravensara aromatica with 28 drops of Cedarwood, (Juniperus virginiana).

Two oils containing anti inflammatory and anti-infectious properties are Clove Bud (Eugenia caryophyllus) and Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus). They should be mixed together in a 3/1 ratio respectively, and inhaled when the presence of cold and flu viruses are suspected.

Another calming inhalation and chest rub can be made by mixing 16 drops Lemon, (Citrus limon), 12 drops Clary Sage, (Salvia sclarea) and12 drops Angelica, (Angelica archangelica)

A massage oil to help to loosen tight back and chest muscles after an attack of asthma can be made from the following ingredients. Take 2 tablespoons of almond oil and add 3 drops Ylang, Ylang, (Cananga odorata), 3 drops Eucalyptus, (Eucalyptus smithii), 16 drops Lavender, Lavendula angustifolia and 3 drops Peppermint, (Mentha x piperita).

Many of these oils can aid in calming the sufferer during an attack, a difficult emotion to achieve while struggling for breath. However, anxiety makes the body’s oxygen needs escalate, while a person who can remain calm needs much less oxygen and can remain more in control of the situation.

Asthma can be defined as a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways, that is characterized by spasm of the bronchi (airway tubes)with inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes leading to an over production of thick phlegm in the lung and airways.

This phlegm sets off a response within the body characterized by typical asthma symptoms such as chronic coughing (especially at night), wheezing, difficulty in breathing and the difficult expectoration of thick, sticky phlegm. If not treated immediately, breathing can be impeded to the point of respiratory failure.

There are certain factors that can predispose one to having asthma. A family history of asthma or some history of allergies, definitely increases your chances of having asthma.

If you were weaned and introduced to solid food at an early age (6 months or less)the chances of you having food allergies and possibly asthma as a consequence increases dramatically. This is due to an immature digestive system being asked to digest foods it is not capable of at that time.

This places a significant stress on the under developed immune system of the baby that can lead to allergies and asthma.

Another common food related factor are food additives such as food colorings and preservatives. These factors are especially problematic for an asthma sufferer as they are in virtually everything that we eat and drink. This places a cumulative daily stress on the already stressed immune system of the asthma sufferer.

Some other dietary factors worth considering are, excessive salt intake and its connection to asthma and asthma mortality rates and dairy products which are notorious for their ability to produce phlegm.

And then there are the obvious airborne environmental allergens that we are forced to contend with. Dust, dust mites, pollens, cockroach waste and pet hair as well as allergens like pesticides (to kill the cockroaches) cleaning chemicals, perfumes and fuels (gas, petrol) pollution (air, water). The list is endless.

And if that is not enough asthma can occur as a result of excessive exercise, cold temperature, sudden emotional upset and can also be a part of a viral infection, that can occur during the virus as well as post viral.

Treatment for asthma is based around a treatment program that attempts to lessen the symptoms medicinally, while simultaneously removing whatever allergy provoking substances are in the asthmatics environment.

Most people these days look to a combination of conventional medicine (puffers for example) and alternative/herbal medicine. The combination works especially well, with many traditional herbs such as Ephedra and Gingko Biloba having a long tradition of effectively treating asthma and respiratory disorders.

As far as removing asthma causing substances from the environment, this can be a difficult. The obvious methods revolve around adequate and appropriate cleaning. Appropriate cleaning would be cleaning that doesn’t complicate things by introducing another toxic substance into the picture.

Some mould cleaners are known to irritate allergy and asthma sufferers, yet we need to remove the mould from the asthmatics environment.

Fortunately these days there are many products that have been created that take this into account. Always use hypo-allergenic cleaning products.

Dust must be removed. Regular vacuuming is a must. Preferably with a vacuum fitted with an air filter that will stop “micro dust” being put back into the air as you vacuum.

An air filtration system or at least a portable air filter would also help considerably.

Pets should never be allowed in the bedroom, and ideally not in the house, although many asthma sufferers are more likely to put up with their symptoms rather than cast out their pets.

Dietary measures that can help are as much as possible removing foods high in salt, preservatives, coloring, waxes and pesticides. Wherever possible, choose organically grown and processed foods.

If this is not practical, make a habit of gently washing your food before you eat it. A bit of a nuisance for sure, but it really doesn’t take all that long and is easy enough to fit into your food preparation routine. And it can make a big difference to your over stressed immune system.

If you go to the bother of carrying out these changes you will be pleased to hear that you should experience a reduction in your asthma symptoms in as little as a month.

As far as what to eat or not eat when you have asthma, most research seems to be indicating that a “Vegan” diet (NO animal food products)is your best option as animal food products often have significant pesticide residues.

If this diet is too harsh and restrictive, and it will be for many, a general reduction of animal food products will help some. Your results will largely be determined by how bad your asthma is and how much of a vegan style diet you can live with. At the very least, you can reduce if not totally eliminate animal food products.

At this point in time there are more questions than answers when it comes to the causes of asthma. The biggest question is why are asthma rates doubling every 20 years?

It seems that as good as our current treatments for asthma are, we can increase their effectiveness dramatically if we practice some preventive care.

Perhaps we will never find a “cure” for asthma. As our world gets more and more complex in terms of the stress and strain we place on our bodies, the answer seems to move farther and farther away.

The most effective treatment for any disease is prevention. Knowing what we do about asthma and knowing the effect that environmental and emotional factors can have on our immune system, if we can begin to clean up our lives on all levels, this may be our best chance of finding the next best thing to a cure for asthma. Permanent prevention.

For most people suffering with asthma they can still lead busy and productive lives. How? By seeing a physician or health care provider that will work with them in creating and implementing an asthma control plan. The key here is being proactive rather than reacting when its to late. Waiting for an asthma attack to occur before thinking about what to do is many times untimely.

When you have an asthma attack your lungs begin to get tighter. That is they close down the amount of air you can inspire. This often leads to coughing, wheezing and chest tightness. Almost as if an elephant were sitting on your chest and of course you could not breathe.

There are some measures that could be used to avoid or control the attack should it happen to you. Avoiding second hand smoke and of course that means not smoking at all as well.

Other allergens to avoid triggering an asthma exacerbation are:
1. Pet Dander
2. Dust Mites as much as possible
3. Cockroaches
4. Cold air or extreme swings in the barometric pressure
5. Highly humid and moist areas eg. Saunas and pool rooms

Because all of the above should be a part of your asthma action plan it is more realistic to contemplate what one should do if an asthma attack occurs.

If you have a young child, the asthma doctor may recommend that you use an asthma nebulizer. This machine changes liquid asthma medication into a mist so that it can be more easily inhaled in the lungs. If your child is very young the doctors recommend using a small mask that covers the child’s nose and mouth. This seals the medication in so that the child inhales either through the nose or via the mouth. Both routes optimally distribute the medication to the child’s lungs.

To get a home asthma nebulizer you will need a prescription from your doctor. In other countries you may be able to purchase a machine without a prescription from a doctor. The cost is usually between $200 to $300 and most health insurance policies will cover the cost, so make sure you check with your carrier. Once you have your asthma nebulizer it is important that you learn to use it correctly.

For training please consult with the nurse or the salesperson that provides the machine for you. To begin with there are some supplies that you need with your asthma nebulizer. You will need an air compressor, nebulizer cup, a proper fitting mask or mouthpiece, compressor tubing, and the correct medication dosages which only your doctor can prescribe.

Currently the types of medication used in nebulizers have a maximal duration of action of four to six hours tops. So, you’ll have to have a situation set up whereby you can dose the medication for your child. If they are school age it has been a concern recently that children do not have access to their medication since most schools keep medication on school grounds under lock and key. This is unfortunate since asthma is a highly variable and unpredictable disorder. Children or adults for that matter, can feel normal and fine one hour and the next hour they need emergency medical treatment.

Since asthma is so volatile, please keep your asthma action plan up to date. Ensure that you or your child knows exactly where the rescue medication is located. When you are having an asthma attack it is very difficult or impossible to give clear directions for anything.

Unfortunately, breathing problems–usually related to asthma and allergies–are becoming more and more common in Western countries. Experts are still exploring why this is so. But the bottom line is, if you’re a parent of a young child, there’s a good chance you’ll have to deal with asthma at some point in time.

So what is a parent to do? Just give up and accept that your child will never be “normal”? Of course not! The good news is, there are quite a few positive actions you can take that will go a long way towards helping your child live a happy, active life.

Here are three main steps you can take to help keep your child with asthma healthy…

Step 1: First, you need to understand asthma.

Knowledge is power, and knowing what actions to take start with understanding what’s going on in your child’s body. Asthma is a chronic breathing problem that interferes with your child’s ability to get air in and out of his or her lungs.

When your child has asthma, the airways often become red, swollen and irritated. This means the passages become narrower, which makes it harder for the air to flow in and out. Also, the airways overreact by producing large amounts of mucus, which can clog the airways further. This causes symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

There is no cure for asthma, but there are many medicines and treatments that can keep it under control. Some children do grow out of asthma over time as well.

Step 2: Get a handle on your child’s asthma triggers.

It’s a well-known fact that asthma symptoms are set off–or triggered–by certain environmental substances. For unknown reasons, your child’s body “sees” these triggers as threats, even though most people are not bothered by them. The lungs then overreact by triggering an asthma attack.

The most common asthma triggers in children are pollen, dust, molds, food allergies, pet dander, and even colds. Scents and cigarette smoke can also set off an asthma attack.

As a parent, you will be able to notice the things that trigger your child’s asthma symptoms. Make note of the patterns, and then do your best to help your child avoid those triggers as much as possible.

Step 3: Play an active role in your child’s health care.

Children who have asthma do need medical care. It’s important to consult with your pediatrician or an asthma specialist and get your child on a treatment program that will help control or prevent his or her symptoms.

The doctor may prescribe the treatment, but it will be up to you to carry it out. It is essential to follow the plan laid out for your child to the letter. Skipping doses of medicine or nebulizer treatments–even on good days–will lead to health problems sooner or later… probably sooner.

So, talk with your health care professional. Ask questions until you are sure you understand exactly what is going on and what to do for your child. Ask your child’s doctor to help you fill out an “Asthma Action Plan” that guides you when to take emergency action during asthma attacks or when an attack is building.

Lastly, keep your child’s doctor informed about what is working or not working. Report when your child’s symptoms change. The doctor will not know when to update the plan of treatment unless you keep him or her informed.

So, in summary, parents are in the best position to help their children with asthma stay healthy and live active lives like other kids. All it takes is a healthy dose of knowledge, good observation skills, active communication with the care team, and a generous helping of love.