The word ‘asthma‘ is derived from the Greek meaning ‘ panting’ or ‘labored breathing’. Asthma is a condition characterized by recurrent episodes of paroxysmal wheezing respiration dyspnoea (difficulty in breathing), mainly expiratory. This is caused by muscle spasm leading to the narrowing of the bronchial tubes, inflammation, swelling and excess mucus production.
Symptoms this may produce are chest tightness, coughing, wheezy breathing and shortness of breath.
According to The Asthma Society, Ireland has the fourth highest prevalence of asthma in the world with almost one in ten of the population experiencing asthmatic symptoms. Nearly 20% of 13-15 year olds have been diagnosed with asthma and nearly 40% of 13-15 year olds experience a wheeze.
Triggers of bronchial asthma can vary. It can be caused by an allergic reaction to food, additives, house dust, pollen and/or animal hair. The allergen stimulates the immune system to create antibodies to protect itself. The immune system perceives itself under attack and so increases production of immunoglobulins (IgE). Allergic asthma can be preceded by other symptoms such as eczema, hay fever, rhinitis or hives that can start in childhood. There may also be a genetic factor with a family history of hay fever, eczema or asthma.
Another trigger can be over exposure or sensitivity to a toxic environment from products such as pesticides, tobacco smoke, paint, detergents and household cleaning products.
Other triggers may be a viral upper respiratory tract or bronchial infection, increased exertion and ascending, mental/ emotional factors such as anxiety, anger, grief, general stress, seasonal factors such as pollen in Spring and Summer heat. Many asthmatics are sensitive to weather and temperature changes, humidity, damp and strong winds.
All of the above factors, alone or in combination, can bring about a health imbalance in a person who has an underlying susceptibility to asthmatic symptoms.
Conventional treatment includes Bronchodilators such as Salbutamol (Ventolin) and Bricanyl (Terbutaline) which promote an easing of symptoms by relaxing the muscles of the airways and steroid inhalers such as Becotide (Beclomethasone) and Pulmicort (Budesonide) to reduce inflammation.
Homeopathic remedies can be taken along with conventional medicine. The aim of the homeopath is the reduction of the impact of symptoms on the person.This is done by stimulating the body’s self healing ability.
Homeopathy looks at the individual as a whole, treating the mental, emotional and physical bodies. It focuses on the person rather than the disease. In a consultation the homeopath will enquire about the individual’s asthmatic symptoms as well as any other physical/mental/emotional symptoms they may be experiencing. The client is also asked about their personal and familial medical history. This combined information can direct the homeopath towards the root cause of the asthma and ultimately the remedies needed to restore balance and health to the person.
Some of the common homeopathic remedies prescribed for asthma are Ars-alb, Ant-tart, Apis, Blatta Orientalis, Cuprum, Hepar-sulph, Ignatia, Ipecac, Lachesis, Lobelia Inflata, Medhorrinum, Nat-sulph, Pulsatilla, Sambucus Nigra, Spongia, Sulphur and Tuberculinum.
Written by Sarah Jane Hewitt Lic. ISH
