A disease of paroxysmal construction of the bronchial airways caused by increased
responsiveness of the tracheobronchial tree to various stimuli. Asthma attacks have a slow
or sudden onset. In a sudden onset, rapid development of airway construction and even
death may occur within minutes. As many as 25% of asthma deaths may be attributed to this
condition. Asthma is marked by severe dyspnea accompanied by wheezing. Patients tend to
hunch their shoulders forward in an attempt to get more air. Asthma does not age-
discriminate, however, it more frequently occurs in childhood or early adulthood. Twice as
many boys as girls have asthma. It may be caused by allergens in the air including pollen,
animal dander, or dust; occasionally by food, such as shellfish or eggs; or drugs such as
aspirin. Sometimes, asthma develops in people with allergies of an unknown origin. It may
even be triggered by a respiratory tract infection.
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Asthma
ymptoms of asthma include
coughing while exercising or immediately afterwards, shortness of breath, wheezing, or
tightness in the chest. Symptoms generally start or are "triggered" by something that
bothers your lungs. These are called asthma triggers. There are many kinds of triggers,
ranging from viruses and allergies, to toxins, to dust or pollen. Cigarette smoking or
second-hand smoke is a severe trigger that must be avoided. Studies show that
children of smokers are more likely to develop asthma.
A number of herbs have a history
of traditional use in this area. Ginkgo, long used in traditional Chinese practice, contains ginkgolides,
which have been studied in relation to platelet activating factor, a chemical involved in asthma and allergies.
Garlic has been the subject of
laboratory tests. Other traditionally used herbs include
Licorice,
Turmeric, which contains
curcumin, and
Mullein.
Additionally,
Astragalus and Reishi
Mushrooms have a long history of traditional use.
A number of herbs have a history
of traditional use in this area. Ginkgo, long used in traditional Chinese practice, contains ginkgolides,
which have been studied in relation to platelet activating factor, a chemical involved in asthma and allergies.
Garlic has been the subject of
laboratory tests. Other traditionally used herbs include
Licorice,
Turmeric, which contains
curcumin, and
Mullein.
Additionally,
Astragalus and Reishi
Mushrooms have a long history of traditional use.
Note:
This information is provided for educational purposes only
and is not intended to replace the use of a qualified
health care professional. We strongly recommend the use
of a physician for the diagnostic phase of any treatment.
With an accurate diagnosis in hand, we believe the consumer,
at that point, has a basic, unalienable right to seek out
factual information on all therapeutic approaches, both
orthodox and alternative, and choose those approach(es)
that are right for them. Nonetheless, a "good doctor"
should be considered a requisite starting point.To U.S. Users:
None of the products mentioned on this page have been
evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration;
therefore, they are not intended to diagnose, treat,
cure, or prevent any disease.