Asthma is a condition where the airway in humans constricts, gets inflamed and is lined with mucus. The condition though generally associated with humans, is also being controversially diagnosed in house pets.
Asthma attacks are triggered by exposure to environmental stimulants like cold or warm or moist air, perfume or exertion/emotional stress. In the case of children, it is observed that the common triggers are viral illnesses.
The airway narrowing condition in asthma causes breathlessness, wheezing and coughing. This airway constriction is eased with the help of bronchodilators. It is common between episodes for the patients to feel well or exhibit mild symptoms.
The symptoms of mild to life threatening asthma can be controlled with a combination of medication and a change in the immediate environment. Research reveals that in the developed world, this killer is affecting up to one in four urban children!
Asthma is characterized by chronic respiratory impairment, episodic symptoms triggered by upper respiratory infection, stress, airborne allergens and air pollutants.
An acute exacerbation exhibits clinical hallmarks such as shortness of breath and wheezing and in the late stages of an asthma attack, the air motion may be so impaired that no wheezing may even be heard. If the patient coughs, clear sputum is produced.
The signs of an asthmatic episode include prolonged expiration, a rapid heart rate, lung sounds that are audible only through a stethoscope, pulse that is weaker during inhalation and stronger during exhalation and over-inflation of the chest cavity.
During a serious asthma attack, the sternocleidomastoid and scalene muscles of the neck are exerted causing the asthma sufferer to turn blue due to the lack of oxygen. The patient can also suffer the loss of consciousness and just before the loss of consciousness, the patient feels numbness in the limbs and experiences sweaty palms.
Asthma is caused by the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. The interaction of these factors influences how severe a person’s asthma is and the probability of how well the patient is likely to respond to medication.
It is observed that asthma prevalence has increased in developed countries with the increase in the use of antibiotics, c-sections and cleaning products. All of these negatively affect exposure to beneficial bacteria and other immune system modulators.
There are a number of environmental risk factors associated with asthma. These include traffic pollution, high ozone levels, tobacco smoke and maternal cigarette smoking, viral respiratory infections at an early age, use of antibiotics early in life, caesarean sections and psychological stress.
Many genes are related to the immune system and modulating inflammation. However, research results have not been consistent among all of the populations and hence, it is deduced that the genes are not associated with asthma under every condition.
Inflamed airways and bronchoconstriction in asthma as a result of the inflammatory response cause wheezing. During an asthma episode, the inflamed airways react to environmental triggers and produce excess mucus, which makes it difficult to breathe.
Stimulus to a trigger include waste from household pests, pollen and spores, indoor air pollutants like perfumed products, soap, dishwashing and laundry detergent, fabric softener, paper tissues and towels, hairspray and gel, cosmetics, facial sun cream, air freshener and products such as oil-based paint, medication like asprin and beta blockers, food allergies, presence of nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide etc.
Hormonal changes in women associated with the menstrual cycle can worsen asthma. Some women experience their asthma improving during pregnancy. Emotional stress can also affect breathing temporarily and so can cold weather and high altitude.
It is recognized that patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea and bronchial asthma, often improve when the former is diagnosed and treated.
Asthma is cured with the reversibility of the condition that occurs either spontaneously or with treatment. A physician diagnoses asthma on the basis of the patient's clinical history and examination. The measurement of the airway function is possible for adults. Diagnosis in children is based on analysis of the medical history and subsequent improvement.
With the proper use of prevention drugs, asthmatics can avoid the complications. However, it is observed that asthmatics stop taking preventive medication when they feel fine and this then results in further attacks.
Article By Gaynor Borade
Showing posts with label Acute Asthma. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Acute Asthma. Show all posts
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Asthma
Asthma is a common disease of the respiratory system. It comes from the Greek word “aazein”, or “sharp breath Allergens, common cold or even other triggers like exercise or stress can cause the airways or the tubes that carry air to the lungs. These become narrow and inflamed, with the build up of excessive mucous and breathing becomes a problem. A distinct wheeze can be heard during the entire cycle of respiration.
The asthma patient will be coughing and panting during inhalation with an uncomfortable tightening of the chest. It strikes patients more at night and in the morning, so sleeplessness is often a factor that adds to the discomfort. Some chronic asthma patients become hypersensitive to stimulants like strong smells, pollens or even pollutants.
Some of the other triggers of asthma are dust mites, cockroaches, and even some pathogens. Sleep apnea is said to be one of the factors causing asthma.
In some cases a patient taking bronchoconstrictor medicines, like beta-blockers or some hypertension medication, which could trigger severe breathing problems. In these cases, asthma attacks can be sudden and even life threatening. Today across the world, asthma has become the most prevalent disease.
The clinical conditions of asthma make it an easy to diagnose disease; however, one must understand that there is no cure for it. Modern medicine has ensured that there are many ways to control it. These cures are often used in conjunction with the ancient science of Yoga, especially “pranayam” or its highly evolved breathing practices.
One of the most essential treatments of asthma is of course removing the triggers that cause asthma. Long-term infections would need to be cured, and the underlying causes of asthma clearly understood. Rigorous efforts of cleaning the home from dust mites, and other pest like cockroaches will have to be undertaken. Mattresses would have to be changed, it is best to use the newer types that do not collect dust mites. The house would have to be made insect and dust proofed.
Anyone who suffers from asthma would have to ensure that he or she is well guarded against triggers like pollens, strong smells, pollutants and more. Sleep apnea will have to cured, this may require surgery, and medicines will have to be examined to understand whether any of these are responsible for the sudden asthma attacks. Anyone smoking is advised to give up the habit, as it can increase the frequency of the attack.
There is a range of instant relief bronchodilators available in pocket-sized, metered-dose inhalers. This can be used with an “asthma spacer” to get a full dose; this is a plastic cylinder that is especially useful for children.
Some of the most common bronchodilators are beta2-adrenoceptor agonists, such as salbutamol, levalbuterol, terbutaline and bitolterol. These improve the lung capacity immensely. Though they may be side effects, thus a full medical history has to be understood before any of these medicines are prescribed.
In case the asthma attack is unmanageable and the patient is unable to breathe a nebulizer, providing a continuous dose is used. The medicine is an easy to inhale saline solution and administered through vapor.
In case of severe asthma, hospitalization is required, and the patient may need oxygen for a while, along with a wide range of relief medications and antibiotics to cure infections if any.
There is an increasing tendency to turn to alternative practices to manage asthma. Yoga offers the most effective solutions. Pranayam or the life breath, is a method to understand the importance of the breath and use it to optimum. These exercises help in the management asthma. The inhalation and exhalation practices help clear the air passages and bring in a fresh inflow of oxygen. This science has to be learnt from a well-regarded teacher.
Acupressure and Acupuncture also helps in better asthma management. These need to be administered by registered practitioners, as they are specific forms of treatment.
Though one has to live with asthma, there are many ways in ensuring it does come in the way of getting the most out of life.
The asthma patient will be coughing and panting during inhalation with an uncomfortable tightening of the chest. It strikes patients more at night and in the morning, so sleeplessness is often a factor that adds to the discomfort. Some chronic asthma patients become hypersensitive to stimulants like strong smells, pollens or even pollutants.
Some of the other triggers of asthma are dust mites, cockroaches, and even some pathogens. Sleep apnea is said to be one of the factors causing asthma.
In some cases a patient taking bronchoconstrictor medicines, like beta-blockers or some hypertension medication, which could trigger severe breathing problems. In these cases, asthma attacks can be sudden and even life threatening. Today across the world, asthma has become the most prevalent disease.
The clinical conditions of asthma make it an easy to diagnose disease; however, one must understand that there is no cure for it. Modern medicine has ensured that there are many ways to control it. These cures are often used in conjunction with the ancient science of Yoga, especially “pranayam” or its highly evolved breathing practices.
One of the most essential treatments of asthma is of course removing the triggers that cause asthma. Long-term infections would need to be cured, and the underlying causes of asthma clearly understood. Rigorous efforts of cleaning the home from dust mites, and other pest like cockroaches will have to be undertaken. Mattresses would have to be changed, it is best to use the newer types that do not collect dust mites. The house would have to be made insect and dust proofed.
Anyone who suffers from asthma would have to ensure that he or she is well guarded against triggers like pollens, strong smells, pollutants and more. Sleep apnea will have to cured, this may require surgery, and medicines will have to be examined to understand whether any of these are responsible for the sudden asthma attacks. Anyone smoking is advised to give up the habit, as it can increase the frequency of the attack.
There is a range of instant relief bronchodilators available in pocket-sized, metered-dose inhalers. This can be used with an “asthma spacer” to get a full dose; this is a plastic cylinder that is especially useful for children.
Some of the most common bronchodilators are beta2-adrenoceptor agonists, such as salbutamol, levalbuterol, terbutaline and bitolterol. These improve the lung capacity immensely. Though they may be side effects, thus a full medical history has to be understood before any of these medicines are prescribed.
In case the asthma attack is unmanageable and the patient is unable to breathe a nebulizer, providing a continuous dose is used. The medicine is an easy to inhale saline solution and administered through vapor.
In case of severe asthma, hospitalization is required, and the patient may need oxygen for a while, along with a wide range of relief medications and antibiotics to cure infections if any.
There is an increasing tendency to turn to alternative practices to manage asthma. Yoga offers the most effective solutions. Pranayam or the life breath, is a method to understand the importance of the breath and use it to optimum. These exercises help in the management asthma. The inhalation and exhalation practices help clear the air passages and bring in a fresh inflow of oxygen. This science has to be learnt from a well-regarded teacher.
Acupressure and Acupuncture also helps in better asthma management. These need to be administered by registered practitioners, as they are specific forms of treatment.
Though one has to live with asthma, there are many ways in ensuring it does come in the way of getting the most out of life.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
An Acute Case Of Asthma Treated With Homeopathy
Dr. Shah presents here a case study to explain how a case of Acute Asthma was managed with Homeopathic medicines. The article also give us an insight into how careful observation and evaluation of patient history and study of materia medica will help us to use uncommon Homeopathic medicines for good clinical results.
Case Study
Mrs. D.R., a 22 year old patient reported with Allergic colds since last 3 to 4 months. She gets continuous running nose and greenish watery discharge. As soon as she gets up she has continuous running nose. Immediately after washing her face, all the symptoms begin. She has feverish feeling, burning in eyes with headache. When she is suffering she has to be in bed for at least 6 to 8 hours and feels tired, lethargic and run down. She also complains of irritation in the upper part of mouth, nose and throat. She is better by rubbing the nose and ear vigorously. Face becomes hot.
Aggravations:
Cold climate
Cold drinks, Ice creams, Juice
In A/C
Fast Fan
Touching nose
Cooking
Summer starting
Morning early bath
Change of temperature Nose block ++
Mental Tension +++
Ameliorations:
Evening
By brushing teeth at night
Avoiding washing of face till afternoon
Warmth
Love, affection and consolation
Concomitants
Headache She feels floor is not even and is bumpy. > By going to sleep. Graying of hair at age of 21 years. She has giddiness < standing, > Lying down Irritation with nose blocked Acidity.
Physical Generals
Appetite: Normal, avoids food if has any work Bowel: Constipation < tea
Craving: Spicy ++, egg Thirstless
Perspiration: Summer, stains yellowish more on underarms and legs
Urine: Burning sometimes
Stool: Semi solid
Sleep: Sleepy. Must sleep in afternoon. If doesn't sleep then gets cold and unrefreshing feeling
Dreams: Day to day life, does not remember
Menses: Dysmenorrhea. First menses at the age 15 years. Cycle: 3/25 days. Occasional Leucorrhoea. Desire winter Likes fan but aggravated++ Bath: Hot water or Tepid water Covers only legs.
Family History
Father: High B.P. Grand Father: Heart attack Paternal Gr. Mo.: Died of Cancer Mother: Obesity & Hair fall
O/E: Weight: 52 Kg. Throat++ Chest NAD Nails breaking, cracking. Face few eruptions; dark ring around eyes Nose congested.
Life Space
She always craves to go to mother's home. If her ego is hurt, she thinks about it a lot, but cannot tell her mother-in-law anything. The fact that she is incapable of having a child is known by relatives. This hurts her a lot. She likes to spend money and likes to have her own cash, which she cannot have at her in-law's place. There is a limited amount available for spending. She used to buy 1 new dress every day, she may be buying 1 dress every day even now. And she never repeats a dress. I have seen her atleast 30 times as she comes with her friends or relatives and she has never worn the same dress again. Her friend told me that in 2 years she does not wear the same dress again and she changes clothes morning and evening both times. She is tall, slim, beautiful and fair. She comes basically from a very rich family. She has 2 sisters and a brother. Her parents have given her lot of money, many dresses and lots of jewellery. As a child she has been pampered and brought up in a very luxurious and protected environment and always got whatever she wanted. She was very fat till the age of 8 years. Studying Ok. Reserved by nature. Only after entering University started making friends. Takes lot of time to mix with people. Completed her graduation in Commerce. Forgetful ++, forgets names ++, forgets the relatives. She is very emotional, moody, talks a lot without reason. Sensitive +++ Hot tempered and out spoken. Husband is good. She prefers his company. She takes tension of numerous things without reason. She has tired to please everybody after marriage. She has been repeatedly hurt by her in-laws. Repeatedly mother-in-law insulted her, as she did not know much about cooking or house keeping. She is better by consolation. Wants to sleep, sleepy +++ Feeling depressed and cries easily ++ Even to go anywhere nearby needs some company. Now she is jealous as her sister-in-law is pregnant. Upset +5 as her sister-in-law is pregnant for the second time. Very much scared of lizards, cockroaches or insects. After some time of marriage they were planning for a child she consulted a gynecologist. She has no problems but husband has oligozoospermia. She started having negative thoughts soon after and was depressed ++. She used to cry again and again. As a routine she fights with her husband but she loves him also.
Treatment History
29/11/95 Gratiola 6 pinch powder every 15 minutes. SL 2 Pills 4 hrly SL 1-1-1 x 7 days
As Gratiola 200, which is the desired potency, was not available, I had to give Gratiola 6. As the potency was not desired, I had to repeat the dose frequently.
2/12/95 Better with medication Stool improvement Better after passing flatulence Gratiola 6 Pinch powder every 15 minutes
SL. 2 pills 4 hrly S.L. 1-0-1x 7days
23/12/95 All complains better Ct All x 7days
15/1/96 Better+ Ct All x 7days
12/2/96 Better+ Ct All x 7days
18/4/96 Better+ Ct All x 7days
25/4/96 Better+ Ct All x 7days Only few symptoms remain. Troubles are better on the whole
20/5/96 All symptoms Better. No complaints.
Conclusion
Homoeopathic Materia Medica is a treasure house of symptoms which comes in the aid of the Physician in the treatment of various conditions and constitutions. As a general expression, the word Pride often reminds one to think of remedies like Platina, Palladium, Veratrum, etc. A careful reading and analysis of some small remedies can often bring out excellent cures in the clinical practice. Gratiola is one such remedy which is indicated "for the mental effects of overweening pride." Nux Vomica Symptoms in females often require Gratiola. This remedy is especially indicated for the present day Daughters-in-law and for the intelligent subordinates working under stupid superiors. For any queries you may write to drshah@specialityclinic.com
Website: Speciality Clinic
About the Author
Dr. Jawahar Shah is a teacher, author and a leading practitioner of Classical Homoeopathy since last 30 years. He has organized more than 500 seminars in 32 countries across the globe. Dr. Shah has been an active contributor to various National and International Scientific Journals in the form of various articles and is the guiding force behind development of leading Homoeopathic software, HOMPATH.
Case Study
Mrs. D.R., a 22 year old patient reported with Allergic colds since last 3 to 4 months. She gets continuous running nose and greenish watery discharge. As soon as she gets up she has continuous running nose. Immediately after washing her face, all the symptoms begin. She has feverish feeling, burning in eyes with headache. When she is suffering she has to be in bed for at least 6 to 8 hours and feels tired, lethargic and run down. She also complains of irritation in the upper part of mouth, nose and throat. She is better by rubbing the nose and ear vigorously. Face becomes hot.
Aggravations:
Cold climate
Cold drinks, Ice creams, Juice
In A/C
Fast Fan
Touching nose
Cooking
Summer starting
Morning early bath
Change of temperature Nose block ++
Mental Tension +++
Ameliorations:
Evening
By brushing teeth at night
Avoiding washing of face till afternoon
Warmth
Love, affection and consolation
Concomitants
Headache She feels floor is not even and is bumpy. > By going to sleep. Graying of hair at age of 21 years. She has giddiness < standing, > Lying down Irritation with nose blocked Acidity.
Physical Generals
Appetite: Normal, avoids food if has any work Bowel: Constipation < tea
Craving: Spicy ++, egg Thirstless
Perspiration: Summer, stains yellowish more on underarms and legs
Urine: Burning sometimes
Stool: Semi solid
Sleep: Sleepy. Must sleep in afternoon. If doesn't sleep then gets cold and unrefreshing feeling
Dreams: Day to day life, does not remember
Menses: Dysmenorrhea. First menses at the age 15 years. Cycle: 3/25 days. Occasional Leucorrhoea. Desire winter Likes fan but aggravated++ Bath: Hot water or Tepid water Covers only legs.
Family History
Father: High B.P. Grand Father: Heart attack Paternal Gr. Mo.: Died of Cancer Mother: Obesity & Hair fall
O/E: Weight: 52 Kg. Throat++ Chest NAD Nails breaking, cracking. Face few eruptions; dark ring around eyes Nose congested.
Life Space
She always craves to go to mother's home. If her ego is hurt, she thinks about it a lot, but cannot tell her mother-in-law anything. The fact that she is incapable of having a child is known by relatives. This hurts her a lot. She likes to spend money and likes to have her own cash, which she cannot have at her in-law's place. There is a limited amount available for spending. She used to buy 1 new dress every day, she may be buying 1 dress every day even now. And she never repeats a dress. I have seen her atleast 30 times as she comes with her friends or relatives and she has never worn the same dress again. Her friend told me that in 2 years she does not wear the same dress again and she changes clothes morning and evening both times. She is tall, slim, beautiful and fair. She comes basically from a very rich family. She has 2 sisters and a brother. Her parents have given her lot of money, many dresses and lots of jewellery. As a child she has been pampered and brought up in a very luxurious and protected environment and always got whatever she wanted. She was very fat till the age of 8 years. Studying Ok. Reserved by nature. Only after entering University started making friends. Takes lot of time to mix with people. Completed her graduation in Commerce. Forgetful ++, forgets names ++, forgets the relatives. She is very emotional, moody, talks a lot without reason. Sensitive +++ Hot tempered and out spoken. Husband is good. She prefers his company. She takes tension of numerous things without reason. She has tired to please everybody after marriage. She has been repeatedly hurt by her in-laws. Repeatedly mother-in-law insulted her, as she did not know much about cooking or house keeping. She is better by consolation. Wants to sleep, sleepy +++ Feeling depressed and cries easily ++ Even to go anywhere nearby needs some company. Now she is jealous as her sister-in-law is pregnant. Upset +5 as her sister-in-law is pregnant for the second time. Very much scared of lizards, cockroaches or insects. After some time of marriage they were planning for a child she consulted a gynecologist. She has no problems but husband has oligozoospermia. She started having negative thoughts soon after and was depressed ++. She used to cry again and again. As a routine she fights with her husband but she loves him also.
Treatment History
29/11/95 Gratiola 6 pinch powder every 15 minutes. SL 2 Pills 4 hrly SL 1-1-1 x 7 days
As Gratiola 200, which is the desired potency, was not available, I had to give Gratiola 6. As the potency was not desired, I had to repeat the dose frequently.
2/12/95 Better with medication Stool improvement Better after passing flatulence Gratiola 6 Pinch powder every 15 minutes
SL. 2 pills 4 hrly S.L. 1-0-1x 7days
23/12/95 All complains better Ct All x 7days
15/1/96 Better+ Ct All x 7days
12/2/96 Better+ Ct All x 7days
18/4/96 Better+ Ct All x 7days
25/4/96 Better+ Ct All x 7days Only few symptoms remain. Troubles are better on the whole
20/5/96 All symptoms Better. No complaints.
Conclusion
Homoeopathic Materia Medica is a treasure house of symptoms which comes in the aid of the Physician in the treatment of various conditions and constitutions. As a general expression, the word Pride often reminds one to think of remedies like Platina, Palladium, Veratrum, etc. A careful reading and analysis of some small remedies can often bring out excellent cures in the clinical practice. Gratiola is one such remedy which is indicated "for the mental effects of overweening pride." Nux Vomica Symptoms in females often require Gratiola. This remedy is especially indicated for the present day Daughters-in-law and for the intelligent subordinates working under stupid superiors. For any queries you may write to drshah@specialityclinic.com
Website: Speciality Clinic
About the Author
Dr. Jawahar Shah is a teacher, author and a leading practitioner of Classical Homoeopathy since last 30 years. He has organized more than 500 seminars in 32 countries across the globe. Dr. Shah has been an active contributor to various National and International Scientific Journals in the form of various articles and is the guiding force behind development of leading Homoeopathic software, HOMPATH.
Subscribe to:
Posts
(Atom)
