A Holistic Approach to the Treatment of Asthma

By Bernie Noe, ND – Green Mountain Natural Health

Asthma is a common condition that leads to breathing difficulty, coughing, and wheezing. It is caused by a combination of spasm of the small airways of the lung and inflammation, both of which impair the ability of the lungs to exchange air. The severity of asthma symptoms can range from mild wheezing to life-threatening breathing difficulties. It affects about 3% of the US population, with children under the age of 10 being most at risk.

The natural treatment of asthma focuses on several key principles: reducing allergic exposure, reducing the sensitivity and spasticity of the airways of the lungs, balancing the allergic/inflammatory pathways in the body, and correcting nutrient imbalances.

More than 90% of asthmatic children under the age of 16 are allergic, about 70% of asthmatics between the ages of 16 and 30 are allergic, and one half of those over 30 are allergic. Reducing allergic exposure is therefore key to the treatment of asthma and includes avoiding not only airborne allergens such as molds, pollens, animal dander, and dust, but also food allergens such as dairy, eggs, and wheat.

The first step in reducing exposure to airborne allergens is to determine what the individual is reacting to. There are two basic options to determine this: skin allergy testing (which is done by an allergist) and blood allergy testing (which can be done by most physicians). Once the allergic triggers have been identified, a plan should be developed to reduce exposure to those allergens. Dust mites, for example, can be found in especially high numbers in carpets and bedding. These items can be removed, treated, or covered to reduce dust mite populations. Air filters can be an effective way to remove allergens from the air as well. Both HEPA and ionizing air purifiers work well, but ionization units should be chosen carefully for low ozone output, which is itself an irritant.

Food allergies are very common in people with asthma, especially when the asthma starts early in life. A 1981 study of 284 asthmatic children found food sensitivities in 75% of them, and other studies have identified food allergy as the sole cause of asthma in up to 40% of adults. Dairy, eggs, wheat, gluten, citrus, peanuts, and chocolate are some of the most common offenders, although any food can be a potential allergen.

While most people think of a food allergy when someone eats a food such as a peanut and has immediate difficulty with breathing, a more common type of allergic reaction is delayed and more insidious in nature. Most people with this latter type of allergy are unaware they are allergic. Unfortunately hidden food allergy as a cause of asthma is almost completely ignored by the conventional medical community.

Lucy (Shraddha) Hagan BA, LMT, NCTMB, is licensed to practice massage therapy in the state of Maryland and she is nationally certified. She is a Reiki Master, Certified Aromatherapist, and Certified Reflexologist. She is trained in Craniosacral Therapy and SomatoEmotional Release. She works with people of all ages to support the release of negativity on all levels for greater experiences of wholeness and well being.