Asthma: श्वासरोगः – The One That Make You Realize Each Breath’s Blessing!

 

The most precious thing we sometimes do forget to cherish is breathing without any problem! We do not realize the blessing until we struggle to breathe. The best ones to describe the blessing are the ones who have struggled with their breath at least ones in their lifetime. The ones who have to put efforts to maintain good breathing do include the people who are suffering from asthma!

It is one of the most common chronic respiratory conditions today, affecting people of all ages — from children to the elderly. While it can sometimes seem frightening, the good news is that with the right care and lifestyle adjustments, most people with asthma can lead completely normal, active lives.

As we proceed with reading this article, we’ll explore what asthma is, what causes it, and how homeopathy and holistic living can help manage it effectively.

Asthma is a chronic lung disease causing inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to symptoms like wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.  While we delve into the causes of asthma, we get to know that the exact cause is unknown, it involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some of them are listed ahead!

 

CAUSES – The Probable Ones!

• Genetics and environment: Asthma results from a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. 
• Triggers: When a person with asthma is exposed to a trigger, an asthma attack or flare-up can occur. 
• Common triggers include:

• Allergens like pollen, mold, and pet dander 

• Respiratory infections 

• Exercise 

• Irritants in the air, such as chemical fumes or smoke, dust, and pollution
•   Strong odors like perfumes, paint, or incense
•  Cold air or sudden weather changes
•   Emotional stress and anxiety
•   Certain foods or medications

It becomes important for the patient and the care takers along with the health care provider, especially a homeopathic doctor to identify the trigger for the patient in concern as a specific one can accelerate the condition in the concerned patient.

 

 

SYMPTOMS- The Ones that can Trouble!

• Wheezing: A high-pitched whistling or squeaking sound when breathing out, which happens as air passes through narrowed airways. People around you can hear the noise of your breath usually during wheezing.
• Coughing: The coughing of asthma often occurs at night, in the early morning, or with activities like exercise. There are high changes of dry cough.
• Shortness of breath: A feeling of being unable to get enough air which compels one to struggle for breath.
• Chest tightness or pain: The patient may feel like a band is tightening around the chest. 
• Trouble sleeping: Asthma symptoms like coughing or wheezing can interfere with sleep. 

The above symptoms can vary from mild to moderate in intensity and can also get better with certain weather conditions while winter mostly make symptoms of asthma worse. The varying of intensity can be seen with the time of the day as well. Symptoms can become worse at night or in the early morning. They can be triggered or worsened by exercise, allergies, cold air, or viral infections like the common cold or flu. An asthma attack occurs when symptoms become much worse and can be sudden or gradual. 

Sometimes, severity of asthma can put one in danger. Severe signs of an attack include severe wheezing, severe coughing, difficulty talking or walking, and blue lips or fingernails. This makes it important for the patient to seek emergency medical help for severe symptoms

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, HOMEOPATHY can Help!

Homeopathy views asthma not just a disease of the lungs but also as a systemic imbalance that often originates from emotional or hereditary causes. At the same time the specific triggers to your condition such as physical tiredness, pollen, or a medication are considered while case taking and prescription.
The goal of treatment is not just to suppress symptoms, but to strengthen the body’s inner defense mechanism (vital force), so that it becomes less reactive to triggers.

Homeopathic medicines are prescribed individually, based on a detailed understanding of your physical symptoms, emotional tendencies, and lifestyle. The part which also forms guide to prescription is the family history and past history of the patient. Any unique symptom which is specific to a certain patient also form the guide towards prescription.
Some commonly used remedies, based on symptom patterns, include:

• Arsenicum album – for breathlessness with anxiety and restlessness, worse at midnight
• Natrum sulphuricum – for asthma triggered by damp weather
• Ipecacuanha – for wheezing with persistent cough and nausea
• Sambucus nigra – for asthma in children, especially at night

It is essential to get them prescribed by a homeopathic doctor. Self-prescription can be dangerous. Please do note that the above remedies have been used as examples here and are not mentioned here with their complete descriptive picture.

Homeopathy also addresses any other co-existing disease that has been causing trouble to the patient. It gradually reduces the frequency and intensity of your attacks and thereby helps in reducing your visits to the emergency care, relieving you and your loved ones. You may also need less steroids and inhaler with homeopathic treatment. However, any allopathic medicine you take shall only be modified by an allopathic doctor. You can always take homeopathy with other types of medicines with precautions advised by your homeopathic doctor.

Along with the treatment, it is also essential to follow some lifestyle tips and advices-

·       Keep your environment clean and dust-free. Avoid places with dust and mold.

·       Use air purifiers if possible and wash bedding frequently. Curtains can also be a source of hidden dust that you might have been ignoring for long. Change them every few days.

·         Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke and strong odors.

·        Stay physically active, but warm up before exercise.

·         Manage stress through yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.

·        Follow a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and warm fluids.

·        Keep a symptom diary to track triggers and improvements. Identify foods that ease you and the foods that cause flare ups.

 

 Each patient’s journey is unique — some may notice improvement within months, while others may take longer as their system regains balance. The key is regular follow-up, patience, and a holistic approach that addresses both body and mind.