What is Asthma?

Asthma (also called essential asthma, bronchial asthma, and atopic asthma) is a lung disease involving heightened sensitivity to diverse stimuli and variable airway obstruction that is reversible. It is a controllable ailment, but can be seriously debilitating and even life threatening. There is no cure for asthma. Your comfort and piece of mind depend on how well you learn to live with it.

Some individuals with "mild" asthma. They may be free of symptoms much of the time, with coughing and wheezing episodes once or twice a week. "Moderate" asthma involves attacks more than twice a week. Some very unfortunate patients have "severe" asthma, with daily bouts of coughing, wheezing, and trouble breathing. Any asthma sufferer exposed to a sufficiently powerful causative factor or combination of asthma "triggers" can experience a severe attack requiring emergency intervention.

Between 10 and 20 million people in North America are asthmatics and the percentage of people with asthma has been increasing in recent years. It is seen more often in children than adults. Boys are twice as likely as girls to get asthma between 3 and 8 years of age. Adolescents of both sexes are equally affected. It is a principal cause of kids missing school. Many outgrow it; some it returns later in life. Fortunately, children with asthma respond very well to chiropractic treatment.

Symptoms of Asthma

It is important to seek a healthcare provider if you have any of these following symptoms:

  • Shortness of breath.
  • Wheezing on breathing out.
  • Coughing.
  • Rapid breathing.
  • Tightness in the chest.
  • Itchiness in the chest and throat.

Causes of Asthma

Some causes of asthma include,  but are not limited to:

  • Dust and dust mites.
  • Pollen.
  • Grass.
  • Mold.
  • Tobacco smoke 
  • Animal dander
  • Feathers
  • Cockroaches and related insect
  • Chemicals and chemical fumes, including perfumes, room deodorizers, paint, adhesives, and cleaning products.
  • Outdoor air pollution (such as ozone and sulfur dioxide).
  • NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, indomethacin, and ibuprofen).
  • Sulfites (commonly used as a preservative for processed foods and beverages).
  • Some cooking odours.

Treatment of Asthma

Asthma can get progressively worse if untreated, it is important to treat it via:

  • Medication (consult a doctor).
  • Epinephrine shot (consult a doctor).
  • Chiropractic rehabilitation.
  • Acupuncture.
  • Massage therapy.
  • Physiotherapy.

Preventing  Asthma

  • Avoid asthma triggers stated above.

If you suffer from asthma and want a natural approach to health, we can help. Our Mississauga clinics have an approach to better health.