A chronic respiratory disorder, asthma is characterised by hyper-responsiveness to stimuli and variable airway obstruction. In early childhood it is more common in boys but by adulthood more prevalent in girls.
The prevalence of asthma seen in girls by adulthood is due to hormone fluctuations, particularly the impact of oestrogen changes at ovulation and prior to menstruation.
The hallmark symptoms of asthma are a wheeze, shortness of breath, chest tightness and a dry cough. Other clinical indicators of an asthma attack might include: slow onset with symptoms gradually worsening that can last minutes, hours, or even days; initially a shortness of breath, coughing or chest tightness; itching of the chest or neck can be experienced especially in children; sweating and anxiety are common during an acute attack as well as wheezing when breathing out (this is an expiratory wheeze). However, the only symptoms experienced could be a dry cough at night or while exercising. During an attack airway narrowing is due to bronchial smooth muscle spasm, swelling of the bronchial mucosa and excess viscous mucus secretion.
Asthma classification
Allergic/atopic (or extrinsic asthma which affects 60-90% of cases) with common triggers including pollen, mould, dust mites, pet dander and foods (which are normal in our environment), or
Non-allergic (or intrinsic asthma which affects 10-40% of cases) with possible triggers including humidity, cold temperatures, stress, exercise, pollution, respiratory infections and irritants in the air such as smoke.
Allopathic prescribing vs naturopathy
Inhalers are prescribed for asthma which help sufferers manage their symptoms, they act by either dampening airway inflammation or opening the airways up during an attack. Inhalers will not, unlike natural modalities such as naturopathy and nutritional therapy, address the underlying cause. Naturopathic investigations rely on allopathic diagnosis but will consider all factors, for example dietary, lifestyle (including stress and anxiety) and occupational, and focus on addressing the underlying imbalances and the root cause.
How asthma is addressed with naturopathic nutritional therapy
Naturopathic nutritional therapy is an effective modality to naturally support asthma through:
01. Diet and nutrient optimisation to improve immune tolerance to reduce immune reactivity, lower the levels of inflammation, support lung function and balance hormones which will improve symptoms.
02. Lifestyle intervention to calm the nervous system and improve respiratory function, for example relaxation, breathing exercises and improved sleep.
03. Appraisal of all body systems to consider if imbalances are contributing to worsened symptoms, for example digestive or hormonal.
04. Reduction of allergies and sensitivities.
05. Functional testing to provide valuable insights into the functioning of the body, such as identifying the triggers which will worsen symptoms, for example digestive analysis, food intolerance testing and allergy profiling.
Asthma can take an emotional and physical toll on an individual. Diet and lifestyle interventions can make a tremendous difference to quality of life and help to effectively manage symptoms when practiced alongside their prescribed treatment plan.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their asthma, get in touch.
I offer a comprehensive approach including a range of functional testing options if this is something you would like to explore. You don't need to suffer.
Jo Stoate, Naturopath + Nutritional Therapist.
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