ASTHMA
(by Louise Tenney)

Asthma is an inflammatory condition of the respiratory tract, causing mild or severe difficulty in breathing. The airways of the lungs constrict making breathing labored. The muscles involved with breathing spasm, narrowing the airway tubes. Excess mucus can also cause the smaller tubes to clog and constrict. Attacks can vary in length from a few minutes to a week in length, with periodic spasms. Asthma is a condition of the respiratory tract with recurrent attacks of constrained breathing, tight chest and wheezing when exhaling.

The two main types of asthma include extrinsic in which the attack is an allergic response and intrinsic in which there is no apparent external cause.

Asthma can occur in children but not usually until the age of three. Over half of the children who have asthma will outgrow the condition as they grow older, and the incidence of asthma is higher in boys than girls. Asthma attacks occur when a child is nervous or tense.
Anxiety can bring on an attack. A child with this condition will put a lot of effort into breathing and this can cause abnormal breathing patterns because of the tense state in which the abdomen muscles remain even after an attack subsides. The nerves associated with breathing have connections to the nerves which are associated with spasms in the lungs.

CAUSES

Asthma is often associated with allergies and can be triggered by allergens such as dust, pollen, cigarette smoke, molds, animal hair, foods, etc. The allergen causes a constriction of the bronchiole tubes, located within the lungs, resulting in breathing difficulty.

Asthma may also occur after a respiratory infection, cold, sinus condition, or other respiratory problems. Recent studies have found that asthma can be brought on by exercising in cold conditions. Some athletes, having never experienced breathing difficulties, developed asthma after running and breathing cold air. Asthma is quite common among athletes, especially runners. Heredity does seem to be a factor in those who develop asthma.

Children of parents with asthma are more likely to acquire asthma. But the exact cause of the condition is not known. The reason that the nerves cause the bronchiole tubes to constrict is not fully understood. Cases of asthma continue to increase. Many believe the reason for the rise in incidences of asthma are due to air pollution, pollution in homes, toxins, poor diet, free radical damage and chemical additives.

Constipation may also be a factor in cases of asthma because of the toxins accumulating in the body. Stress can also contribute to asthma. Emotions seem to be linked to asthma attacks.

HOME CARE

Keep children away from smoke filled rooms even if they are not prone to lung problems. Children of smokers have a greater risk of developing asthma as well as other lung related problems.
If taking medication, follow directions carefully.
Exercise helps improve the lung function.
Help the child learn to relax and to use deep breathing techniques.
Avoid sudden exposure to cold air.
Drink pure mineral water to dilute mucus secretions.
Chiropractic treatments may help normalize nerve action by releasing nerve pressure.
Avoid food additives such as BHA and BHT, and food colorings.

DIETARY GUIDELINES

Avoid milk and milk products.
The proteins in milk products may cause excess mucus secretions. A healthy, whole-food diet should be used. Use whole grains, brown rice, oatmeal, seeds, nuts, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables in the diet.
Make sure there is a lot of fiber in the diet to ensure adequate bowel function.
Avoid foods which may cause allergic reactions such as nuts, wheat, milk, seafood, additives, etc. White flour products should also be avoided.
Drink a lot of mineral water. A glass of pure water with fresh lemon or lime juice can help with asthma.
Avoid cold drinks and foods such as ice cream which may stimulate an attack.

Two books we highly recommend...
	TODAY's HERBAL HEALTH FOR CHILDREN Louise Tenney Prescription for Nutritional Healing Dr. James F. Balch, M.D. Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.