Studies show that asthma accounts for 27.9% of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in the Indian population. Compared to the worldwide burden of asthma, India has three times the mortality rate due to asthma.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition that damages the airways in your lungs. The airways are tubes via which air moves in and out of lungs. Due to inflammation, the airways get swollen and produce extra mucus, obstructing airflow. Thus, asthma patients have trouble breathing as their airways struggle to expel the air. The patient frequently experiences a persistent cough and feels constricted in the chest.

Allergens like pollen, mold, and dust mites trigger asthma. The irritants like smoke, chemicals, fragrances, medications, physical activity, stress, and cold and humid conditions can also cause asthma to flare up.

Homeopathy is the century-old science centered on the basic principle that the human body can heal itself with specially prepared natural substances. Studies show that adding homeopathic remedies to the treatment of asthma in adults is more effective than regular treatment.

Role of homeopathy in asthma

Homeopathic medications are important because they can treat the root cause of asthma. They are safe, all-natural, and have no adverse side effects, which is one of the most important reasons to lean towards homeopathy. The triggering of asthma is lessened through homeopathic treatment, which also reduces the recurrence of asthma attacks.

To prescribe asthma-relieving medications, a homeopath records the patient’s medical history, family history, past history, physical and psychological aspects. The choice of homeopathic medicine used to treat asthma differs from patient to patient. So avoid self-medication and consult a qualified professional homeopath to live and breathe freely.

Top five homeopathic medicines for asthma

Arsenic album (Ars.)

Common name: Arsenious acid

Arsenic album is a very good homeopathic remedy for asthma patients with anxiety. It is prescribed for asthma with wheezing, coughing, and frothy mucus. These people experience a sense of suffocation while lying down.

This is the best homeopathic medicine for shortness of breath that worsens after coughing. Ars. alb. is suited for asthma that worsens at midnight, around 12 a.m. to 1 a.m. There is marked restlessness in these people.

Ars. alb. is effective in both the acute and chronic state of asthma. It helps with asthma, which gets better after drinking warm beverages. Skin rashes or eczema alternating with asthma is a keynote symptom of this remedy.

Antimonium tartaricum (Ant-t.)

Common name: Tartar emetic

Antimonium tart. is one of the best homeopathic medicines for asthma that occurs with rattling. The person gasps for each breath. Their chest is full of loose mucus, but minimal mucus comes out, with difficulty.

Ant. tart. is indicated in rapid shortness of breath triggered by eating. This remedy is prescribed for asthma in older people and young children. It works wonders for asthma, which worsens on lying down, from cold and damp weather with hoarseness of the voice. Other indications of this remedy include asthma, which is better by lying on the right side.

Ipecacuanha (Ip.)

Common name: Ipecac root

Ipecacuanha is a very good homeopathic remedy for difficulty in breathing with the cough ending in vomiting. This remedy treats repeated attacks of asthma with shortness of breath. The mucus rales in the chest during asthma, and the person gasps for air.

Ipecac works well in asthma with a wheezing cough with difficult mucus expectoration. These people feel their chest is full of mucus. This remedy is indicated for asthma in children with nausea and vomiting. Ipecac children become blue and stiff during an asthma attack. Other indications of Ipecac include suffocation and difficulty in breathing with cough.

Natrum sulphuricum (Nat-s.)

Common name: Sulfate of sodium

Natrum sulph. is the best homeopathic medicine for difficult breathing in damp weather. This medicine is indicated for the thick, ropy cough with green phlegm.

This remedy works well in asthma with shortness of breath, tickling in the throat with greenish expectoration. Asthma that worsens in humid conditions and around 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. is treated with the homeopathic remedy Natrum sulph.

Hepar sulphuris calcareum

Common name: Hahnemann’s calcium sulfide

Hepar sulph. is recommended in asthma attacks with difficult respiration. There is whistling and wheezing that prevents sleep at night. This homeopathic medicine treats asthma with copious mucus expectoration. Sometimes, the mucus discharge can be yellow or whitish-dirty in appearance.

Hepar sulph. has proved itself effective in treating asthma that gets worse by cold air or slight draught of air. These people feel better covering, warmth, and heat.

Take Homeopathy Treatment for Your Health Conditions

Causes of asthma

Allergies

Allergens like pollen, animal dander, and dust mites can increase the risk of asthma.

Environmental factors

Exposure to allergens, toxins, and fumes can irritate your airways, making you more prone to asthma.

Genetics

Asthma runs in the families. Your risk of developing asthma is higher if you have a family history of asthma or allergic conditions.

Previous infections

Children with frequent viral infections like respiratory syncytial viral infection (RSV) are more prone to asthma.

Hygiene hypothesis

According to this hypothesis, babies not exposed to enough microorganisms during their early months are at an increased risk as their immune systems cannot fend off asthma and other allergies.

Symptoms of asthma

Every person with asthma may experience slightly different symptoms. You can have symptoms all the time or experience them occasionally. Wheezing is the most common symptom of asthma. Other symptoms of asthma can include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing
  • Productive cough with mucus
  • Whistling sound while breathing
  • Coughing, especially at night, while laughing, talking, or during exercise
  • Pain felt in the chest while jogging, walking, exercising, or doing any other activity
  • Difficulty in talking
  • Tightness in the chest
  • Heaviness in the chest
  • Fatigue
  • Repeated respiratory infections
  • Difficulty in sleeping due to breathlessness

Treatment for asthma

Bronchodilators

These medications help relax the muscles around your airways.  As the muscles are relaxed, your airways can move air. These medicines also make it easier for mucus to pass through the airways. These treat both intermittent and chronic asthma, relieving symptoms when they happen.

Anti-inflammatory medicines

These medicines lessen swelling in your airways and reduce mucus production. They facilitate the flow of air in and out of your lungs. Your doctor might advise you to take these daily to treat or prevent chronic asthma symptoms.

Biologic therapies for asthma

These therapies are prescribed for severe asthma that persists despite inhaler therapy.

Diet and lifestyle modifications for asthma

There is no specific diet for people with asthma. But, maintaining a healthy diet has some added benefits.

Food rich in omega-3 fatty acids

Fish like salmon, tuna, sardines, and some plant sources, like flaxseed, contain omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to provide a range of health benefits in asthma.

Eliminate omega-6 fatty acids and trans fats

Trans fats and omega-6 fatty acids, included in some margarines and processed foods, may exacerbate asthma.

Consume a lot of fruits and vegetables

These are excellent sources of antioxidants like beta carotene and vitamins C and E. These may help lessen lung inflammation and swelling due to free radicals. Increasing vitamin C, folate, calcium, and manganese intake are linked to lower chances of asthma.

Avoid foods that cause allergies

Allergic food reactions can cause symptoms of asthma. Some people experience asthma symptoms post-exercise after consuming a food that causes allergies.

Consume vitamin D

Severe asthma is associated with low vitamin D levels. Milk, eggs, and fish like salmon are sources of vitamin D.

Prevent sulfites

Sulfites may exacerbate asthma symptoms in some people. These preservatives are found in wine, dried fruits, pickles, fresh and frozen foods.

Conclusion

Asthma is a serious medical condition. It can occur due to different triggers. Asthma is not only a physically exhausting disease but its acute attack can be life-threatening. Homeopathy with its holistic approach can be a safe mode of treatment in asthma care. Consult a homeopath for individualized homeopathic treatment.

References

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