Asthma Forum - Homeopathic Remedy For Bronchial Asthma

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Q: Homeopathic Remedy For Bronchial Asthma

asked by: Venugopal on December 27th, 2003

Experienced User

Homoeo remedy for bronchial asthma

ï‚· what is asthma
ï‚· how does asthma occur
ï‚· causes of asthma
ï‚· children and asthma
ï‚· symptoms of asthma
ï‚· investigations
ï‚· prevention of asthma
ï‚· what can homoeopathy do

kof..Kof...Kofâ€¦achoo, achooâ€¦
well, sounds familiar if you are a kith and kin of asthmatics. It is difficult to say who suffers more whether the patient himself or the near and dear who see the respiratory distress of the patient with asthma. That is how hard it seems to take each breath during an acute attack of this disease.

What is asthma?

Asthma is an inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by wheezing, shortness of breath, congestion of chest and coughing.

How does asthma occur?

* in a person suffering from asthma there is an inflammation of the inner lining of the airway conducting the passage of air into and out of the lungs during respiration.

* during an attack of asthma the smooth muscle layer in the bronchioles becomes tight and the lining of the air passages swells, reducing the airflow and producing the characteristic wheezing sound. This occurs in an acute phase of asthma.

* in case of chronic asthmatics even when there is no suffering because of the same there is an increased mucus secretion from the inner layer of the airways which becomes congested because of the same and the same may form a good medium for secondary infections with bacteria

causes of asthma:

depending on the type of causation or genesis of asthma it is broadly said to be of two types.

ï‚· non allergic asthma
ï‚· allergic asthma.

Non allergic asthma:

there is a hypersensitivity of the bronchial system and can be caused by any one of the following reasons.

Genetic predisposition is a must for the occurrence of non allergic asthma. The acute attacks could be triggered by:

ï‚· cigarette smoke
ï‚· pollen, dust.

ï‚· shellfish.

ï‚· cold air, wind, rains and changes in weather.

ï‚· air pollution
ï‚· irritations like paint fumes, smog, perfume etc.

ï‚· medication
ï‚· emotional factors like shock, depression etc.

ï‚· disturbed family relationships.

ï‚· bacterial and viral infections.

ï‚· reflux of stomach acid.

Due to the hypersensitivity of the individual the above triggers lead to release of histamine from the inner bronchial wall which leads to constriction of the bronchioles and thereby an attack of asthma.

Allergic asthma:

o in a patient with allergic asthma there is always a tendency for development of asthma. When an individual with allergy is exposed to any specific stimulus which can cause an attack in him there is an overproduction of immunoglobulin e in the blood which rushes to the bronchial wall and leads to release of histamine and an attack of asthma.

O in patients with allergy, initially the attacks are due to exposure to the specific allergens but as the years roll by in such people even non specific stimulus can lead to an attack of asthma.

Children & asthma:

asthma in children has always been common but if the recent spurt in the number of cases is anything to go by we are in an urgent need to look at the causes. The increase in pollution in the cities and children traveling to schools and being exposed to atleast an hour in the day in the traffic and sedentary and indoor activities like playing on the computer, eating high calorie foods like potato chips, downing colas (refrigerated) in air-conditioned environments has all contributed to the increased preponderance of asthma in children. Now this is the most common chronic disease in children.

But then the good news, asthma in children is reversible if proper care and treatment are given at the right time.

Symptoms of asthma:

breathlessness, cough and wheeze are the symptoms of bronchial asthma.

Wheeze:
ï‚· it begins suddenly.

ï‚· it is periodical in nature.

ï‚· worse day or night but mostly during night.

ï‚· aggravated by exposure to cold air.

ï‚· aggravated by exercise.

ï‚· aggravated by heartburn.

Cough:
ï‚· could be associated with phlegm or could be dry in nature.

ï‚· in fact in some cases it could precede an attack of asthma as incessant cough can lead to breathlessness.

ï‚· shortness of breath as the patient feels his inhalation is not enough and unconsciously tries to breathe deeply.

ï‚· during an attack there could be retraction of skin in between the ribs indicating labored breathing.

ï‚· also during an attack there could be rapid pulse, sweating, anxiety, nasal flaring, tightness of chest, pain in the chest etc.

ï‚· the exhalation of air seems longer than the inspiration during an acute attack.

ï‚· the significance of attacks of asthma is the patient is woken up suddenly at particular part of the night again characteristic to each patient and has to sit up with cough and breathlessness for relief.

Investigations:

ï‚§ symptomatology of the patient is enough to diagnose bronchial asthma.

ï‚§ in patients with asthma the pulmonary function tests show decreased capacity of the lungs.

ï‚§ chest x-ray would rule out bronchitis or any other infection.

ï‚§ eosinophil count is found to be raised.

Prevention of asthma:

the symptoms of asthma can be significantly reduced by avoiding known allergens and respiratory irritants.

dust mites in cotton mattresses and carpets are the most common irritants in children and even if used should be encases properly.

homes with sunlight penetration and cross ventilation would help in lowering humidity and reduce the growth of bacteria.

any pets in the home should be avoided when children are less than two years of age or in households where the patients have identified the allergens as danders or feathers.

exposure to cigarette smoke, air pollution, industrial dusts and irritating fumes to be avoided.

children should not be encouraged to use perfumes.

What can homoeopathy do?

ïƒ¼ homoeopathy can reduce an attack of asthma by relieving the breathlessness and cough.

ïƒ¼ the altered immune response leading to repeated attacks of asthma can be corrected by homoeopathic medicines.

ïƒ¼ homoeopathy can help in desensitizing against the allergens.

ïƒ¼ as the treatment progresses we would see that acute attacks become less severe and less frequent before they stop completely. The known allergens when exposed to produce no symptom shows that homoeopathic medication is going in the right direction.

Replies(16)

Richard Friedel

replied on January 9th, 2004

New User

Homeopathic Remedy For Bronchial Asthma

Dear Dr. Gouri,

i have never been to india, but I do find it hard to see why you should be leaning over backwards to adopt the western point of view on asthma going as far as accepting the definition of asthma as a disease where only drug treatment is relevant.

To be quite frank it seems as if you and many others are trying to exterminate westerners by advocating western asthma "treatment" (proliferation would be a better word). I happen to know from my own experience with the disease and study of western medicine that western treatment relies on weakening the diaphragm to sell more asthma drugs. In asthma wheeze is an important symptom, but it can be almost magically turned off by learning diaphragmatic breathing . The asthma docs ("pulmonologists") leave patients in the dark about this and force cortisone on patients so that the dysfunctional breathing, evidenced by wheeze, can continue without then damaging the airways too much. The patient then is forced to be dependent on the drug, while the docs tell him that an important (if not the cause) of asthma is being tackled.

Much of western asthma would seem to be be a culture bound disease like dhat in your own country

"dhat: (india) semen-loss syndrome, characterized by severe anxiety and hypochondriacal concerns with the discharge of semen, whitish discoloration of the urine, and feelings of weakness and exhaustion.

Similar to jiryan (india), sukra prameha (sri lanka), and shenkui (china)"

the study cited above shows that asthma is spread by psychological mechanisms, like dhat.

Of course asthma occurs all over the world, but it would seem that the type predominant is western countries is culture bound and therefore iatrogenic to a large extent.

It is my experience that bhastrika pranayama, "bellows breathing" using the diaphragm is highly therapeutic if not curative for asthma, as is claimed in books on yoga. Surely you could do more to help asthma sufferers if you offered to teach it.

Stand up for indian culture and ideals. Regards, richard friedel

Venugopal

replied on January 9th, 2004

Experienced User

As far as the study of disease is concerned systems of medicine cannot differ. As far as the treatment of a disease is concerned it depends on the it does vary with each other. Ex.-allopathy, homoeopathy etc.

As you have rightly said there are definetely regional characteristics upon which there are some variations of the same disease and symptoms prevalent in various continents of the globe. Those need to be surely taken into account in determining the final prescription. Also in no way do we homoeopaths all over the world advocate the use of cortisones. As you have mentioned too, yoga is a wonderful tool to increase lung capacity thereby decreasing the number of episodes of asthma. But also it not a cure for the same.

Richard Friedel

replied on January 10th, 2004

New User

Homeopathic Remedy For Bronchial Asthma

You say "as far as the study of disease is concerned systems of medicine cannot differ". This precisely contradicts the concept of culture bound disease and cultural relativism. See koro (genital retraction syndrome) in chinese medicine as another example. Thomas kuhn has introduced the concept of scientific revolutions. Since the cause of asthma is unknown (do a google search with the phrase "cause of asthma" plus the word unknown, and you will find that the cause is unknown). The results of the search are similar to the results with diabetes instead of asthma, but the cause is more important with asthma, because there is an extremely widespread use of cortisone to suppress inflammation as "the cause". If inflammation is the result of dysfunctional breathing, which can be corrected by breath therapy, then asthma will often be iatrogenic (doctor induced). With homeopathy you cannot take people with serious asthma off cortisone. This is not comparable with the use of insulin.

Dr. Peper, with around 20 medlined articles to his credit, makes a restatement of what most people feel about asthma. Conditioned reflexes play a mighty role. Breathing patterns are copied by patients (hence the stories about miracle cures with phony methods), and the chest muscles and the bronchi are held tense as a sort of habit, see http://www.I-breathe.Com/thb12/incentiv.Ht m and also http://www.Bfe.Org/protocol/pro10eng.Htm.

See barbara benagh, a well known (western) yoga protagonist (http://www.Yogajournal.Com/health/127.Cfm )

"especially intriguing is the recent theory that the very drugs that revolutionized asthma care may be partly responsible for the increase in overall incidence, and especially for the growing mortality rate. This hypothesis is particularly compelling since the current epidemic indeed began at about the same time modern asthma drugs went on the market.Treatments for better or worse"

(she seems to have gotten her asthma through her efforts with pranayam, which just goes to show that it is not taught correctly in the west).

In other words you cannot, I think, make any progress with your treatment if you stick to the usual western asthma model which fails accept that breathing techniques switch off wheeze (dr. Peper) and should therefore be given much more priority.

I am speculating that you as an indian reject many aspects of western culture. Just why do you accept the western asthma model. Regards, richard friedel

Venugopal

replied on January 12th, 2004

Experienced User

Dear mr.Richard,

the study of anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, medicine are necessary to diagnose a disease. With the same knowledge and taking the typical symptoms of the patient a proper homoeopathic remedy is prescribed for cure. Needless to say there are so many symptoms typical of the location etc. As far as medicine is concerned there is nothing eastern or western. Yoga and breathing techniques help in improving the pulmonary/lung capacity.

Richard Friedel

replied on January 16th, 2004

New User

Homeopathic Remedy For Bronchial Asthma

Dear Dr.Venugopal gouri,

after reading round the subject of bronchial asthma, I think that your country is considerably ahead in asthma treatment - if you care to take a look at the right sources!

In "treatment of bronchial asthma by yogic methods" yoga mimamsa, vol. Ix, no 3, pp 33 -41, jan 1967, by Dr. M.V.Bhole you will find a much more effective treatment. The breathing exercises are based on ujjayi rechaka (exhaling with positive pressure made by narrowing the throat) and kapalabhati kriya.

This seems to be centueries ahead of western asthma treatment based on symptomatic asthma drugs, namely (a) cortisone to suppress the effects of too much resistance in the tensed bronchi and (b) sprays to weaken and paralyze the breathing muscles.

If with homeopathy you can keep people off this senseless health robbery, all the better! However, you should I think at the same time point out that with homeopathy (whose principle of potentialtion I cannot believe in) there is not only a freedom from asthma drugs but also that their use is based on a missunderstanding of elementary physiology. Regards, richard friedel

Venugopal

replied on January 16th, 2004

Experienced User

Practice of yoga will definetely increase the lung capacity.
Homeopathy depending on the stage of the disease can alleviate and cure bronchial asthma.

Also homoeopathic medicine is a science. And all through mankind is gaining benefit with application of science.

Richard Friedel

replied on January 19th, 2004

New User

Homeopathic Remedy For Bronchial Asthma

Well, this may be a good combination.

Homeopathy will tend to keep folks clear of dangerous, conventional asthma drugs, which weaken breathing muscles and suppress inflammation due to bad breathing. If you wheeze orthodox treatment prescribes drugs, but breathing exercises can stop it as well and are nature's way back to health. Drugs will just make the muscles lazy and ineffective.

Yoga will strengthen the breathing muscles. Richard friedel

davmo

replied on December 12th, 2004

New User

Holistic Health

I have seen many of your posts but with no real solution, just hints of one. Do you have a website you could give direction to with further information about allergy and asthma cures/relief that you speak about?

Venugopal

replied on December 17th, 2004

Experienced User

Re: Holistic Health

Homeopathic prescription is based on symptoms specific to each patient. Whenever anyone evinces interest, I take all the details and give the necessary prescription too.

For example in allergic rhinitis, if sneezing is troublesome, sabadilla, if nasal discharge is fluent it is senega, if it sthick and yellowish, pulsatilla, if nasal blocking is more troublesome it would be kali bich etc. Are helpful.

In case of asthma number of remedies like carbo veg, ipecac, blatta, amm carb, ars. Alb, sulph, kali carb etc. Would be helpful.

If you can give me more details of any patient I would try to give an appropriate homeopathic medicine.

Dr.Venugopal gouri.

davmo

replied on December 18th, 2004

New User

Allergies

Dr. Venugopal gouri ,

thank you for your response. I have been experiencing difficulty the last few years with excessive post nasal drip and lung mucus. I have now been diagnosed with allergies; mold, dust, corn, soy, wheat, peanuts. All of this mucus causes asthma type symptoms with bronchitis and sinus infections chronically. I went as far as to have sinus surgery to "open everthing up" and fix my septum.

I have drastically changed my diet added ion purifiers in the home, all with not only subtle improvement. I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on this as I am truly at my wits end.

Thank you for your time.

Venugopal

replied on December 19th, 2004

Experienced User

The replies to following queries would be of help to me in suggesting a homeopathic remedy.
Do you also suffer from nasal discharge if so it is watery or thick and yellowish?
Do you suffer from sneezings? Worse on exposure to dust, smoke, cold, odours etc.?
Do you have any nasal blockage? Worse day or night?
Do you feel mucus falls from the nose into the throat?
Do you feel there is any throat irritation?
Are all the symptoms worse on intake or exposure to cold?

Do you suffer from cough? Is it worse during day or night?
Is it productive? If so what is the color of the phlegm?
Do you suffer from from breathlessness too? Does it disturb sleep at night?

Any other symptoms you can note?

How is your appetite, thirst, urination, bowel movement, perspiration, menses, sleep etc.?

Any other illness you suffer froma nd if so what is the medication you are under?

Any past history of significant illness?>

any family histor of similar illness?

What are the investigations done and what do the reports indicate?

I am sure homeopathic medicine would be of help to you.

Dr.Venugopal gouri.

davmo

replied on December 19th, 2004

New User

Homepathic

Nasal discharge is very thick and varies between very whitish and yellowish. I have been on multiple antibiotics for this.

No sneezing noted.
After sinus surgery my blockages have been cleared.
Mucus does fall from the back of my throat from my nose, post nasal drip, it is very thick and continuous. My throat does get irritated after prolonged dripping but not to any severity.
I actually feel better when I am out in the cold and it does not cause any worsening of symptoms.

I don't have productive coughs. My lungs fill with mucus and mucus plugs that cause a heavy breathless feeling. I then use an albuterol inhaler to break the congestion up. Only then am I able to cough continously to clear my lungs. The phlegm ranges from clear whitish to yellowish depending on weather I have an infection-which happens frequently.
Occassionaly I awake at night with a heavy congested chest that causes a breathless feeling and must use my inhaler to break up congetion.

My ears also fill up with fluid and eustation tubes hurt. I sometimes have episodes where my ears pop painfully. The doctor says he can see mucus on my ear drum as well.

I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, hasimotos disease and the allergies to wheat, peanut, corn, soy, dust and mold. I had my thyroid removed in 1999 due to the immense swelling and scar tissue of my thyroid. My sedimentation rate is checked regularly and is always elevated 50 .

I am medicated with the following zyrtec decongestant for allergies, guiaffesen for thinning mucus, levoxyl for thyroid, singulair for lungs, and acidolphilis to help since i'm on constant antibiotics. I do not take vitamins right now as I need to find some that are processed without wheat and corn.

Venugopal

replied on December 19th, 2004

Experienced User

Kali bich 30c three times a day for a week followed by calc carb 30c two times a day for the second week would be helpful.
Also sambucus 1x one teaspoon morning and bedtime mixed in a cup of water should relieve the congestion.

I am sure homeopathic medicine would be of help to you.
Dr.Venugopal gouri.

jania

replied on October 4th, 2008

New User

Recurring health barriers are certainly annoying to deal with. Illnesses such as cancer, asthma, diarrhea and stress deliver different degrees of symptoms and consequences. In the case of asthma, breathing is usually distorted at any unexpected time. This certain health liability can kick off at any age but it usually sets at childhood stage.
--------------
Jania

Anonymous

replied on December 18th, 2008

young child, chronic mucus production

Dr. Venugopal gouri,

thank you for your time...I have a 7 year old, who approx 18 months began having symptoms of chronic mucus or sputum production, which he could and still can clear. The problem or symptom still exists and is even worse even though we have seen allergists and pulmonologists...he is highly allergic to according to the test battery for most things, however, had never been symptomatic for anything that we know of for anything prior, aside from the mucus thing. He has always been highly active and a well functioning healthy child. He activity has lessened due to this condition and he has become much more symptomatic with regards to fever, sometimes high and increased fatigue, and sleep difficuliites. Chest xray is normal along with sweat test, sputum specimen, yet this chronic sputum production is still present. He has been on the gamet of advair, singulair, xyzal, albuterol, pulmicort, antibotics, steriods doses, etc and allergy shots, ALL with little to no effect. I'm tired of getting definitive diagnostic help...everything seems experimental.

Can you give any suggestions or safe homeopathic alternatives?

Thank you,
Keith

kafields

replied on December 18th, 2008

New User

young child, chronic mucus production

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