What is asthma? Asthma (AZ-ma) is a chronic (long-term) lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. Asthma causes recurring periods of wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe), chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. The coughing often occurs at night or early in the morning. Asthma affects people of all ages, but it most often starts during childhood.

Causes of Asthma: According to the etiology, bronchial asthma is divided in the following groups:

• Allergic (extrinsic/ atopic) Asthma – This type of asthma usually starts in childhood and is often preceded by eczema. But most of the young adults (<35 yrs) developing asthma also fall in this category. Genetic factors also play a significant role i this. In this type of asthma the allergen leads to production of excessive (IgE) immunoglobulins.
• Infective or Intrinsic Asthma – This is not hereditary or allergic, but may be caused by, or at least associated with upper respiratory tract or bronchial infection which is usually viral.
• Emotional Asthma – Psychological factors (like anxiety, emotional stress etc) are often considered to be the sole cause of some asthmatic attacks, but it is still not certain whether it can be the sole cause or is only a precipitating factor.
• Occupational asthma – This can occur in certain industries in which there is exposure to metallic dusts (esp. platinum salts), biological detergents, toluene diisocyanate, polyurethane, flour and dust from grains etc.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Asthma? Common signs and symptoms of asthma include:

Coughing : Coughing from asthma often is worse at night or early in the morning, making it hard to sleep.

Wheezing : Wheezing is a whistling or squeaky sound that occurs when you breathe.

Chest tightness : This may feel like something is squeezing or sitting on your chest.

Shortness of breath : Some people who have asthma say they can’t catch their breath or they feel out of breath. You may feel like you can’t get air out of your lungs.Not all people who have asthma have these symptoms. Likewise, having these symptoms doesn’t always mean that you have asthma. The best way to diagnose asthma for certain is to use a lung function test, a medical history (including type frequency of symptoms), and a physical exam.

Homeopathy & Asthma :Asthma, a condition often labelled as incurable and chronic can be cured if treated with Homeopathic medicines. Cases of recent origin and those affecting children have shown encouraging curative results and chronic, advanced cases experience noticeable reduction in the intensity and reoccurrence of the attacks.

• If you are heavily dependant on bronchodilators or inhalers Homeopathic treatment will help you fight the precipitating factors (allergen), thereby making you less dependant on those medications.
• Conditions such as poor resistance to climatic changes, recurrent colds / sinusitis and atopic dermatitis (skin affection) can be effectively cured during the course of the treatment.
• Boosts immune responses, making the child less prone to recurrent infections and attacks.
• In chronic cases, Improves the resistance, making the person less prone to recurrent respiratory ailments.
• Helps in reducing frequency and intensity of attacks. A disease-free period (cure) is achievable in a significant number.
• Improves tolerance to climatic variations that aggravate asthma.
• No side effects
• Ideal for all age groups