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Asthma is a fairly common allergic condition. It is estimated that between ten and 15 per cent of children may develop asthma at some stage. Not all cases of asthma are caused by allergies, but the symptoms and treatment for the condition are the same. Although there is still no cure for asthma, today's treatments are very effective and allow sufferers to live norma/lives. Asthma affects the air passages by making them narrow, inflamed and blocked with mucus. An asthma sufferer often has a persistent cough, experiences a tightness in the chest and feels short of breath. She will have difficulty in breathing and will wheeze when breathing out.
Conventional treatments for asthma involve preventing contact with asthma triggers and using medication. For mild asthma, reliever medicines, usually sprays, which open the air passages (bronchodilators) are used. Moderate to severe asthma is usually treated-with medication to prevent asthma symptoms. These usually contain a steroid to reduce swelling and inflammation of the air passages. The steroids are different from those used illegally by body-builders. The medication is normally inhaled via a spray, pump or nebuliser. There are non-steroid medications which have the same effect. These can be taken orally or inhaled.
Alternative therapies to relieve the symptoms of asthma include massage to open the air passages, or rubbing the chest nightly with a blend of diluted eucalyptus, juniper and wintergreen oils. Steaming can help to open air passages. Do this by filling a bowl with hot water, adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil, then placing a towel over your head and allowing her to inhale the steam. Drinking hot water containing the juice of a clove of garlic will also provide relief.
Acupuncture is often very successful in treating asthma. For a herbal remedy to reduce spasms and ease breathing, use lobelia, wild cherry or grindelia. Use expectorants to get rid of mucus, such as coltsfoot, comfrey root and liquorice, or try an infusion of ephreda.