In spite of medical attempt to treat asthma, asthma rates have increased more than 160% in children under the age of 5, and 74% in children aged 5 to 14 since 1981. Today, asthma is the most chronic childhood illness affecting upwards of 5 million children. It accounts for an estimated 11.8 million school days missed per year nationwide, as well as loss of parental workdays. In 1994, the US spent an estimated $10.7 billion on asthma.

Asthma is triggered in several ways and most of them are not completely understood. For simplicity, we categorize them into two groups: allergic and non-allergic.

Allergic asthma involves the body’s immune system. The immune system serves as the body's defense mechanism against the countless different substances present in the air we breathe, the foods we eat, and the things we touch. The term "allergen" refers to any substance that can trigger an allergic response. This reaction (the allergy) is a symptom of the larger underlying problem of immune system or metabolic imbalance and can cause a staggering array of conditions — conditions that can often be reversed or cured, once that balance is restored. Common allergens include pollen, mold, animal dander, food, and cockroach and house dust mite droppings. Antibodies circulate in the bloodstream and are present in almost all bodily fluids. They help to capture unwanted invaders.

People who have allergies have an antibody called Immunoglobulin E, or IgE. When allergens first enter the body of a person predisposed to allergies, a series of reactions occurs and allergen-specific IgE antibodies are produced. It is not yet fully understood why some substances trigger allergies and others do not, nor why not every person develops an allergic reaction after exposure to allergens. A family history of allergies is the single most important factor that predisposes a person to develop allergic disease. If one parent has allergic disease, the estimated risk of the child to develop allergies is 48%; the child's risk grows to 70% if both parents have allergies.

Non-Allergic Asthma involves repeated exposure to industrial chemicals. In this case, substances such as leukotrienes are released in the lungs. Again, the leukotriene causes narrowing of air passages typical of asthma. The reasons for such release are still not clear that no antibody reaction seems to be involved.

Symptoms for asthma or other airborne irritants are runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, headaches, coughing, and wheezing. Food allergies have symptoms that vary in severity. A person with an allergic reaction can feel heart palpitations, throbbing in the ears, weight loss or gain, hives, swelling, loss of bladder control, itching, or several other symptoms not mentioned.

Discover why we believe that natural treatments are the best way to help restore the body's balance in the natural environment, minimizing or even permanently eliminating the sensitivities.

Modern Medicines Approach to Asthma

Because allergic reactions cause histamine to be released in the body, resulting in fluid leakage, modern medicine typically treats allergies with an antihistamine medication, or corticosteroid. The problem with this approach is the myriad of side effects that these pharmaceuticals cause, such as osteoporosis, leaky gut syndrome, thin skin, and immune deficiency. In addition, they do not reverse the underlying condition. Doctors tell you that steroids (cortisone, prednisone) only cause side effects after many years. However, new research shows that permanent damage is immediate and devastating. Studies show that steroids cause permanent, debilitating effects after a single dosage.   The Natural approach to Asthma Allergies occur because the body is mounting an exaggerated response to an allergen. Cortisol, a hormone secreted by the adrenal gland, can stop this reaction. However, a person with low levels of this hormone due to adrenal insufficiency may be predisposed to develop chemical sensitivities, as well as inhalant and food allergies. Successful allergy treatment begins with strengthening the adrenal gland, as well as decreasing exposure to the offending allergen(s) and desensitizing the body's reaction when exposed. The first step in treating allergies is to address any weakness in the adrenal gland. Treatment of adrenal insufficiency begins with reducing stress. Natural herbs are also used, including Asian and Siberian ginseng, ashwagandha, astragalus, and licorice root. Eliminating caffeine, alcohol, sugar, fruit juice and refined grains, along with adding sufficient protein and vegetables to the diet is also recommended. Natural hormones also may be prescribed and provide perhaps the easiest solution to resting the adrenal (or "stress") gland. If you are interested in more information about natural treatments or to schedule an appointment, please contact Central Health and Wellness at 972-671-5263 or use the online Inquiry Form.   Recommended Services: Chiropractic Care Disclaimer: The preceding is to provide information about relief and the benefits that may be derived. It is not intended to claim a cure for any disease or condition. It should not take the place of your doctor’s advice or treatment.