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Top 7 Homeopathic Medicines for Asthma

Homeopathic medicine for Asthma

What is asthma?

Asthma is a respiratory disease characterized by difficult breathing which cause coughing, wheezing when you exhale, and shortness of breath. In this condition, there is narrowing and swelling of airways and may produce extra mucus. Asthma can occur at any age, it frequently appears in childhood or early adulthood.

Homeopathic Treatment

Homeopathy is a safe science that offers a permanent cure for asthma and helps remove asthma from the roots. These medicines set off the body’s own restorative processes, mainly strengthening its natural healing system to make it strong enough to fight the condition. In case asthma is allergic in origin, these medicines start by treating the allergies causing asthma to completely uproot the disease. They are natural, safe and free from any adverse side effects. They can be prescribed to people of all age groups.

Homeopathic Medicines For Asthma

The leading homeopathic medicines to treat asthma are Arsenic Album, Spongia Tosta, Antimonium Tartaricum, Natrum Sulphuricum, Blatta Orientalis, Hepar Sulph and Ipecac

1. Arsenic Album – Top-grade Medicine for Asthma

The symptoms indicative of use of Arsenic Album in asthma is shortness of breath that gets worse after coughing. Other symptoms are wheezing and suffocative cough with frothy mucus. Asthma that gets worse around 12 am-1 am is also treated well with this medicine. Another important guiding feature for using Arsenic Album is asthma which alternates with skin rash or eczema.

When and How to use Arsenic Album?

Great difficulty while breathing, with whistling and cough getting worse at midnight calls for use of Arsenic Album. If the symptoms match, it can be administered in 30C potency, which can be repeated 2 times in a day. If there is no improvement at all with low potency, then it is advisable to consult a good homeopath before taking 200C or 1M potency.

2. Spongia Tosta – For Short, Panting Breathing  With Dry Cough

Spongia Tosta works well for asthma with short and tough respiration, and panting. Along with difficult respiration, whistling from the chest on inhalation is noted. The cough is attended with extreme dryness of all the air passages. The cough, in this case, is deep, dry, barking, hacking type. In most cases, warm drinks bring relief from cough.

When and How to use Spongia Tosta?

Breathing is troublesome, difficult and panting along with suffocative (dry) cough are the explanatory indications for this remedy. It is best to start in 30C potency, and can be taken once or twice in a day. It can also be taken in high  (200C) potency. But one should clearly observe the symptoms before taking in high potency.

3. Antimonium Tartaricum – For Asthma With Shortness Of Breath And Rattling Cough

Antimonium Tartaricum is an excellent remedy for asthma with rapid, short and difficult breathing as if gasping for air. The suffocation worsens on lying down, with a need to sit up. The cough is loose, there is excessive rattling and the lungs feel full of mucus. Mucus from the lungs comes out with much difficulty. Sometimes there is dizziness present along with cough. It gets better by lying on the right side and worse from cold and damp weather.

When and How to Antimonium Tart?

Its therapeutic use is symptoms such as shortness of breath, suffocated and supressed breathing with excessive rattling of mucus. It is used in 30C potency and can be used once in a day. Normally higher potencies, 200C and 1M are not recommended. It is best to consult a homeopathic physician if there are no desired results after taking the medicine.

4. Natrum Sulphuricum – For Asthma In Damp Weather

Natrum Sulphuricum is the most helpful medicine for difficult breathing in damp weather. The cough with thick, ropy, green phlegm is present. Natrum Sulphuricum also works well in humid conditions and when asthma worsens around 4 am and 5 am. Natrum Sulphuricum is also among the top-grade remedies for treating asthma in children.

When and How to use Natrum Sulphuricum?

It is helpful in cases with shortness of breath, tickling in throat with greenish expectoration. It is commonly used in biochemic form in ‘6X potency’ and is taken in tablet form. The frequency and number of tablets depend on the severity of symptoms.

Unless recommended, it can be taken 3-4 times  a day. It is advisable to contact your homeopathic doctor if there is no noticeable improvement after taking medicine. It is also well indicated where there is a strong family history of asthma cases.

5. Blatta Orientalis – For Asthma Triggered by Dust Exposure

Blatta Orientalis remedy is for asthma triggered by dust. Blatta Orientalis is prescribed for shortness of breath, suffocative cough with difficult respiration and yellow, pus-like mucus. It can also be given for asthma triggered in rainy weather.

When and How to take Blatta Orientalis?

It is the perfect remedy for those whose asthma is accompanied by labored breathing with obstructive cough. Mother tincture is best to start with, which can be repeated 1-2 times a day. But can be taken in 30C and 200C if there are not many changes. Usually, 1M potency is not recommended, until prescribed by an experienced physician.

6. Hepar Sulphur – For Asthma In Cold Air

Hepar sulphur acts wonderfully in asthma attacks, difficult respiration, whistling, wheezing, and preventing sleep at night with copious mucus expectoration. Yellow or whitish dirty mucus can also be present. Ailments get worse by cold air or slight draught of air and gets better from covering up and heat/warmth.

When and How to take Hepar sulphur?

The main characteristic symptoms are difficulty in breathing with deep, wheezing along with choking cough. Potency and dosage depend on age, causative factors and symptoms of patient. In majority of cases, it can be administered in 30C potency 3-4 times in a day. 200C can be taken once or twice in a day. 1M is used in very rare conditions. We strongly recommend consulting a homeopathic doctor for that.

7. Ipecac – For Difficult Breathing And Cough Ending In Vomiting

Ipecac is used to treat repeated attacks of asthma with difficult shortness of breath and gasping for air. There is wheezing cough with mucus which is not easy to expel, though chest seems to be full with an inclination to vomit.

When and How to take Ipecac?

It can be assisted in cases where wheezing type of cough is present. This remedy is particularly helpful in gagging cough tough to bring up and expelled only by vomiting. Chiefly, it works well in low potency i.e. 30C; normally repetition of dosage is limited to once to twice  a day. Higher potencies are not recommended until discussed with a physician.

What Are The Causes Of Asthma?

Allergies: Allergens such as pollen, animal dander, dust mites can raise risk of developing asthma.

Environmental factors: Exposure to substances like allergens, toxins, fumes can irritate the airways making the person prone to develop asthma.

Genetics: If there is a family history of asthma or allergic disease, the risk of developing asthma is more.

Previous infections: People may be more prone to  acquiring this ailment if they have had a history of severe viral infections in infancy, such as respiratory syncytial viral infection (RSV)

Hygiene hypothesis: According to this notion, babies whose immune systems aren’t exposed to enough microorganisms during their early months and years won’t have the capacity to fend off asthma and other allergy disorders.

What Triggers Asthma Attacks?

It refers to the substances that irritate the airway and can bring on an asthma attack. Common triggers include:

1. Airborne allergens, such as pollen, dust mite, pet dander or particles of cockroach waste

2. Respiratory infections, such as common cold

3. Physical activity, exercise

4. Cold air

5. Air pollutants and irritants, such as smoke

6. Certain medications like aspirin and beta blockers.

7. Anxiety and stress

8. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acids rise up into your throat

9. Cold and humid weather

 What Are The Symptoms Of Asthma?

The symptoms of asthma vary from person to person. The person can have symptoms at certain times called infrequent asthma attacks or have symptoms all the time. The most common symptom of asthma is wheezing. This is a squealing or whistling sound that occurs when you breathe.  Other symptoms may include:

1. Coughing, especially at night; while laughing, or during exercise

2. Tightness in the chest

3. Shortness of breath

4. Difficulty in talking

5. Anxiety or panic

6. Fatigue

7. Chest pain

8. Rapid breathing

9. Frequent infections

10. Trouble sleeping

Signs of an asthma flare-up may include:

coughing

wheezing

throat clearing

difficulty in sleeping

chest pain or tightness

fatigue

What Are The Various Types Of Asthma?

Based on severity of symptoms, the types of asthma are of the following types:

Intermittent: In this type, asthma comes and goes, one feels normal between the asthma flares.

Persistent: Asthma symptoms are present most of the time. The symptoms in this type can be mild, moderate or severe.

Based on causes, asthma can be of the following types:

Allergic: Allergic asthma refers to asthma attacks triggered by allergens like pollen, pet dander, etc.

Non-allergic: Exercise, stress, weather and illness may cause an asthma flare.

Other types include:

Occupational asthma is asthma that arises from exposure to some substance at the workplace. Some examples of occupation-induced asthma are seen in chemical workers, welders, cotton factory workers and coal miners.

Cough variant asthma refers to asthma where the only symptom is persistent dry cough without any mucus expectoration. Wheezing and shortness of breath are absent in such cases. This type of asthma is common in children.

Exercise-induced asthma is commonly seen in athletes, cyclists and swimmers.

Medication-induced asthma can be triggered by medicines such as ibuprofen, aspirin and beta blockers.

Nocturnal asthma is asthma that gets worse at night.

Pathophysiology Of Asthma

In asthma, there is chronic inflammation of airways (bronchi and bronchioles). Airways are the tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. In asthmatic persons, these airways are highly sensitive and respond strongly to inhaled substances such as allergens. This leads to bronchospasms (constriction of muscles around the airways), resulting in narrowing of airways.  As a result of the inflammation and bronchospasms, the airways get obstructed, leading to reduced air flow to the lungs.

Mucus production: During the attack, your body produces more mucus. This thick mucus clogs airways.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know I have asthma?

Characteristic symptoms that point toward asthma include episodes of cough, chest wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Allergies could be a symptom. Spirometry and peak flow meter test aid diagnosis.

What is an asthma attack?

Asthma attack refers to acute symptoms of cough, wheezing and chest tightness from sudden bronchospasm. Bronchospasm or a bronchial spasm is the tightening of muscles of airways due to a trigger, whether allergic or non-allergic.

What is wheezing in asthma?

Wheezing is a whistling sound arising in the chest while breathing due to obstruction of the airflow in air passages.

 

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Top Three Homeopathic Remedies for Asthma in Kids

Homeopathic medicines for asthmaOver 300 million people worldwide have asthma, according to a report. It is one of the top-listed chronic illnesses among children. The rate of asthma in children is increasing significantly every year. Asthma is the leading cause of chronic illness among children and the third leading cause of hospitalization among children under the age of 15. Unfortunately, it is very common that the parents of young ones are not able to recognize the early signs of asthma and usually overlook them as a routine ailment. Though not a life-threatening ailment, asthma in kids can impair their quality of life due to the symptoms it causes. Asthma in kids restricts their life in terms of playing and doing activities where more strenuous breathing is required.

What Exactly is Asthma?

Asthma is a disease that affects the lungs and results in chronic inflammation of the airways. That means, the small tubes that bring air into the lungs are swollen and inflamed, and at times clogged with mucus. This swelling and clogging makes it difficult for air to move freely in and out.
Asthma is characterized by repeated episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, coughing, chest tightness, and nighttime or early morning coughing.

Asthma in children is no different than in adults, but the severity tends to be more in children because they have smaller airways. Homeopathic remedies for treating asthma are not only successful but are also safe and devoid of any side-effects. Homeopathy offers holistic treatment for asthma in children as it goes into the root of the problem to treat it.

Why does Asthma go Undiagnosed in Children?

Asthma usually goes undiagnosed for a number of reasons including the fact that other respiratory diseases have overlapping symptoms. Another major factor is the fact that some children can stay free from the symptoms for long-periods before going through another asthma attack. Also, many kids only show subtle signs of the disease initially. Inadequate information about the true symptoms of asthma also reduces the chances of diagnosing it, as most parents identify asthma only with wheezing. Chest congestion is another symptom that’s sometimes overlooked as an infection such as bronchitis. In infants, asthma is all the more difficult to identify as wheezing may not be heard until they are at least 18 to 24 months old. In such cases, one must look for clues such as a rattling cough, rapid breathing, and frequent chest colds. Small children may have difficulty in verbally expressing the discomfort felt in the chest so there are chances that the parents might not be aware of it.

How Is Asthma Diagnosed?

Although diagnosing asthma in children below the age of five is not so easy, regular visits to a physician can help identify the disease. Understanding signs like the time of a cough, periodicity and recurrence of the problem, family history, symptoms such as wheezing, tight chestedness, signs of allergy, etc. and the physical examination, can help a physician can ascertain whether the child has asthma or not.

Testing of lung function with spirometry or a peak flow meter can also help in assessing the degree of obstruction in the air passages. However, these tests are not effective for very young children, and assessment is based on clinical examination and symptoms.

Homeopathic Remedies for Asthma in Children

Homeopathic medicines for asthma in children help manage the tendency of chronic recurrence. These medicines also reduce the frequency and intensity of the asthma symptoms. Where required, homeopathy also focuses on addressing allergic tendencies (which are a cause of asthma) by moderating the immune system.
Made of natural substances, these medicines do not cause any side effects and can be treated n a safe, effective manner.
Homeopathic treatment for asthma can be used alongside conventional medicine in acute cases of asthma.
In case of an acute asthma attack, it is necessary to get conventional help, (like an inhaler in case of extreme shortness of breath). This provides immediate relief to the child and can be followed by a homeopathic medicine for shortness of breath.

Top Homeopathic Remedies for Asthma in Children

Sambucus Nigra – Homeopathic medicine for Asthma in Children with Suffocative Attacks

Sambucus Nigra is one of the best homeopathic medicines for asthma in children. It is a natural homeopathic medicine prepared from a plant named Common Elder. The plant belongs to the family of Caprifoliaceae. Fresh leaves and flowers of this plant are used to prepare the medicine. Sambucus Nigra tends to bring remarkable recovery in cases of childhood asthma. Nightly suffocative attacks of asthma in children are the key indicators to use this medicine. The child suddenly gets up at night, feeling suffocated. Along with suffocation, the child is restless and cranky. A cough with excessive difficulty in breathing, the expulsion of a small amount of tough mucus, nasal obstruction are the typical symptoms.

Natrum Sulph – Constitutional Homeopathic Medicine to Treat Asthma in Children

Natrum Sulph is an excellent homeopathic medicine used to treat asthma in children. It is a constitutional homeopathic medicine that is highly suitable for treating asthma in children. This medicine works towards eradicating the chronic tendency of asthma in children. A child needing Natrum Sulph has a cough, dyspnea, and rattling of mucus in the chest. An expulsion of green colored mucus may be noted. Asthma triggered by cold and exertion and asthma that worsens in damp weather are the symptoms indicative of using Natrum Sulph.

Arsenic Album – Homeopathic Medicine for Asthma in Children with Breathing Difficulty

Arsenic Album is an important homeopathic medicine frequently used to treat asthma in children. Asthma with extreme difficulty in breathing is treated well with this medicine. The child cannot breathe comfortably due to constricted air passages. He/She puts great effort to breathe normally. Cough is attended with a difficult expulsion of mucus and wheezing in the chest. Homeopathic medicine Arsenic Album is mostly used to treat asthma that worsens upon going to bed, or during midnight.

Other Important Homeopathic Remedies for Asthma in Children

Cina – Homeopathic Medicine for Cough Variant Asthma

Cina is a homeopathic medicine prepared from the plant Artemisia Maritime. It belongs to the family Compositae. Cina is a useful homeopathic medicine for cough variant asthma where violent dry cough is markedly present. Cough is intense and spasmodic and ends with vomiting. The cough appears in paroxysms (suddenly). After a cough, the child may moan and turn pale. Evening and night aggravation, a sensation of being suffocated, and irritability are well noted.

Cuprum Met – Homeopathic Medicine for Asthma with Spasmodic Cough

Cuprum Met is a useful homeopathic medicine for treating asthma with a spasmodic cough. Here child gets a strong, violent fit of cough that ends in vomiting. The child gets stiff feels suffocated, has difficulty in breathing with a cold face and blue lips. Drinking water can help relieve the cough. White mucus may be expelled, and difficulty in respiration along with whistling occurs. The cough tends to appear at night disturbing, disturbing the child’s sleep. A pressure or constricted sensation in the chest may appear. Asthmatic attack when walking quickly is also indicative to use homeopathic medicine Cuprum Met.

Antimonium Tart – Homeopathic Medicine for Asthma with Rattling in Chest

Antimonium Tart is a well-indicated homeopathic medicine for asthma accompanied with cough and rattling of mucus in the chest. The airways seem overloaded with mucus. The chest is intensely congested with great rattling of mucus. Cough is present all the time, without any expulsion of sputa. Shortness of breath and a sensation of suffocation may be present.

Spongia Tosta – Homeopathic Medicine for Asthma with Dry Cough and Wheezing

Spongia Tosta is an excellent homeopathic medicine for an asthmatic cough. The key feature to use Spongia Tosta is a dry cough, with wheezing in the chest. The cough is extremely dry, deep, and bark-like. It is present all day and night. Warm drinks may relieve the cough for a while. Along with this, suffocation and short, difficult respiration is present.

Ipecac – Homeopathic Medicine for Asthmatic Shortness of Breath

Ipecac is a homeopathic medicine for the treatment of asthma. It is prepared from the root of the plant Ipecac. This plant belongs to the natural order Rubiaceae. It is indicated for an asthmatic cough with intense shortness of breath and constriction in the chest. Slight exercise tends to bring shortness of breath. The child has short, panting, heavy breathing with an exhausting cough. Phlegm rattling in the chest may be present. There is marked suffocation. Vomiting appears with coughing. The child’s face turns blue, and the child stiffens with a spasmodic cough. The child may feel better in the open air.

Hepar Sulph – Homeopathic Medicine for Asthma that is Worse in Cold Air

Hepar Sulph is a prominent homeopathic medicine for asthma that gets worse in the cold air. Following exposure to cold air, the child gets a cough along with difficulty in breathing and wheezing. The cough is loose with mucus in the chest. An expulsion of yellow colored phlegm may occur. The cough gets worse in the morning, and consuming cold drinks also makes the cough worse.

Childhood Asthma: Causes

Causes and predisposing factors for asthma in children include:

Genetics

Genetics play an important role in childhood asthma. Children having a family history of asthma or any allergic disease are at risk to develop asthma.

Allergies

Children who have allergic tendencies like nasal allergies (hay fever), atopic dermatitis, are predisposed to suffer from asthma.

Parental Smoking

Smoking by the mother during pregnancy is another risk factor for developing asthma in children.

Low Birth Weight

Children having low birth weight or those who are born prematurely are also at risk for developing asthma.

Symptoms of Asthma in Children

Around 60 to 70 % of children with asthma tend to develop the symptoms before five yrs of age. The symptoms of asthma include the following:

Cough

A Cough is a prominent symptom of asthma, and it tends to get worse at night. Worsening of the cough due to exertion (like while playing) is noted. The cough may be dry or lead to the expulsion of mucus, with other symptoms like difficulty in breathing and wheezing. However, there are cases where only dry cough is present without any other features of a classic case of asthma (like shortness of breath and wheezing).
Such cases are known as cough variant asthma.

Wheezing

Wheezing is a high pitched whistling sound in the chest that appears as a result of an obstruction in the air passages. This happens when air moves through narrow air passages.

Dyspnea

Difficult breathing (Dyspnea) – Dyspnea or shortness of breath tends to appear in asthma from narrowing of airways. Tightening of muscles surrounding the airway and inflammation that causes swelling of airways leads to contraction of the airways. There is also excessive mucus production.

Chest Congestion

Chest tightness and congestion also occur as a result of asthma.

Fatigue

Excessive fatigue, trouble sleeping, and limitation of play time due to breathing difficulty are common symptoms of asthma in children.

Asthma Triggers in Children

Allergens – Molds, pet danders (from hair, skin or feathers), dust mites, pollens, and cockroaches are some common allergens that can trigger asthma in children.

URI – Frequent upper respiratory tract infections like common cold or flu can contribute to asthma.

Cold air, changes in the weather can also trigger asthma in children.

Air pollution, exposure to smoke, and exposure to passive smoking can also trigger asthma in children.

Identifying Asthma

Make sure you consult a physician if your child experiences any of the following signs and symptoms

  • Coughing that is constant or intermittent.
  • Wheezing or a whistling sounds audible when your child exhales.
  • Shortness of breath or rapid breathing. This may or may not be associated with exercise.
  • Chest tightness.
  • Repeated respiratory infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis
  • Identifying asthma in infants and the very young is usually difficult. The symptoms might only show up when the child exerting e.g. Coughing after running, coughing at night or during sleep. Wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath are also accompanied by crying, yelling and laughing. Infants may have problems feeding and may grunt during suckling.

Managing Asthma in Children

Some tips to manage asthma in children include:

  • Reduce exposure to allergens.
  • Keep pets away from the child if he/she is allergic to pet dander.
  • Pollen allergies should be managed by keeping the child indoors and keeping the windows closed during high pollen season.
  • Allergies to dust mite can be managed by washing the bedding in hot water at least once a week. Removing floor carpets from home and not using too many stuffed toys during play also help minimize allergies.
  • Excessive exercise and playing should be avoided.
  • Exposure to passive smoking should be eliminated.
  • Dehumidifiers should be used in humid conditions.

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Asthma in Wet Weather – Natural Treatments

Asthma is an allergic condition that results in the narrowing and swelling of the air passages causing wheezing, difficult breathing, production of excess mucus and coughing. The weather plays a significant role in this condition. There are many climatic conditions which have a specific influence on the asthmatic complaints. People with asthma see a marked aggravation in their complaints during a change of weather, hot weather, winters or wet weather. It varies from person to person, depending upon their vulnerability to a certain weather condition. Humid weather in the monsoons is the worst period for people who have asthma. Well-Directed homeopathic treatment for asthma in wet weather can help reduce the severity and duration of the symptoms.The top homeopathic remedies for asthma in wet weather include Natrum Sulph, Dulcamara and China Officinalis.

Why is Asthma Common in Wet Weather?

Multiple factors contribute to asthmatic flare-ups during the wet weather. Some of these include:

Damp and Wet Weather Conditions

During wet and damp weather conditions, the air is more humid and heavy, making it difficult to breathe. People with asthma already have sensitive airways, and this type of moist air triggers the constriction and narrowing of airways. Also, damp air does not flow as smoothly as dry air through the smaller air passages of the lungs, thereby triggering an episode of asthma.
Damp air when inhaled is more likely to cause spasms in the airways. Many people find it difficult to breathe in damp weather since it triggers the constriction of airways causing wheezing, shortness of breath and tightness of the chest.

Pollen Content in the Surroundings 

The pollen content during wet weather conditions is high, and most people who have asthma are sensitive or allergic to pollen grains. Many trees pollinate during this season, raising the pollen count to a significant level. The stormy winds during the rainy season are a perfect medium to carry the pollen across. We are exposed more to these environmental irritants which initiate the allergic reactions in vulnerable individuals.

Spores produced by Molds

Small particles produced by molds (known as spores) thrive well in high humid conditions. Since the moist air is favorable for the growth of dust mites and molds, they multiply in huge amount during the rainy season. There are thousands of types of molds; fortunately only a few are responsible for this kind of allergy. A single growth of mold can generate millions of spores. Rotting logs and vegetation (like piles of leaves) are the prime habitat for molds, as are damp walls and carpet. Molds live and thrive at room temperature, and are present inside homes too, in damp places like bathrooms, house plants, refrigerator, foam pillows, washing machines, and furniture.

Therefore, individuals are exposed more to pollen, dust mite and molds during the rainy season. Most of the times, asthma is an allergic reaction, which means that the body’s defense system is attacking substances which it recognizes as a foreign body. It is during this interaction that a substance (which is responsible for all the symptoms of allergy) is produced. This substance is called histamine. Therefore, when a person develops asthma in wet weather, it is the person’s immune system reacting towards the molds, pollen and dust mites.

Homeopathic Medicines for Asthma in Wet Weather

Asthma is a constitutional disorder and needs to be holistically treated. Homeopathy carries an excellent scope to reduce the chronic tendency of asthmatic attacks.

Natrum Sulph: Leading Homeopathic Remedy for Asthma in Wet Weather

Natrum Sulph is also known as Sodium sulfate. It was discovered by Glauber in 1658 and is therefore also called Glauber’s salt.
Sodium sulfate is an inorganic salt that is found in the intracellular fluids of the human body. Its primary function is regulation of water and other fluids in the human body. It also ensures that the essential fluids like blood, bile, and pancreatic juice are of normal consistency in our body. Symptoms of asthma in wet weather that indicate the need for this remedy include a dry cough with soreness in the chest. The episodes of cough are mostly at night, with difficulty breathing. The person has to sit up and hold the chest. Shortness of breath is another characteristic feature of this remedy. Shortness of breath while walking, a sharp, piercing pain in the chest, a violent asthma attack with expulsion of green mucus are some other symptoms. The asthmatic episodes are worse in damp and cloudy weather. The asthmatic episodes get worse by motion, lying down or after eating. These asthma attacks are triggered by exposure to cold air or by physical exertion. The complaints are more frequent during the early morning, between 4:00-5: 00 am.

Dulcamara

Dulcamara is a climbing shrub commonly known as the “Bittersweet” and belongs to the family Solanaceae. It grows in the moist places of North America and Europe. Homeopathic tincture of this remedy is prepared from fresh stems and leaves collected before the flowering. The main characteristic feature of this medicine is that the ailments are typically worse during wet weather. It is very well indicated for asthma in wet weather. The asthma episode is triggered by exposure to damp cold weather or after getting wet. There is a barking and spasmodic cough with the expulsion of a profuse amount of mucous. It is also helpful in cases where there is a pain in the face along with asthma. Deep inspiration triggers a cough, there is breathlessness during the wet weather. Dulcamara is also indicated for those who tend to catch a frequent cough and cold.

China Officinalis

Another plant remedy which belongs to the family Rubiaceae, China Officinalis grows in the wet forests of South America. Indicated for asthma that gets worse during wet weather, the main symptoms that point towards this medicine include asthma with wheezing and whistling in the chest and shortness of breath with a choking feeling (making the episode look severe and life-threatening). The breathing is short and heavy with a rattling sound in the chest, there may be heaviness and tightness of chest which gets worse during the evening and on lying down. There is continuous irritation in the throat resulting in a hacking cough. It is also helpful where an asthmatic cough results in vomiting of a significant amount of mucous. One may also experience a cutting type of pain in the abdomen upon coughing. The episodes of cough are usually worse during the morning, after rising up or after the meals. Another indication of this remedy is a suffocative feeling in the chest and the person has a desire to take deep breaths. The episodes of asthma or cough are worse after excess talking or lying down. There is marked difficulty in breathing specifically when the head is low (especially while lying down).

Aurum Metallicum

Aurum Metallicum is metal remedy prepared from gold. It is indicated for asthma due to congestion of the chest. There are suffocative attacks of asthma which are worse in the open air. The person always feels that he/she cannot get enough air to breathe, therefore always taking deep breathes. There is dyspnoea (difficulty in breathing) and shortness of breath with a feeling of constriction in the chest. Asthma gets worse during rainy weather and in the open air, there is an accumulation of a huge amount of mucus in the chest which is very difficult to expel. A cough with yellowish phlegm after waking up, which is hard and dry and appears in paroxysms (sudden attack) especially at night time. There is a feeling of pressure on the chest making it difficult for the individual to breathe. The complaints are worse during the damp weather or after exposure to damp air.

Silicea

Silicea is another important remedy for asthma in wet weather. There is shortness of breath which is worse after physical work or walking fast. It is helpful in cases where the cold settles in the chest. Episodes of a recurrent cough and cold that end up into asthma, or when there is a history of pneumonia along with asthma is treated well with this remedy. This medicine is also helpful for hay asthma which occurs during the end of August. Breathing is difficult with rattling in the chest and expectoration of profuse lumpy yellow sputum. Violent episodes of cough while lying down and episodes of gagging cough at night which wakes a person up from sleep are other symptoms that indicate towards this remedy.

Antimonium Tart

Homeopathic remedy Antimonium Tart is prepared from a chemical compound commonly known as Tatar emetic. It naturally occurs as a colorless, transparent substance with a sweet metallic taste. It works well to treat asthmatic episodes with a rattling of mucus in the chest. The breathing is short and quick and makes a rattling sound. It is also very helpful in asthma and bronchitis affecting children. The dyspnoea especially when lying down and gets better while holding the child in an upright position, a spasmodic asthmatic cough, pain in the chest and abdomen during coughing are some other symptoms. The episodes of asthma mostly occur at night with suffocating and exhausting spells of coughing.

Managing Asthma in Wet Weather

– Look for the weather forecast and avoid going out during the stormy days.
– Avoid being exposed to pollens, dust mites or molds. Avoid the areas which can have these substances, and at home, follow proper cleaning routines.
– Avoid doing excessive physical activities during the damp and humid weather as it is harder to breathe.
– Avoid overexposure to pollutant or fumes like those from wood-burning or motor vehicles.
– Change your clothes and keep them separately whenever you come indoors from outside.
– During high-pollen content, make sure to wash your beddings frequently.
– Use a dehumidifier in damp weather to reduce the growth of molds.
– Carry a rescue inhaler in case you suffer from acute breathlessness.
– If you have a cold or flu during rainy weather, ensure you take all immediate action to treat it.
– Avoid smoking.
– Avoid places where there is too much smoke or pollution.

Diet: Foods to Eat to treat Pollen Allergies 

Vitamin A: helps in the production of healthy mucous of the air passages of lungs.

Folates: Help in reducing the allergic and inflammatory reactions of the body.

Magnesium: Very good for overall muscle movement and coordination. It helps in regulating the constriction and relaxation of the bronchioles. In asthmatic cases, it can help in reducing the allergic constriction of the air passages.

Omega-3 fatty acid: These are overall very helpful for boosting the immunity and reducing the inflammation. They can also help to reduce the sensitivity to such allergic conditions.

Vitamin D: It is very beneficial in controlling the allergic tendencies. It boosts the defense mechanism of the body and reduces the tendency of having recurrent episodes of asthma. Also, it has anti-inflammatory properties which can decrease the severity of the asthma episodes.

Food to Avoid in Case of Wet Weather Asthma

Avoiding the food one is allergic to – If you have any associated food sensitivity like gluten, casein, lactose wheat, etc, they should be avoided as any exposure to these can trigger allergic reactions in the body.

Call Dr. Sharma's Clinic - From United States and Canada call 703-659-0873. Patients From rest of the world and India call +91-6283487321

Homeopathic Treatment of Asthma in Kids

Asthma In Kids

Aimagesthma is the leading cause of chronic illness among children and the third leading cause of hospitalization among children under the age of 15. Unfortunately, it is very common that the parents of young ones are not able to recognize the early signs of asthma and usually overlook them as a routine ailment which usually results in wastage of an effective time when asthma could have been easily controlled.

 

What exactly is asthma? Asthma is a disease that affects the lungs and results in chronic, inflammation of the airways. That means, the small tubes that bring air in the lungs are swollen and inflamed and at times clogged with mucus. This swelling and clogging makes it difficult for air to move freely in and out.

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