Asthma

Definition
Asthma is a Chronic condition involving the respiratory system in which the airways occasionally constrict, become inflamed, and is lined with excessive amounts of mucus, often in response to one or more triggers. This episodes may be triggered by such as exposure to an environmental stimulant such as an allergen, tobacco smoke, cold or warm air, perfume, pet dander, moist air, exercise or exertion, or emotional stress. In children the most common triggers are viral illnesses such as the common cold.
Signs and Symptoms

Acute Stage - Asthma Attack

  • Shortness of Breath - dyspnea
  • Wheezing
  • Cough with sputum or no sputum
  • Constriction of Chest
  • Difficult Breathing - especially expiration
  • Tachycardia - Rapid Heart Beat
  • Over inflation of Chest
  • Possible Chest Pain
  • Loss of Consciousness
  • Possible Death

Stable Stage - Non Symptomatic

  • May show no signs at all
  • Possible Lite Wheezing
  • Possible Shortness of Breath

 
Causes
 

Asthma is caused by a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors that researchers do not fully understand yet.

Environmental Factors

  • Poor Air Quality and Pollutants
  • Smoking and Maternal Smoking
  • Viral Respiratory Infections at Early Age may Possible Reduce Asthma
  • Antibiotic Use Early in Life
  • Caesarean Sections - Possible 20% Increase in Asthma Prevalence
  • Psychological Stress
  • 80% of Asthma Attacks in Adults and 60% of Asthma Attacks in Children are caused by Viral Infections
Diagnosis
 

Asthma is defined simply as a reversible airway obstruction. Reversibility occurs either spontaneously or with treatment

  • Diagnosis is based on peak flow rates using a peak flow meter
  • Asthma is strongly suggested if a patient suffers from eczema and or allergic conditions
  • Family History of Asthma
  • Signs and Symptoms
 

The Severity of Asthma Falls into 4 Categories

  • Intermittent
  • Mild Persistent
  • Moderate Persistent
  • Severe Persistent
Treating Asthma with Acupuncture / Herbs
Asthma - Hidden Phlegm

Oriental Medicine's Causes of Asthma

These are Chinese Medical terms which do not necessarily correspond to western medical terminology.

  • Prenatal Jing Deficiency - Closely related to genetic or poor prenatal development
  • External Factors
    • Seasonal Changes - the greatest variation between cool and warm temptress occur during the spring and fall seasons. These variations can affect the respiratory system and cause imbalance in the immune system and affects the nasal mucous, causing dryness or phlegm
    • Cold - this is a pathogenic factor in Chinese Medicine. Cold dry air is well known for its affects on asthmatics. The winter months can be especially difficult. Chinese Medicine understands that cold air causes constriction and tightness. This factor (cold) is usually combined with Lung Deficiency that produces asthma.
    • Dampness - This is pathogenic factor in Chinese Medicine. This can also be another trigger for asthmatics. Chinese Medicine calls asthma "hidden phlegm", which means there is usually an underlying constitution condition that is exceasterbated by increases in humidity. This condition is often seen in asthmatic cases that have an unlying Spleen Qi Xu. (Loosely related to digestion problems
  • Internal Factors
    • Wei Qi Xu - This factor is closely related to a deficient immune system or an imbalance in the immune system. This internal factor can cause an increase in viral infections and skin disorders.
    • Lung Qi Xu - This is related to a weak ed respiratory system. The system is easily affected by changes in the weather or exercise, and environmental allergens
    • Spleen Qi Xu - This is common cause of excess mucous or phlegm which obstructs the airways and is often treated in conjunction with other factors
    • Kidney Qi Xu - This is often seen as an underlying factor in mild to severe chronic asthmatics.
    • Liver Qi Stagnation - This factor related to psychological stress and emotional issues that affect the respiratory system or the digestive system

Treating Asthma with Oriental Medicine - Acupuncture and Chinese Medicinal herbs

  • Acupuncture is used to treat the following conditions:
    • Strengthen the Jing
    • Reduce the effects of allergens upon the respiratory system
    • Tonify Lung Qi (Function)
    • Drain and Clear Dampness and Phlegm
    • Reduce Cold and its affects
    • Strengthen / Balance the Immune System
    • Strengthen the Digestive System - Help stop constitutional phlegm
    • Strengthen overall constitution
    • Reduce Stress and Emotional factors
  • Chinese Medicinal Herbs in the Treatment of Asthma
    • There are dozens of formulas that we use to treat asthma. Each formula is designed to an individual's specific manifestation of asthma. As a Chinese Herbalist, I often modify the formula to the specific individual. Below are examples: Do Not Use These Formulas without a doctor's prescription!
      • Jade Windscreen - A famous formula that is often used to strengthen lung function and prevent viral infections
      • Xiao Qing Long Tang - an effective formula to treat cold congested fluids in the lungs
      • Ban Xia Hou Po Tang - Common Formula used to clear stubborn phlegm in the throat
      • Liu Jun Zi Tang - Superb formula for clearing phlegm and strengthening the bodies' constitution
      • Shen Ling Bai Zhu San - Famous formula for weakened function of the lungs and digestions, with congested fluids
      • Cang Er Zi San - Common formula for treating allergies that complicate asthma

These are just a few examples of how we use acupuncture and chinese herbs to treat our patients.