Asthma	<< Page 3 of 11 >>

Other names: Bronchial asthma

Description:
Asthma is a respiratory illness that is caused by the constriction and swelling of airways. When cells in the bronchi detect a foreign body, they release substances such as histamine and leukotrienes that cause smooth muscle to contract. The smooth muscle begins to spasm and surrounding tissues swell from inflammation. At this stage, increased mucus secretion also blocks smaller passages and reduces the flow of air into and out of the lungs. This difficulty in breathing results in wheezing when air squeaks as it passes through the narrow and inflamed airways. An attack causes shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, and an increased respiratory rate. An itchy throat, fatigue, paleness, nervousness and moodiness can all be indicative of an asthma attack.

Extrinsic asthma can be caused by exposure to dust, molds, pollen, cigarette smoke, pollution, and cool and dry air. However, it can also be caused by infection, stress, exercise, or excitement. Anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin can increase the severity of the condition. The other type of asthma, known as intrinsic asthma, can be brought about by factors in the body such as stress and anxiety as well as other unidentified causes.

In severe attacks, low oxygen levels in the blood can cause cyanosis (blue-purple discoloration) in the face and lips. The skin may become very pale. Such attacks can be fatal.

Breathing with asthma is most difficult when breathing out because the lungs collapse to expel the air. Further narrowing of the passages makes the obstruction even worse and results in a dry cough as the body tries to clear the airways.

Asthma is usually and inherited illness but is not contagious. About 10% of people in the US suffer from asthma and more than half of them developed the condition before age 10.

Herbs Used:
Achilea millefolium (Yarrow), Robinia pseudoacacia (Yellow Locust), Plantago maior (Plantain), Thymus vulgaris (Thyme), Tussilago farfara (Coltsfoot), Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel), and Pimpinella anisum (Anise).

HS Products:
Asthicin Tincture and Tussilin Syrup.

Recommendations:
Asthicin will show the greatest benefits if used twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening, for a continuous use of four weeks. People who suffer from asthma may also have other respiratory problems and may benefit from using Tussilin syrup. For example, if the person suffers from dry coughing, we recommend using Asthicin in the morning and Tussilin in the evening.