Treatment of Asthma
By Dr Mohammed Sarwar Khan.

In Allopathic medicine asthma is defined as a pulmonary disorder.  It is characterized by wheezing and dyspnea (difficulty of breathing). The symptoms are caused by the obstruction and inflammation of the airways. There are many causes of asthma. Allergens such as pollens, smoke, alcohol, house dust and animal hair may trigger an asthma attack.  Asthma may also be induced by non-allergy related factors such as exertion, cold air, stress, anxiety, crying, hearty laughing, and viral infection. Common diseases associated with asthma include sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and hyperthyroidism.

Allopathic medicine uses the application of drugs for the treatment and maintenance of acute asthma attacks. Each drug has different side effects.  Common side effects of the drugs include increased heart rate, nervousness, restlessness, headache, muscle tremors, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, insomnia, and in severe cases, seizures and arrhythmia (heart palpatations).

In Chinese medicine, asthma is called "Xiao Chuan, " which means wheezing and dyspnea, respectively.  Chinese medicine classifies Xiao and Chuan as two separate illnesses with different treatments.  Xiao (wheezing) is characterized by a whistling sound during breathing, increased respiration rate, dyspnea and inability to rest in a horizontal position.  Chuan (shortness of breath) is characterized by dyspnea, constant opening of the mouth to grasp air, raised shoulder, flared nostrils and inability to rest in a horizontal position.  Patients with Xiao (wheezing) generally will have Chuan (shortness of breath), while patients with Chuan (shortness of breath) may or may not have Xiao (wheezing). In Allopathic medicine, wheezing and shortness of breath are both considered as symptoms, which may be present in many different types of pulmonary syndromes such as asthma, acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis and emphysema (enlargement of the air sacs in the lungs causing breathlessness).

In Chinese Medicine, there are many factors that may trigger an asthma attack.  Examples include the invasion of the external pathogenic factors, diet, emotional disturbances, congenital weakness and chronic illnesses.

The fundamental cause of asthma is the presence of phlegm.  In Chinese Medicine the Lung, Spleen and Kidney control the passage of water. Imbalance of Yin and Yang in any of these three organs may lead to stagnation of the water circulation. Yin is the hydrating system of the body.  The Yang in the body represents the warming function of the cells, their metabolism and other active process. An imbalance in either Yin or Yang contributes to the production and storage of phlegm in the Lung. Storage of phlegm in the Lung becomes the main cause for recurrent asthma attacks. 


There are many different causes and treatments for asthma:

1: Asthma Due to Cold :

 In our culture we talk about catching a cold. In Chinese Medicine we can catch a cold or there can be an accumulation of heat in the body.  Cold initially attacks the Lung, the normal activity of the Lung to dominate “Qi” and control respiration is disturbed.  “Qi” is simply the energy in our body. The bronchi become constricted leaving the patient feeling congested in the chest.  Patients show hyperventilation, shortness of breath, tachypnea, tightness and a suffocating feeling of the chest.  Phlegm  also begins to form.  Chills, intolerance to cold (cold temperature, cold food, drinks), absence of perspiration, headache, body aches and pain are general signs and symptoms of cold attacking the body.

TREATMENT:

An herbal formula prescribed to the patient that dispels the cold, warms up the interior, eliminates phlegm and relieve bronchial spasm.   Acupuncture treatment for cold asthma sedates the Lung and eliminates the phlegm. The points are sedated and left in place for 30 minutes. Cupping is also applied with acupuncture.

2. Asthma Due to Heat :

When heat attacks the Lung, the Lung is no longer able to dominate the Qi and control respiration. Patients generally experience a choking sensation and coughing spells. Patients also have phlegm characterized by wheezing. Fever, irritability, perspiration, headache, thirst with desire to drink, flushed face, possible fever with aversion to cold are some of the symptoms of asthma due to heat.

TREATMENT:

The herbal formula prescribed clears the Lung heat, dissolves phlegm and relieves asthma.  Acupuncture treatment disperses the Lung, clears the heat, dissolves the phlegm, and lowers adverse rising Qi.
3: Asthma Due to Deficiency
It is very common for patients who have recurrent asthma attacks to have Kidney deficiency. There is phlegm stagnation in the Lung which is characterized by recurrent or continuous wheezing (worsens after exertion). There is also Kidney “Qi” or “Yang” deficiency characterized by difficult inhalation.  Asthma attacks can also be caused by Spleen and Lung deficiency. 

TREATMENT:

Acupuncture treatment for deficiency-type asthma is to tonify the underlying deficiency, dissolving the phlegm and relieving the asthma.  Ear acupuncture is employed to treat the endocrine and sympathetic Nerve. Three to four points on the ear are selected for each treatment.

PREVENTION
The best prevention against asthma is the avoidance of the triggering factors.  External pathogenic factors, such as wind-heat, wind-cold, or drastic change in temperature can be avoided by staying home or wearing adequate clothing when exposed. Allergens such as pollen may be avoided by wearing a facial mask.  A balanced diet low in spicy, raw, greasy, sweet food will also reduce the frequency of asthma attacks. Patients should always warm up before exercising. Vigorous exercise is not recommended. Patients should perform the desired activities at a slower pace.

At the CHINESE HOSPITAL Chinese medical specialist will provide the best treatment available for asthmatics.  The patient can rest assured that they will receive the best and most comfortable treatment available for their condition.