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| Standard Definition |
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Asthma is a lung disorder involving inflammation of the airways with excessive mucus and swelling, resulting in obstruction of airflow. Irritants, allergens or other triggers cause spasms of the bronchial passages resulting in a characteristic asthma attack. |
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| Underlying Disruption in Function |
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Environmental pollution may be one of the contributors to this growing epidemic. Work exposure to flour or cotton dust, animal fur, smoke, and a wide variety of chemicals has been linked to increased risk of asthma, as has a growing incidence of food and chemical allergy and sensitivity. Dietary inadequacies, poor nutritional quality, increased saturated and trans fatty acids plus reduced omega 3 fatty acid intake may also be contributing to a physiology that is more prone to inflammation and allergy. Intake of trans polyunsaturated fatty acids has been associated with the development of asthma and allergies in children. Controlling environmental stimuli or triggers, Anti-inflammatory, Bronchodilator, Antimicrobials are included in treatment strategy. Discerning and eliminating triggers is key in treating asthma. Following nutritional guidelines and using herbal support as needed may be effective in reducing inflammation and hypersensitivity reactions. |
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| Possible Causes, Triggers & Exacerbating Factors |
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- Hypersensitivity to aeroallergens (including dust mites; cockroaches; dog, cat, or other animal proteins; fungal spores; pollens; dusts; and fumes)
- Respiratory infections
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Air pollutants, such as tobacco, aerosols, perfumes, fresh newsprint, diesel particles, sulfur dioxide, elevated ozone levels, and fumes from chemical-cleaning agents and gas stoves
- Meteorological changes in temperature and humidity
- Exercise
- Emotional behaviors that alter breathing such as laughing, shouting, or crying
- Family history of allergies or asthma
- Genetic predisposition to immunoglobulin E (IgE) and genes located on chromosomes 5, 6, and 11 to 14
- Exposure to aeroallergens and pollutants
- Viral respiratory illness
- Exposure to tobacco smoke
- Exposure to irritants
- Low socioeconomic status
- African- and Hispanic-American race, for both prevalence and severity
- Age and sex–older women and children
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| Common Signs & Symptoms |
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- Shortness of breath or dyspnea
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness or constriction
- Cough (can be the only symptom)
- Blue fingertips or lips
- Flattened diaphragm and hyperinflated chest
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| Possible Additional Integrative Medicine Diagnostic Tests |
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This is additional information that does not replace nor negate conventional diagnosis. Other tests may be useful depending on the individual circumstance.
- Allergy and food intolerance testing
- Biochemical assessments
- Heavy Metal and Toxicity assessment
- Digestive function assessment
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