Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the bronchial tubes (wind pipes) that causes swelling and narrowing of the airways. The result of this is difficulty in breathing. The bronchial narrowing is usually either totally or at least partially reversible with treatments. Bronchial tubes that are chronically inflamed may become overly sensitive to allergens or irritants. The airways may become narrow and remain in a state of increased sensitivity. This is called "airway hyperreactivity� It is likely that there is a range of airway hyperreactivity in all individuals. However, it is clear that asthmatics and allergic individuals have a greater degree of airway hyperreactivity than nonasthmatic and nonallergic people. In sensitive individuals, the bronchial tubes are more likely to swell and constrict when exposed to triggers such as allergens, tobacco smoke, or exercise. Asthma affects people differently. Each individual is unique in their degree of reactivity to environmental triggers. This naturally influences the type and dose of medication prescribed, which may vary from one individual to another. Asthmas are either episodic for new and recent cases or persistent for old and long standing cases. The onset is sudden lasting for few hours to few days. The attack usually reverts to normal with the help of proper medication.

Severe attack of Asthma:
There is shortness of breath, breathlessness. There will be wheezing sound in the chest and prolong expiration. Person experiences tightness in the chest. The heart rate increases which is experienced as fast heart beats. There is dry cough in the initial stage followed by wet cough. During very severe attacks, the person can become blue due to inadequate oxygen supply. This condition is known as cyanosis, and can experience chest pain or even loss of consciousness. Before such attack there is numbness in hands and legs and they start sweating. There is feeling that the body is becoming cold. Such signs of attack are warning signs that the attack is really very severe and the person needs immediate hospitalization.

Prognosis of Asthma:
Asthma can be prevented by identifying the triggering factor and by avoiding it. Care of asthma should be taken as prompt treatment as well as avoiding exposure to allergens and irritants. Asthma has a range of out come after treatment. In some cases asthma can be completely cured where as in some cases good control over asthma attacks and ability to perform day to day activity with ease can be a significant achievement.

Role of Homeopathy in Asthma:
Homeopathy offers great promise in treatment of asthma. Homeopathic treatment can reduce person’s sensitivity to various allergens and irritants. Thus homeopathic treatment can reduce frequency and intensity of attacks. Homeopathy can help reduce the need for antiasthamatic drugs and steroids.


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