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Asthma: Natural and Medical Remedies

Chronic asthma affects millions of people every year, and many of these are children. In fact cases seem to be growing and there is still no sign of a definite cure. As the condition grows in patients, so does the curiosity about the most effective forms of treatment. What do the medicines do? Are there any natural remedies? How effective are the pharmaceutical treatments compared to the natural ones? Which drugs are best for my particular situation? Answering these questions is actually much easier than it sounds, you simply have to learn more about asthma to truly grasp it.

First of all, studies have exposed that there are really two main causes of asthma: airway constriction and inflammation. However, allergies can also effect the symptoms of the condition independently or in conjunction with these two main causes. Accordingly, if you see a medical doctor they will probably prescribe two things: a bronchodilator and an anti-inflammatory. Bronchodilators try to accommodate the first cause by relaxing the muscles in the air passage. Anti-inflammatory medications, of course, prevent inflammation, which is usually do to some kind of negative stigma or irritation.

On the other hand, if you see a naturopathic doctor, they might recommend, first of all, exercise. A slight increase in aerobic activity every day can strengthen your lungs, which reduces the effects of asthma. However they might also suggest that you boost your immune system with supplements or foods that are high in anti-oxidants, like citrus fruits, and colorful vegetables. Obviously, they might also recommend that you attempt to reduce your sensitivity to inflammation by eating foods or herbs that carry that medicinal quality.

Garlic and Ginger are two very important naturopathic substances because they act as expectorants, which help to rid your body of the phlegm produced in your system. Phlegm is a necessary component to clearing the body of unwanted elements and healing but an overabundance makes it much harder to breath. Garlic and Ginger also both possess anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties, which are remarkably effective in easing the symptoms of asthma.

Doctors may also prescribe anti-histamines and decongestants, which can help to clear up the cold-like symptoms by blocking the stimuli that cause them. They block allergy receptors, which usually result in inflammation, and keep the air passages clear of unnecessary phlegm and mucous. There are many herbs that provide the same resuly as well. Aniseed, dried White, Black, Red, and Cayenne peppers; Fennel can act as an anti-inflammatory agent as well. Also, Echinacea, Elderberry, Ginseng, and Goldenseal have all been shown to boost the immune system.

One benefit that herbal asthma remedies have over medical remedies is that they can be mixed relatively freely, with only few exceptions. This means that you can combine them into nearly endless combinations of remedies until you find one that works best for you. Also, you can alter the recommended doses if you want something stronger or even weaker than suggested. Typically, though, with natural remedies, you want to speak to a professional to make sure that you aren't overwhelming your system, which can cause issues if you aren't familiar with the ingredients.

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Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:56:52 EST

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Last modified: Fri May 24 04:25:09 2013
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