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Read Dr. Elena Krasnov's Weekly Column in the Health & Fitness section of the 24 Hours Magazine. Look for new articles every week!

Monday, November 09, 2009

Proactive Plan for Asthma Sufferers

Q: Dear Elena: I am 27 years old and have always dealt with a bad case of asthma. I have taken puffer after puffer, but I never seem to feel like I am actually helping to make it better. I feel it is taking care of my symptoms for the moment. Can you tell me if there are is anything I can do to be more proactive?

A: Many asthma sufferers have allergies, but not all people with allergies have asthma, and not all cases of asthma can be explained by allergic response. Asthma is most likely caused by many factors coming together, that can include genetics and various environmental and biologic triggers such as infections, diet, hormonal changes in women, and allergens. Nearly half of adults with asthma have an allergy-related condition, which, in most cases developed first in childhood. Important irritants or allergens include: Dust mites, animal dander, pollen, mold, fungus, cockroaches (major asthma triggers), fossil fuels, smoke and air pollution.

The triggers for asthma can be primarily allergic or primarily emotional or induced by exercise or respiratory infection, or it can occur with no obvious causes. It is now being considered an inflammatory disorder.

I often recommend a combination of homeopathic remedies and herbal extracts. It starts the healing process and minimizes the frequency and severity of attacks so that the patient can start feeling sufficiently better to cut down on the frequency of taking puffers and other meds.

For acute attacks, try lobelia, or Indian tobacco (Lobelia inflate). Mix three parts tincture of Lobelia with one part tincture of capsicum (red pepper, cayenne pepper). Take twenty drops of the mixture in water at the start of an asthmatic attack. Repeat every thirty minutes for a total of three or four doses. Having a hot cup of coffee can on occasion also stop an asthmatic attack due to caffeine’s ability to dilate bronchial tree.

For long term control and prevention I recommend the following to  my patients:

• Take daily doses of Tartephedreel (Heel) is very useful, I recommend 10 drops up to 4 times per day.
• Respiratory Support Formula from (Pure Encapsulations) containing anti-inflammatory herbs.
• Omega 3 fish oils up to 3000 mg per day act to support the anti-inflammation pathway.
• Eliminate milk and milk products, Eat organically grown fruits and vegetables as much as possible.
• Eliminate polyunsaturated vegetable oils, margarine, vegetable shortening, all foods that might contain trans-fatty acids (such as deep-fried foods).
• Always drink plenty of water to keep your respiratory tract secretions more fluid.
• Try to eliminate (one at a time) wheat, corn, soy and sugar for six to eight weeks to see if the condition improves.
• Minimize contact with respiratory irritants, such as smoke, dust, molds, and volatile chemicals. Remove sources of offending materials from your home, install a good air filtration system, or consider moving if the air is generally bad where you live.

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Dr. Elena Krasnov is a registered Naturopathic Doctor and Clinic Director of the Toronto Naturopathic Clinic. Submit your questions online at 24hrs.ca

Co-written by Miranda Tallon-Malisani Holistic Nutritionist