Asthma

Signs, symptoms & indicators of Asthma:

Lab Values - Cells

Elevated eosinophil count is often a sign or symptom of Asthma

(Slightly/highly) elevated eosinophil count

Somewhat elevated basophil count may be a sign or symptom of Asthma

(Highly/somewhat) elevated basophil count

Symptoms - Environment

Difficulty breathing in cold weather

Asthma attacks are usually triggered by the body's response to an allergy, but inhaling cold air can also trigger bronchospasms.

Counter-indicators:

Breathing unaffected by cold weather

Asthma attacks are usually triggered by the body's response to an allergy, but inhaling cold air can also trigger bronchospasms.

Symptoms - Nails

Blue/bluish fingernails

Symptoms - Respiratory

Wheezing after exercise only or wheezing

Chest tightness

As the airways become inflamed and filled with mucus, and the smooth muscles in the airways constrict, chest tightness may be experienced as the feeling of not being able to move air in and out of the lungs. This feeling may in turn increase anxiety, which worsens the feeling of tightness. These may occur after exposure to a trigger, or a specific irritant, or after exercise.

(Intermittent) difficult exhalation

Easily becoming short of breath is often a sign or symptom of Asthma

Being short of breath when inactive or easily becoming short of breath

Recent/chronic productive cough

Not all people with asthma wheeze. For some, chronic coughing, which often occurs during the night or after exercise, may be the only symptom.

Shortness of breath when at rest

Counter-indicators:

Absence of wheezing

Absence of difficult exhalation

Conditions that suggest Asthma:

Dental

Bruxism (Clenching/Grinding Teeth)

Allergy may play a role in bruxism. It is noticed that bruxism is more frequent in those experiencing periods of allergic rhinitis or asthma.

Respiratory

Collapsed Lung

Asthma increases the risk of a collapsed lung.

Symptoms - Respiratory

Asthma (confirmed)

Risk factors for Asthma:

Allergy

Allergy to Cow's Milk

"Symptoms of milk-protein allergy include cough, choking, gasping, nose colds, asthma, sneezing attacks..." [Annals of Allergy, 1951; 9]

Allergy to Foods (Hidden)

Asthma is one of the three manifestations of a pattern of allergy that is called atopy. The associated disorders are eczema and hay fever. Asthma due to allergy can come from both airborne and food sources. Patients with delayed pattern food allergy have the most severe and persistent inflammatory form of chronic asthma.

While airborne problems are more obvious to asthmatic sufferers, food problems may be a well-hidden source of lung disease. Many studies of food allergy involve patients with food-induced asthma. Eczema and asthma are often associated in atopic patients with food allergy.

In a group of 320 children with atopic dermatitis, 55% had asthma. Food challenges triggered respiratory symptoms in 59% (rhinitis, laryngeal edema, wheezing, and dyspnea). Asthma is frequently treated only as an airborne allergy problem or as a problem unrelated to allergic processes and the possible role of food allergy is neglected. It is overlooked because the usual skin tests are often negative and the history is often not helpful as symptoms appear gradually, hours or days after ingestion of the food. Milk, wheat, egg, yeast, preservatives, colorings, coffee and cheese are the main foods implicated.

Food allergens may be found in the bloodstream within circulating immune complexes that trigger the release of immune mediators into the bloodstream. These chemicals cause a variety of symptoms, including constriction of the bronchial smooth muscle in the lungs; this is the first event during an asthmatic attack. Airflow is reduced in the narrowed tubes. Air has a harder time leaving the lungs than entering, with the result of prolonged noisy exhalation. This inflammatory, obstructive phase is the most important mechanism of chronic asthmatic bronchitis.

Childhood

Past and future vaccination may increase risk of Asthma

Past vaccinations or past and future vaccination

Findings from animal and human studies confirm that DTP (diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis) and tetanus vaccinations can induce allergic responses [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] and can increase the risk of allergies, including allergic asthma. An analysis of data from nearly 14,000 infants and children revealed that having a history of asthma is twice as great among those who were vaccinated with DTP or tetanus vaccines than among those who were not [6].

[1] Vaccine 1995;13: pp.669-73
[2] Pediatr Allergy Immunol 1997;8: pp.83-7
[3] Pediatr Allergy Immunol 1994;5: pp.118-23
[4] Adv Immunol 1996;61: pp.341-403 [review]
[5] J Allergy Clin Immunol 1974;54: pp.25-31
[6] J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2000;23: pp.81-90

Metabolic

Problems Caused By Being Overweight

Being overweight increases the risk of asthma. [Arch Intern Med 1999;159: pp.2582-8] Obese people with asthma may improve their lung-function symptoms and overall health status by engaging in a weight-loss program. A controlled study found that weight loss resulted in significant decreases in episodes of shortness of breath, increases in overall breathing capacity, and decreases in the need for medication to control symptoms. [BMJ 2000;320: pp.827-32]

Nutrients

Vitamin B6 Requirement

Children with asthma have been shown to have a metabolic defect in tryptophan metabolism. Tryptophan is converted to serotonin, a known bronchoconstricting agent in asthmatics. Studies have shown that patients benefit from either a tryptophan-restricted diet or B6 supplementation to correct the blocked tryptophan metabolism. Pyridoxine may also be of direct benefit to asthmatic patients, since it is a key cofactor in the synthesis of all the major neurotransmitters.

Selenium Requirement

Dietary consumption of apples and selenium intake (assessed by food frequency questionnaire) were each associated with a reduced risk of asthma in an English study of adults. [Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2001;164(10): pp.1823-28]

Symptoms - Environment

High/high air pollution exposure

The number of people with asthma and the death rate from this condition have been increasing rapidly since the late 1980s. Environmental pollution may be one of the causes of 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. [Blanc PD, Eisner MD, Israel L, Yelin EH. The association between occupation and asthma in general medical practice. Chest 1999;115: pp.1259-64]

Asthma suggests the following may be present:

Allergy

Allergy to Foods (Hidden)

Inflammation

Chronic Inflammation

Asthma is simply a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways rather than some other part of the body, such as the joints. People with asthma have inflamed, hyperreactive airways that produce excessive bronchial mucus.

Nutrients

Vitamin B6 Requirement

Recommendations for Asthma:

Botanical

Ephedra (Ma Huang)

Ephedra contains ephedrine and variable quantities of pseudoephedrine. These components are still widely prescribed and effective drugs in the treatment of asthma, particularly in chronic cases.

Ephedrine is an approved over-the-counter (OTC) treatment for bronchial tightness associated with asthma. OTC drugs containing ephedrine can be safely used by adults in the amount of 12.5 to 25mg every four hours. Adults should take a total of no more than 150mg every 24 hours and refer to labels for children's dosages. Ephedra sinica continues to be a component of traditional herbal preparations for asthma, often in amounts of 1 to 2gm of the herb per day.

Licorice Root

Glycyrrhizin, found in licorice root, shows steroid-Iike activity and has a long history of use as an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic agent, actions which have now been documented. Glycyrrhiza is an expectorant, which can be useful for relieving asthma.

Cayenne Pepper

Capsaicin, cayenne pepper's major active component, induces long-lasting desensitization of airway linings to various mechanical and chemical irritants. This effect is probably due to capsaicin-induced depletion of substance P in the respiratory tract nerves. The respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts contain neurons which have large numbers of substance P receptors. Depletion of substance P may be desirable in asthma.

Frankincense

Boswellia

Coleus

A small double-blind trial found that inhaled forskolin could decrease lung spasms in asthmatics. [Clin Pharmacol Ther 1993;43: pp.76-83] It is unclear if oral ingestion of coleus extracts will provide similar benefits.

Ivy Leaf

A controlled trial in a group of children with bronchial asthma found that 25 drops of ivy leaf extract given twice per day was effective in improving airflow into the lungs after only three days of use. [Münch Med Wschr 1998;140: pp.32-6] However, the incidence of cough and shortness of breath symptoms did not change during the short trial period.

Standardized ivy leaf extract can be taken by itself or in water at 25 drops twice per day as a supportive treatment for children with asthma. [Giornale Italiano de Dermatologia Venereologia 1993;128; pp.619-24] At least double this amount may be necessary to benefit adults with asthma.

Tylophora

One clinical trial with asthma sufferers found that tylophora leaf (150mg of the leaf by weight) chewed and swallowed daily in the early morning for six days led to moderate to complete relief of their asthma symptoms. [J Allergy 1969;43:145-50] In a follow-up trial with asthma patients, an alcoholic extract of crude tylophora leaves in 1gm of glucose had comparable effects to that of chewing the crude leaf. [Ann Allergy 1972;30: pp.407-12]

Another trial found similar success in reducing asthma symptoms using a tylophora leaf powder at 350mg per day. [J Indian Med Assoc 1978;71: pp.172-6] However, the tylophora was not as effective as a standard asthma drug combination. One double-blind trial failed to show any effect on asthma for tylophora. [Ind J Med Res 1979;69: pp.981-9]

Tylophora leaf at 200-400mg of the dried leaf per day or 1-2ml of tincture per day can be used to treat asthma.[Clinical Applications of Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs. Warwick, Queensland, Australia: Phytotherapy Press, 1996: pp.134-6]

Picrorhiza

Two open-label, non-placebo, controlled human studies have shown picrorhiza to be of benefit in asthma. [Indian J Pharmacol 1975;7: pp.95-6, J Postgrad Med 1977;23: pp.118-20] However, a follow-up double-blind study did not confirm these earlier findings. [J Postgrad Med 1983;29: pp.89-95]

Diet

Plant-Based Nutrition

A long-term trial of a vegan diet (elimination of all animal products) provided significant improvement in 92% of the 25 patients who completed the study. Drinking water was limited to spring water (chlorinated tap water was prohibited), and coffee, tea, chocolate, sugar and salt were excluded. [Journal of Asthma 1985; 22:44, p.13]

Food Additive Avoidance

The elimination of food additives is important in the control of asthma. Some asthmatics react to additives such as sulfur dioxide, tartrazine (yellow dye #5), and sodium benzoate, as well as natural salicylates (aspirin-like substances found in many foods). [J Asthma 1985;76: pp.40-5, Pediatrics 1984;73: pp.631-7] Sulfites in particular have been reported to cause asthma attacks in susceptible individuals. A doctor or an allergist can help determine whether chemical sensitivities are present.

Therapeutic Fasting

Fasting lowers the allergic reactions causing asthma.

Increased Fruit/Vegetable Consumption

Vitamin C, present in fruits, is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Its anti-inflammatory activity may decrease the incidence of asthma symptoms. A large preliminary study has shown that young children with asthma experience significantly less wheezing if they eat a diet high in fruits rich in vitamin C.

Dietary consumption of apples and selenium intake (assessed by food frequency questionnaire) were each associated with a reduced risk of asthma in a case-control study (607 cases and 864 controls) of adults aged 16-50 in England. [Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2001;164(10): pp.1823-1828]

Alcohol Consumption

Red wine intake was associated with reduced asthma severity in a study of adults in England. [Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2001;164(10): pp.1823-1828]

Digestion

Hydrochloric Acid (Trial)

An older study showed that 80% of children with asthma had gastric acid secretions below normal levels.

Drug

LDN - Low Dose Naltrexone

Habits

Tobacco Avoidance

Even second-hand smoke should be avoided. In a study of passive smoke exposure, cotinine levels, when tested in asthmatic children, correlated with their bronchial sensitivity. The higher the level of cotinine in the child's urine, the worse the child's bronchial sensitivity. This held true for adults also. [Clin Chem 1999;45(4): pp.505-509]

Lab Tests/Rule-Outs

Test for Food Allergies

Many studies have indicated that food allergies play an important role in asthma. Negative reactions to food may be immediate or delayed. Immediate onset sensitivities in children are usually due to egg, fish, shellfish, nuts, or peanuts. Foods most commonly associated with delayed onset include milk, chocolate, wheat, citrus, and food colorings. Elimination diets have been successful in treating asthma, especially for infants.

Mineral

Magnesium

Magnesium levels are frequently low in asthmatics. [J Lab Clin Med 1940;26: pp.340-4] Current evidence suggests that high dietary magnesium intake may be associated with better lung function and reduced bronchial reactivity. Intravenous injection of magnesium has been reported in most, but not all, double-blind trials to rapidly halt acute asthma attacks.

Magnesium supplements may reduce the bronchoconstriction in asthma by relaxing the muscle around the bronchial tubes. Intravenous solutions containing magnesium and other nutrients have been used successfully to break acute asthma attacks. Oral use improves breathing in asthmatics and the improvement correlates with serum magnesium levels.

In a preliminary trial, 18 adults with asthma took 300mg of magnesium per day for 30 days and experienced decreased bronchial reactivity. [Magnesium-Bulletin 1997;19: pp.4-6] However, a double-blind trial investigated the effects of 400mg per day for three weeks and found a significant improvement in symptoms, but not in objective measures of airflow or airway reactivity. [Eur Respir J 1997;10: pp.2225-9] The amount of magnesium used in these trials was 300 to 400mg per day (children take proportionately less based on their body weight).

Molybdenum

Molybdenum may be useful in the treatment of certain cardiovascular conditions, asthma, allergies and mercury toxicity. Because of its involvement with sulfur, it may be warranted to use in asthma that is associated with sulfite sensitivity.

Selenium

People with low levels of selenium have a high risk of asthma. [Clin Sci 1989;77: pp.495-500] Asthma involves free-radical damage [N Engl J Med 1991;325: pp.586-7 (letter)] that selenium might protect against. In a small double-blind trial, supplementation with 100mcg of sodium selenite (a form of selenium) per day for 14 weeks resulted in clinical improvement in six of eleven patients, compared with only one of ten in the placebo group. [Allergy 1993;48: pp.30-6] Most doctors recommend 200mcg per day for adults (and proportionately less for children) - a higher, though still safe, level.

Salt Intake Reduction

Studies suggest that high salt intake may have an adverse effect on asthma, particularly in men. In a small, preliminary trial, doubling salt intake for one month led to a small increase in airway reactivity (indicating a worsening of asthma) in men with asthma, as well as in non-asthmatics. [BMJ 1988;297:454] At least four double-blind trials have provided limited evidence of clinical improvement following a period of sodium restriction. It is difficult to compare the results of these studies because they used different amounts of sodium restriction. However, they consistently suggest that increased dietary sodium may aggravate asthma symptoms, especially in men. [Clin Exp Allergy 2000;30: pp.615-27]

Nutrient

Lycopene

Lycopene helps reduce the symptoms of asthma caused by exercising. In one double-blind trial [Allergy 2000;55: pp.1184-9], over half of people with exercise-induced asthma had significantly fewer asthma symptoms after taking capsules containing 30mg of lycopene per day for one week compared to when they took a placebo.

Oxygen / Oxidative Therapies

Ozone / Oxidative Therapy

Physical Medicine

Calming / Stretching Exercises

Studies conducted at yoga institutions in India have reported impressive success in improving asthma. For example, one study of 255 people with asthma found that yoga resulted in improvement or cure in 74% of asthma patients. Another study of 114 patients treated over one year by yoga found a 76% rate of improvement or cure and that asthma attacks could usually be prevented by yoga methods without resorting to drugs.

Another Indian study of 15 people with asthma claimed a 93% improvement rate over a 9-year period. That study found improvement was linked with improved concentration, and the addition of a meditative procedure made the treatment more effective than simple postures and breathing exercises. Yoga practice also resulted in greater reduction in anxiety scores than drug therapy. Its authors believe that yoga practice helps patients through enabling them to gain access to their own internal experience and increased self-awareness.

A study of 46 adolescents with asthma found that yoga practice resulted in a significant increase in pulmonary function and exercise capacity and led to fewer symptoms and medications. Patients were given daily training in yoga for 90 minutes in the morning and one hour in the evening for 40 days. Practice included yogic cleansing procedures (kriyas), maintenance of yogic body postures (asanas), and yogic breathing practices (pranayama).

Vitamins

Bioflavonoids

Quercetin appears to be important in the prevention of asthma attacks. It has been shown to inhibit histamine release from mast cells and basophils when stimulated by antigens (triggers). In addition, quercetin has both a vitamin C-sparing effect and a direct stabilizing effect on membranes, including mast cells. It is also an antioxidant. Other flavones also inhibit histamine release, but to a lesser degree.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Supplementation with 1gm of vitamin C per day reduces the tendency of the bronchial passages to go into spasm [Lung 1976;154: pp.17-24], an action that has been confirmed in double-blind research. [Ann Allergy 1990;65: pp.311-4] This amount of vitamin C, while providing benefit, is not curative. Beneficial effects of short-term vitamin C supplementation (i.e., less than three days) have been observed. In one double-blind trial, 500mg of vitamin C per day for two days prevented attacks of exercise-induced asthma. [Ann Allergy 1982;49: pp.146-51]

Both treated and untreated asthmatic patients have been shown to have significantly lower levels of ascorbic acid in both serum and white blood cells. Ascorbic acid has a wide variety of pharmacological effects that appear important in asthmatic treatment.

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamine)

In one clinical trial, weekly 1,000mcg intramuscular injections produced definite improvement in asthmatic children. Of 20 patients, 18 showed less shortness of breath on exertion, as well as improved appetite, sleep, and general condition. When given sublingually prior to a sulfite challenge, vitamin B12 appears to be especially effective in cases of asthma caused by sulfite sensitivity.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E has multiple actions that makes it a useful supportive agent in asthma treatment.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Vitamin B6 deficiency is common in asthmatics. [Ann Allergy 1975;35: pp.153-8] This deficiency may relate to the asthma itself or to certain asthma drugs (such as theophylline and aminophylline) that deplete vitamin B6. [Ann Allergy 1990;65: pp.59-62] In a double-blind trial, 200mg per day of vitamin B6 for two months reduced the severity of asthma in children and reduced the amount of asthma medication they needed. [Ann Allergy 1975;35: pp.93-7] In another trial, asthmatic adults experienced a dramatic decrease in the frequency and severity of asthma attacks while taking 50mg of vitamin B6 twice per day. [Am J Clin Nutr 1985;41: pp.684-8] Nonetheless, the research remains somewhat inconsistent, and one double-blind trial found that high amounts of B6 supplements did not help asthmatics who required the use of steroid drugs. [Ann Allergy 1993;70: pp.141-52]

KEY

Weak or unproven link:

may be a sign or symptom of; may suggest; may increase risk of

Strong or generally accepted link:

is often a sign or symptom of; often suggests

Definite or direct link:

is a sign or symptom of; strongly suggests

Weakly counter-indicative:

may contraindicate

Strong counter-indication:

often contraindicates

May be useful:

may help with

Moderately useful:

often helps with

Very useful:

is highly recommended for

Asthma: Overview

Incidence; Causes and Development

Treatment and Prevention

Asthma

Information On This Page

Signs, symptoms & indicators of Asthma:

Lab Values - Cells

Symptoms - Environment

Symptoms - Nails

Symptoms - Respiratory

Conditions that suggest Asthma:

Dental

Respiratory

Symptoms - Respiratory

Risk factors for Asthma:

Allergy

Childhood

Metabolic

Nutrients

Symptoms - Environment

Asthma suggests the following may be present:

Allergy

Inflammation

Nutrients

Recommendations for Asthma:

Botanical

Diet

Digestion

Drug

Habits

Lab Tests/Rule-Outs

Mineral

Nutrient

Oxygen / Oxidative Therapies

Physical Medicine

Vitamins

KEY