Asthma has become common only very recently. In fact, the yearly number of new cases of asthma has nearly doubled since 1980. Unfortunately, asthma is a complicated clinical process, and to date no cure has been found. Asthma can be managed, but not cured. Currently, over 24 million Americans live with asthma. The World Health Organization reports that an estimated 300 million people worldwide have asthma.
It is natural to wonder what has changed in the last thirty years. Why are asthma cases on the rise? Some possible factors in the rise of asthma include C-sections, bottlefeeding, antibiotic exposure for infants, obesity, less playtime outdoors, increased environmental chemicals and allergens, decreased air quality, and food preservatives. There is also debate on whether or not specific vaccines, such as the DTP vaccine, correlate with higher rates of asthma in children.
What are appropriate strategies to control asthma symptoms? To manage asthma, health experts regularly recommend drugs, inhalers, and avoiding allergic triggers. It is important to remember that asthma ought to be managed by a primary care physician and a specialist. However, it is easy to understand why many asthma sufferers continue to look for alternative solutions to avoid possible dependency on long-term pharmaceuticals.
How We Can Help Your Asthma
There are several mechanisms by which chiropractic can help non-musculoskeletal conditions or relieve symptoms which mimic musculoskeletal conditions. A multinational survey of non-musculoskeletal benefits of chiropractic indicated improvements in breathing, digestion, and circulation.
The purpose of the chiropractic adjustment is always the same: to relieve interference and disturbance in the nervous system, which is usually preceded by a local inflammatory reaction. Depending on which nerves are affected, the resultant dysfunction can affect any part of the body, since the entire body and every organ is controlled and regulated by the nervous system.
Your lungs are no exception. The expansion and contraction of your airways are controlled by nerves. The diaphragm, which causes your lungs to inflate or deflate, is controlled by nerves. The blood vessels to the lungs are controlled by nerves. The immune system (which controls your body's reaction to allergens) is so closely intertwined with the nervous system that they are now often called the neuroimmune system.
Thus, it makes sense why chiropractic can help relieve asthma symptoms. There is a collection of studies which indicate a positive subjective and objective benefit to chiropractic care for asthma patients, and not a single adverse reaction among nearly 6000 patients. In another study, chiropractors learned that chiropractic adjustments were causing positive changes in the blood levels of IgA (an immunoglobulin which reacts to allergens) and cortisol (which suppresses the immune system). A recent systematic review of the research literature indicates positive clinical evidence for chiropractic effectiveness in asthma patients.
Dr. Johnson will always perform a detailed history and exam for your condition, and will co-manage your asthma with your primary care provider. You may find relief with gentle chiropractic care and management!
Provided by the ACA
- Use air filters to help clean air in your home.
- Cover mattresses and pillows with dust covers and use hypoallergenic bed clothing to reduce exposure to dust mites.
- If your condition is getting worse, get checked for viral respiratory infections. Endocrine factors, such as menstruation, pregnancy, and thyroid disease, may exacerbate asthma, as well.
- Some medications (aspirin; beta-blockers, including eye drops; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, etc.) can also precipitate or aggravate asthma symptoms.
- If your asthma is exercise-induced, an individually prescribed exercise program carefully chosen under the guidance of your primary health care provider or doctor of chiropractic should be incorporated into the treatment plan.
- Avoid sulfites or monosodium glutamate (MSG) in foods. Since both additives are used in a wide variety of foods, carefully read processed food labels and choose MSG-free foods when eating out.
- Choose a more vegetarian-type diet. Animal proteins found in meat include arachidonic acid—a precursor for inflammation.
- Include foods with omega-3 fatty acids in the diet—such as fish or fish oil.
- Supplement with vitamin C, which helps reduce allergic reactions and wheezing symptoms.
- To reduce stress in your children, spend quality time with them and limit their exposure to TV programs that include violence.