What is bronchial asthma? The word asthma originated from the ancient word meaning panting. Essentially, asthma is a chronic inflammation of the breathing airways (bronchi) resulting in obstruction of air flow. In this condition there is a decrease in the size of the lumen, due to an allergic response produced by irritants like pollutants, smoke, dust mite, animal hair, strong odours, tobacco smoke etc.

Caues of bronchial Asthma:
Asthma has a tendency to recur and become chronic It becomes a lifelong disease of suffering if not treated and cured well in the initial stages.

The causes of asthma are often multifunctional. They are:
	Genetic or hereditary cause.
	Environmental pollutants and pollens
	Mental stress weakening the immune system
	Allergens.

How does one arrive at a diagnosis that a particular individual is suffering from asthma or not ?

A detailed medical history and physical examination is done to assess the presence and severity of asthma. The following checks are done:

	Recurrent respiratory infections.
	Sudden episodes of wheezing and shortness of breath when exposed to allergens.
	Allergic cough breath when exposed to allergens.
	Allergic cough becoming worse at night.
	Family history of allergies and asthma.
	Medicines taken to relive cough and breathlessness like bronchodilators (deriphyllin, asthalin, vent-PD)
	On examination, the person’s respiratory rate is far above normal (RR-16 to 20 /min), with intense difficulty while breathing and a peculiar “wheeze” sound coming from the chest.

Other clinical tests to confirm asthma are:-

- CBC
- X-ray chest
- Para nasal sinus spirometry challenge test
- Exhaled nitric oxide test.

Treatment of Asthma
Treatment of asthma is done at two levels. Immediate treatment for controlling acute and severe episodes, either by a nebuliser with a broncho dilator or IV Aminophylline. These treatments however work temporarily.

The other option is by administering proper homeopathic treatment for acute attacks. Correct homoeopathic medicines work in a few minutes to an hour to get the patient stabilized.

How do homeopathic medicines help acute as well as chronic asthma patients get cured ?

Homeopathy is a scientific system of medicine where the approach lies in giving proper constitutional medicine to the patient. The intensity and severity of asthma is mainly due to a weakened immune system due to a disturbance caused in the constitution. Most asthma patients are sensitive to getting wet or any thing connected with water, commonly called hydrogenoid constitution, hence more asthma attacks occur during the winter and rainy season.

Homoeopathic medicines have a very deep penetrating power, although given in minute doses. They work very rapidly bringing the disease under control and improving the overall immune system of the individual, gradually preventing any future attacks of asthma.

Asthma of any intensity and duration can be cured if the patient receives proper homoeopathic constitutional similimum.

Dr. John D Rodrigues, Classical Homoeopath is on the Professional Committee of the Health Promotion Trust and can be contacted on 9821173894 /55228505.