Bronchial asthma is a disease that affects the lungs by allergies or infections resulting in narrowing of airways which causes difficulty in breathing and cough.
General Instructions while taking Homoeopathic Treatment
Medicines as indicated in this handout should be taken if the symptoms mentioned against each medicine match those of the patient.
Medicine to be taken - 3 globules of size 40 every 3 hours dry on the tongue or in plain drinking water.
Medicine should be taken after cleaning the mouth and preferably on an empty stomach.
If improvement occurs within 24 hours then medicine should be stopped.
If the patient does not improve within 24 hours or becomes worse at any time, then consult the nearest homoeopathic doctor.
Medicines must be kept away from strong smelling substances like camphor, menthol etc.
Medicines should be kept in a cool, dry place away from direct exposure to sunlight.
Medicines should be kept away from the reach of children.
Types of Asthma
Extrinsic asthma precipitated by allergens (substances that cause allergy).
Intrinsic asthma precipitated by infections. Approximately 75 to 80 percent of children with asthma have significant allergies.
Precipitating factors
Exposure to -
Common outdoor factors: Pollens - from trees, plants and grasses, including freshly cut grass and mould etc.
Common indoor factors: Animal dander - from pets with fur or feathers. Dust and dust mites - in carpeting and pillows etc. Cockroach droppings.Indoor mould etc.
Exercise - running or playing hard, especially in cold weather
Upper respiratory tract infections - colds or flu
Emotional upset
Irritants: - Cold air, strong smells and chemical sprays; perfumes, paint and cleaning solutions. Chalk dust, lawn and turf treatments; weather changes ; cigarette and other tobacco smoke.
Signs and Symptoms
Sudden and acute attack of:-
Breathlessness
Cough
Wheezing ( a whistling sound during breathing)
Chest tightness
These symptoms vary from person to person and from time to time in the same person. Some people have all the symptoms, while others may have only cough or breathlessness.
Management
Avoid exposure to the precipitating factors.
The patient may require hospitalization if he complaints of:
Uncontrolled bouts o f coughing or wheezing
Chest tightness or pressure
Intense breathing difficulty
What Homoeopathy can do?
Improves self defense mechanism of the body.
No side-effects of medicines.
Helps in reducing the frequency and severity of subsequent attacks
Following are some of the first line medicines for Bronchial Asthma of recent origin but it is advised that a qualified homoeopathic doctor should be consulted.
Complaints
Medicines
Sudden wheezing and suffocation
Cough with constant gagging and vomiting
Chest seems full of phlegm but no sputum comes out
Profuse salivation with thirstlessness
Ipecacuanha 30
Breathlessness more at midnight
Cannot lie down due to fear of suffocation
Feels thirsty with frequent sipping of water
Anxiety and fear of death
Arsenic album 30
Asthma during damp weather
Must hold the chest when coughing
Thick, ropy and greenish expectoration
Natrum sulphuricum 30
Asthma with upset stomach
Attack worse in morning, after eating or after getting angry