Asthma and other breathing conditions
An estimated 17.6 million people in Canada and the United States have asthma. The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported a 61 percent increase in the incidence of asthma between 1982 and 1994.
Asthma is the most prevalent of chronic diseases in children. Approximately 33 percent of asthma patients are diagnosed under the age of 18.
Diagnosing asthma is often difficult due to other potential lung diseases that exhibit the same symptoms. Diseases that cause similar problems are bronchitis and emphysema, particularly among people who smoke. Cardiovascular diseases may also cause breathing problems.
CAUSAL FACTORS
The precise etiology of asthma remains unclear. Research into the causes of asthma confirm that both genetic predisposition and subsequent environmental exposure to asthma allergens are integral to the development of asthma.
Asthma attacks result from an inflammatory process in which the airway becomes targeted by the immune system. The pathophysiologic processes responsible for the changes observed in the airways are complex. Endocrine, neurological, immunologic and possibly also psychological factors may be involved in the onset and promulgation of the asthmatic response.
Studies of twins and families have demonstrated that asthma is an inherited of polygenic origin. If neither parent has asthma, the chances of each of their children having asthma are less than 10 percent. When one parent has asthma, the likelihood rises to 25%, and when both parents have asthma, there is a 50 percent chance of a child developing the condition.
Environmental factors leading to asthma include viral respiratory infections, such as influenza or bronchitis; bacterial infections including those affecting the sinuses; allergic rhinitis; irritants, such as perfumes, pollution, cigarette smoke, dust, and household; sudden changes in either temperature or humidity, especially exposure to cold air; allergens (for people with allergies); emotional stress; and exercise.
TREATMENT MODALITIES - ASTHMA
Asthma responds very well to preventive measures such as understanding and avoiding triggers.
Click here to view asthma risk factors and wellness tips for your patients.
Click here to view general wellness tips for your patients.
Medications - Asthma:
Medications for asthma are divided into those for the long-term and those for the short-term.
LONG TERM MEDICATIONS
Corticosteroids, inhaled
Inhaled corticosteroids are used for long-term suppression, control and reversal of inflammation. They block late reaction and over reaction to allergens and also inhibit immune response and capillary leakage. Inhaled corticosteroids function by suppressing the generation of cytokines, recruitment of eosinophils, and release of inflammatory mediators.
Corticosteroids
Oral corticosteroids provide prompt, short-term (3-10 days) control of inadequately controlled persistent asthma. They may be used for long-term symptom prevention in severe persistent asthma. Like inhaled corticosteroids, these drugs function by suppressing the generation of cytokines, recruitment of eosinophils, and release of inflammatory mediators. Oral corticosteroids suppress, control, and reverse inflammation.
Cromolyn Sodium & Nedocromil
These drugs are used for long-term prevention of symptoms may modify inflammation. They work by blocking chloride channels and through modulation of mast cell mediator release and eosinophil recruitment. Cromolyn sodium and nedocromil are normally used for preventive treatment prior to exposure to exercise, cold, dry air or a known allergen. These medications are anti-inflammatory in action. They block early and late reaction to allergens.
Methylxanthines
These medications are used for long-term prevention of asthma symptoms, especially nighttime symptoms. Methylxanthines are bronchodilators and may also inhibit the inflammatory response. They increase the ability of the diaphragm to contract and assist the body in clearing mucus.
Leukotriene Modifiers
These are used for long-term control and prevention of symptoms in mild persistent asthma. They are believed to block the action of leukotrienes, which play a role in inflammation and allergic reactions.
Long-Acting Beta2-Agonists
These medications are used for long-term prevention of symptoms, particularly nighttime symptoms, when accompanied by anti-inflammatory therapy. These medications have a duration of action of at least 12 hours. They should not be used to treat acute symptoms. Long-acting beta2-agonists also inhibit the inflammatory response, decrease blood vessel permeability, and clear out mucus.
SHORT-TERM MEDICATIONS
Short-Acting Beta2-Agonists
These drugs provide fast relief for acute symptoms. They are normally prior to exercise, as they prevent exercise-induced spasms of the muscles around the bronchial tubes.
SUBSTANCES THAT MAY HELP CONTROL THE INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE
Nutricol®
Available as the OTC supplement Recovery® in many pharmacies, Nutricol® is proposed to reduce the inflammation that precipitates an asthma attack. Nutricol® (Recovery®) is an anti-catabolic agent that works at cellular level to help stabilize the tissues and reduce the inflammatory response. Biomedica Labs also believes that this proprietary blending of plant nutrients naturally increases the cells' receptivity to hormones such as insulin, which are required for healthy tissue maintenance and repair.
The ultimate goal of Recovery® is to inhibit the absorption of airborne compounds that may provoke spasm in the airways and to inhibit the abnormal release of compounds such as leukotrienes, through stabilization of the cell membranes.
Recovery® is proposed to aid in the restoration and maintenance of airway passage epithelial tissue and the mucosal protective linings, effectively decreasing irritation of the epithelial tissue and reducing immune provocation via antigen absorption. Recovery® is additionally proposed to stabilize mast cell membranes. This prevents excessive degranulation, in turn decreasing the release of histamines, leukotrienes and other mediators of asthma reactions.
Recovery® contains the active ingredient Nutricol®, a disease modifying anti-catabolic agent (DMAC®), which Biomedica Labs is proud to introduce to health care professionals.
Biostructural® Medicine goes beyond simply addressing symptoms and focuses on the degenerative process and optimal healing.
Nutricol® (Recovery®) may be safely combined with other medications or taken on its own to help counter inflammation and improve the quality and rate of healing.
Information for Doctors: Print an 6-page detailed information package that provides the following:
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Click here to view feedback from health professionals and users about the results noted from Recovery® with Nutricol®.