Disease Index

Homeopathy for Asthma Treatment

homeopathy treatment of asthma
Written by Dr. Manisha Bhatia

Homeopathy treatment of asthma with the types, cause, diagnosis and most common homeopathic medicines for asthma and asthmatic bronchitis.What is Asthma? The condition is clinically characterized by variable cough, chest tightness and wheeze. Asthma occurs when the linings of the lung’s bronchial airway become inflamed or swollen.

What is Asthma?

Cure and Treatment of Asthma. Homeopathic remedies and homeopathy for asthma cure.Asthma is a chronic disorder in which there is inflammation of the bronchial tubes with prominent eosinophil infiltration causing variable airflow obstruction. It affects the airway that carries air to and from our lungs.

Swelling and inflammation makes the airway extremely sensitive to irritation and increases susceptibility to an allergic reaction. As inflammation causes the airway to become narrower, less air can pass through them, both to and from lungs.

The condition is clinically characterized by variable cough, chest tightness and wheeze.

Asthma occurs when the linings of the lung’s bronchial airway become inflamed or swollen, usually due to allergies, airborne irritants or cold weather.  These airways carry oxygen to the blood, and the length of severity of an attack can be fatal. Physiologically, it is a complex cascade of conditions and interactions that lead to acute airflow obstruction, increased mucus production, bronchial hyper-responsiveness, and airway inflammation.

Each of these interactions and their manifestations can be slightly different depending on the individual and can even vary in severity in the same individual due to their internal physiological environment and external factors. It is these physiologic interactions that result in the wheezing and breathing difficulties that the individual experiences and we call asthma.

“The clinical characteristics of asthma are defined as the occurrence of symptoms and the presence of airway obstruction, inflammation, and hyper responsiveness”.

Asthma – CAUSES

According to the etiology, bronchial asthma is divided in the following groups:

  1. Allergic (extrinsic/ atopic) Asthma – This type of asthma usually starts in childhood and is often preceded by eczema. But most of the young adults (<35 yrs) developing asthma also fall in this category. Genetic factors also play a significant role i this. In this type of asthma the allergen leads to production of excessive (IgE) immunoglobulins.
  2. Infective or Intrinsic Asthma – This is not hereditary or allergic, but may be caused by, or at least associated with upper respiratory tract or bronchial infection which is usually viral.
  3. Emotional Asthma – Psychological factors (like anxiety, emotional stress etc) are often considered to be the sole cause of some asthmatic attacks, but it is still not certain whether it can be the sole cause or is only a precipitating factor.
  4. Occupational asthma – This can occur in certain industries in which there is exposure to metallic dusts (esp. platinum salts), biological detergents, toluene diisocyanate, polyurethane, flour and dust from grains etc.

Whatever may be the cause, it ultimately leads to paroxysms of bronchial obstruction produced by widespread bronchial spasm accentuated by plugging of the bronchi with excessive mucus.

Symptoms of Asthma

Difficult breathing (dyspnoea) which produces shortness of breath, with or without tightness in the chest (a feeling of pressure on the chest), is caused by the narrowing of the bronchi and bronchioles. In young children who are unable to express what they feel, parents may sometimes notice fast breathing and “retractions” (the chest being sucked in as the child inhales).

Whistling sounds, or wheezing, may occur because of the decreased size of the bronchi.

Coughing can be severe. In some asthmatic patients, it is the main and sometimes the only symptom. Typically, the coughing occurs mostly at night or early in the morning.

Finally, asthma is often accompanied by bronchial secretions (coughing up mucus and phlegm)

1) Asthmatic patient do not all experience symptoms in the same way or to the same degree. If they are managed well, severe symptoms of asthma can be minimized or eliminated. In severe asthma or when asthma is inadequately treated, symptoms can be continuous.

Symptoms of asthma can be summarized as:

  • Cough
  • Wheeze
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest tightness
  • Rapid pulse
  • Cyanosis
  • Shallow breathing
  • Feeling of suffocation
  • Restlessness
  • Drowsiness
  • Sneezing
  • Anxiety
  • Perspiration
  • Cold extremities
  • Short inspiration
  • Prolonged expiration

Asthma – CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT

While there is no cure for asthma in conventional medicine, symptoms can typically be improved. protection from exposure and management of symptoms are important.

This plan should include –

  • Reduction of exposure to allergens
  • Testing to assess the severity of symptoms
  • Medications

First-line treatment consists of inhaled bronchodilators (e.g., short-acting beta2-agonists) for acute exacerbations and inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., budesonide) for long-term asthma control.

Corticosteroids are generally considered the most effective treatment available for long-term control. Inhaled forms such as beclomethasone are usually used except in the case of severe persistent disease, in which oral corticosteroids may be needed. It is usually recommended that inhaled formulations be used once or twice daily, depending on the severity of symptoms.

Long-acting beta-adrenoceptor agonists (LABA) such as salmeterol and formoterol can improve asthma control, at least in adults, when given in combination with inhaled corticosteroids. In children this benefit is uncertain. When used without steroids they increase the risk of severe side-effects,and with corticosteroids they may slightly increase the risk of renal damage.

Diagnosis of asthma

The diagnosis of asthma is made on the basis of complete history, perceptible sign and symptoms, and proper laboratory investigations.

Family history – patients who have family history of asthma in close relatives are at increased risk.

Environmental factors – environmental factors like certain indoor allergens, animal dander, smoking (passive smoking) may act as a triggering factor for asthma

Occupational history – it is important to identify if the asthma could have been caused by exposure to such agents which can cause or initiate attack at work, by inquiring about previous and current jobs or occupation.

Investigations for asthma

Chest radiograph – may be normal, or show signs of segmental or lobar collapse

Full blood count – to evaluate eosinophilia

Skin prick test – may be performed to identify atopy and to detect particular sensitivity to a specific antigen.

Lung function test – measurement of airway obstruction using a peak expiratory flow meter or spirometer is done.

Airway responsiveness – airway responsiveness is measured by exercise test or exercise provocation test.

IgE and IgE specific antigen – elevation of total IgE supports diagnosis of atopy, and measurement of fractions of IgE specific to one allergen, Radioallergosorbent can be performed in some patients with specific allergic condition.

Bronchoscopy – should be done to assess inhaled foreign bodies, bronchial carcinoma, vocal cord dysfunction.

Asthma – CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT

While there is no cure for asthma in conventional medicine, symptoms can typically be improved. protection from exposure and management of symptoms are important.

This plan should include –

  • Reduction of exposure to allergens
  • Testing to assess the severity of symptoms
  • Medications

First-line treatment consists of inhaled bronchodilators (e.g., short-acting beta2-agonists) for acute exacerbations and inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., budesonide) for long-term asthma control.

Corticosteroids are generally considered the most effective treatment available for long-term control. Inhaled forms such as beclomethasone are usually used except in the case of severe persistent disease, in which oral corticosteroids may be needed. It is usually recommended that inhaled formulations be used once or twice daily, depending on the severity of symptoms.

Long-acting beta-adrenoceptor agonists (LABA) such as salmeterol and formoterol can improve asthma control, at least in adults, when given in combination with inhaled corticosteroids. In children this benefit is uncertain. When used without steroids they increase the risk of severe side-effects,and with corticosteroids they may slightly increase the risk of renal damage.

What can precipitate an asthma attack?

Finding its causal agent is the single most important step you can take toward controlling your asthma. Unless and until you know exactly what brings on your wheezes, you will have trouble treating them. A multitude of substances or bodily conditions precipitate asthma attacks. The most important once are:

– Cold or upper respiratory infections, especially in children

– Allergens (dusts, pollens, molds, animal dander, and so on)

– Foods, especially food additives

– Vigorous exercise

– Hyperventilation (fast, shallow breathing often associated with emotional or stressful experience)

– Certain drugs or medication, especially aspirin and ibuprofen (such as Advil and Nuprin)

– Air pollutants, including tobacco smoke, smoke from wood-burning stoves, and the by-products of automotive of industrial combustion like carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and particular matter.

Homeopathy Treatment for Asthma

Homeopathy treats the person as a whole. It means that homeopathic treatment focuses on the patient as a person, as well as his pathological condition. The homeopathic medicines are selected after a full individualizing examination and case-analysis, which includes the medical history of the patient, physical and mental constitution etc.

General Approach – As far as I know homeopathy is the only system of medicine which tries to ‘cure’ this disease, instead of trying to provide symptomatic relief. While dealing with a case of asthma, a homeopath not only records the symptoms of the disease but also studies the medical history, family history, physical and psychological characteristics of a person. This helps to find  the cause, the precipitating factors, and the hereditary tendency etc. Of special interest to a homeopath is the history of suppression of skin disease.

Homeopaths believe that when there is a tendency or predisposition for a disease – it first manifests on the less vital organs, towards the periphery (like skin). If this manifestation is suppressed than the disease shifts inwards, towards the more vital organs (like lungs, heart, brain etc).

The fact that in children asthma is often preceded by eczema is observed by the allopaths also. This fact is written in all their textbooks of medicine. They say that children often ‘move-out’ of eczema and ‘move-into’ asthma. But they are unable to make a correlation. Homeopaths believe that the suppression of eczema with topical preparations, does not cure the disease/sensitivity of the person, it merely drives it inwards.

Now after ascertaining the symptoms and the cause, the homeopath tries to find a medicine which matches the symptoms as well as the general characteristics of the person. The medicine so selected is administered to the patient.

It is often (not necessarily) observed by homeopaths that when a right medicine is given, the asthma disappears but the old eczema (if it was there originally) reappears for some time, before finally disappearing itself. This reappearance of old symptoms is seen as a reversal of disease process and is considered a very good prognostic sign by homeopaths.

For individualized remedy selection and treatment, the patient should consult a qualified homeopathic doctor in person. Some important remedies are given below for the treatment of asthma:

Homeopathic Medicines for Asthma

Aconite, Kali Carb, Thuja, Natrum Sulph, Belladonna, Ipecac, Aspidosperma, Blatta O, Kali Bi, Kali Phos, Sulphur, Lycopodium, Lachesis, Arsenic Album, Bryonia, Antim Tart, Medorrhinum and many other medicines.

Aconite – excellent  remedy during acute attacks of asthma, which will ease the breathing and cough. Symptoms of dyspnoea are often accompanied by marked anxiety, fear and restlessness.

Arsenic alb – Asthma with great anxiety and restlessness, often worse around midnight and lying down, better by sitting up and warm drinks.

Antimonium tart is a good asthma remedy for children and the elderly especially useful when the asthma has been caused by an infection. The cough will have coarse rattling in the chest on both inspiration and expiration. The patient will be worse lying down and at night generally. They may be irritable and want to be left alone.

Aralia racemosa: Cough associated with constriction of chest, worse lying down, after the first sleep, has to sit up and cough violently; asthma, with oppression as from a weight on stomach, worse night on lying down, better by raising a little tough mucus.

Ephedra vulgaris: Mother tincture is used to control asthmatic attack; in reduced doses it is also helpful in pulmonary heart disease.

Ipecac -Asthma patients who suffer from coughing spasms resulting in vomiting or retching. Cough with violent wheezing; chest feels full of phlegm, but does not come out on coughing; acts well in cases of asthma in children, child becomes stiff with blue face.

Carbo veg Severe acute attacks of wheezing with significant belching and flatus. Patient feels very weak and may collapse.  Asthma in old patients; great perspiration; patient wants fanning all the time; cough spasmodic with vomiting and gagging all the time

Kali carb – this remedy often indicated when the attack comes at night, after midnight, from 2 to 4 am. Symptoms worse from 3.AM – 5AM; pain in chest with dry hard cough; scanty , offensive and tenacious cough; wheezing ameliorated in warm weather.

Belladonna – this remedy works when there are violent spasms of asthmatic breathing attended by constriction of chest. Redness of face during acute bout of cough.

Aspidosperma – It is often used as palliative. Stimulates respiratory center, and removes temporary obstruction, also useful in cardiac asthma.

Blatta orientalis – It is often used as palliative. Complaints get worse in rainy season, cough with much pus like mucus.

Justicia adhatoda: Violent cough with tough expectoration and tightness of chest; great fear of suffocation; usually cough associated with vomiting.

Pothos foetidus: Asthma worse from any inhalation of dust.

Lycopodium – Asthma due to excitement by anger or emotion with fan-like motion of ala nasi.

Pulsatilla Cough with green discharge. The patient must sit up during the crisis and is better for fresh open air. Even fanning may help them feel better. Rich oily food aggravates.

Sulphur – this remedy acts well when asthma is due to suppression of eruptions. Asthma with difficult respiration; worse mid night and morning; craves open and fresh air.

Nux Vomica – attacks of asthma in the morning; with fullness of abdomen after eating.

Natrum sulph. – attacks during wet weather or in rainy season. This remedy acts well when the patient gets attacks every change of season. Cough is relieved by holding chest by hands; asthma with bronchitis; humid asthma; attacks in the morning with loose and copious cough.

Cuprum met – cough with gurgling sound, relieve by drinking cold water; vomiting of cough; attacks of suffocation aggravates 3 AM and cold weather.

Lachesis – asthma symptoms worse after sleep; after taking sour things.

Thuja – asthma in children; face become pale, sickly, and shiny; asthma following vaccination.

Medorrhinum – it is an intercurrent remedy for asthmatic complaints; when other well selected remedies fail to give relief. Cough with chocking; relieved by lying on the face; respiration difficult; wants fanning; feels cold yet removes clothing; complaints worse by damp, wet draught and thunderstorms.

Asthma – CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT

Bronchodilators, anti-allergic drugs, and corticosteroids are commonly used to provide symptomatic relief.

A note on Gordon Sambridge’s Asthma Protocol

Gordon has based his asthma program on 3 ideas:
one is that most asthmatics have a long or intense history of suppression:
the second is that asthma is an atopic condition which means that is either inherited or inheritable therefore miasmatic,
the third is that it is in essence a condition in which beneficial acute inflammation has been shifted into a chronic and detrimental status.

In Gordon Sambidge’s asthma treatment program, the idea is that steroids produce a drug layer that needs to be lifted before any totality treatment would work. Gordon uses several months of Carcinosinum and Cortisone in potency to break through the steroid drug layer. Gordon Sambidge’s asthma treatment program, the idea of which is that steroids produce a drug layer that needs to be lifted before any totality treatment would work. Gordon uses several months of Carcinosinum and Cortisone in potency to break through the steroid drug layer. Gordon Sambidge’s asthma treatment program, the idea of which is that steroids produce a drug layer that needs to be lifted before any totality treatment would work. Gordon uses several months of Carcinosinum and Cortisone in potency to break through the steroid drug layer.

Gordon’s conclusions were therefore that instead of prescribing a totality remedy or indeed a therapeutic only, to first clear the suppression and make a start on the atopy and chronic inflammation at the same time. He argues that if you prescribe a classic polycrest based on totality, the asthma will aggravate, because it is in essence a deeply miasmatic state. He therefore goes through the miasmatic nosodes one by one, starting with Carcinosin and moving on to Tuberculinum once the steroids have been stopped. Ventolin (emergency inhaler) can still be used. In addition to Carcinosin he prescribes Cortisone in homeopathic dilution to clear any side effects the steroid meds may have had and to replace them so that they become unnecessary in good time. He also prescribed a therapeutic asthma remedy to be given once a day and this must be similar to the patient’s symptoms.

Once we are off the steroids, we move to Tuberculinum and add Ventolin as a homeopathic remedy for the same reasons as Cortisone before. Once a significant improvement is apparent, Gordon moves onto either Medorrhinum if the asthma is phlegmy or Psorinum if dry. The therapeutic remedy is still going, but needs to be adjusted to the case at all times. Eventually, after Psorinum or Medorrhinum we get to the totality/constitutional which should completely get rid of the problem in good time. Intercurrents may be necessary, such as emotinally based remedies. Gordon Sambidge recommends Drosera and Pertussin for daily chronic non-asthmatic coughing in children

Asthma – Lifestyle & General Management

  • Avoid the allergen you are sensitive to.
  • Do regular light exercise like brisk walking or jogging. (check our calories burned calculator for walking). Heavy exercise can precipitate an attack of asthma, so always do mild exercise without putting too much strain on your body.
  • Learn breathing exercises to improve your lung capacity. Of especial use is ‘pranayam’, a yoga exercise.
  • Learn some stress relieving exercises, meditation, or yoga to minimize the psychological factors related to disease.
  • Eat healthy, nourishing and well balanced diet.

Cured Cases of Asthma with Homeopathic Medicine

A Case of Asthma – by Roshny Fernandez

A Case of Bronchial Asthma Treated with Homeopathy – by Ramkrishna Valaki

A Case of Asthma – by Aradhana Chitra

A Synergistic Approach in Case of Asthma – by Rishi Vyas

A Case of Asthma – by Kiran Grover

Two Cases: Upper Respiratory Tract Infection and Allergic Asthma – by Gaurang Gaikwad

Vaccinosis Induced Asthma Reversed with Antimonium Tartaricum – by Daniela Karsten

A Case of Asthma – by Chris Jorgenfelt

A Case of Urticaria with Asthma – by Zubin Dehmeri

A Case of Severe Asthma – by Prasad Shetye & Falguni Khariwala

Asthma in a Six Year Old Boy – by Shyam Rai

Asthma in a Boy of 7 – by Ami Bhayani

About the author

Dr. Manisha Bhatia

M.D. (Hom), CICH (Greece)
Dr. (Mrs) Manisha Bhatia is a leading homeopathy doctor working in Jaipur, India. She has studied with Prof. George Vithoulkas at the International Academy of Classical Homeopathy. She is the Director of Asha Homeopathy Medical Center, Jaipur's leading clinic for homeopathy treatment and has been practicing since 2004.

She writes for Hpathy.com about homeopathic medicines and their therapeutic indications and homeopathy treatment in various diseases. She is also Associate Professor, HoD and PG Guide at S.K. Homeopathy Medical College. To consult her online, - visit Dr. Bhatia's website.

4 Comments

  • Good Morning Dr.Mrs Bhatia this is Dr Patel humbly thanks you for publishing a complete article on ASTHMA. It is even helpful for a common person and Maharishi Dr Hahnemann was also dedicated his all life for a common man . During my Ayurvedic practice in Baroda it was always painful to me when a patient tells me that Dr after completion of my treatment I will bring my son for your treatment( b/o can not afford two treatment at a time ) .But I never make them disappointed . but the thing was cogitating in my mind that how to help a common person? One day a Gentleman came to me for Ayu. treatment by ref. And he was a famous Homeopath of the city. He talked to me for an hour and then this Divine journey last for two years and he attuned me with a blessed science and consciousness of Homeopathy. With Ayurveda I also studied Allopathic pharmacology- pharmacognosy so with that knowledge made some dilution. I am a retired person in Los Angeles.Invites you to visit . I will visit you in Jaipur for sure on next visit to India . Again ridayk purvak abhaar

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