An Asthma patient seen inhaling his medication. (Photo by Avijit Ghosh/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
The long-term negative effects of oral medications used to treat asthma can be severe and irreversible, say experts
Childhood asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects millions of children worldwide. It is characterized by recurrent episodes of wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. While conventional treatment options like bronchodilators and corticosteroids are widely used, they can come with side effects like nausea, vomiting, and headaches. Long-term side effects of orally consumed medicines given in cases of asthma can be serious and irreversible. Homoeopathic treatment, on the other hand, offers a safe, effective alternative that doesn’t have any side effects.
Diagnosis of asthma in children can be challenging as the symptoms can be like other respiratory conditions. A single episode of breathing trouble or prolonged cough should not lead to a diagnosis of bronchial asthma. The primary symptoms of asthma in children include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis.
The conventional treatment for asthma in children typically involves the use of inhalers and other medications that help reduce inflammation and open up the airways. However, these medications can have side effects and may not be suitable for all children.
In homoeopathy, treatment protocols using commonly available homoeopathic medicines are widely used in practice. Co-morbidities and attendant symptoms are important. Asthma may co-exist or alternate with eczema. Breathing trouble may be preceded by violent bouts of sneezing. The homoeopath will take a detailed medical history and physical examination to determine the protocols of treatment. The remedy is chosen based on the principle of “similarity,” which means that the remedy or remedies should match the patient’s symptoms as closely as possible.
Homoeopathic remedies work by stimulating the body’s natural healing mechanisms. They are thought to work by correcting the underlying imbalance that is causing the symptoms. This means that the treatment is not just addressing the symptoms but also addressing the root cause of the condition. Therefore, it is possible to expect that patients may show a significant reduction or disappearance of their illness. It is not always possible to avoid all triggers of asthma. Homoeopathy is particularly important when the triggers are not avoidable or if the entire list of triggers cannot be identified. It is also important to note that agents triggering illnesses like asthma may keep changing in the same patient.
Homoeopathic remedies are prepared from natural substances like plants, minerals, and animal products. They are highly diluted, which means that they are safe and free from side effects. Homeopathy has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of health conditions, including childhood asthma.
Homoeopathic remedies for childhood asthma include Chelidonium Majus, Ipecacuanha, Antimony Tartaricum and others. Arsenicum album is often used for violent sneezing and colds which may accompany or precede an episode of asthma.
Parents should avoid overmedicating their children by pre-empting a worsening which may not occur. Also, we should never prioritize attendance at school or our own attendance at work over genuine issues of health in a child. These factors should not be part of the decision-making process of increasing or changing medicines. It is important to stay calm and objectively assess the child’s condition. Older children may keep asking for more conventional medicines for quick relief. This may not always be warranted.
During phases of betterment, it is important to inculcate healthy habits in children. Going to bed early, engaging in outdoor physical activity and avoiding the consumption of packaged food and beverages, help. Reducing the use of perfumes, room fresheners and other odorous agents can also reduce the frequency and intensity of asthmatic episodes.
