WHAT IS ASTHMA?

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM)

The TCM patterns that most closely relate to asthma are similar to the underlying causes for allergies. An imbalance in the Lung, Kidney and/or Spleen/Pancreas organ systems weakens the bodies defense mechanisms which results in the asthmatic profile.

TRADITIONAL WESTERN MEDICINE, (TWM).
Asthma is an acute and intermittent constriction of the small and large airways, typically complicated with thick, excess mucus, which leads to shortness of breath and wheezing.

There is often an allergy history as well as a family history of asthma. The various mechanisms that produce the symptoms are well delineated, however, the underlying cause is unknown.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

TWM and TCM.
The characteristics are: wheezing; difficulty breathing; chest tightness; cough; thick sputum; sudden onset; and may be episodic or chronic. Between attacks patients are usually free of any symptoms.

HOW IS IT TREATED?

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE, (TCM)
Depending on the status of the attack, acupuncture and/or herbs may be used separately or in combinations with most Western drugs. If there is a current breathing problem, then, the focus is the same as above, to relax the spasm, promote removal of the mucus and neutralize any secondary factors contributing to the attack.

Once the severity of the problem is addressed, or in cases where the symptoms are not life threatening, then the underlying imbalance is diagnosed and treated. TCM identifies multiple subtypes that implicate which organ system is most prominently imbalanced, each of which has its own additional characteristic symptoms.

Formulating a more precise diagnosis, thus, provides a more focused and individualized treatment plan whose goal is to decrease the frequency and severity of future attacks.

TRADITIONAL WESTERN MEDICINE, (TWM)
The main focus is on dilating the bronchial airways that are in spasm with a variety of drugs called bronchodilators, mucolytics and anti-inflamatories, such as steroids. Depending on the severity of the symptoms the drugs can be taken as pills, inhalers or by injection. To prevent recurrences the same approach is utilized as with allergies: desensitization shots; avoiding allergens and possibly antibiotics.