Asthma is a lung disease characterized by obstruction of the airways, caused by spasms in the muscles surrounding the bronchi (small airways of the lungs). The bronchial tubes swell and become plugged with mucus. This inflammation irritates the airways, causing further problems. Symptoms of an asthma attack include coughing, wheezing, tightness in the chest, and difficulty breathing. The attack can last a few minutes or several hours.

The spasms of an acute attack are not the cause of the disorder, but are a result of chronic inflammation and hypersensitivity of the airways to certain stimuli. An attack can be triggered in a sensitive individual when exposed to an allergen or irritant.

Asthma can be classified as either allergic or nonallergic, or can occur together. Common allergens provoking an asthma attack include animal dander, chemicals, drugs, dust mites, environmental pollutants, feathers, food additives (such as sulfites), fumes, mold, and tobacco smoke. Anything can be an allergen, and can precipitate an asthma attack in a sensitive individual.

Factors that can trigger nonallergic asthma attacks include anxiety, adrenal gland disorders, temperature changes, exercise, extreme dryness or humidity, fear, laughing, low blood sugar, respiratory infection, and stress.

Medical scientists are growing increasingly alarmed over the epidemic rise in the number of new asthma cases each year. There is a wide spectrum of possible causes, including pollution, global warming, food additives and modifications, genetics, toxins, and allergens.

A holistic approach to the treatment of asthma promotes treating the root cause of the hypersensitivity, eliminating any exposures to triggers, and strengthening the immune system to become less reactive.

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