2 aug 2022
breathing, asthma, lungs
Asthma is an inflammation of the lungs in which the airways constrict excessively and cause breathing problems. This is also called bronchial hyperactivity and is often accompanied by wheezing, coughing, tightness of breath or shortness of breath. The narrowing of the airways can be caused by allergic stimuli, such as house dust mites, pollen and food allergens including milk, or non-allergic stimuli such as cigarette smoke, exhaust fumes or a viral infection. Allergic asthma is more common in children, while in old age it is more often non-allergic asthma.1 In any case, the lung disease is always caused by a disturbance in the functioning of the immune system.2 As soon as the lungs are stimulated by substances for which a sensitivity exists, the mucous membranes swell and more fluid and mucus is produced. In addition, the muscles in the airways cramp and thus narrow the airways, making breathing more difficult. Respiratory complaints usually arise in children who go to primary school. Treatment consists of the use of a puffer, or inhaler, containing anti-inflammatory drugs and/or drugs that widen the airways.1 Unfortunately, these treatments cannot cure the disease. The question is therefore whether something can be done about asthmatic complaints from a complementary point of view. The
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