Asthmatic Triggers

 

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Your stomach condition can also cause an asthmatic attack

What you eat could be the culprit


Long-standing asthmatics need to look out for heartburn - a common problem and a likely trigger. Asthmatics go through phases of puffing and wheezing at trivial triggers. When you think you have all of it covered but still find that the cough and breathlessness make their presence felt, in all likelihood the `stomach' could be the culprit. Heartburn or regurgitation of stomach contents is found to be an oft-neglected trigger of respiratory troubles.


Asthma is the condition in which the exchange gases in the lungs is interfered with as the bronchioles, the lifeline of the lungs get constricted on exposure to triggers like dust, smoke, cold and various other allergens. Heartburn is a condition in which the acid produced by the stomach layers after prodding by the vagus nerve is utilised for breakdown of proteins. There is a sphincter at the upper end of the stomach, which prevents the regurgitation of food back into the oesophagus.


But in some conditions either due to excessive production of acid due to foods like coffee, stimulants, oily and spicy foods or erratic life styles involving delayed food habits, going to bed immediately after a meal cause the food to irritate the sphincter. Since the oesophageal layer is not covered by any protective layer it leads to heartburn. Also after a meal there is an increased pressure in the abdomen, which leads to reflux of the fluids and a decreased pressure in the chest of the asthmatics. This is likely to lead an acute episode of breathlessness etc.


If one suffers from non-allergic asthma, the likelihood of stomach juices contributing to the problem is high.


Management and treatment


-Should go to bed two hours after a major meal.


-Moderate portions of food should be taken.-Height of the head side of the bed should be raised.


-Obesity contributes to increase in the pressure in the abdomen and efforts should be made to lose weight.


-Coffee, tea, chocolates, fatty foods, colas and smoking and alcohol have a relaxing effect on the sphincter and need to be taken in moderation.
-Loose belts and clothing should be worn at bedtime.


-Homoeopathic medicine has good remedies like Iris, China and Robinia neutralize the increased acid production. Bryonia, Carbo veg, Hydrastis, Nux vomica improve the digestion and thereby the prompt emptying of stomach prevents any reflux. Antim crud, Phosphorus, Graphites, Kali bich and Pulsatilla are other remedies, which help relieve pressure on the oesophageal sphincter and thereby the recurrent episodes of respiratory difficulty are reduced.

 

DR. VENUGOPAL GOURI
drvenugopal@gmail.com
92463 72625 (mobile)