If you’ve ever had an asthma attack, you know how scary it can be. It feels as if a elephant has sat upon your chest. The harder you try to breathe, the harder it becomes to inhale.

---

Understanding an Asthma Attack

Asthma occurs when the bronchi in your lungs (tiny sacs) become irritated and swell. The swelling takes up room your lungs would have used for air, and as you struggle to breathe, the irritation increases, causing even more swelling. This is why staying calm and resisting the urge to cough can help you get through an asthma attack sooner than if you struggle to breathe deeply and cause more irritation.

---

Asthma as a Health Concern

Asthma has become increasingly significant problem. In the past 20 years, the number of patients diagnosed with asthma has doubled.

---

Can Chiropractic Care Improve Asthma?

The Michigan chiropractic Council MCC conducted a study evaluating the qualitative and quantitative effectiveness of chiropractic care on children suffering from asthma. 70 chiropractors located in 62 cities contributed to the study, offering statistical reports on the effects of chiropractic care on 80 children diagnosed with asthma.

The average age of the study participant was 10 years old. “After 30 days of chiropractic healthcare, patients averaged only one attack, whereas prior to the study they were experiencing more than four attacks,” said MCC Dr. Bob Graham, director of the study. “Medications, which can be costly, were decreased by nearly 70%. Finally, patient satisfaction was rated 8.5 on a scale of 10.”

---

Lifestyle Changes to Improve Asthma

In addition to chiropractic care, asthma patients will find the following options to be helpful:

• Replace the air filters in your home often
• Invest in mattress covers, pillow covers, and hypoallergenic bedding
• Wash bedding often to reduce dust mites
• Look into possible side effects of medications you are taking, especially aspirin, beta blockers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and
  eye drops as these medications can aggravate asthma
• If you suffer from exercise-induced asthma, discuss a customized exercise program supervised by a healthcare provider to improve lung health in a safe manner
• Try to avoid ingesting sulfites or MSG since both additives can trigger asthma attacks
• Eat more vegetables and avoid animal proteins which include arachidonic acid, which is a precursor for inflammation
• Eat foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids such as fish or fish oil
• Take vitamin C supplements as these have been proven to reduce allergic reactions and may reduce wheezing

---

Looking for Huntersville Natural Asthma Treatment Options?

I have found that the combination of chiropractic adjustments specific to asthma, combined with acupuncture aimed at improving overall immune system and lung function, is very effective in treating asthma. Our patients typically report that they are able to decrease their amount of inhaler or medication usage once they begin regular chiropractic and acupuncture care.

Please call our office to schedule a complimentary consultation. We look forward to helping!