Asthma is characterized by inflammation and high activity in the airways, stemming from an imbalance in the immune system.  The immune system can be separated into two parts, Th1, which fights against viral, bacterial, and other live infectors, and Th2, which fights against metals, chemicals, and allergens.  It has been shown that people with asthma have an increase of Th2 and a decrease of Th1 creating an imbalance.  This imbalance pushes the body to produce many inflammatory chemicals that prime the body for an asthma attack. This imbalance happens when there is too much of an offending substance (metals, chemicals, or allergens) for the body to eliminate.  The immune system gets stuck fighting in the Th2 pathway and continues to produce the high amounts of inflammatory chemicals.  To treat asthma, the underlying cause of the heightened Th2 pathway must be identified and eliminated. We can do this through laboratory testing and once the cause is known the treatment is applied.

Along with identifying the cause of asthma, there have been many other health problems associated with asthma. While it is not certain which came first the asthma or the other problems, both need to be treated for true health to be obtained.

Candida, or yeast, has been shown to be common in many people who suffer from asthma.  This is not surprising, because if we look back at the cause of asthma, it is an imbalance in the immune system. When the immune system is busy fighting the metals or chemicals, yeast is able to slip in and set up shop before the immune system has a chance to fight it.

Another health problem associated with asthma is acid reflux. Again, this is not surprising, because a common cause of reflux is a bacterial infection from H. Pylori. Just as the yeast is able to slip in and take over, so does this bacteria.

While some supplements have shown promise in helping relieve symptoms of asthma, they may or may not be treating the underlying cause. Vitamin C is an excellent antioxidant and will help reduce inflammation and balance the immune system. Vitamins B6 and B12 were both shown in studies to reduce symptoms of asthma.

Asthma affects about 10% of the people in the U.S. and is the fourth leading cause of disability in children. To improve the health of those suffering from asthma, teach them that identifying the underlying cause will not just treat the symptoms, but will also fix the problem. Pass this along to them and have them call us to learn more about asthma treatments.