"Asthma!" - so many of us suffer from it or have close family or friends whose lives it compromises. Its incidence continues to rise, and theories abound as to why - increasing chemicals in the environment, too much hygiene, incautious administration of medication, food additives, infections, stress..............but, whatever the cause, homeopathic treatment can help. Because homeopathy treats each person holistically, and matches remedies to each person's unique set of symptoms, there are a wide range of remedies which may be effective.

Where asthma is associated with acute allergic reactions which produce hives, Apis helps, especially where there is tight, painful breath and it feels as if each breath would be the last. Many asthmatics are highly reactant to perfumes, and may find Sanguinaria helpful. Molds and mildew, especially rotting leaves, are problematic for others, who may find relief from Blatta. People who are oversensitive in general, and tend to have "irritable airways" may find their asthma is improved by Chamomilla. Exposure to any smoke or dust may be relieved by Natrum Arsenicosum. or Bromium if the asthma is better by the sea. Cats are allergenic for many, and a dose of Pulsatilla, Arsenicum or Tuberculinum may be helpful.

Many remedies are helpful where attacks occur after colds and chest infections: Phosphorus is indicated when every cold goes to the chest producing a tight, tickling cough and wheezing, relieved by lying on the left side; Antimonium is associated with bronchitis, especially in the elderly and children, where there is mucous in the chest with rattling respiration, and a wet-sounding but unproductive cough, while Arsenicum is characterised by tight wheezes or an oppressive feeling in the chest without wheezing, made better by lying down or sitting upright or bent forward: the person who needs this remedy is usually very chilly and restless, anxious and fearful. Kali Sulphuricum is excellent in cases of asthma associated with lingering infections and where there is such loud wheezing in the sleep that it can be heard on entering the room, and its relative, Kali Bichromicum is associated with asthma with acute bronchitis and sticky mucous, and a cough made worse from eating.

The origin of the word 'asthma' is from the Greek, meaning panting breath, which nowhere near describes the terrifying suffocative feeling which many asthmatics experience. The remedy Lachesis is indicated where there is a sensation of being choked or suffocated, with a sudden tightening in the throat and chest, which often comes on during sleep and is accompanied by the desire to rip away clothing or covers from the throat or chest, and Cuprum is called for when there are tremendous spasms and the face turns blue.

These are only a few of the remedies available to the homeopath - in other words, there are as many remedies as there are asthmatics.

If you are asthmatic it is crucial to consult your medical doctor, because deaths from asthma are increasing, and allopathic medications and interventions can be life-saving: it is always better to err on the side of caution. Even if you are taking allopathic medications, homeopathic treatment may still be helpful, though it may take much longer and be more challenging, especially in chronic, complex cases where the unique symptoms are masked by the medication. The homeopathic remedies will not interact with or adversely effect any allopathic treatment.