Asthma is a growing problem among uk children. For most kids, it means long-term use of inhaler and taking asthma control drugs. But does it have to be that way? We don’t think so.

Do you know how to recognise if your child has asthma?

Children affected by asthma might seem
well most of the time, but suffer from
periodic asthma attacks. Symptoms may
include coughing, wheezing and whistling
sound, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and mucus production. Asthma in younger children may also present with repeated episodes of bronchitis, pneumonia, and croup, chronic cough with colds, and recurrent chest congestion.

What can trigger an asthma attack?

Asthma attacks are often triggered by an
allergic reation, for example to house mites, house dust, spores, moulds or pollen. Some foods such as diary and eggs can cause allergic reaction in some children and precipitate an asthma attack. Other possible triggers are smoke, respiratory infections or emotional
stress. A healthy child can cope with these factors, but the asthmatic child’s system is usually out of balance and creates an exagerated response.

Why asthmatic children can’t cope with these triggers?

Often it starts with a constitutional weakness of the immune system. This can be due to a hereditary weakness or repeated past infections. Antibiotics are often prescribed to help the body deal with an infection. They help in the short-term, but in the long-term they can supress the immune system. Studies also
suggest that some vaccinations might provoke an immune system response which predisposes the body to lung conditions.

The organs most often involved in asthma
are lungs and kindeys. Lungs are directly
responsible for breathing. They have strong relationship to kidneys as they both maintain

the Ph balance of the body. Lungs and colon are also very closely connected, in Chinese medicine they even form a pair, thus disturbance in colon can manifest as breathing problems. Another important realationship is the one between lungs and skin. In Chinese medicine, skin is like the outer lungs. This explains why so many asthmatic children suffer also from eczema.

Will your child outgrow asthma?

During the teenage years, the symptoms of asthma will disappear in approximately threequarters of all children with the condition. However, if the underlying cause has not been
resolved, asthma can return in adulthood.

What can you do to prevent asthma attacks?

• Identify and avoid potential triggers.
• Make sure your child adopts good posture.
• Avoid overstimulation such as playing
computer games.
• Diet is very important. Avoid mucus producing foods, especially diary products.
• Encourage gentle exercise.
• Work on balancing the immune system with the help of natural medicine.

Is there a treatment for asthma?

Conventional medical drugs can alleviate the symptoms, but don’t treat the underlying problems. The natural approach aims to build the constitution, strengthen the immune system, improve lung function, and relieve the respiratory symptoms of cough and wheezing.

A number of safe and effective herbal and homoeopathic formulas exist that can control asthma in children, replacing their inhaled bronchodilator and steroids, and simultaneously build the immune system to prevent further
attacks.It must be remembered that children cannot stop their conventional medications suddenly, and should not do so without professional guidance.

Dr. Thomas Marshall-Manifold has over 25 years experience helping people with variety of health problems, including asthma. He developed a unique system of health testing and uses natural
therapies including Acupuncture, Herbalism, Complex Homoeopathy and Chiropractic Technique.

Contact www.wimbledonclinic.co.uk or call 020 8540 3389.