According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, over 25 million American adults and children have asthma (1). Asthma attacks can be uncomfortable and frightening, so effective management of this condition is key to living a healthy, everyday life. Unfortunately, many people are oblivious that the body’s systems are interconnected. While asthma may be a respiratory condition, the autonomic nervous system can contribute to the worsening or alleviating of symptoms. Chiropractic care can also help. This article will explain how.
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What is asthma?
Asthma is an inflammatory condition of the airways to the lungs. Asthma makes breathing difficult. During an asthma episode, a patient may find it challenging or impossible to perform some physical activities.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 25 million Americans are asthmatic (2). It has a very high prevalence among children. 1 out of every 12 children has asthma (3).
To know what happens during an asthma attack, you need to understand the breathing process in humans. For every breath you take, air goes through your mouth or nose, down your throat, and into your airways. Then, from the airways, the air gets into your lungs.
The lungs contain many small passages that help extract oxygen from the air you breathe into your bloodstream.
An asthma patient experiences symptoms when the lining of the airway swells and the airway muscles tighten. More mucus will then be formed in the airways, filling them up and reducing the amount of air that can pass through.
These conditions can trigger an asthma attack characterized by tight chest tightness and coughing.
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What are the symptoms of asthma?
Wheezing is the most typical symptom of asthma. Wheezing is simply a whistling or squealing sound that occurs when you breathe.
Other symptoms of asthma may include:
· Tightness in the chest
· Coughing, mostly at night, during exercise, or when laughing
· Difficulty talking
· Shortness of breath
· Fatigue
· Panic or anxiousness
· Trouble sleeping
· Rapid breathing
· Chest pain
· Frequent infections
The symptoms that a person experience depends on the type of asthma that the person has.
For some patients, their asthma symptoms occur consistently throughout the day. For others, their symptoms may be triggered by specific activities.
It is important to note that not every asthma patient will experience these symptoms. However, if you’re experiencing symptoms typical of an asthma attack, make an appointment to see your healthcare provider.
I’d also like to say that even if you manage your asthma well enough, you may still experience flare-ups, at least occasionally. However, most flare-ups may improve with an inhaler and other quick-acting treatments.
An asthma flare-up is indicated by symptoms such as:
· Difficulty sleeping
· Wheezing
· Coughing
· Fatigue
· Tightness or pain in the chest
· Throat clearing
Asthma and allergies
Many people with asthma also experience allergies. Although they are related, it is essential to note that allergies differ from asthma.
On the other hand, allergens like mold, pollen, animal dander, and dust mites can worsen asthma symptoms by causing inflammation in the airways.
In addition, allergic asthma is often seasonal because it goes hand-in-hand with seasonal allergies.
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Possible causes and triggers of asthma
Asthma is more common in children, but it is important to note that many people do not develop this condition until they become adults.
Researchers have not identified a single cause for asthma (4). Instead, medical researchers believe that various factors, including causing an asthma attack
· Genetics. You’re more likely to develop asthma if your family has a history of this condition.
· Viral infections. People with severe viral infections in the past, like respiratory syncytial virus infection (RSV), are more likely to develop asthma.
· Hygiene. According to the hygiene hypothesis, babies not exposed to enough bacteria in their formative years may have weak immune systems incapable of fighting asthma and other allergic conditions.
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Many factors can trigger asthma or aggravate the symptoms. In addition, asthma triggers vary, and some people may be more sensitive to specific stimuli than others.
The most common asthma triggers include:
· Exercise
· Health conditions, like respiratory infections
· Environmental irritants
· Pests
· Intense emotions
· Allergens
· Certain medications, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin
· Extreme weather conditions.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic care for asthma
There is a close connection between the respiratory and the immune system. Because of this interconnection, it is common for allergies and asthma to occur together.
Immune and respiratory functions are controlled and regulated via proper communication between the spinal cord and the brain. It is important to note that the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a subdivision of the body’s nervous system that helps to organize the functions of the blood vessels, glands, and organs.
Certain conditions may cause the ANS to become irritated. One of these conditions might involve misalignment of the top neck bones (Foundational Shift).
As a result, the response from the immune system can be limited, and respiration may be affected. This limited response by the immune system occurs in asthma patients.
Finding an upper cervical chiropractor who will take specific imaging studies of your top neck region (the upper cervical region) to locate the exact point where the vertebrae are misaligned is crucial.
At our office, Foundation Chiropractic, we take specific Upper Cervical radiographs to determine the exact shift of the upper neck region. We then utilize state-of-the-art equipment, as seen in our Foundational Scans, objectively monitor progress throughout the healing process.
When to see an upper cervical chiropractor
At the moment, asthma cannot be cured by conventional medicine. However, upper cervical care can decrease the severity of your symptoms. You can also improve your quality of life by adopting specific lifestyle changes.
If you’ve not been diagnosed with asthma but are experiencing symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath, disclose it to your healthcare provider.
After receiving your diagnosis, you should see your upper cervical chiropractor regularly, especially if you have persistent symptoms.
Call your healthcare provider immediately if you:
· Cannot perform daily activities
· Feel weak
· Have a cough or wheeze that won’t subside
It is necessary to educate yourself about your condition and its symptoms. Having adequate knowledge about your symptoms will improve your lung function and make you feel more proactively.
Foundational Shift (upper cervical subluxation)
Takeaway
Asthma is a respiratory condition that causes inflammation of the lungs. When you have asthma, it’ll be difficult to breathe. Asthma can affect both children and adults in different forms. The level of severity also differs.
Upper cervical care can correct a Foundational Shift back to normal, correcting the misaligned top neck bones where respiration may be affected. This will remove the obstruction that impacts the autonomic nervous system, and once your nervous system is restored, your asthma symptoms can improve significantly.
Call or text 813–578–5889 to schedule your complimentary consultation to see if this unique chiropractic form suits you.
Disclaimer: Dr. Berner does not diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical diseases or conditions; instead, he analyzes and corrects the structure of his patients with Foundational Correction to improve their overall quality of life. He works with their physicians, who regulate their medications. This blog post is not designed to provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment, or services to you or any other individual. The information provided in this post or through linkages to other sites is not a substitute for medical or professional care. You should not use the information in place of a visit, consultation, or the advice of your physician or another healthcare provider. Foundation Chiropractic and Dr. Brett Berner are not liable or responsible for any advice, the course of treatment, diagnosis, or any other information, services, or product you obtain through this article or others.
