Asthma
Dr. Weyrich's Naturopathic Functional Medicine Notebook
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Overview
Asthma is an inflammatory condition of the lungs that is characterized by wheezing and difficulty in exhaling. A key diagnostic feature is that the symptoms are relieved by "rescue inhalers" that dispense a bronchodilating drug (e.g. albuterol). Over time, the inflammatory nature of asthma attacks lead to accumulating damage to the lung tissues and what is called "remodelling". Hence, prevention of asthma attacks is the main focus, with symptomatic relief as needed.Ideally, every asthmatic should carry a "rescue inhaler" and never have to use it.
Treatment
Treatment is aimed at control - which is defined as preventing the onset of symptoms. Avoidance of triggers and immune suppression are the two main approaches taken by conventional medicine to achieve control.Hypotheses
In some cases, asthma may be worse in cold weather. While this is usually attributed to the irritating effect on lung tissue of cold, dry air, one author has suggested that hypothyroidism may play a role as well [Starr2005, pg 103].ICD-9 Codes
| ICD9-Code | Description | Comments |
|---|---|---|
References
Unless specifically noted above, references used in the construction of this web page include the following:[FDM] Lecture notes from Functional Medicine University.
[SCNM] Lecture notes from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine.
[UT] Lecture notes from the University of Tennessee graduate programs in Chemistry and Biochemistry.
[Starr2005] Mark Starr. Hypothyroidism Type 2: The Epidemic. Columbia, MO: Mark Starr Trust (2005).
Copyright © 2007-2010 Dr. Weyrich (Naturopathic Medical license number 07-1008). The information on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This web page is http://www.DrWeyrich.com/disorders/asthma.html - Phone Dr. Weyrich at (480) 423-6952