Welcome to the Children's Clinic!

Asthma Form

Printable version

Triggers of Asthma

Asthma is a chronic breathing disorder that is characterized by tight airways of the lungs as a result of airway hyper-responsiveness. Our airways are designed to be responsive to harmful substances in the air. For instance, if we are exposed to a cloud of smoke, our airways will shrink, protecting our delicate lung tissues from the noxious ingredients in the smoke. Normally, the airways return to normal when we begin to breathe fresh air. People with asthma, however, have an exaggerated tightening response. Hyper-responsive airways tighten in three ways in response to triggers. First and most immediately, a smooth muscle surrounding the airways constricts, narrowing the caliber of the airways. Second, the airways are narrowed by inflammation and swelling of the airway lining. This leads to the third component of airway narrowing, which is the accumulation of mucus and other fluids, which can plug the airways.

Inflammation is the most important part of the disease. It perpetuates the cycle of airway narrowing. Inflammation is also the slowest to respond to treatment and is why it is important to treat asthma with Chinese Herbal Medicine in the remission stage to prevent it from reoccurring.

There are various triggers in the environment that more commonly cause this tightening response. The triggers in asthma sufferers vary from person to person. Many of the same factors that trigger allergies also trigger asthma. If a person reduces their exposure to them, it will mean less inflammation, fewer symptoms, and a potentially lower dose of medication. Consider the following important triggers of asthma:

Viral infections are the most common triggers in young children and are often treated with unnecessary antibiotics. Chinese medicine, unlike modern medicine, treats viral infections very well and once again demonstrates why it is important to use TCM in children.
Animal dander - contact with fur and feathers can be a trigger for asthma. Often they do not have to come into direct contact with the fur and feathers to cause a problem.
Dust mites – important questions to ask include: Do you feel nasal, eye, or chest symptoms after a carpet has been vacuumed? Do you get these symptoms after making a bed?
Pollen - from grass, weeds, and trees, and outdoor molds: Does your asthma worsen during any particular part of the year?
Indoor fungi (molds) – an important question to ask yourself is: Do you feel nasal, eye, or chest symptoms in basements or other damp, moldy rooms?
Food

Article 1

An article in the Daily newspaper (London, England), December, 2003 reported that British children are twice as likely to suffer from asthma compared to those in other European countries. This study was large and included 1000 people from each country.

This report quoted a European Commission study that Britain’s rate of asthma was 13.2% rate compared to the European average of 7.2%. Poor diet has been recognized partly blamed for this higher incidence of asthma. The explanation given was that British children have a tendency not to eat many foods rich in vitamin E (such as oily fish and vegetables), which can guard against asthma.

Article 2

A large study in the February 1, 2004 American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine studied the relationship between asthma and the blood levels of antioxidant nutrients. The study looked at over 6,000 children aged 4 to 16 years and demonstrated that the higher level of these nutrients in the body the less likely the child would develop asthma. Those individuals according to the blood tests in the top 16 percent of vitamin C, beta carotene, and selenium were 10 to 20 percent less likely to develop asthma than their peers. More significant, was the finding that high selenium levels cut the risk of asthma in half among children exposed to tobacco smoke. Selenium is found in many foods, including meat, seafood, eggs, bran, whole wheat, oats, walnuts, garlic, and brown rice. Selenium is (often) destroyed in food processing. This illustrates the importance of eating fresh food and home-cooked meals. Walnuts are a Chinese herb and medicinal food. This food has been used empirically for the treatment of asthma. Beta carotene is abundant in yellow and orange fruits and vegetables and green leafy vegetables. Vitamin C is abundant in many foods, including citrus fruits, greens, broccoli, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, tomatoes, cantaloupe, and strawberries. This study is another good example of the importance of encouraging our children to enjoy eating a wide variety of delicious whole foods - fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and lean sources of protein.

Article 3

A study published in the September 2000 issue of Thorax produced more supportive evidence of the importance of a child’s diet in the treatment and prevention of asthma. Not surprisingly, researchers found that the risk of developing asthma was decreased by the children who consumed more vegetables, fiber, and other nutrients (including vitamin E, calcium, and magnesium). On the other hand, a poor diet (eating more often at fast food restaurants) increased the incidence of wheezing.
Pollution can trigger asthma and a decrease in pollution decreases the incidence of asthma. Decreasing automobile emissions through citywide changes in transportation and commuting practices, or through changes in automobile design, could have a huge impact on asthma in children and future generations.

Article 1

During the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta provided a opportunity to study how automobile traffic and air quality effect asthma. To minimize traffic, the city of Atlanta introduced environmentally friendly means of transportation. They added 1000 buses for public transportation, closed downtown streets to private cars, and encouraged telecommuting or alternate-hour commuting during the games. With these modifications the air quality improved and peak morning traffic decreased by 22.5%. Particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and ozone levels were reduced by 16% to 28% during the Olympics. The above information was according to a research study published in the February, 2001 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

In regards to asthma, the number of acute care visits (due to asthma) recorded for children ages 1 to 16 dropped by more than 40%. In comparison, non-asthma acute care visits were reduced by no more than 3.1% during the same time period.

Article 2

It is well known that children who live in areas with excess air pollution have higher rates of asthma and other lung diseases. A study presented at the November 2001 annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America's suggests that some children who appear in perfect health may have measurable lung damage from exposure to air pollution. The study compared the chest x-rays of children living in Mexico City (where pollution exceeds US air quality standards for an average of 4 hours a day) to children living in a seaside Mexican town. Over 63% of apparently healthy children breathing city air had signs of obstruction on x-ray, over 50% had signs of inflammation, and 18% had signs of more advanced damage. Of those living in by the sea, only 5% had mild obstruction, and none had inflammation or more advanced damage. This American study was completed in Mexico because higher levels of indoor air pollution from such things as carpet and glues in the US may have changed the outcome.
Cigarette smoke
Fumes and fragrances
Cold air and Exercise - Exercise can trigger symptoms in many asthma sufferers and for some people, exercise is their MAIN trigger (exercise-induced asthma (EIA) or exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB)). Some people with EIA notice symptoms soon after they start exercising. Most, though, have their major symptoms soon after they stop the activity. When we exercise, we breathe rapidly and are unable to bring air temperature all the way up to 98.6 degrees. For this reason, exercising in cold, dry air is more likely to trigger EIA. Breathing through the nose and/or wearing a protective scarf or mask can help keep inhaled air warm and moisten. Warm-up and cool-down periods can help prevent the abrupt changes that can trigger symptoms.
Emotions - anger, anxiety and laughter can all trigger an attack but these factors are less common in children (and more common with adults). It is also a myth that "nerves" are the cause of asthma.
Sulphur dioxide – some reports say that drinks containing this may trigger asthma attacks.
Medication such as aspirin, some anti-inflammatory tablets as well as "Beta Blocker" blood pressure tablets and eye-drops for glaucoma may aggravate asthma but these are mostly concerns of adults with asthma.

Main Topics Adolescent Acne Allergic Rhinitis ADHD Asthma Bed-wetting Common Cold Ear Infections Eczema Obesity Other Topics 15 Ways to Boost Your Immunity Allergies Breastfeeding Food for Thought Is natural medicine safe for children? Sleep Miscellaneous Research Clinic Locations	Asthma Form Printable version Triggers of Asthma Asthma is a chronic breathing disorder that is characterized by tight airways of the lungs as a result of airway hyper-responsiveness. Our airways are designed to be responsive to harmful substances in the air. For instance, if we are exposed to a cloud of smoke, our airways will shrink, protecting our delicate lung tissues from the noxious ingredients in the smoke. Normally, the airways return to normal when we begin to breathe fresh air. People with asthma, however, have an exaggerated tightening response. Hyper-responsive airways tighten in three ways in response to triggers. First and most immediately, a smooth muscle surrounding the airways constricts, narrowing the caliber of the airways. Second, the airways are narrowed by inflammation and swelling of the airway lining. This leads to the third component of airway narrowing, which is the accumulation of mucus and other fluids, which can plug the airways. Inflammation is the most important part of the disease. It perpetuates the cycle of airway narrowing. Inflammation is also the slowest to respond to treatment and is why it is important to treat asthma with Chinese Herbal Medicine in the remission stage to prevent it from reoccurring. There are various triggers in the environment that more commonly cause this tightening response. The triggers in asthma sufferers vary from person to person. Many of the same factors that trigger allergies also trigger asthma. If a person reduces their exposure to them, it will mean less inflammation, fewer symptoms, and a potentially lower dose of medication. Consider the following important triggers of asthma: Viral infections are the most common triggers in young children and are often treated with unnecessary antibiotics. Chinese medicine, unlike modern medicine, treats viral infections very well and once again demonstrates why it is important to use TCM in children. Animal dander - contact with fur and feathers can be a trigger for asthma. Often they do not have to come into direct contact with the fur and feathers to cause a problem. Dust mites – important questions to ask include: Do you feel nasal, eye, or chest symptoms after a carpet has been vacuumed? Do you get these symptoms after making a bed? Pollen - from grass, weeds, and trees, and outdoor molds: Does your asthma worsen during any particular part of the year? Indoor fungi (molds) – an important question to ask yourself is: Do you feel nasal, eye, or chest symptoms in basements or other damp, moldy rooms? Food Article 1 An article in the Daily newspaper (London, England), December, 2003 reported that British children are twice as likely to suffer from asthma compared to those in other European countries. This study was large and included 1000 people from each country. This report quoted a European Commission study that Britain’s rate of asthma was 13.2% rate compared to the European average of 7.2%. Poor diet has been recognized partly blamed for this higher incidence of asthma. The explanation given was that British children have a tendency not to eat many foods rich in vitamin E (such as oily fish and vegetables), which can guard against asthma. Article 2 A large study in the February 1, 2004 American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine studied the relationship between asthma and the blood levels of antioxidant nutrients. The study looked at over 6,000 children aged 4 to 16 years and demonstrated that the higher level of these nutrients in the body the less likely the child would develop asthma. Those individuals according to the blood tests in the top 16 percent of vitamin C, beta carotene, and selenium were 10 to 20 percent less likely to develop asthma than their peers. More significant, was the finding that high selenium levels cut the risk of asthma in half among children exposed to tobacco smoke. Selenium is found in many foods, including meat, seafood, eggs, bran, whole wheat, oats, walnuts, garlic, and brown rice. Selenium is (often) destroyed in food processing. This illustrates the importance of eating fresh food and home-cooked meals. Walnuts are a Chinese herb and medicinal food. This food has been used empirically for the treatment of asthma. Beta carotene is abundant in yellow and orange fruits and vegetables and green leafy vegetables. Vitamin C is abundant in many foods, including citrus fruits, greens, broccoli, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, tomatoes, cantaloupe, and strawberries. This study is another good example of the importance of encouraging our children to enjoy eating a wide variety of delicious whole foods - fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and lean sources of protein. Article 3 A study published in the September 2000 issue of Thorax produced more supportive evidence of the importance of a child’s diet in the treatment and prevention of asthma. Not surprisingly, researchers found that the risk of developing asthma was decreased by the children who consumed more vegetables, fiber, and other nutrients (including vitamin E, calcium, and magnesium). On the other hand, a poor diet (eating more often at fast food restaurants) increased the incidence of wheezing. Pollution can trigger asthma and a decrease in pollution decreases the incidence of asthma. Decreasing automobile emissions through citywide changes in transportation and commuting practices, or through changes in automobile design, could have a huge impact on asthma in children and future generations. Article 1 During the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta provided a opportunity to study how automobile traffic and air quality effect asthma. To minimize traffic, the city of Atlanta introduced environmentally friendly means of transportation. They added 1000 buses for public transportation, closed downtown streets to private cars, and encouraged telecommuting or alternate-hour commuting during the games. With these modifications the air quality improved and peak morning traffic decreased by 22.5%. Particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and ozone levels were reduced by 16% to 28% during the Olympics. The above information was according to a research study published in the February, 2001 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. In regards to asthma, the number of acute care visits (due to asthma) recorded for children ages 1 to 16 dropped by more than 40%. In comparison, non-asthma acute care visits were reduced by no more than 3.1% during the same time period. Article 2 It is well known that children who live in areas with excess air pollution have higher rates of asthma and other lung diseases. A study presented at the November 2001 annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America's suggests that some children who appear in perfect health may have measurable lung damage from exposure to air pollution. The study compared the chest x-rays of children living in Mexico City (where pollution exceeds US air quality standards for an average of 4 hours a day) to children living in a seaside Mexican town. Over 63% of apparently healthy children breathing city air had signs of obstruction on x-ray, over 50% had signs of inflammation, and 18% had signs of more advanced damage. Of those living in by the sea, only 5% had mild obstruction, and none had inflammation or more advanced damage. This American study was completed in Mexico because higher levels of indoor air pollution from such things as carpet and glues in the US may have changed the outcome. Cigarette smoke Fumes and fragrances Cold air and Exercise - Exercise can trigger symptoms in many asthma sufferers and for some people, exercise is their MAIN trigger (exercise-induced asthma (EIA) or exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB)). Some people with EIA notice symptoms soon after they start exercising. Most, though, have their major symptoms soon after they stop the activity. When we exercise, we breathe rapidly and are unable to bring air temperature all the way up to 98.6 degrees. For this reason, exercising in cold, dry air is more likely to trigger EIA. Breathing through the nose and/or wearing a protective scarf or mask can help keep inhaled air warm and moisten. Warm-up and cool-down periods can help prevent the abrupt changes that can trigger symptoms. Emotions - anger, anxiety and laughter can all trigger an attack but these factors are less common in children (and more common with adults). It is also a myth that "nerves" are the cause of asthma. Sulphur dioxide – some reports say that drinks containing this may trigger asthma attacks. Medication such as aspirin, some anti-inflammatory tablets as well as "Beta Blocker" blood pressure tablets and eye-drops for glaucoma may aggravate asthma but these are mostly concerns of adults with asthma.
… I have seen that in any great undertaking it is not enough for a man to depend simply upon himself. Lone Man (Isna-la-wica) Teton Sioux
www.roberthelmer.ca Copyright © 2007 Robert Helmer and The Children's Clinic. All Rights Reserved. Designed and hosted by Vision Design