Chiropractic For Asthma
Asthma is a medical condition characterized by inflammation, narrowing, and swelling of a person’s airways, along with increased mucus production, resulting in breathing difficulties. While some individuals experience mild asthma symptoms, for others, it poses a significant challenge, disrupting daily activities and potentially leading to life-threatening asthma attacks.
What Causes Asthma
The precise cause of asthma remains elusive, but it is likely the result of a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors.
For individuals with asthma, an array of irritants and allergens can trigger asthma symptoms. These triggers may vary among individuals and encompass:
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Airborne allergens, including pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander.
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Respiratory infections like the common cold.
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Physical exertion or exercise.
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Exposure to cold air.
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Airborne pollutants and irritants, such as smoke.
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Certain medications.
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Stress.
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Sulfites and preservatives found in certain foods and beverages.
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Complications From Asthma
Asthma can range from a minor inconvenience to a condition that leads to severe health complications, potentially including life-threatening asthma attacks. Those with asthma may experience symptoms infrequently, only during specific circumstances (such as during exercise), or continually. Complications related to asthma encompass:
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Breathlessness
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Tightness or discomfort in the chest
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Wheezing during exhalation
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Sleep disturbances
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Persistent coughing
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Permanent constriction of the bronchial tubes
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Impaired ability to engage in physical activities or other pursuits
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Fatal outcomes
How is Asthma Treated?
Prevention and sustained management are essential in stopping the onset of asthma attacks. Identifying your specific triggers and implementing measures to avoid them are critical in mitigating the impact of asthma.
Typical treatments for asthma involve the use of inhalers and oral medications. If allergies exacerbate your asthma, your healthcare provider may recommend allergy shots as part of your treatment plan.
Chiropractic For Asthma
In addition to medication, chiropractic has been proven through scientific research to greatly reduce the symptoms of asthma in patients of all ages.
Not only that, but many individuals who receive chiropractic treatment for asthma are able to reduce medications over time.
Case studies showing positive changes in asthma symptoms are becoming more and more abundant. Although chiropractic is not a treatment for any specific disease, it is designed to maximize your body’s recuperative abilities.
Research Supporting the Treatment of Asthma with Chiropractic
A self-reported asthma study titled “An Impairment Rating Analysis of Asthmatic Children Under Chiropractic Care” examined 81 children who underwent chiropractic treatment for asthma. The study aimed to quantitatively assess the self-reported changes in impairment experienced by pediatric asthma patients before and after a two-month period of chiropractic care.
Among the 81 children receiving treatment, there were noteworthy reductions in asthma-related symptoms for both boys and girls. Additionally, 25 out of the 81 patients opted to decrease their asthma medication dosages while receiving chiropractic care.
The study’s findings concluded that chiropractic care, specifically for correcting vertebral subluxations, represents a safe, non-pharmacological healthcare approach associated with substantial decreases in asthma-related impairment and a reduction in asthma attacks.
Another study, featured in Today’s Chiropractic and titled “Asthma Study Shows Chiropractic Benefits,” followed 47 patients over a two-year period, all medically diagnosed with persistent asthma (comprising mild-persistent, moderate-persistent, and severe-persistent cases). The treatment included specific chiropractic adjustments, with an average of 26 visits during the study period, initially at a frequency of 3 visits per week, which was later reduced.
The results were highly favorable, with all 47 patients experiencing substantial improvements, ranging from 87 to 100 percent. This improvement was measured through symptom alleviation and reduced usage of acute asthma attack medication. Furthermore, all patients maintained their progress in a two-year follow-up.
Lastly, in 1996, the Michigan Chiropractic Council (MCC) conducted a study on the chiropractic effectiveness in addressing the root causes of asthma in patients ranging from birth to age 17, with an average participant age of 10 years. Dr. Bob Graham, who directed the study, reported that after 30 days of chiropractic care, patients averaged just one asthma attack, a significant decrease from their previous rate of more than four attacks. Medication use was reduced by nearly 70 percent, saving on costs, and patient satisfaction rated at 8.5 on a scale of 10.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
Some individuals have reported experiencing positive changes after just one visit, but it’s typically advisable to follow a treatment plan that includes ongoing chiropractic adjustments. Given the uniqueness of each person’s situation, it is essential to undergo a comprehensive chiropractic assessment to accurately determine your body’s specific needs.
Conclusion
If you or your child are dealing with Asthma, chiropractic care is a well-established, natural treatment approach designed to optimize your body’s functionality.
We encourage you to arrange an appointment at our chiropractic office for a thorough consultation. During this session, one of our doctors will assess your condition, provide an accurate diagnosis, and create a treatment plan aimed at reducing ear infections and fostering long-term relief.
