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ACCORDING to the International Asthma Campaign, asthma is a chronic condition. Although treatable, asthma is becoming more and more common. In the past 20 years, the number of asthma cases around the world has actually doubled. Asthma is not a new disease. In fact, it seems to be as old as civilization.

The Greeks first used the word to describe the act of breathlessness.

The Chinese knew about it 3,000 years ago. Indian writings dated as far back as 450 A.D. recommended treating it with acupuncture, herbs and yoga.

A Jewish physician wrote a book about it in 1190 A.D. and recommended a dry climate, an even temper and hot chicken soup.

As the number of sufferers increase, so too does the list of things known to trigger attacks. Throat or chest infections, exercise, cold weather, cigarette smoke, stress or allergens-things that cause unusual reactions in certain people can bring on these attacks.

Many countries in Asia are generally more polluted than other regions, yet have lower numbers of asthma sufferers. Air pollution can cause chest coughs, but it is not the main reason for the large number of asthma cases.

In an asthma attack, children and adults respond similarly, with severe congestion, swelling and other allergic type reactions in response to various irritants. As the reaction progresses, breathing becomes more difficult, and in some cases, life-threatening. The bronchioles swell with mucous and go into spasm. This closes the airways and causes the asthmatic to wheeze and gasp for air.

Along with standard medical treatment, chiropractic care can play a very significant role in reducing the number and severity of asthmatic attacks.

In a recent study, children with asthma showed an overall improvement in lung capacity after only 15 chiropractic adjustments.

The famous osteopathic researcher, Alan Stoddard, performed other findings documenting abnormal spinal mechanics associated with asthma.

Stoddard stated that many diseases are due to mechanical lesions (vertebral subluxations).

There is ample research documenting the intimate connection between the spinal column, the nervous system and the respiratory system. Vertebral subluxations in the neck and upper back can produce associated muscle spasms, which cause a restriction of the lymphatic drainage from the head and neck. As a result, the body is unable to wash out the bacteria, debris and foreign material to which it is exposed. As this vital process is slowed, the offending bacteria multiplies.

Chiropractic adjustments in many cases will produce immediate relaxation of the neck musculature responsible for obstructing the lymphatic (neck) drainage. These adjustments improve respiratory function by restoring normal nerve function, which in turn may result in symptomatic improvement in bronchitis and asthma.

In several studies, researchers found spinal adjustments to induce respiratory function and chest mobility. Various symptoms of abnormal respiratory function may improve clinically with chiropractic adjustments.

NERVE CONTROL The primary muscle for breathing is the diaphragm. It is actually composed of two muscles, the left and right hemi diaphragms, which separate the chest and abdominal cavities. The phrenic nerve (C3, C4, C5-neck nerves) powers the diaphragm. If the nerve supply is interfered with, such as in a subluxation in the neck, the diaphragm weakens and breathing becomes impaired.

Additional muscles, such as the sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, scalene and pectorals, operate to assist the diaphragm during a period of increased breathing effort, such as during exercise or severe respiratory illness. All of these muscles must have nerve supply to work.

Subluxations interfering with normal nerve supply can cause muscular imbalances leading to a weaker respiratory tract. Restoring nerve supply by correcting vertebral subluxations not only improves muscle tone, but also aids in overall body function, especially in the immune response.

CHIROPRACTIC IS SAFE AND NATURAL The chiropractic approach to healthcare is natural. It does not try to stimulate or inhibit normal body function. Instead, the chiropractor addresses the important role of the nervous system in the healing process.

The results can be dramatic, as in a 1989 Danish study of 115 families with children aged up to seven years suffering from asthma, diabetes and epilepsy. One-third of the children underwent chiropractic adjustments, after which 93 per cent of the parents surveyed reported improvement in their child's asthma condition.

Many childhood illnesses may be manifested in the child and adult due to abnormal body function caused by subluxations. In light of this, your chiropractor may be the best doctor to help your child improve his/her health.

　　From Healthy.net