Asthma is one of America’s most common and costly diseases, resulting in over $50 billion a year in healthcare costs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 20 million people in the United States suffer from asthma, with numbers increasing, especially among children. While there is no cure for asthma, it can be managed with proper prevention and treatment.

How can you successfully treat my asthma symptoms?

Pinched nerves caused by misalignments of the spine reduce nerve function and affects levels of cortisol (the fight-or-flight hormone) and IgA, an immunoglobulin involved in allergies and asthma. Spinal manipulation has been shown to enhance IgA levels and decrease cortisol, enabling many patients to reduce – and in some cases eliminate – their asthma attacks and the need for asthma medication.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes, the passageways that allow air to enter and exit the lungs. Symptoms include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• A feeling of tightness and constriction in the chest.

Often inflammation can be present without the patient even being aware of it. If left untreated, asthma can produce a steady decline in lung function.

What causes asthma?

While there is no single cause of asthma, researchers believe that both genetics and exposure to air pollution, chemicals, and allergens in the environment play a role. Asthma attacks are commonly triggered by allergies, while a cold or flu can worsen symptoms. Exercise can also be a trigger, along with weather conditions such as high humidity or very hot or cold temperatures. It’s important for the asthma sufferer to minimize triggers in the home, which includes regularly replacing air filters, changing bed linens weekly, and keeping pets out of sleeping areas.