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by Dr. Alex Chen, L.Ac., O.M.D., Ph.D. and Dr. John Chen, L.Ac., O.M.D.,
Ph.D., Pharm.D.
 WESTERN MEDICINE
DEFINITION:
Asthma affects approximately 15 million Americans today. It's
a pulmonary disorder characterized by wheezing and dyspnea due
to obstruction and inflammation of the airways. Asthma may be
triggered by allergy, exertion, irritant particles, weather,
psychological stress, etc.
ETIOLOGY:
There are many causes of asthma. Allergens such as pollens,
smoke, alcohol, house dust and animal hair may trigger an asthma
attack. Asthma may also be induced by non-allergy related factors
such as exertion, cold air, stress, anxiety, crying, hearty
laughing, and viral infection. Common morbidity associated with
asthma include sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, gastroesophageal
reflux, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and hyperthyroidism.
CLINICAL MANIFESTATION:
In an asthma attack, there will be a combination of spasm of
the bronchi, inflammation of the airways, and increased mucous
secretion. In mild to moderate cases, the patients will experience
shortness of breath, wheezing, hyperpnea, and use of accessory
muscles (such as neck and chest muscles) to facilitate breathing.
Anxiety and sweating are commonly seen in asthmatics as they
struggle for air. In severe cases, the patients will experience
marked respiratory distress, cyanosis, use of accessory muscles,
wheezes, lethargy and possibly confusion. Patients with severe
asthma may not have any wheezing as there is very little air
moving in and out of the lungs.
DIAGNOSIS:
Asthma is diagnosed based on the characteristic episodes of
wheezing, coughing, dyspnea or chest tightness interspersed
with asymptomatic intervals. Objective confirmation is made
with repeated spirometry tests performed over symptomatic and
asymptomatic periods. Spirometry is a device that measures the
breathing capacity of the lungs and is helpful in making the
diagnosis, assessing the severity of the illness, and monitoring
the effectiveness of the treatment.
If the asthma is
allergy-induced, identification of the allergen is very important.
Skin test for allergen, blood test for antibodies, and Inhalation
Bronchial Challenge Test may assist in identifying the correct
culprit. Allergic skin test helps to identify the allergen,
but an allergen that causes an allergic reaction on the skin
may not necessarily induce an asthma attack. Blood test for
antibodies helps to determine the degree of sensitivity to that
specific allergen. Additionally, an Inhalation Bronchial Challenge
Test can be done to confirm the direct correlation between an
allergen and an initiation of asthma attack. Since the patient
will have to inhale a diluted solution of the allergen in the
challenge test, there is a slight risk of a severe asthma attack.
TREATMENT:
Drug treatments of asthma include management of an acute attack
and maintenance on a daily basis. Five groups of drugs are commonly
used for treating asthma.
-
Beta-adrenergic
Drugs: Beta-adrenergic drugs are bronchodilators that
relax smooth muscle and widen the airways. They are commonly
used for relieving sudden attacks of asthma and preventing
exercise-induced asthma. Common examples of Beta-adrenergic
drugs includes epinephrine (Primatene Mist or AsthmaHaler),
isoproterenol (Isuprel), metaproterenol (Alupent), pirbuterol
(Maxair), terbutaline (Brethaire) and albuterol (Proventil
or Ventolin). Common side-effects of Beta-adrenergic drugs
include increased Heart rate, nervousness, restlessness,
headache and muscle tremors.
-
Theophylline:
Theophylline also relaxes bronchial smooth muscle and is
commonly used to treat and/or prevent bronchial asthma.
Common trade names of theophylline include Theo-Dur, Theo-24,
Uniphyl and Slo-bid. Common side-effects of theophylline
include nausea, vomiting, nervousness, restlessness, insomnia,
and in severe cases, seizures and arrhythmia.
-
Corticosteroids:
Corticosteroids block the inflammatory response and reduce
the asthma symptoms. Systemic corticosteroids (such as prednisone)
may be used to treat acute asthma attack and inhalation
of corticosteroids (such as Azmacort) may reduce the likelihood
of asthma attack through desensitization to allergens. Though
effective, long-term use of corticosteroids has a wide range
of side-effects including but not limited to poor wound
healing, decreased immunity, retarded growth in children,
GI bleeding, hunger and weight gain.
-
Cromolyn
(Intal): Cromolyn (Intal) inhibits the release of
inflammatory substances from mast cells and is used to prevent
but not treat asthma. When taken regularly, cromolyn (Intal)
is especially helpful in patients who have exercise-induced
asthma. Cromolyn (Intal) is relatively safe but has occasional
side-effects such as cough and hoarseness.
-
Anticholinergic
Drugs: Anticholinergic drugs produce bronchodilation
by preventing smooth muscle contraction. Anticholinergic
drugs are less potent and have a slower onset of action
in comparison with beta-adrenergic drugs. Examples of anticholinergic
drugs include atropine and ipratropium (Atrovent).
ORIENTAL MEDICINE
DEFINITION:
In Chinese medicine, asthma is called "xiao chuan, " which means
wheezing and dyspnea, respectively. Chinese medicine classifies
xiao and chuan as two separate illnesses with different treatments.
Xiao (wheezing) is characterized by a whistling sound during
breathing, increased respiration rate, dyspnea and inability
to rest in a horizontal position. Chuan (shortness of breath)
is characterized by dyspnea, constant opening of mouth to grasp
air, raised shoulder, flared nostrils and inability to rest
in a horizontal position. Patients with xiao (wheezing) generally
will have chuan (shortness of breath), while patients with chuan
(shortness of breath) may or may not have xiao (wheezing). In
Western medicine, wheezing and shortness of breath are both
considered as symptoms which may be present in many different
types of pulmonary syndromes such as asthma, acute bronchitis,
chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
ETIOLOGY:
In Oriental Medicine, there are many factors that may trigger
an asthma attack. Examples include the invasion of the external
pathogenic factors, diet, emotional disturbances, congenital
weakness and chronic illnesses.
External pathogenic
factors, such as cold or heat, commonly induce asthma attacks.
Lung dominates the Qi and manifests on the skin. As the environment
affects the skin, the change is reflected in the Lung. As the
Lung is attacked, its function to regulate water passage becomes
impaired, water begins to stagnate and phlegm starts to form.
Asthma attacks due to the invasion of external pathogenic factors
is most likely to occur when the temperature is cold or if there
is a rapid change in weather. External pathogenic factors may
also include pollen, cigarette smoke, and any other allergens.
Diet can also trigger
an asthma attack. Raw and cold food may injure the Spleen and
tend to contribute to the stagnation of fluid circulation and
the increase in the production of phlegm. Heavy, sweet, and
greasy food tend to create phlegm and heat in the body. Fish,
crabs, shellfish and other seafood have also been noted to increase
the likelihood of asthma attacks as well.
Congenital weakness
and chronic illness are also common causes of asthma. Children
with asthma generally have congenital Kidney Qi deficiency.
On the other hand, chronic illness, such as patients with chronic
cough and recurrent cold/flu, are likely to have Lung deficiency.
PATHOLOGY:
The fundamental cause of asthma is the presence of phlegm. In
Oriental Medicine, the passage of water is controlled by three
organs, namely Lung, Spleen and Kidney. Lung regulates the water
passages in the upper jiao, the Spleen transports and transforms
water in the middle jiao, and Kidney dominates water metabolism
in the lower jiao. Imbalance of Yin and Yang in any of these
three organs may lead to stagnation of the water circulation,
which then contributes to the production and storage of phlegm
in the Lung. Storage of phlegm in the Lung becomes the main
cause for recurrent asthma attacks.
In addition to the
phlegm, chronic asthma will lead to deficiency of Lung, Spleen
and Kidney. Deficiency of the Lung creates an inability of the
Lung to inhale the air, and deficiency of the Kidney creates
an inability of the Kidney to receive or grasp air. This will
be complicated further if the Spleen is also deficient and there
is an excess amount of phlegm that obstruct the airway. Overall,
the condition becomes more and more complicated as the underlying
syndrome represents a "deficient" condition and the symptoms
an "excess" condition.
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
ASTHMA ATTACK:
Asthma attack is
considered as the acute or excess phase of the illness where
urgency of treating the symptoms may outweigh that of the cause.
Treatment principles during asthma attacks should focus on lowering
the uprising Lung Qi, relieving wheezing (bronchial spasms)
and dyspnea, and dissolving the phlegm. Herbal treatment of
asthma attack is quite effective. However, severe asthma patients
who have been on long-term steroids treatment may not respond
as quickly or as effectively to herbal treatment.
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Asthma Due to
Cold
When cold
initially attacks the Lung, the normal activity of the
Lung to dominate Qi and control respiration will be disturbed.
The pathogenic cold factor has a tendency to constrict
the bronchi leaving the patient feeling congested in the
chest. Patients will show hyperventilation, shortness
of breath, tachypnea, tightness and a suffocating feeling
of the chest. The Lung will be also lose its function
to regulate the water passages and as a result, the formation
of phlegm. Clinically, the phlegm is manifested as audible
wheezing in the throat, high-pitched rhonchi, thin, white
foamy sputum or tenacious, white sputum that is difficult
to expectorate; amount can vary from scanty to profuse.
Chills, intolerance to cold (cold temperature, cold food,
drinks), absence of perspiration, headache, body aches
and pain, grayish, and cyanotic complexion are general
signs and symptoms of cold attacking the body. Tongue
coating is usually white and greasy. The pulse is wiry
and tight.
HERBAL TREATMENT:
ASMATROL (COLD)
The herbal formula
of choice is Asmatrol (Cold). It dispels cold, warms up
the interior, eliminates phlegm and relieve bronchial spasm.
The recommended dosage is 4-6 capsules TID.
In Asmatrol
(Cold), ephedrae (ma huang) and cinnamon twigs (gui zhi)
dispel the cold factor, arrest wheezing and move water by
smoothing the Qi flow of the Lung. Besides the bronchodiating
effect, ephedrae (ma huang) can also promote urination and
thus dispel the congested fluids in the Lung. Due to the
cold, patients with water metabolism problems in the Lung
will experience constriction and a sudden blockage of fluids.
Mustard seed (bai jie zi), asarum (xi xin) and dry ginger
(gan jiang) warm the Lung, dissolve congested fluid and
help the Lung resume its normal function. Magnolia bark
(hou po) is used to regulate the Lung Qi which is impeded
by the congested fluids. Apricot seed (xing ren), lepidium
(ting li zi), and pinelliae (ban xia) eliminate phlegm,
transform congested fluids and reduce wheezing. Schizandra
(wu wei zi) is used to protect the Lung by preventing the
leakage of Qi. Lumbricus (di long) is used to relieve wheezing
and dilate the bronchi. White peony (bai shao), containing
paeoniflorin helps lumbricus (di long) achieve the antispasmodic
effect on the smooth muscle of the bronchi. Baked licorice
(zhi gan cao) supplements Qi, stops coughing, moderates
spasms, alleviate pain and harmonizes the formula.
ACUPUNCTURE
MAIN POINTS:
Feishu UB 13, Lieque LU 7, Fengmen UB 12, Tanzhong REN
17, and Chize LU 5.
TECHNIQUE:
Acupuncture treatment for cold asthma should focus on
sedating the Lung and eliminating the phlegm. The points
should be sedated and left in place for 30 minutes. Renzhong
REN 17 should be stimulated until the needling sensation
disperses to both sides of the chest. Chize LU 5 should
be needled against the flow of the channel. Feishu UB
13 and Fengmen UB 12 should be sedated for 2 minutes.
For best result, cupping may be applied with acupuncture
for these two points.
SUPPLEMENT
POINTS: Shenzhu DU 12 and Dazhui DU 14 may be added
for patients with headache and body ache. Yingxiang LI
20 and Shangxing DU 23 may be added for stuffy nose and
runny nose.
-
Asthma Due to
Heat
When heat
attacks the Lung, the Lung will no longer be able to dominate
Qi and control respiration. Patients generally experience
a choking sensation, coughing spells and intercostal distention.
Patients will also have phlegm as characterized by wheezing,
crackling or moist rales, roaring sound in the throat
from copious sputum that is thick and difficult to expectorate.
Sputum is usually yellow but may be white in some cases
where heat is not as prominent. It is common for patients
to raise their shoulders to help breathing. Fever, irritability,
perspiration, headache, thirst with desire to drink, flushed
face, possible fever with aversion to cold are some of
the symptoms of asthma due to heat . The tongue is red
with yellow greasy coating. The pulse is superficial rapid
or wiry.
HERBAL TREATMENT:
ASMATROL (HEAT)
The herbal
formula of choice is Asmatrol (Heat). It clears Lung heat,
dissolves phlegm and relieves asthma. The recommended
dosage is 4-6 capsules TID.
In Asmatrol
(Heat), ephedrae (ma huang) facilitates the movement of
Lung Qi and controls wheezing. Ephedrine and norephedrine
in ephedrae (ma huang) have a prolonged bronchodialating
effect. Gypsum (shi gao) clears Lung heat and neutralizes
the warmth and diaphoretic effects of ephedrae (ma huang).
Mulberry bark (sang bai pi) and lycium root bark (di gu
pi), a pair also seen in Drain the White Powder (Xie Bai
San), drain Lung heat and stop coughing and wheezing.
Trichosanthes rind (gua lou pi) clears Lung heat, expands
the chest, and dissolves the phlegm. Belamcanda (she gan)
clears heat, relieves toxicity, and soothes sore throat
due to heat and wheezing. Lepidium (ting li zi) drains
the Lung, eliminates phlegm and reduces wheezing. Apricot
seed (xing ren) stops coughing and calms wheezing. Lumbricus
(di long) stops muscle spasm of the airways to relieve
wheezing. A small amount of schizandra (wu wei zi) is
used to inhibit the leakage of Lung Qi in order to prevent
Qi loss. Baked licorice (zhi gan cao) moderates spasms,
supplements Qi and harmonizes all the herbs in this formula.
ACUPUNCTURE
MAIN POINTS:
Dazhui DU 14, Hegu LI 4, Tanzhong REN 17, Fenglong ST 40,
Feishu UB 13 and Kongzui LU 6.
TECHNIQUE:
Acupuncture treatment for asthma due to heat should focus
on disperse the Lung, clear heat, dissolve phlegm, and lower
adverse rising Qi. Dazhui DU 14 and Feishu UB 13 are sedated
for 2 minutes followed by immediate removal of the needles.
The remaining points should be sedated and needles left
in place for 20 minutes.
SUPPLEMENT
POINTS: Tiantu REN 22 and Dingchuan (Soothing Asthma)
may be used if there is severe dyspnea. Yuji LU 10 and Daling
P 7 are added if patients experience irritability and chest
fullness. Zhaohai K6 and Taixi K3 are added if the patient
is thirsty and drinks lots of water.
-
Asthma Due to
Deficiency
It is very
common for patients who have recurrent asthma attacks
to have Kidney deficiency. When under attack, such patients
are said to have "upper excess with lower deficiency."
"Upper excess" refers to phlegm stagnation in the Lung
and is characterizes by recurrent or continuous wheezing
(worsens after exertion), labored inhalation and smooth
exhalation, snoring sound in the throat, low-pitched rhonchi,
audible wheezes, shortness of breath, a frail cough with
scanty, thin, or frothy sputum, and a dry throat. "Lower
deficiency refers to Kidney Qi or Yang deficiency and
is characterized by difficult inhalation as Kidney cannot
grasp and hold the air down. In addition, the patients
may also have deficiencies of the Lung and the Spleen.
Deficiency of the Lung is characterized by aversion to
wind and spontaneous sweating while deficiency of the
Spleen is characterized by increased production of phlegm
and sputum. Patients may have red cheeks, red tongue with
scanty coat. Pulse is thready and rapid.
HERBAL TREATMENT:
ASMATROL (DEFICIENCY)
The herbal
formula of choice is Asmatrol (deficiency). It tonifies
Kidney Yang, directs the rebellious Qi downward, arrest
coughing, wheezing and eliminates excessive phlegm. The
recommended dosage is 4-6 TID.
In Asmatrol (deficiency),
ephedrae (ma huang) expels exterior wind and relieves dyspnea.
Ephedrine and norephedrine, two active ingredients of ephedrae
(ma huang) are bronchodilators which can open the airway,
relieve wheezing and dyspnea. Apricot seed (xing ren), perilla
seed (su zi), and lepidium (ting li zi) reverse the uprising
Lung Qi, eliminate phlegm, and relieve coughing and wheezing.
Mustard seed (bai jie zi), gleditsia fruit (zao jiao), pinellia
(ban xia), magnolia bark (hou po), and peucedanum (Qian
hu) eliminate phlegm and relieve coughing and wheezing.
Lumbricus (di long) stops muscle spasm of the airways to
relieve wheezing. Schizandra (wu wei zi) tonifies the Lung
and the Kidney to relieve wheezing. Raphanus (lai fu zi)
tonifies the Spleen and reduces the production of phlegm.
Citrus Peel (chen pi) dries up dampness and eliminates phlegm.
To prolong inhalation, cinnamom bark (rou gui) warms the
Kidney Yang and helps restore the Kidney's ability to grasp
the Qi. Bupleurum (chai hu) regulates the Qi and tangkuei
(dang gui) nourishes the blood in the Liver and indirectly
treats coughing and other Qi-reversion symptoms by regulating
the blood. Fresh ginger (sheng jiang) and perilla leaf (su
ye) disperse coldness and dilate the Lung. Baked licorice
(zhi gan cao) and jujube (da zao) harmonize the formula.
Note on Phlegm:
Since Phlegm
is the fundamental cause of asthma, it is present in all
types of asthma patients. For profuse, white or yellow sputum
in the different types of asthma patients mentioned above,
Citrus and Pinellia Combination (Er Chen Tang) can be added
to dry dampness, transform phlegm and regulate Qi.
REMISSION STAGE:
Patients in remission
stage show no signs and symptoms of asthma such as wheezing
or dyspnea. Compared to when they are under attack, the patients
appear completely different and usually manifest little or no
symptoms. Treatment principle during remission stage should
focus on balancing the underlying deficiencies of the related
internal organs, namely the Lung, the Spleen and the Kidney.
Depending on severity, herbal treatment must continue for at
least 6 month for maximum effectiveness.
-
Lung Deficiency:
Patients with Lung deficiency commonly have asthma attacks
triggered by changes in weather or exposure to known allergens
or viral infections. Prodromal symptoms resemble that of
allergy which include sneezing, stuffy nose and rhinorrhea.
During the remission stage, patients with chronic wheezing
and dyspnea due to Lung deficiency may have mild symptoms
of shortness of breath, low voice, frequent low, wheezing
sound in the throat. Sputum is clear or white, scanty or
sticky. Aversion to wind and spontaneous sweating are two
key signs of Lung Qi deficiency. Patients in this category
usually have low immune systems and are very susceptible
to catching common colds. The tongue is usually red with
thin white coat or scanty coating. The pulse is weak and
thready, or thready and rapid.
For maintenance,
Astragalus & Siler Formula (Yu Ping Feng San) and Ginseng
& Ophiopogon Formula (Sheng Mai San) and Ginseng and Aster
Combination (Bu Fei Tang) are excellent formulas to tonify
the Lung and prevent recurrent asthma attacks.
Astragalus &
Siler Formula (Yu Ping Feng San) tonifies Qi and strengthens
the exterior. It is commonly used for patients who have
Wei (Defensive) Qi deficiency characterized by spontaneous
perspiration, aversion to cold, and frequent infection of
common cold and flu.
Ginseng & Ophiopogon
Formula (Sheng Mai San) and Ginseng and Aster Combination
(Bu Fei Tang) tonify the source Qi, nourish Yin, and generate
body fluid. It is used for Qi and Yin deficiencies of the
Lung with chronic asthma, cough, scanty sputum, shortness
of breath, increased respiration, spontaneous perspiration
and dry mouth.
-
Spleen Deficiency:
Patients with Spleen deficiency commonly have asthma attacks
triggered by improper dietary intake, such as that of cold
or spicy foods. During the remission stage, there may have
occasional shortness of breath, dyspnea, low voice, fatigue,
poor appetite, epigastric distention, loose stool or diarrhea
after intake of greasy or fried foods, and possible edema.
Sputum is white, thick and copious. Tongue is pale with
teethmarks. Coating is white or greasy. Pulse is thready
and soft.
The herbal formulas
of choice to tonify Spleen deficiency are Major Six Herb
Combination (Liu Jun Zi Tang) and Ginseng and Astragalus
Combination (Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang). Major Six Herb Combination
(Liu Jun Zi Tang) tonifies the Spleen and dissolves the
phlegm. It is used for patients with Spleen deficiency with
residual phlegm in the Lung. Ginseng and Astragalus Combination
(Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang) tonifies the Middle Jiao and raises
Yang in the body. It is used for patients with deficiency
of both the Stomach and the Spleen Qi leading to sinking
of the Yang.
If the patient
shows prominent water stagnation in the middle jiao manifesting
in fullness in the chest and hypochondria, shortness of
breath, profuse sputum, and palpitation, Hoelen and Atractylodes
Combination (Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang) can be used.
-
Kidney Deficiency:
Patients in this category are generally older or have a
very chronic history of asthma. More patients in this category
have Kidney Yang deficiency than Kidney Yin deficiency.
Asthma attacks for these patients are usually triggered
by over-exertion or any minute changes in the weather, lifestyle
or the environment. The common symptoms of Kidney Yang and
Yin deficiency include: short and accelerated respiration,
labored inhalation with the key symptom of longer exhalation
than inhalation; relief after deep inhalation, interrupted
respiration, cough with frothy or sticky sputum, frail appearance,
weakness of the lower back and knees, withered shen and
dyspnea after exertion. Patients with Kidney Yang deficiency,
in addition to the above symptoms, will exhibit spontaneous
perspiration, coldness of the limbs and extremities, pale
face, edema, a pale, tender, flabby tongue with a deep,
slow pulse. In the case of Kidney Yin deficiency, patient
may have flushed cheeks, dryness of throat, irritation and
perspiration with oily texture, a skinny tongue with no
coating and a deep, thready, rapid pulse.
The best formula
to tonify the Kidney Yang and Qi and prevent recurrent asthma
attacks is Ginseng and Gecko Formula (Ren Shen Ge Jie San)
and Rehmannia Eight Formula (Ba Wei Di Huang Wan). For Kidney
Yin deficiency, Capital Qi Pill (Du Qi Wan or Qi Wei Du
Qi Wan) combined with Ginseng and Ophiopogon Formula (Sheng
Mai San) is recommended.
ACUPUNCTURE
TREATMENT DURING REMISSION STAGE
MAIN POINTS:
Feishu UB 13, Pishu UB 20, Shenshu UB 23, Gaohuangshu
UB 43, Qihaishu UB 24, Zusanli ST 36, Taixi K 3, Taiyuan
LU 9, and Dingchuan (Soothing Asthma).
TECHNIQUE:
Acupuncture treatment for deficiency-type asthma should
focus on tonifying the underlying deficiency, dissolve
phlegm and relieve asthma. Feishu UB 13 and Gaohuangshu
UB 43 should be tonified followed by 10 minutes of cupping.
Pishu UB 20 and Shenshu UB 23 are tonified with or without
moxa. Dingchuan (Soothing Asthma) should be tonified and
the needle should remain in place for 20 minutes. All
the remaining points should be tonified and remain in
place for 30 minutes.
SUPPLEMENT
POINTS: Neiguan P 6, Guanyuan REN 4, Tanzhong REN
17 are used for shortness of breath and tachypnea. Yinxi
H 6 and Houxi SI 3 are added if the patients perspire
easily after movement or light exercise. Guanyuan REN
4 can be added to tonify Lung Qi. Use moxa on Guanyuan
REN 4 if the Kidney is deficient and cannot grasp the
Qi. Neiguan P 6 and Renzhong REN 17 may be added if there
is Heart Yang deficiency. Xuanji REN 21 and Shufu K 27
are added for feeling of oppression in the chest. Lastly,
SanYinjiao SP 6 and ShangQiu SP 5 can be used to tonify
Spleen.
EAR ACUPUNCTURE
MAIN POINTS:
Dingchuan, Adrenal, Lung, Trachea, Subcortex, Endocrine and
Sympathetic Nerve.
TECHNIQUE:
Three to four points are selected for each treatment. Use
strong stimulation techniques and leave the needle in place
for 5 to 10 minutes.
PREVENTION
As stated in the
etiology section, the main triggering factors of asthma include
invasion of the external pathogenic factors, diet, emotional
disturbances, congenital weakness and chronic illnesses. Therefore,
the best prevention is the avoidance of the triggering factors.
External pathogenic factors, such as wind-heat, wind-cold, or
drastic change in temperature, may be avoided by staying home
or wearing adequate clothing when exposed. Allergens such as
pollen may be avoided by wearing a facial mask. A balanced diet
low in spicy, raw, greasy, sweet food will also reduce the frequency
of asthma attacks. Patients should always warm up before exercising.
Vigorous exercise is not recommended. They should be performing
the desired activities at a slower pace. Tai-chi chuan or Qi-gong
will help strengthen the body and prevent recurrent asthma attacks.
In conclusion, improving the cardiopulmonary fitness is the
key to recovery.
DISCUSSION ON EPHEDRAE
(MA HUANG)
Traditionally in
Chinese Medicine, ephedrae (ma huang) is the indispensable herb
in the treatment of many respiratory disorders, especially asthma.
It cannot be substituted by any other herb. Chinese texts describe
ephedrae (ma huang) with the function to facilitate the Lung
Qi and relieve wheezing. Modern pharmacological research has
confirmed the effectiveness of ephedrae (ma huang) with two
main components namely ephedrine and norephedrine. They are
sympathomimics that stimulate both the Lung and the Heart receptors
resulting in bronchodilation, increased heart rate and high
blood pressure. Ephedrae (ma huang) is never recommended to
be used alone in any Chinese Medical texts. Practitioners of
Chinese Medicine know that this is an herb that should only
be used when necessary. In Asmatrol, the possible side effects
of ephedrae (ma huang) mentioned in western research are offset
by the deputy and assistant herbs in the formulas. However,
patients with cardiovascular disorders should be monitored carefully
when taking Asmatrol. Finally, Asmatrol should only be administered
during the attack stage while other appropriate maintenance
formulas are used during the remission stage.
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Structure
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article in an accurate, truthful and non- misleading manner.
Claims are supported by modern research and referenced accordingly
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We cannot anticipate all conditions under which this information
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John K. Chen,
Ph.D., Pharm.D., OMD, L.Ac. is a recognized authority on
western pharmacology and Chinese herbal medicine. He graduated
from the University of Southern California (USC) School of Pharmacy
and South Baylo University of Oriental Medicine. He also received
extensive postgraduate training in China specializing in herbology
and internal medicine.
Dr. Chen currently
teaches herbal medicine at USC, Chinese herbology at South Baylo
University, and western pharmacology at Yo San University and
Emperor's College. He is the Chair of the Herbal Medicine Committee
for the American Association of Oriental Medicine (AAOM)
and an herbal consultant for the California Association of Acupuncture
and Oriental Medicine (CAAOM).
Dr. John Chen is
the president and founder of
Lotus Herbs, and is available for medical consultations
through the Lotus Herbal Consultation Line.
Tel: (626) 916-1070;
Fax: (626) 917-7763;
Lotus Herbs: 1124
North Hacienda Blvd. La Puente, CA 91744.
Copyright 1998 All
rights reserved. Written by Dr. John K. Chen, Ph.D., Pharm.D.,
OMD, L.Ac.
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