Asthma can be a very complicated subject since much depends on the individual. This is further complicated by the fact that your son is very young. The good news is that there is usually much that can be done in order to reduce or eliminate the breathing difficulties. First, it is essential to realize the similarities in asthma attacks and other allergic reactions. It sounds as if you have practice correlating certain event, colds, with the frequency of his coughing attacks.
For the sake of brevity, I am going to list some options or alternatives that you should consider. Please keep in mind that management of allergic triggers is often the key, along with proper nutrition and addressing any type of physical or hormonal imbalance.
• NAET (Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Techniques)-This is an approach to eliminating allergies and asthma that is reportedly very effective. Please see the following link for more complete information on this drug-free system:
www.naet.com/subscribers/what.html.
• Clean the environment- Since many of the triggers for asthma can be external, it is important to have the cleanest environment possible. This, of course, starts with clean air. I would suggest one or several of the Surround air filters since they use several difficult technologies to clean the air and reduce allergens and toxins. This can be particularly effective in the bedroom. Along with this, it is best to eliminate the source of other potential allergens, especially dust mites. Special bedding may be purchased. Remember too that many of the perfumes and synthetic chemicals in laundry soap, shampoo, and other personal hygiene products can irritate sensitive lungs. Completely natural products should be used whenever available in order to minimize these reactions. Remember that cleaning products, carpet, furniture, and nearly everything else in your home has the potential to emit toxic fumes and aggravate the lungs.
• Neuro Cranial Restructuring (NCR) or a similar, more spiritually focused technique known as ESR- This daunting name describes a process in which a balloon is used to “adjust” the sphenoid bone through the sinus passageways. This is significant since this bone is at the center or the cranium and can affect all of the other bones in the skull. It has proven helpful for many disorders including asthma. Please look online for a practitioner near you.
• Allergy Tests- Scratch and pin-prick tests or an ELISA-ACT test with a doctor may help to narrow the field of possible allergens. An elimination diet along with keeping a food journal is also used by many alternative practitioners. At its core, this involves eliminating most foods for at least a few weeks and then reintroducing them 1 by 1 in order to see if any types of symptoms occur. Common food allergens include dairy, wheat or other grains, citrus, eggs, and seafood, but it is possible to be allergic to nearly anything. A food journal may help you to find patterns between reactions and certain types of food.
• Chiropractic- A chiropractor that is experienced with children can adjust the spine to make sure that the nerves that control the lungs are not negatively affected by spinal misalignment.
• Supplement- There are many supplements that may also be beneficial. Please keep in mind that you and your doctor know your son best and will need to determine which supplements are best for him.
o IntraCal- This is a calcium/magnesium orotate supplement. Magnesium in particular is very important for asthmatics since it can help to reduce spasms and relax the bronchioles. It is sometimes used by injection for acute asthma attacks.
o Vitamin C/ bioflavonoids (quercetin)- Vitamin C is important as an antioxidant and aids in the metabolism of histamine, one of the body’s main inflammatory mediators. Quercetin can help to block the release of histamine and is very useful for allergy sufferers.
o Essential Fatty Acids- This describes a number of healthy fats, including flax oil, hemp oil, fish oil, krill oil, evening primrose oil, and others. Keep in mind that these fats are very delicate and must be processed with minimal heat and then consumed fairly quickly. They must be kept in containers that minimize heat and light exposure. These should all be from organic or pure sources; there is a possibility of contamination with fish oil if the sources are not pure. This oil can be added to food provided that it not heated or cooked in any way.
o Intrakid- This is a multi nutrient formula designed for children that helps to fill in any nutritional gaps.
o Systemic Enzymes- Enzyme complexes such as Zymitol can help to degrade allergens in the blood stream and to reduce inflammation, a culprit in allergic and asthmatic reactions.
This is by no means a comprehensive list of supplements or of possible natural therapies, but I believe that there are some that may greatly benefit your son. Good luck!
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