Asthma

Overview

Asthma is a type of Respiratory System Ailment that is characterized by spasms of the Bronchial Tubes, Coughing and excessive excretion of a viscous Mucous in the Lungs that can lead to difficult breathing.  Asthma is an inflammatory condition.

Topic Contents

 Asthma - Substances that Prevent/Treat

 Asthma - Foods/Herbs that Prevent/Treat

 Asthma - Other Factors that Prevent/Treat 

Prevalence   

 Approximately 4% of the population of Western nations suffer from Asthma and its prevalence is increasing.

These Substances may Induce/Exacerbate Asthma in Susceptible Individuals
 

Amino Acids    

 Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) may aggravate Asthma.      

 Tryptophan may aggravate Asthma.

Electromagnetic Radiation     

 Excessive exposure to Positive Atmospheric Ions may increase the risk of Asthma. 

Environmental Toxins       

 Maternal or perinatal exposure to Bisphenol A may increase the risk of Asthma in offspring.  ^[1]     

 Excessive exposure to Ozone may increase the risk of Asthma:  ^[2]

 However Ozone therapy has also been employed to treat Asthma.      

 Exposure to Phthalates may increase the risk of Asthma.  ^[3]      

 Exposure to Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) may increase the risk of Asthma.  ^[4] 

Food Additives 

 Aspartame may cause Asthma and may exacerbate existing Asthma.  ^[5]   

 Calcium Benzoate may exacerbate Asthma in susceptible persons.  

 Potassium Benzoate may exacerbate Asthma in susceptible persons.

       The following Sulfites may exacerbate the symptoms of Asthma in susceptible persons:  ^[6]

 Potassium Metabisulfite

 Sodium Bisulfate

 Sodium Metabisulfite

 Sodium Sulfite

 Sulfur Dioxide  ^[7]      

 Tartrazine may exacerbate Asthma in susceptible persons.

Immune System Chemicals    

 Antigen-specific IgE is partly responsible for the initiation of the Allergic response that occurs in Asthma.  Antigens form Cross-Links with IgE on Mast Cells, which subsequently degranulate, causing the release of Histamine and Series 4 Leukotrienes.  ^[8]