Osteopathy
and Asthma
What is Asthma?
Asthma
is a common and sometimes debilitating respiratory disorder that can affect people
of all ages. About one in ten Australians suffers from asthma at some time during
their lives.
Sufferers may occasionally
experience difficulty in breathing, accompanied by a wheeze and a tight, restricted
chest. Other symptoms may include coughing, vomiting and shaking.
People
with asthma have sensitive airways in their lungs. When they are exposed to certain
triggers, their airways narrow, making it hard for them to breathe. There are
two main factors that cause the airways to become narrow:
- The inside lining of the airways becomes red and swollen (this
is called inflammation) and extra mucous (sticky fluid) may be produced.
-
The muscle around the airways tighten (this is called broncho-constriction).
What
is the Difference Between Allergic and Non-Allergic Asthma?
There
are two different types of asthma: allergic and non-allergic. In allergic asthma,
symptoms are usually the result of inhaling or consuming some kind of external
substance, such as pollen, dust mites, mould, wheat or dairy produce. Non-allergic
asthmatic attacks can be triggered by a range of different factors including fatigue,
physical exertion, some medications, stress, or exposure to environments that
are cold and damp.
What Happens to
the Body During an Asthma Attack?
Asthma
is basically a breathing problem resulting from increased sensitivity of the airways
which is provoked by a range of stimuli or 'triggers'. The bronchial spasm, or
narrowing of the airways, is recurrent and reversible.
When
an asthma attack starts, the muscle layer within the airway wall contracts and
the lining of the airway cells, causing the airways to narrow and mucous to be
secreted into the airway. As a result, it is more difficult for air to flow in
and out of the lungs and breathing becomes difficult.
The
'wheezing' sound of asthma is caused by the noise of air passing through the narrowed,
swollen airways. In very severe cases, so little air is being moved in and out
that almost no sound is audible. In addition, an irritating cough is often present.
Sometimes a small amount of thick, stringy phlegm (mucous) is produced.
If
the attack is severe, the airways become very narrow and the diaphragm, which
is the main breathing muscle, has to call on the rib, neck and abdominal muscles
to help. This results in more energy being used and causes severe breathlessness
and can lead to exhaustion.
As with many
conditions, asthmatics react differently to attacks. Some may become very quiet
or subdued as they concentrate on their breathing, whilst others may be obviously
distressed and breathless, with a pronounced wheeze.
How
can Osteopathy Help Someone with Asthma?
Osteopathy
offers assistance to sufferers by working on all aspects of the breathing mechanism,
including the ribs, spine, diaphragm and other muscles of breathing; nerve control
of the chest, as well as blood and fluid supply to bronchii and lungs.
Osteopathy
can also play an important preventative role in the care of someone who is suffering
from asthma.
Does Osteopathy Replace
Conventional Medical Treatment?
No.
Osteopaths recognise the important role of anti-inflammatory medication, antibiotics
and broncho-dilators in the treatment of asthma, especially in acute attacks.
Osteopaths work in conjunction with other health care professionals with the long
term aim of decreasing the patient's dependence on medication.
Osteopaths
recognise that the functions of the human body are inherently linked and can affect
each other. With this in mind, the Osteopath gently works with the body's structure,
to enhance and improve the mechanics of breathing, by:
- Freeing restrictions of the chest and ribs
- Relaxing
the respiratory muscles
- Improving lymphatic draining
from the lungs and airways
- Enhancing the blood supply
to the chest region
Other
areas of management include the formulation of an individual exercise program,
with emphasis on breathing exercises and the avoidance of aggravating factors.
Your Osteopath also provides advice on diet, posture, lifestyle and first aid
measures during an attack.
Why
is Osteopathy so Special?
The holistic
approach of osteopathy encompasses all functions and influences including the
body, emotions, mind and spirit.
Before
any treatment is begun, an Osteopath always conducts a full examination, using
conventional medical tests where necessary. The Osteopath will talk with the patient
and collate a full case history, taking note of any factors that may contribute
to reduced health. During physical examination, the Osteopath uses sensitive palpatory
skills to gently identify where a patient's structure has been disturbed. Following
all these investigations, the Osteopath will assess whether osteopathic treatment
is the best option, or whether the patient should be referred to another practitioner
- sometimes a combination of these is recommended. Osteopathy can also assist
in the prevention of health problems, helping people of all ages to achieve an
ultimate level of health and well-being.
What
Kind of Treatment does an Osteopath Provide?
Osteopathic
treatment involves manual techniques including soft tissue stretching and massage,
along with articulation and mobilisation of the joints. The treatment is gentle
and conducted with the patient's assistance. This type of treatment is designed
to improve blood circulation, lymphatic drainage and general fluid flow throughout
the body, while helping to alleviate disruptive influences on the nervous system
and improving overall body mobility.
What
is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a holistic
form of complementary medical treatment that uses gentle manual techniques to
diagnose and treat a wide range of health problems.
Osteopaths
recognise that the functions of the human body are inherently linked and can affect
each other. The Osteopath gently works with the body's structure, to enhance and
accelerate the healing process.
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