Asthma is a condition in which the airways narrow and swell and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

SYMPTOMS

Asthma symptoms vary from person to person. You may have infrequent asthma attacks, have symptoms only at certain times such as when exercising or have symptoms all the time.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or pain
• Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing
• A whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling (wheezing is a common sign of asthma in children)
• Coughing or wheezing attacks that are worsened by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or the flu 

For some people, asthma signs and symptoms flare up in certain situations:

• Exercise-induced asthma, which may be worse when the air is cold and dry
• Occupational asthma, triggered by workplace irritants such as chemical fumes, gases or dust
• Allergy-induced asthma, triggered by airborne substances, such as pollen, mold spores, cockroach waste or particles of skin and dried saliva shed by pets (pet dander) 

CAUSES

Exposure to various irritants and substances that trigger allergies (allergens) can trigger signs and symptoms of asthma. Asthma triggers are different from person to person and can include:

• Airborne substances, such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander or particles of cockroach waste
• Respiratory infections, such as the common cold
• Physical activity (exercise-induced asthma)
• Cold air
• Air pollutants and irritants, such as smoke
• Certain medications, including beta blockers, aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen (Aleve)
• Strong emotions and stress

• Sulfites and preservatives added to some types of foods and beverages, including shrimp, dried fruit, processed potatoes, beer and wine
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acids back up into your throat 

Risk factors

• Having a blood relative (such as a parent or sibling) with asthma
• Having another allergic condition, such as atopic dermatitis or allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
• Being overweight
• Being a smoker
• Exposure to secondhand smoke
• Exposure to exhaust fumes or other types of pollution
• Exposure to occupational triggers, such as chemicals used in farming, hairdressing and manufacturing 

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Aconite: Dry teasing cough that worse during the winter season or exposing to cold air. Cold exposure that causes wheezing sound and bronchial spasm. It is generally given in acute asthmatic condition when the person is coughing with wheezing sound. There is tightness or constriction sensation of chest. The person is very restless and fearful from this asthmatic situation. Giving this medicine in repeated interval can relief the cough and wheezing sound along with tightness of chest.

Arsenic alb: Asthma with wheezing sounds. Tightness of chest, difficulties in breathing is associated with asthma. The person feels more of chest tightness and breathlessness on lying posture. He feels kittle relief on sitting posture with slight bending forwards. There is restlessness feeling and anxieties associated with asthma. The mouth feels dry and wants to drink water but very little at a time.

Arsenic iod: Allergic asthma. The asthma result from allergic origin like exposure to dust, pollens, pet dander etc. there is runny nose with watery nasal discharge. Burning of nose and eyes with water discharge occur before the asthma start. There is swelling of nasal turbinate due to allergic cause. Red congested eyes, burning corroding nasal discharge. It is generally given asthma of allergic origin.

Baccilinum: This is generally prescribed as constitutional remedy for asthma. The person is hypersensitive to cold. On little exposure to cold he gets allergic sneezing, nasal discharge, cough that leads to asthmatic problem. There is constriction sensation in chest with suffocative feeling due to bronchial spasm. The cough and wheezing are more in night time. The person may have hereditary condition of asthma.

Blatta orientalis: This is generally given in mother tincture form or in lower potency to control the acute attack of asthma. The wheezing sound and chest tightness is relieved by taking the medicines in material dose. In acute attack the medicines can be repeated frequently to relieve the symptoms of chest tightness, and shortness of breath.