Definition
Western
Asthma is a common recurring inflammatory disease of the respiratory airways characterised by excessive production of mucus and constriction of the bronchioles, which results in the obstruction of the breathing airways.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
In TCM, asthma is brought upon by the weak functioning of the Lung system. This is usually characterised by the sudden onset of wheezing (哮鸣音) that is defined as xiao disease(哮病). However, it is often coupled with the difficulty in breathing, hence asthma is also commonly known as 喘哮.
Classifications and Accompanying Symptoms In TCM Context
Cold Syndrome
Common symptoms include high-pitch wheezing, shortness of breath, cough with little amount of white and foamyphlegm, usually triggered upon exposure to cold air / temperatures or dread cold.
Heat Syndrome
Common symptoms include howl-like-wheezing, difficulty in breathing, rough breathing, chest-tightness, cough with thick yellow or white phlegm, thirst, perspiration, or may also present with fever.
Sudden Onset
Common symptoms include loud, obvious, whistle-like wheezing, difficulty in breathing, often only able to take the sitting position; no obvious heat or cold inclination, cough with phlegm that is thick and hard to expectorate or white and foamy, usually present as sudden attacks with pre-syndrome symptoms such as experiencing itch surrounding the nasal cavity, sneezing with nasal discharge or chest tightness.
Weak Body Constitution
Common symptoms include weak, snore-like wheezing, difficulty in breathing which aggravates with movements, high frequency of attacks with long duration, in extreme cases, may present as hypoxia with purplish lips and fingernails, weak cough, paleness or flushed cheeks.
Causes
Inheritance and Environment:
Exact cause of asthma remains unknown. However, factors such as genetic inheritance and environmental exposure to tobacco smoke, air pollutants or cold temperatures contribute to the trigger of asthma.
TCM:
In TCM, the root cause lies with the malfunction of the Lung system. In response to factors such as external pathogens, improper diest, emotional stress or weak body constitution, the circulation of the lungs is affected. The airways become blocked and cause the lungs to lose control over air-movements.
Risk Factors
Inheritance
Having one or more immediate family member with asthmatic condition.
Environment
Exposure to tobacco smoke (includes passive smoking) and other air pollutants or chemicals will increase risk of contracting asthma.
Allergies
Having certain allergic conditions may also increase the chances of developing asthma.
Treatments
Herbs commonly used in prescriptions:
1. Ma Huang – 麻黄
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English/ Common name
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Ephedra
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Latin species
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Herba Ephedrae
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Park of plant used
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Stem
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Action/s
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Helps to induce perspiration to expel cold, relieve asthma, induce urination and reduce edema [1-2].
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Precaution/s
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Patients with high blood pressure and weak constitution with frequent perspiration should avoid taking.
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2. Bai Bu – 百部
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English/ Common name
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Stemona Root
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Latin species
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Radix Stemonae
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Park of plant used
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Roots
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Action/s
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Helps to moisten the lungs and relieve coughs [3].
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Precaution/s
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No significant side effects if use correctly.
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3. Dong Chong Xia Cao – 冬虫夏草
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English/ Common name
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Cordyceps
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Latin species
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Cordyceps sinensis
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Park of plant used
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Fungus on insect parts
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Action/s
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Helps to strengthen the functions of the Lungs and the Kidney systems, arrest bleeding and dissolve phlegm [4-5].
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Precaution/s
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Not to be taken when having cold or flu.
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4. Bai Guo – 白果
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English/ Common name
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Ginkgo
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Latin species
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Gingkgo biloba
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Park of plant used
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Seed
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Action/s
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Helps to relieve phlegm and ease asthmatic attacks [6].
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Precaution/s
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Toxic, not to be taken in excessive amounts.
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Acupuncture:
Regular acupuncture treatments can help to reduce the severity of asthma symptoms as well as the frequency of attacks (on the condition that patients avoid known triggers).
Tests & Diagnosis
Lung Function Tests – e.g. Spirometry
Usually conducted before and after the use of a bronchodilator.
Allergy Tests – e.g. Blood allergen test, Skin allergen test
Usually conducted in conjunction with the lung function test to find out substances which are likely to trigger allergic reactions.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Avoid the triggers – Reducing exposure to possible triggers is a key aspect of putting this disease under control.
Breathing Techniques - Yoga breathing techniques as well as practise of tai-chi can help to strengthen the functions of the lungs. In addition, they also promote relaxation of the body while building fitness, which may help with asthmatic conditions.
Constitution – Regular exercise, adequate rest and proper diet are essential measures to take in keeping symptoms under control. Emotional health is also important to keep the symptoms under control.
Cordyceps Old Duck Soup
a) Put all ingredients in a cooking pot and pour enough water to cover.
b) Bring to boil for 20 minutes. Simmer for a further 60 minutes.
c) Remove from heat. Serve warm.
References
1. Ehab, A.A., Abir, T.E.-A., Ikhlas, A.K., Larry, W., 2003. Ephedra in perspective - a current review. Phytotherapy Research 17, 703-712.
2. Christopherson, J. B., and Broadbent, M.: Ephedrine and pseudo-ephedrine in asthma, bronchial asthma and enuresis : Brit. M. J. 1: 978, 1934. Journal of Allergy 6, 308-309.
3. Xu, Y.-T., Shaw, P.-C., Jiang, R.-W., Hon, P.-M., Chan, Y.-M., But, P.P.-H., 2010. Antitussive and central respiratory depressant effects of Stemona tuberosa. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 128, 679-684.
4. T. Wei, Z.L. Jin, X.J. Kung and W.L. Wei, Study on functions of Cordyceps sinensis mycelium about cough-relief, expectorant effect, antisepsis and anti-inflammatory effect, Food Sciences 23 (2002), pp. 126–130.
5. Y.C. Kuo, W.J. Tsai, J.Y. Wang, S.C. Chang, C.Y. Lim and M.S. Shiao, Regulation of bronchoalveolar lavage fluids cell function by the immunomodulatory agents from Cordyceps sinensis, Life Sciences 68 (2001), pp. 067–082.
6. Ginkgo biloba. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Web site. Accessed on June 2010.
7. John Holiday, Matt Cleaver, Solomon P. Wasser. Cordyceps. Encyclopaedia of Dietary Supplements (Nov 2005), pp1-13.
8. Jerry K.H. Cheung, Jun Li, Anna W.H. Cheung, Yue Zhu, Ken Y.Z. Zheng, Cathy W.C. Bi, Ran Duan, Roy C.Y. Choi, David T.W. Lau, Tina T.X. Dong, Brad W.C. Lau and Karl W.K. Tsim. Cordysinocan, a polysaccharide isolated from cultured Cordyceps, activates immune responses in cultured T-lymphocytes and macrophages: Signalling cascade and induction of cytokines. Journal of Ethnopharmacology2009, 124(1): pp61-68
9. Ng, TB, Wang, HX. Pharmacological actions of Cordyceps, a prized folk medicine. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2005, 57(12): pp1509-1520.
10. Zhou, Xuanwei; Gong, Zhenghua; Su, Ying; Lin, Juan; Tang, Kexuan. Cordyceps fungi: natural products, pharmacological functions and developmental products. Journal ofPharmacy and Pharmacology 2009, 61(13): pp279-291.
11. Tao Li, Wei Li. Impact of polysaccharides from Cordyceps on anti-fatigue in mice. Scientific Research and Essay (Jul 2009), 4(7): pp705-709.