Allergic Asthma (Extrinsic Asthma)
What is Allergic Asthma (Extrinsic Asthma)
Allergic Asthma is a type of asthma where the airways become inflamed, narrowed, and filled with mucus due to an allergic reaction. In homeopathy, it is seen as a hypersensitivity or constitutional imbalance where the body overreacts to harmless substances (allergens), reflecting a deeper susceptibility.
Causes
Allergic asthma is usually set off by allergens that stimulate an abnormal immune response. Common triggers include:
- Dust mites
- Pollen (seasonal allergies / hay fever)
- Animal dander
- Mold & dampness
- Certain foods (milk, nuts, seafood, wheat, etc.)
- Strong odors / perfumes / smoke
- Weather changes (cold/damp air)
In homeopathy, we view these not as the real cause but as exciting factors that bring out the underlying weakness of the constitution.
Symptoms
- Patients with allergic asthma may present with:
- Recurrent wheezing (whistling sound while breathing)
- Cough (worse at night or early morning)
- Breathlessness / shortness of breath, especially after allergen exposure
- Tightness in chest
- Increased mucus/phlegm production
- Symptoms often linked with hay fever, eczema, or other allergies
Precautions / Lifestyle Management
- Avoid known allergens (dust, pets, strong smells, pollen exposure)
- Use air purifiers, avoid damp areas & mold
- Maintain good indoor ventilation
- Practice deep breathing & pranayama (helps in airway relaxation)
- Warm water steam inhalation for mucus clearance
- Strengthen immunity with good sleep, nutrition, and stress management
Homeopathic Perspective
Homeopathy treats allergic asthma constitutionally—not just suppressing the attack but reducing the body’s hypersensitivity to allergens over time.
- Asthma is seen as a psoric or sycotic miasmatic expression, often linked with family history of allergies, skin troubles, or respiratory weakness.
- Remedies are selected based on individual symptoms, modalities (what makes it better/worse), and patient constitution.
- Over time, homeopathic treatment reduces frequency, intensity, and dependency on inhalers or steroids.
Common Homeopathic Remedies for Allergic Asthma
(selection depends on case totality, not just the disease)
- Arsenicum Album – Asthma with anxiety, restlessness, worse at midnight, better by sitting up.
- Natrum Sulphuricum – Asthma triggered by dampness, rainy weather, and mold.
- Nux Vomica – Asthma worse in the early morning, associated with gastric issues.
- Pulsatilla – Asthma from allergy to rich/fatty food, better in open air.
- Sambucus Nigra – Asthma in children, sudden night suffocation.
- Ipecacuanha – Asthma with constant cough and nausea, rattling mucus but difficult to expectorate.
Summary
Allergic asthma is a hypersensitivity disorder where allergens trigger asthma attacks. Homeopathy works by correcting the internal imbalance, strengthening the constitution, and reducing allergic responses—thus giving long-term relief, not just temporary suppression.
