Children Asthma - Children Chiropractic

Asthma is a very common condition, affecting around 5% of the population. The cause of asthma is not fully known, but it is believed that it is a combination of inherited risks combined with allergens in the environment. Asthma is generally recognised by recurrent wheezing attacks, difficulty breathing, coughing spells, chest pains and feelings of exhaustion.

Asthma - Children Chiropractic

There is airway narrowing due to inflammation and swelling of the airway lining, tightening of the airway muscles, and the production of excess mucus. This then minimises airflow in and out of the lungs. This constriction and inflammation is always present in asthma sufferers, even when there are no obvious symptoms. This is why it is important to manage asthma between asthma attacks.

There are several triggers within our environment, commonly consisting of hay fever, grasses and pollens, but there are also triggers many people are not aware of. These triggers include high humidity and extreme high and low temperatures. Preventative medications for asthma play an important role in managing asthma, however people can still experience asthma attacks while taking medication. This is where chiropractic can help.

Chiropractic care has shown to be effective in alleviating the symptoms related to asthma due to the belief that there is a strong link between childhood asthma and interference with the nervous system. It is common for people who suffer with asthma to have problems with their neck and upper back, it is these areas which affect the bodies' ability to breath and function properly. The spine and ribs accommodate for the filling and expanding of the lungs. Any dysfunction in these areas affects the joints flexibility, which in turn can restrict lung capacity.

Specific spinal adjustments performed by your chiropractor help to return the nervous system to its proper functioning. These adjustments can reduce the number of attacks experienced by asthma sufferers [1]. It is common in asthma sufferers for the surrounding muscles and joints to have restricted movement due to an increase in the effort required for breathing. The soft tissue techniques and the chiropractic adjustments help to address the muscle tightness and joint stiffness associated with asthma.

It is important to address asthmatic symptoms as early as possible. Young bodies repair themselves much more readily and accommodate to changes in the body far easier than adults. Ongoing chronic conditions that progress into adulthood can lead to joint stiffness and early degeneration. Most importantly, chiropractic has offered asthma sufferers the possibility of a healthy, active and fulfilling lifestyle. Chiropractors can provide safe and gentle care for asthma and breathing difficulties in children of all ages.

1. Chronic asthma and chiropractic spinal manipulation - a randomized clinical trial Nielsen NH, Bronfort G, Bendix T et al Clinical and Experimental Allergy 1995 Jan; 25 (1):80-88.

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