Asthma is an obstructive lung disorder which occurs when one or more triggers cause the bronchi (small air passages in the lungs) and the blood vessels in the lungs to constrict. The production of mucus results which in turn causes inflammation and swelling of the bronchial walls leading to obstruction.

The signs of asthma are high pitched wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, painful breathing, and a tightness in the chest. From 1980 to 1987, the rate of asthma increased 43% in people under the age of 20..

To prevent children from developing asthma: attempt to breast feed for at least 6 months, introduce foods with low allergenic potential and minimize their exposure to pollution.

If you have been diagnosed with asthma or allergies, there are many ways to minimize attacks. An elimination diet to determine which foods may be triggers is the first step. Once the food triggers as well as any other triggers have been identified avoiding them is very important. Specific blood testing is the best way to determine both food and environmental allergens. Skin testing is not reliable in detecting many of these.

Avoid sulfites, MSG, refined sugars, spicy foods, dairy, eggs, wheat, processed foods, and high fat meats, which are known to be highly allergenic. Instead, eat lots of brown rice and other whole grains, vegetables, especially leafy greens, nuts and seeds, lean fish, and fresh fruit.

Chiropractic manipulative therapy may help alleviate asthma by affecting the autonomic nervous system, causing the bronchi to dilate.