Asthma, Then and Now

Asthma can be a very frightening experience, and not just for the person who has it. Many parents spend a lot of anxious moments when there children have asthma attacks. Now, we have a lot of different treatments for the problem. Inhalers, corticosteroids, strong anti-inflammatory medications and other advances can reduce the fear and ease the suffering.

While asthma wasn't given its name until the Greek era, it was understood to a certain extent as far back as Ancient Egypt. The Egyptians used Balsam Apple, Frankincense and sesame to treat it. Balsam apple is also called bitter melon, and doesn't seem to have any effectiveness for that purpose. The fruit, seed and rinds are toxic, and can cause problems such as miscarriage and premature delivery. The leaves can be eaten, but have to be prepared in a specific way.

Frankincense could be very useful for asthma and other types of coughing. It is a blood thinner, so it could have a lot of interactions. Sesame seeds may be useful, but care has to be taken as it could also cause an attack if you are allergic. It is a member of the carrot family, so if you are sensitive to one member, you could be allergic to all.

The Greeks provided us with a name and description of asthma via Galen. The term is defined as: "to pant, to exhale with the mouth open, sharp breath." Galen prescribed owl's blood mixed with wine. I think I'm glad I have an inhaler.

The Ancient Greeks also used mugwort, which is a member of the wormwood (and chrysanthemum) family. For occasional use it might be okay, but long term and large amounts can cause a lot of health problems. The relaxant nature of the herb could help with asthma attacks.

The Ancient Romans introduced hydrotherapy to the equation, and it can help. The cleanliness probably helped as well.

Traditional Chinese Medicine agrees with a Native American remedy in the use of ephedra. While it probably helped the asthma, it probably killed a goodly number of the asthmatics, as it triggers fight or flight responses in a big way. The adrenalin rush has killed, which is why it is banned in the U.S.

The Native Americans of both continents treated asthma. Peruvians used Peruvian balsam, and those in North America used skunk cabbage, lobelia, tobacco and mullein. The latter was introduced by European settlers, where it swiftly escaped cultivation.

All of these may have some effectiveness, but there are problems with both lobelia and tobacco. As most of us know, tobacco can cause lung problems, and in some asthmatics it can trigger attacks. Lobelia is a purgative, and it can also shut down the central nervous system. As it can also shut down your breathing and heart beat, it can kill you.

The treatments used for asthma today include rescue inhalers, steroid based inhalers and a lot of other medications. We can keep track of how controlled the disease is with peak flow meters and doctors have a good understanding of the mechanics of the disease. Tests can tell what the triggers are. I'm glad for the advances, but it's good to know that there was at least something that could be done throughout history.

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