The air tubes in the lungs become extremely sensitive, and irritants, such as pollen, house dust, mites, animal fur, cold air, exercise, and emotional upset, can all trigger an attack. When this happens, muscle spasms in the walls of the airways cause them to narrow; the secretion of mucus adds to the problem, and the flow of air is considerably hampered.It is important to breathe correctly so that the diaphragm rises and falls and the lungs fill and empty properly.Symptoms may include wheezing, coughing, breathlessness, and tight chest. A bad attack can cause sweating, rapid heartbeat, and extreme gasping for breath.TreatmentThe condition and its trigger factors are still not fully understood. All asthma sufferers are deficient in magnesium. Naturopaths believe that magnesium, given intravenously, is the most effective remedy to stop an attack.Diet and Nutrition Stick to naturally- and organically-grown foods. Avoid additives, which can trigger allergic reactions, and cut down on dairy products. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables: garlic and onions are said to deter mucus production.Herbal Medicine Infusions of elecampane, euphorbia with thyme, grindelia or senega, ephedra (alone or with grindelia), and skunk cabbage help relax muscular spasms, loosen phlegm, and relieve tension. lnhalations of camomile or eucalyptus have a similar effect. A tincture of fiery cayenne desensitizes airways.Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:Homeopathy A homeopath will prescribe according to the individual case but might recommend the following:For difficulties in breathing, where the sufferer has to bend forward to breathe, feels restless and exhausted, and worse between midnight and 2 a.m Arsenicum alb for both adults and children.For a sudden attack after exposure to cold or dry wind - AconiteFor coughing, gasping for air, vomiting mucus, worse at night and when humid - Carbo veg.If sufferer is pale, lethargic, worse at night, particularly in warm climate - Kali carb.For wakefulness in early hours in damp atmosphm where sufferer holds chest while coughing, shows symptoms of fluid retention, and has morning diarrhea. Natrum sulf.Where a child coughs green phlegm and craves fresh air - PulsatillaFor acute breathlesssness, excess mucus production, and vomiting - IpecacuanhaFor a choking cough accompanied by asthma that is better in damp but worse in dry, cold conditiom. Hepar sulf.For noisy wheezing, coughing and gasping - Antimonium tart.For asthma that follows on from childhood eczema. PsorinumFor asthma following a cold - Silica.Reflexology, Massage, Hydrotherapy, Aromatherapy, Acupuncture, Bach Remedies, Osteopathy, Alexander Technique, and Chiropractic. All of these can be helpful. Consult a qualified practitioner who will be able to assess your particular case properly.