The disease 'Asthma,' which is characterized by periodic attacks of spasms of the bronchial tubes should not be confused with conditions having as a symptom difficult or rapid breathing such as heart and kidney disease, arteriosclerosis (hardehed arteries), thyroid gland disturbances (goiter), and overweight.
It is therefore very important that anyone having an asthmatic tendency receive a thorough examination to determine whether the condition is really 'asthma' rather than a manifestation of some constitutional disease.
Causes. 'True asthma' is probably due in practically all cases to a 'hypersensitiveness' on the part of the individual to some bacteria, pollen, or other protein substance. Associated with this condition of hypersensitivity there is frequently found a chronic irritation of the nose or throat, less frequently disease of the ear. Chronic bronchitis is often associated with asthma and frequently an acute inflammation of the lining membranes of the upper air passages will be the causative factor, particularly in persons hypersensitive to pollens.
Unfortunately, in many cases the cause is so obscure that it is impossible for the physician to find it; nevertheless a thorough and painstaking search should be made, for the reason that unless the cause is found treatment will not be successful.
Treatment. A systematic examination is the first essential—particular attention being given the nose, throat, and teeth for sources of infection or reflex irritation. Search then should be directed to other parts of the body for infected areas, such as appendix, gall bladder, prostate gland, ovary, etc. The blood pressure should be taken and a careful urinalysis made.
Sensitizaron Tests. Finally, skin tests should be made to determine the response to various proteins. These should include bacterial proteins found in the various secretions and discharges, as well as food proteins, pollens, etc. Injections of an extract of the substance producing a skin reaction should then be made, the number of injections required varying with each individual case.
Drugs. Medicines for the prevention or alleviation of an attack of asthma should be taken only as prescribed by a physician. Self-treatment and patent medicines are ill advised.
Climate. There is no climate or locality which benefits all asthma patients. Some patients do well in a high, dry atmosphere, while others do best at sea level. If the attacks are caused by dust or pollens, localities free of the exciting cause will afford relief, as a rule.
