Asthma is a respiratory condition caused by spasm of the bronchi of the lungs, resulting in difficulty breathing. According to Asthma Australia, one in nine people suffer from asthma, ranging from childhood through to adults. It is a form of hypersensitivity, like an allergy but in the airways. Certain triggers can cause the airways to swell and produce mucus contributing to narrowing the passageway for air.

2.  Asthma is a respiratory condition caused by spasm of
the bronchi of the lungs, resulting in difficulty
breathing. According to Asthma Australia, one in nine
people suffer from asthma, ranging from childhood
through to adults.
 It is a form of hypersensitivity, like an allergy but in the
airways. Certain triggers can cause the airways to swell
and produce mucus contributing to narrowing the
passageway for air.

3. Asthmatic triggers include:
 Exercise
 Breathing in cold air
 Dust
 Pollen
 Animal fur like cats
 Some food groups like dairy
 Tobacco smoke
 When you experience an asthmatic episode, it may come
on slowly (hours to weeks) or very suddenly (minutes). In a
severe episode, you will experience an asthma attack
which requires medical attention immediately.

4.  Breathlessness
 Wheezing
 Persistent cough
 Tightness in chest
 For asthma sufferers the symptoms don’t stop at difficulty
breathing. Often it is associated with a tight upper back, stiffness
through the ribs, and aching in the front of the neck.
 This is because during an asthmatic episode, the body switches
from normal breathing powered by the big diaphragm muscle, to
the much smaller accessory breathing muscles.
 These include the scalene neck muscles and intercostal rib
muscles. These muscles become overworked and painful,
causing discomfort during everyday life.

5.  Osteopathically we can help alleviate the
musculoskeletal symptoms by relieving the tightness
around the neck and increasing the movement
between the back and ribs.
 We also work on improving the diaphragm muscles
function as well as calming down the nervous system
to de-stress the body following an episode.

6.  Unfortunately, there is no complete cure, it must be
properly managed.
 A management plan should be in place with your
medical professional, known triggers should be
determined by a Naturopath and avoided, as well as
Osteopathic treatment to help manage the muscular
symptoms of asthma.

7.  Visit our official page below:
 https://optimumwellbeing.com.au/osteopathy/
 We have three highly qualified osteopaths:
 Dr. Nick Bradley
 Dr. Ashton Wilson
 Dr. Josh Cutter