In the United States, asthma cases have increased by more than 60% since the early 1980s, and asthma-related deaths have doubled to 5,000 a year. What is causing the asthma epidemic and what can we do to stem the tide?

So far, researchers don't know why cases of asthma are increasing at such an alarming rate. They hypothesize that a combination of genetics and some non-hereditary factors — such as increased environmental exposure to potential allergens — play a role. For example:

• Thirty years ago, Windex was the only cleaning solvent used by a few people. Now, we have a special cleaning solvent for every object. In addition, furniture and carpets are produced with formaldehyde as a preservative, and people breathe it daily.
• In the “olden days,” we lived in old, drafty houses, and the breeze dried and freshened the air, and cleared out mold and other allergens. Nowadays, our super-insulated houses don't breathe adequately. Making basements into a living space increases mold exposure because mold grows in any basement.
• Food has become another source of exposure to allergens because of the preservatives put in foods.
• Researchers also hypothesize that an increase in vaccinations, Cesarean births, and antibiotic intake may be playing a role, too.

Allergens aren't the only culprit. Stress factors—such as moving to a new home, or changing jobs—may induce or aggravate asthma attacks. Even emotional expressions such as fear, anger, frustration, hard crying, or laughing can cause an attack as well. To reduce the patient's stress level and improve the patient's quality of life, alternative treatments should be incorporated into the treatment program. Various relaxation techniques, such as biofeedback, meditation, yoga, and stress management, as well as massage, chiropractic manipulation, breathing exercises, and acupuncture can be helpful.

Doctors of chiropractic can give a full-scale evaluation to asthma patients; assess their physical and neurological status, their lifestyle, diet, and stressors; and help the patients increase motor coordination, and improve the work of respiratory and gut muscles to increase the quality of life.

Asthma experts offer the following tips for asthma patients:

• Use air filters in your home.
• Use hypoallergenic bed clothing to reduce exposure to dust mites.
• If your condition is getting worse, get checked for viral respiratory infections and other medical conditions, such as flu, rhinitis, sinusitis, and reflux disease. Endocrine factors, such as menstruation, pregnancy, and thyroid disease, may exacerbate asthma, as well.
• Some medications—aspirin; beta-blockers, including eye drops; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, etc.—can also precipitate or aggravate asthma symptoms.
• If your asthma is exercise-induced, an individually prescribed exercise program under the guidance of your primary health care provider or doctor of chiropractic can help.
• Avoid sulfites or monosodium glutamate (MSG) in foods. Carefully read processed food labels and choose MSG-free foods when eating out.
• Choose a more vegetarian-type diet. Animal proteins found in meat include arachidonic acid—a precursor for inflammation.
• Include foods with omega-3 fatty acids in the diet—such as fish or fish oil.
• Supplement with vitamin C, which helps reduce allergic reactions and wheezing symptoms.
• To reduce stress in your children, spend quality time with them and limit their exposure to TV programs that include violence.