The long-term treatment of asthma frequently relies on the use of steroids. Patients are then set-up for specific consequences and problems. When used to treat a life-time illness such as asthma, you may see the following problems.
Infection: The risk of infection can increase with the use of steroids over time. This typically shows up in the mouth or other nearby mucus membranes. With the close connection between asthma and the immune system this may be a bigger concern that first appears. And of course an infection related to the respiratory system may migrate deeper into your body. You can see how a respiratory infection is a serious challenge when combined with asthma.
Weight Gain: Steroids tend to stimulate appetite. A person feels hungry like normal; it can be hard to tell the difference between natural hunger and that related to steroid side effects. Gaining weight may also make breathing harder. Whether it’s related to usual daily activities or getting exercise, it’s possible this is the beginning of a vicious cycle.
Resistance: Perhaps the biggest concern and most common problem is that nearly everyone tends to need higher and higher doses as time goes on. The body builds up resistance to some treatments. Steroids is one where this is a common occurrence. Sadly, many doctors and drug companies don’t talk about this problem very much. Just as the range of triggers tends to increase over time, so does your need for the drug change. Usually the need increases.
Others will express the opposite of this pattern. This direction is usually expressing more and more side effects. Typically the reactions become more extreme. A number of patients receiving treatment don’t become resistant they actually become hypersensitive. Regardless, either response to the long-term use of steroids sets up a problem-what can you do to deal with this problem?
An option is to turn to treatments that are not synthetic but exist naturally. Since some of these options work in a completely different way than steroids many patients find they get additional help managing symptoms and attacks from such sources.
You’re looking for natural ways to open up airways and reduce constriction. Cordyceps is just one of your options. It has very few side effects and is proven to bring positive results for those suffering from asthma. It combines the ability to relax even small capillaries with improved oxygen uptake. These are beneficial actions for those who struggle with breathing.
When you’re investigating other options be aware that some naturopathic treatments can interact with medications. Some doctors will work with you on these choices. In other cases you may need to consult another health care provider. When you do, make sure you share all the information regarding what you’re using to make sure you’re safe.
