The Cause

The cause of asthma is congestion in, or constriction of, the bronchial tubes. This congestion is usually caused by overeating and the excessive use of narcotics and stimulants such as tobacco, liquors, and beer. The excessive use of sugar and starches, or what is generally known as carbohydrates, will set up a form of difficult breathing, or at least augment asthmatic tendencies. This condition is more likely to occur among those whose lungs are weakened and who have a tendency toward consumption.

Asthma - The Symptoms

There are but few conditions preceding asthma that can properly be called symptoms. The attacks are usually violent and frequently come on late at night.

The patient suffers with a sense of asphyxia, which causes the impression of death from suffocation.

Asthma - The Remedy

The causes of asthma can be removed by diet, fresh air and exercise. If the patient can take a reasonable amount of exercise, sunshine and fresh air, the cure will be more rapid, but if this cannot be done, the diet can be limited so that there will be but little waste, therefore little congestion, and the necessity for exercise and fresh air will be reduced to the minimum.

In cases of asthma, the diet should be confined to -

Egg albumin

Limited quantity of nuts

(No more than two ounces per day) An abundance of -

Fresh and green vegetables

Fruits

Salads

If meat be taken at all, it should be confined to fish, young and tender game, or fowl, although these articles are not recommended.

If the patient be obese or above normal weight, the diet given for obesity should be rigidly observed. If of normal weight, the body should be fed somewhat below its physical requirements, even if a radical loss in weight should be experienced for the first three or four weeks.

If the patient is emaciated, then the diet should consist of six or eight eggs, and about one quart of milk daily, together with sweet fruits and fresh vegetables. Milk may be given in larger quantities, up to three quarts daily, if all other food except eggs be omitted.

In Cases Of Asthma, Omit

All intoxicants

Coffee

Condiments

Confections

Red meat

Tobacco

Eat

About two ounces of nuts per day (no more)

Egg albumin

If any meat, it should be fish or tender fowl

Bacteria the result, not the cause.