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Respiratory System Disorders and Therapy From a New - Louis Bolk ...

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them rhythmically. Normally, the increased muscle tension results in a dearth of motility<br />

in the body where rhythmic movement is the norm, the thorax. Increasing motility <strong>and</strong><br />

conscious muscle relaxation can be achieved by specific physiotherapy for asthma.<br />

Also, anthroposophic therapies, such as eurythmy therapy <strong>and</strong> rhythmical massage<br />

therapy effectively support the motility of the chest region, <strong>and</strong> of the breathing in<br />

general, <strong>and</strong> can be used for the asthma patient (Hamre 2009). Art therapy can be of<br />

help to regain a more rhythmic function psychologically (Sinapius et al 2007; Hamre<br />

2009). In artistic activity, there is a continuous alternation between observation of the<br />

art product made so far <strong>and</strong> changing the product by the ensuing activity. Observation<br />

is related to inhalation, <strong>and</strong> actively changing the product is related to expiration. This<br />

point of view gives art therapy a rational base in the treatment of asthma.<br />

c. To decrease smooth muscle spasm in the bronchial tree, the so-called quick relief<br />

treatment belongs to st<strong>and</strong>ard treatment of asthma patients. It consists of ß2<br />

adrenergic agonists (sympaticomimetics) such as salbutamol orally or as inhalers <strong>and</strong><br />

anticholinergic inhalers. This therapy is effective as single drug therapy in two-thirds<br />

of the patients with an exacerbation. Another 5-10% responds to the addition of a ß2<br />

adrenergic agonist or anticholinergic, whichever had not yet been used. The remaining<br />

20-25% does not respond well in the acute phase to regular bronchodilator therapy<br />

(Harrison’s 2008). Effects can be measured with peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) or<br />

FEV1.<br />

Approximately 20-25% of the acute patients does not respond to st<strong>and</strong>ard asthma<br />

therapy <strong>and</strong> need to be admitted to a hospital when they have an acute attack. A<br />

small number of these patients may need ventilator assistance in an intensive care<br />

setting (Harrison’s 2008). The relaxation of striated <strong>and</strong> smooth muscle spasm, <strong>and</strong> the<br />

more relaxed inhalation state will also decrease the acidosis that is present (Manthous<br />

2001).<br />

Also effective in (sub) acute exacerbations is the anthroposophical medication<br />

Lobelia comp., which can be given as subcutaneous injections or as an oral medication<br />

(Hamre 2009). Lobelia cp. is also helpful in stress-induced asthma when given<br />

beforeh<strong>and</strong>. It can be used instead of — or in addition to — sympaticomimetic or

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