Asthma: A Growing Epidemic
Understanding Your Options for Lasting Relief
Asthma is a respiratory disorder characterized by spasms and swelling in the lungs, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and fatigue. It can feel as if you're constantly out of breath, even after minimal exertion. Asthma can be allergy-related or non-allergic and often creates a constant struggle for those suffering from it. Over the past few decades, the prevalence of asthma has increased by 50%, and with seasonal transitions, airborne triggers make the condition even worse.
"After a lifetime of respiratory illness, including asthma, sinus infections, and pneumonia, I found the healing answer I had been searching for. Year after year, I became more dependent on antibiotics, inhalers, and steroids with limited results. My wife, a nurse, said, 'We need to try something else.' After just three weeks of acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine with Dr. Gorla, I feel 100% better. I’m now addressing the cause of my problems, not just the symptoms. I have more energy than I thought was possible!"
– Jim T.
Conventional Asthma Treatment: Masking the Symptoms
Most conventional asthma treatments focus on managing symptoms rather than addressing the root cause. The two most common pharmaceutical treatments are:
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Corticosteroids – These drugs work by reducing inflammation in the lungs. While they can be effective in the short term, long-term use can lead to negative side effects, including increased risk of respiratory infections. Over time, constantly "sedating" the lungs makes them less efficient at self-cleaning and protecting against airborne particles and allergens.
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Beta-Agonist Bronchodilators – These medications help open the airways by expanding the lungs and improving blood flow and oxygen saturation. They help patients breathe more easily but don’t treat the underlying cause of lung inflammation.
Unfortunately, both approaches only mask the symptoms rather than eliminate the root cause of asthma. Long-term use of inhaled steroids can also lead to other health problems such as weight gain, high blood pressure, fatigue, abnormal heart rhythms, blood sugar disorders, and poor bone density.
Dr. Gorla's Approach: Treating the Root Cause of Asthma
Dr. Gorla has a personal connection to asthma, having fought his own battle with the condition. His most effective treatment came from Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM). With over 17 years of clinical experience, Dr. Gorla has seen patients report feeling like they are trading one health problem for another when taking long-term inhaled steroids.
The key questions we ask in treating asthma are:
- Why are the lungs inflamed?
- What is the underlying cause of your asthma?
To provide safe and effective asthma treatment, we address these core areas:
- Controlling allergies
- Testing and rehabilitating adrenal gland function – The adrenal glands produce powerful anti-inflammatory hormones that naturally expand the lungs.
- Managing stress – Stress can worsen asthma symptoms, so mediation and relaxation are crucial.
- Tracking and eliminating food intolerances – Some foods may trigger or worsen asthma symptoms.
- Learning and practicing breathing techniques – Proper breathing can help reduce the effort required to inhale.
- Using Chinese Herbal Medicine – Customized prescriptions can help address lung inflammation.
- Reducing GI inflammation – Inflammation in the digestive tract can impact overall lung health.
- Addressing unresolved grief – In Oriental medicine, unresolved grief weakens lung function. Dr. Gorla has seen this clinically with many asthma patients, and medications alone may not fully address the issue.
"What I value most about my care under Dr. Gorla is how much my overall condition has improved. I was diagnosed with COPD, and my breathing is better than it has been in years! I’m now getting out five days a week, dancing, meeting people, and socializing—something I couldn’t do before his treatments."
– Pat Q.
The Benefits of a Holistic Approach
Asthma is a complex condition, but addressing the root causes, rather than just treating the symptoms, can provide long-lasting relief. Dr. Gorla's approach goes beyond traditional treatments to help you breathe easier and live a more active, fulfilling life by focusing on factors like lung inflammation, adrenal health, stress management, and food sensitivities.