by Dorothy “Dot” Martin
and Barbara J. Andrews
If you
are a pet owner who suffers with an allergy, asthma, COPD, learn how to
determine if it is your pets affecting you or if it is
something else in your environment.
Let’s begin by defining what most people consider “conventional” medicine. Allopathic treatment is the predominant form of medical treatment but it is only one of many approaches to disease prevention or cure, from voodoo to holistic medicine. Mednet.com says “Allopathic medicine: The system of medical practice which treats disease by the use of remedies which produce effects different from those produced by the disease under treatment. MDs practice allopathic medicine.”
Actually, conventional medicine can produce effects far worse than the disease. One has only to listen to the reassuring voiceovers in prescription drug commercials to realize that heart attack, liver failure, seizures, severe depression, and “suicidal thoughts” are
usually worse than the health problems for which they are prescribed.
Still, allopathic medicine or surgery can be the difference between life and death. If you suffer a broken bone, need a kidney transplant, or have a heart attack, you need allopathic care – and you need it now!
But sometimes, "regular" medicine overlooks the
obvious, from toxins in the food to the proven benefits of homeopathy. Mednet.com’s definition of homeopathic medicine is “Homeopathy: A system of therapy based on the concept that disease can be treated with drugs (in minute doses) thought capable of producing the same symptoms in healthy people as the disease itself.”
That definition might be seen as defensive or
disparaging so it is up to you to learn more about homeopathy so that you
can determine which is best for a particular situation. Allopathic
prescriptions are usually costly and come with risky side effects.
Homeopathic remedies are cheap, no risk, and often just as effective but
without the adverse effects. Homeopathic remedies for colds, flu, and asthma
are science based, and proven to work which is why Oscillococcinum has become a top seller in pharmacies across the land.
Scratchy, Tickling
Sore Throat: As it begins, mix a small amount of Cayenne pepper in a 4 oz glass of water, stir well and sip on it but wait between sips until the pain returns.
Cold or Flu Symptoms: for sudden onset, Aconite or Ferrum Phosphoricum.
Runny Nose, Watery Eyes, Headache: Allium Cefa (red Onion), as needed.
Spasmodic Sneezing: Sabadilla during each spasm of sneezing as needed.
Chills and/or fever: Gelsemium
Stomach Flu with vomiting: Arsenicum Album, with diarrhea: Veratrum Album
Hoarsness: Spongia Tosta
Asthma is a partial, reversible obstruction of the airways due to inflammation and/or constriction of the airway muscles. Childhood Asthma is common and may be associated with allergic reactions to childhood immunizations. Adult onset asthma is usually an immune system (allergic) rejection to house dust, dust mites, pollens, bird feathers, animal fur, or pollutants such as cigarette smoke. See below for information on how to limit environmental
allergies before you even think about giving up your pets.
Asthma attacks can be triggered by mold spores,
new construction materials such as drywall, synthetics, chemically treated
carpet, lumber, etc. An attack can also be precipitated by stress, sudden exposure to environmental chemicals, prescription drugs, or changes in the weather. Symptoms are difficult breathing, wheezing, breathlessness, a tight feeling in the chest, rapid pulse rate, weakness, anxiety, and/or coughing.
During an asthma attack:
Sit backwards in a straight backed chair with elbows on the high back or with feet 12 to 18” from a wall, lean forward with arms stretched high on a wall. Lifting the upper ribcage makes it easier to exhale, which is critical in air exchange into the lungs. Breathe out through tightly pursed lips. Depending on accompanying symptoms, use one of the remedies above. There are many effective homeopathic remedies for asthma and rather than try to list them here, we suggest you buy a book or look them up online.
Asthma is slightly more common among pet owners than non-owners. (Ref #1) Those who suffer with
COPD should
pay particular attention to their environment but don't settle for "it is a
pet allergy." In addition to Homeopathy, enzymes, we will share
another self-help "remedy" for animal owners which may prove extremely useful to asthmatics, allergy sufferers and COPD patients.
COPD, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease:
This condition is a combination of asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. Conventional treatment seldom addresses the cause but instead relies on bronchodilators and inhaled or oral steroids. The Homeopathic approach to chronic breathing problems is “constitutional” meaning homeopathy is compatible with and may boost conventional treatment.
As applied to dog owners, the difference between homeopathic symptom diagnosis and equally effective but expensive allopathic diagnostic tools is starkly contrasted. Either way, conventional medicine’s diagnosis is followed by long-term asthma or COPD treatment, and in most cases, there is not so much as a cursory examination of environmental factors which can have an antagonistic effect on the patient. When asthma attacks are caused by allergens, a homeopathic
and/or holistic approach can be more helpful than allopathic medicine, particularly for pet owners.
Remove pets from your house for 48 hours. If a friend or relative can’t take them, board them at a nearby kennel, put them outside or in a garage which has no ventilation, heat, or air-conditioning ducts connected to the house. If you have an RV, plug it in, turn on the TV and let them “vacation” there. (Then, if you are prone to breathing problems when using the RV, clean it as below!)
Be sure to give them their bedding and toys to comfort them.
You will have planned well and assembled cleaning tools, ordered a high quality room air cleaner such as the Oreck electrostatic, and have on hand new filters for your heat pump, furnace, window air conditioners, etc.
Now, with help so as to complete the cleaning process in a day, clean from floor to ceiling. Wash all bedding, sanitize furniture, and lastly, use a hand vacuum to clean walls, closets, drapery, and as far into the heat and/or air conditioning duct work as is possible, or consider a duct-cleaning service
If you have asthma or allergies, already know that carpet attracts and harbors dust and dust mites, fleas and flea dirt, etc. Additionally, pollen and spores come off shoes onto the carpet. You should also be aware that carpet cleaning chemicals can cause sub-clinical or overt, chronically harmful health problems. And please note that applies more so to toddlers and pets who are closer to the floor! (Ref #2)
Mold spores,
ranging from the deadly black mold (stachybotrys) to the various types of less harmful cladosporium, are among the most common allergens AND the least often diagnosed! Microscopic mold spores are airborne and while some forms cause “dry rot” as in breaking down wood or paper products, the most harmful molds love dark, damp places. Mold often begins where no one looks; in the basement, the ceiling after a roof leak, under sinks and behind the refrigerator from tiny leaks in the icemaker tubing. Check all
of these places while cleaning.
Finally, mop all floors with a diluted solution of white vinegar and water. Then replace all air conditioning filters as they will be heavily contaminated with
disturbed air-born pollutants. Now, declare your house a smoke-free zone, even if you yourself smoke.
Bathe your pets with a hypoallergenic shampoo, give ‘em a big hug, and then take a deep (safe) breath and relax!
