Bronchial ashtma and acupuncture

It is estimated that asthma affects approximately 10% of the population. Both incidence of
the disease and resulting mortality are increasing (Howell, 2000). The definition of “asthma”
is not, however, clear-cut. Howell (2000) identified three elements: reversible airways
obstruction with episodic attacks of breathlessness accompanied by wheezing;
responsiveness to asthma drugs (cromoglycate and/or corticosteroids); bronchial
hypersensitiveness. In practice, however, none of these provides an absolute criterion for
distinguishing asthma from other breathing problems and asthmatics are defined as those
with reversible airways obstruction and/or clear responsiveness to asthma medication. The
management of asthma often requires daily use of medication on a prophylactic basis. Severe
attacks may require hospitalisation and can lead to death. Asthma thus has high economic
and personal costs. Lewith and Watkins (1996) suggested that asthma costs the NHS about
£400 million per annum; the Department of Social Security, in the form of sickness benefits,
£60 million; the economy as a whole, in terms of lost productivity, £350 million.
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