Case Report

The Treatment of Asthma With oral remedies and IV Therapy

Abstract

The purpose of this case report is to present the treatment of severe, long-standing adult-onset of asthma using alternative therapies including IV therapy.

The patient had a lengthy history of upper respiratory tract infections that was treated with antibiotics, steroids and a history of severe asthma between the ages of 36 and 52. The asthma was treated medically with high doses of steroids (local and systemic) and bronchodilators, but was poorly controlled and severely limited the patient’s lifestyle.

Oral natural treatments, homeopathic remedies and IV treatment containing natural nutrients, vitamins, minerals, anti oxidants and homeopathics over a 2 year period has all but eliminated the patient’s need to use inhaled medication and has restored the patient’s capacity to sustain his preferred activities and lifestyle.

Case Description

Description of the Patient

CP is a 54 year old man with a warm and gentle disposition. The chief concerns which brought him to The Naturopathic and Allergy Clinic in 2005 included exhaustion, headache, chronic cough with phlegm, chest tightness, shortness of breath, itchy scalp, arthritis, neck stiffness, back pain, pain in knees, toes and arches, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and gastrointestinal concerns. He was initially treated with chiropractic treatments for back and joint pain, and on referral from his MD, was subsequently treated for asthma.

Presentation and History of Condition

CP’s medical history yielded the following:

• right mastoiditis at age 8
• severe colds/flu treated with antibiotics from age 20
• right sciatica associated with poor weight-lifting technique from age 27
• asthma from age 36 – possibly related to flu vaccination
• right knee operation and chicken pox at age 45
• recurrence of sciatica at about 47 years of age
• pneumonia treated with antibiotics at age 48
• lumpectomy (right thigh) at age 48
• tonsillitis and sleep apnea at age 52

The patient’s asthma was diagnosed by his MD and treated with Ventolin (i-ii puffs QID/PRN), Advair (i-ii puffs BID) and prednisone (5 mg tablets - up to 16 tabs per day). The medications failed to control his symptoms and the patient noted their severity would increase whenever he tried to cut back on the steroids. His medications served to produce temporary relief of his symptoms only.

Physical Examination Data or Description

• Lungs rales L>R
• Productive cough
• Airways tighten, inflame, or fill with mucus
• Coughing, especially at night
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Cyanotic eye lids and lips
• Inability to finish a sentence
• Chest tightness or pain

Other Investigations

Results for the following lab tests performed November 11, 2005 are as follows:

• Blood Chemistry – within normal limits;
• Hematology – within normal limits, except for ESR which was elevated at 35 (male normal <15 mm/hr)1

Diagnoses

The diagnosis of asthma was based on clinical presentation and patient history. Differentials considered included [COPD, congestive heart failure, broncospasm due to chronic sinusitis]. Musculoskeletal diagnoses include facet joint irritation of the cervical spine, cervical sprain, neuropathy of the left arm and chronic lumbar strain/sprain.

Treatments

IV therapy commenced in June 2005. The constituents of the treatment have varied somewhat from treatment to treatment based on changes in the patient’s condition but, in general, have included the following:

Outcomes

The patient’s musculoskeletal concerns have been responsive to treatment which continues on an ongoing basis. CP’s response to IV therapy for his respiratory symptoms has been excellent; in the past year, he has used his Ventolin inhaler total two or three times and has completely discontinued the use of Advair and prednisone. He is able to conduct his activities of daily living (including regular games of golf) without discomfort.

Discussion

Magnesium has been shown to reduce bronchial hypersensitivity and to be helpful in controlling blood pressure. 2,3 Calcium chloride is also helpful in reducing blood pressure.4 Potassium supplementation can also help reduce blood pressure and may be needed to combat hypokalemia secondary to parenteral B12 supplementation. 5,6 Vitamin C has been found to be deficient in some asthmatics and has been shown to reduce exercise-induced asthma. 7,8 B12 may become deficient with repeated antibiotic use and is used to combat fatigue. Vitamin B12 may improve oxygen delivery to the tissues. 9 Folic acid is given conjunctively with B12 because B12 deficiency may be masked by folate. Heel homeopathic parenteral solutions were given based on clinical presentation to treat the patient’s condition on an energetic level.

References

1. http://www.questdiagnostics.com/kbase/topic/medtest/hw43353/results.htm accessed August 19, 2007
2. Schenk P, Vonbank K, Schnack B, et al. Intravenous magnesium sulfate for bronchial hyperreactivity: a randomized, controlled, double-blind study. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2001;69:365-71.
3. Sanjuliani AF, de Abreu Fagundes VG, Francischetti EA. Effects of magnesium on blood pressure and intracellular ion levels of Brazilian hypertensive patients. Int J Cardiol 1996;56:177-83.
4. Whelton PK, Kumanyika SK, Cook NR, et al. Efficacy of nonpharmacologic interventions in adults with high-normal blood pressure: results from phase 1 of the trials of hypertension prevention (TOHP). Trials of Hypertension Prev (TOHP) Collab Res Group. Am J Clin Nutr 1997;65:652S-60S.
5. Whelton PK, He J, Cutler JA, et al. Effects of oral potassium on blood pressure. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. JAMA 1997;277:1624-32.
6. Isaac G, Holland OB. Drug-induced hypokalamia: A cause for concern. Drugs & Aging 1992;2:35-41.
7. Mainous AG, Hueston WJ, Connor MK. Serum vitamin C levels and use of health care resources for wheezing episodes. Arch Fam Med 2000;9:241-5.
8. Cohen HA, Neuman I, Nahum H. Blocking effect of vitamin C in exercise-induced asthma. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 1997;151:103-9.
9. Werbach MR. Nutritional strategies for treating chronic fatigue syndrome. Altern Med Rev 2000;5:93-108.