Asthma Asthma is on the increase among children. To some extent it may be caused by increasing levels of pollution. It may be a response to an inhalent allergen, or an allergen in food or it may be a chemical sensitivity - to one of the many pollutants that are emitted by car exhausts, for example. These allergens trigger histamine-laden mast cells in the bronchi to release their histamine. When the histamine is released it causes inflammation of the membranes lining the bronchi which then become thicker and airflow is restricted.
Mediators make the smooth muscles contract suddenly.
Frequently there is a deficiency of magnesium which is a co-factor in the reaction which controls release of immune modulating substances and which allows the muscles to relax again. When the muscles cannot relax the regular rhythmical pattern of breathing is disrupted and breathing becomes difficult. To check out magnesium deficiency increase the quantity of fresh green vegetables, nuts, seeds and oatmeal in your child's diet whilst at the same time looking out for food allergies. An inexpensive source is unrefined flaxseed, safflower or sunflower oil, 40-50ml per day is a good start. In this case a source of GLA is needed.