Asthma is a chronic and sometimes acute condition in which the smooth muscles that surround the smaller air passages into the lungs go into spasm, causing a wide range of mild (cough, very slight breathlessness) to very severe (wheezing, gasping for air, tightness in the chest, rapid heart rate — all leading to great distress and anxiety) symptoms. It can be precipitated by diet, food and environmental allergens, drugs and stress. Asthma can start at any age, and the severity of attacks varies. Severe attacks characterized by a racing pulse, sweating, and breathlessness can be dangerous if untreated. Holistic and alternative approaches recommended by our practitioners: