Asthma and migraines have a lot in common and they have also been connected by various studies. It is now believed that certain nutrient deficiencies may lead to migraine and asthma attacks. Two such nutrients that may be deficient in people suffering from migraine or asthma are vitamin D and Magnesium and they are both implicated in migraine treatment and the management of asthma attacks.
Migraine and Asthma
Migraines and tension-type headaches affect around 80% of people in the world. Migraine is a progressive, chronic and debilitating disorder. A migraine headache is caused by the release of inflammatory substances that produce pain around the blood vessels and nerves in the head. It is mainly characterized by a severe, pulsating headache that may last for several hours or a few days. Some other symptoms that are related to migraine attacks may include: nausea and vomiting, muscle tension, neck pain and sensitivity to light or sound. 1
Asthma is an inflammatory disease that affects the lower part of the respiratory tract. During an asthma attack you may experience many different symptoms like wheezing, a tight chest, breathlessness and coughing that may range from mild to life-threatening. 2
Migraine has been associated with asthma and both of these debilitating conditions are characterized by symptom flare-ups. The exact mechanisms that connect migraine and asthma are still unknown, however, it has been suggested that asthma and migraine have more or less the same environmental, biochemical and genetic factors when it comes to their origins. 2,3
Vitamin D and migraines
According to a study done by Mottaghi et al. (2013), vitamin D may play a role in migraines. The exact mechanism of the role played by vitamin D in this case is not known, however, some suggested connections include: 1
- The sensitization of neurons due to bone swelling
- The fact that people with vitamin D deficiency may suffer from low levels of magnesium
Magnesium deficiency and migraines
It has been suggested that tension-type headaches may result from the abnormal metabolism of magnesium. Magnesium deficiencies have been found in people with various types of headaches and magnesium therapy has been shown to be effective in treating migraines.
One feature of magnesium deficiency is smooth muscle spasms and therefore such a deficiency is also implicated in asthma attacks. 1,4
Do you suspect a deficiency?
Do not let migraines or asthma stand in your way of living a happy life. If you are suffering from migraines get migraine treatment today. Call Brain Hub on 1300 770 197 now!
References:
- Mottaghi T, Khorvash F, Askari G, Maracy MR, Ghiasvand R, Iraj B. The relationship between serum levels of vitamin D and migraine. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences. 2013; 18(3): S66-70.
- Czerwinski S, Gollero J, Qiu C, Sorensen TK, Williams MA. Migraine-Asthma Comorbidity and Risk of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy. Journal of Pregnancy. 2012; 2012: 858097.
- Davey G, Sedgwick P, Maier W, Visick G, Strachan DP, Anderson HR. Association between migraine and asthma: matched case-control study. The British Journal of General Practice. 2002; 52(482): 723-727.
- Rosanoff A, Weaver CM, Rude RK. Suboptimal magnesium status in the United States: are the health consequences underestimated?. Nutrition reviews. 2012 Mar 1; 70(3): 153-64.
Dr Carlo Rinaudo (Chiropractor and PhD candidate) is the clinic director of Brain Hub, a clinic in Sydney focussed on helping people with dizziness and vertigo conditions, poor balance, whiplash and concussion symptoms.
The clinic and its practitioners use a range of modalities to help assess and manage these conditions and/or symptoms. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy and other brain-based therapies are primarily utilised, along with standard Chiropractic and physical therapy techniques.
The growing evidence showing support for the management of these conditions comes primarily from the physical therapy and clinical neuroscience fields, rather than chiropractic specific. Fortunately, Dr Rinaudo with post-graduate training both in Australia and from overseas is experienced to translate this knowledge into clinical practice. Additionally, he is currently undertaking a PhD from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and Neuroscience Research Australia (www.neura.edu.au) in Vestibular Therapy, more specifically clinical trials on how to help people with dizziness and vertigo conditions. He is working alongside leading researchers and Neurologists in the field. Additionally, the benefits expected from his PhD research will be used to further validate the use of vestibular rehabilitation therapy for other related conditions like whiplash and concussions.
Dr Rinaudo is a frequent speaker at national events, as well as lecturer in the field of vestibular rehabilitation and dizziness conditions to other health practitioners.
