ASTHMA AND AEROSOL SPRAYS (August 20, 1966)

Sir: I am writing with reference to Dr. Munro Ford's letter entitled “Asthma and Aerosol Sprays”, which appeared in the Journal on July 23, 1966. In this he comments on the adverse results of excessive use of aerosol (orciprenaline) in the treatment of asthma, and stresses the importance of preventive therapy in this condition rather than treating the symptoms as they arise.

Dr. Munro Ford's approach to the treatment of asthma gives me the opportunity to mention vibrotherapy as a method of preventive and healing treatment. This technique, introduced by Professor M. Pilgrim of New York in 1903, and employed by many medical authorities, proved to be the most potent form of physiotherapy. In many cases it was regarded as indispensable, whether used on its own or supplemented by other forms of treatment. It is my aim to reestablish the “forgotten” vibratory stimulation method and rekindle the interest of the physicians in its use.

Dr. Munro Ford's beliefs are guided by the old-established rule to treat not the symptoms only but to keep in mind the entire diseased body, and view the organism as a whole. Therapy is derived from the same biological law of evolution that produces the disease, and therapeutic measures are employed in order to restore normal function of the organ. In a dysfunction of the lungs, the main aim in treatment should be the restoration of the vital function of breathing. It is apparent that, due to the absence of a dramatic cure for asthma, the physician is often force to fight the symptoms by the use of drugs.

Breathing exercises combined with vibratory stimulation of the nervous system, particularly the nerve centres controlling the function of breathing, would be the most effective and conservative measure in the treatment of asthma. Acting by means of vibratory impulses upon the nervous centres, we intestify their tone and increase the energy of their activity. As a result, we have a more energetic and more regular function of the organs which are under control of the nervous centres concerned. (Soula de Joulouse, Memoirs of the Academy of Science, France).

My experience in using vibratory stimulation and breathing exercises for more than 50 years, in conjunction with general practice, affords me the right to consider these methods the most reliable and efficient in the treatment of asthma.

2/123 Macquarie Street, Alexander James.

Sydney.