As of 2011, there are no peer-reviewed, evidence-based studies regarding the use of potassium nitrate as an asthma treatment. Evidence of past usage can be found in old medical journals, such as the 1905 journal from the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, which lists potassium nitrate as a cure for asthma.
Potassium Nitrate Chemistry
Potassium nitrate has one potassium atom, three oxygen atoms and one nitrogen atom. The molecular weight is 101.1032 grams per mole. This potassium salt is water soluble. Like other nitrates, it is classified as an oxidizer, which means that it takes electrons from other compounds in exchange for its oxygen atoms. This property is why potassium nitrate is so useful in making gunpowder.
Asthma
Asthma involves an inflammation of the passageways in the lungs called the bronchi and bronchioles. This inflammation causes an obstruction in the these passageways, making it difficult to breathe. Triggers for asthma include various allergins such as dust, pet dander, pollen and tobacco smoke. In some instances, acute anxiety can bring on an asthma attack.
Modern Treatment
Doctors treat asthma with a number of different drugs. Fast-acting drugs, such as inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodialators open up the breathing passages, making it easier to breath in the event of an attack. Anti-inflammation drugs, such as prednisone, and drugs that act on the immune system, such as Singulair, Accolate, and Xolair, prevent the inflammation from occurring.
Increased Incidence
The incidence of asthma has increased sharply since the 1980s. This is unexpected; since people are smoking less and air quality has improved, theoretically, the rate should be going down. Possible explanations for this increase include lower levels of vitamin D, exposure to aerosol cleaning compounds, and a wider use of acetaminophen instead of aspirin.
References
- "Asthma, Allergy and the Mind"; Mark Jackson; 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Asthma
- "Pharmaceutical Journal: A Weekly Record of Pharmacy and Allied Sciences"; J. Churchill; 1905
- "The Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society"; Remodeling and Inflammation of Bronchi in Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; Peter K. Jeffery; 2004
- Texas A & M University; Oxidizing Materials; Nancy Magnussen; August 1997
- National Jewish Health; Newly Recognized Risk Factors May Help Explain Increase in Asthma; February 2009
- "Ciba Foundation Symposium"; Evidence for the Increase in Asthma Worldwide; A.J.Woolcock and J.K. Peat; 1997
- " Los Angeles Times"; Asthma Increasing in U.S., Despite Less Smoking and Decreased Air Pollution; Thomas H. Maugh II; May 03, 2011
