More than 17 million people suffer from asthma in the United States today. Asthma is a chronic disease in which the airways of the lungs become inflamed. This inflammation often leads to difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, asthma “attacks,” and other symptoms. In addition, people with asthma often experience disruptions in their daily living as they deal with their symptoms. They might also have to take multiple medications by mouth and use inhaled medications in order to optimize their lung function. For these reasons, asthma sufferers often turn to complementary and alternative (CAM) therapies in order to reduce symptoms, prevent asthma attacks, and improve their quality of life and a sense of well-being.
Alternative Therapies Used
According to one analysis, anywhere from 4 to 79 percent of adult asthmatics report using CAM therapies and use by children is estimated at 33 to 89 percent. In this same analysis, the most common CAM therapies used by people with asthma were breathing techniques, herbs, homeopathy and acupuncture. According to another study, diet and nutritional therapies, herbs, meditation and homeopathy were the most common therapies used among adults with asthma and massage, relaxation techniques, diet and vitamins were most commonly used among children. Unfortunately, very little research is available to assess the safety and effectiveness of these therapies in their role in the management and treatment of asthma, and much further research is needed.
There are, however, positive experiences that individuals have had from using CAM therapies to manage their asthma:
- People have experienced improvement in their asthma symptoms and a reduced need for medications when using breathing techniques on a regular basis.
- When relaxation techniques, such as meditation, qigong, biofeedback, and hypnosis, are practiced on a regular basis, they can also reduce symptoms, doctor’s visits and the need for medication for some people.
- For individuals whose asthma is triggered by certain foods (such as dairy and sugar) and/or dietary patterns, a change in nutritional habits can improve their health, reduce symptoms and improve well-being.
- A variety of herbs and supplements, such as vitamin C, have been minimally investigated for their use in asthma, but there are no definitive results on their safety or effectiveness. Some studies are promising, however, and suggest that in the future that certain herbs and supplements might be of benefit.
Fortunately, there are preventive measures that can be taken. There are many effective conventional medications available today that can help reduce the symptoms of asthma and significantly improve quality of life.
Talk With Your Doctor First
People who suffer from asthma should follow the advice of their healthcare professionals about management and treatment of their condition. A variety of CAM therapies might prove to be very beneficial to certain individuals with asthma. But some CAM therapies as well as therapies that are used in the wrong way could also cause harm and worsen symptoms.
If you are interested in using CAM therapies for asthma, have a thorough discussion with your physician first about the potential risks and benefits. |
