Many people turn to complementary and
alternative medicines (CAM) when they have a chronic illness.
Complementary and alternative medicines are medical treatments that are
different from the traditional treatments you would receive at most U.S.
doctors' offices. These treatments include herbs, dietary supplements,
acupuncture, chiropractic and massage therapy, and biofeedback.
Alternative treatments are often used alone, while complementary
treatments are used in combination with traditional treatments your
doctor prescribes.
Are there complementary and alternative medicines to treat asthma?
There are many complementary and alternative treatments that claim
to treat asthma. However, because there have been few or no research
studies on most of them, the effectiveness and safety of many are unknown.
Here are some examples of complementary and alternative treatments for asthma:
- Herbs and vitamins. It is believed that some Chinese herbs,
like ding-chan tang (DCT), can decrease inflammation and relieve
bronchospasm. Ma Huang (ephedra), a common herb used in dietary
supplements, has been used for years as a bronchodilator. Ephedra
has been banned by the United States Food and Drug Administration
(FDA). Some studies have also shown that vitamin C improves asthma symptoms.
- Yoga. Breathing exercises used in yoga have been found to
help some asthmatics control breathing and relieve stress, a common
asthma trigger. There is no scientific evidence that supports this.
- Acupuncture. There are some reports that acupuncture can
help in the treatment of asthma, but further studies are ongoing.
- Biofeedback. Learning to increase the amount of air inhaled
has reduced fear and anxiety during an asthma attack for some asthmatics.
Is it safe to use complementary and alternative asthma treatments?
Most people think of herbs as being natural and therefore safe to
take. However, many herbs have not been thoroughly tested, and the FDA
does not regulate them. This means that the purity and amount of herb in
each dose--and therefore its safety--cannot be guaranteed.
Some herbs used to treat asthma have been
found to interact with other medicines. For example, Gingko biloba, used
to decrease inflammation in the lungs, could cause bleeding problems in
people who are also taking the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin®).
Licorice root, used to soothe the lungs of asthmatics, can increase
blood pressure. Ephedra has been used as a bronchodilator but has also
been linked to some unexplained deaths.
It is very important that you always
inform your doctor if you are taking any herbs or dietary supplements.
Some herbs may worsen your asthma or other medical condition, or they
may interfere with prescribed medicines you are taking.