Complementary or Alternative Asthma Treatments

Complementary or alternative medicines (CAMs) usually mean treatments that do not use drugs prescribed by doctors. Surveys show that many people with chronic diseases are using CAMs.

 It is important that anyone thinking about trying an alternative treatment talk it over with his or her doctor first. Some alternative treatments can be harmful for people with asthma. It is also important to continue using treatments as prescribed unless your doctor either tells you to stop taking the medication or to change your current prescribed dose. Using an alternative treatment may worsen your asthma symptoms and might even lead to other health problems.

CAMs have not been studied as much or as well as the medicines prescribed by doctors.  This means we do not know as much about how well they work, and more importantly, we  do not know about all the possible harmful side-effects they may cause. Currently, there are some CAM research studies  being done, but much is still not known. There is no good reason to take a chance on risky alternative medicines when proven medical treatment is available that can keep you symptom-free.

 Some common CAMs:

Acupuncture
What is it? 
A way of treating asthma that involves the insertion of needles at certain parts of the body. Most acupuncturists base their practice on Chinese theories of the body’s natural balance of energies.

Possible problems

• Some people have become very sick after acupuncture treatment. These people usually became sick because of infected needles or puncture injuries.

Food Avoidance and Food Supplements
What is it?
Some people argue that eating, or not eating, certain foods can cause asthma. They think that asthma can be improved by avoiding foods that are thought to be harmful, or by eating more of foods that are thought to be helpful. There have been a few studies that show certain vitamins may help asthma, but there is not enough proof to bear out these claims. A well-balanced diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables is the best bet for people with or without asthma. If you want to know more about your diet and asthma, talk to your doctor or a nutritionist.

Possible problems with not eating certain foods (avoidance)

• People with true allergies to certain foods, like shellfish or nuts, should avoid these foods carefully. The benefits of avoiding certain foods either to prevent asthma from starting in the first place or to improve symptoms are not clear. There is no good proof that avoiding certain foods will help individuals with asthma.

Possible problems with taking supplements

• Some studies about asthma and dietary supplements have been done.  These studies, however, were unable to find any proof of either benefit or harm.

Herbal Medicines
What are they?
Many herbal treatments have a long history. They are often sold as being helpful to people with asthma, but there usually is very little research proving this. If you want to learn more about herbs and asthma, click here. 

Possible problems with herbal medicines

• Some herbal medicines have been shown to have side effects ranging from nausea to serious poisoning. The side effects of many herbal treatments are completely unknown. There can also be interactions between the herbs and other medicines that can cause problems. In addition, ingredients in herbal medicines are not always clearly marked on the label. Furthermore, they are not as closely regulated by the USFDA (United States Food and Drug Administration) as regular medications. You should always get your doctor’s advice before trying an herbal medicine.

Yoga & Relaxation Techniques
What is it?
Yoga is an old Hindu activity which relates the mind, body and emotions. It uses many postures and breathing techniques that can help to increase fitness and aid relaxation. Other relaxation techniques, which do not use all of the aspects of yoga, have also been used to help people with asthma. Both techniques can help relax the body and improve the way you breathe.

Possible problems with yoga or relaxation techniques:

• Must still be sure to watch asthma carefully and take medications as prescribed by the doctor.

   
Buteyko technique
What is it?
The Buteyko technique is a system of breathing exercises and behavioral changes intended to improve health by changing the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in exhaled air. The promoters of Buteyko believe that people with asthma (and more than 120 other diseases) “over-breathe,” and therefore lose too much carbon dioxide from their system.

Possible problems with the Buteyko technique:

• There have only been two short articles, published in the same journal, on this program. Both articles pointed to the fact that there were good and bad results from using the Buteyko technique. Also, there have been no long-term studies on the effects of using this method.
• The program says it should be used only under the care of a physician trained in the method, but, for a price, it lets you download a copy from the Internet.

Hypnosis
What is it?
Hypnosis is when a state of decreased general awareness, or a “trance,” is created. This is said to allow people to focus on one thing or idea. Some people claim that hypnosis can help their asthma symptoms, and this may be due to relaxation or decreased stress.

Possible problems with hypnosis:

• No scientific research to back up claims that it helps asthma.

Royal Jelly and Propolis
What is it?
 Royal Jelly and propolis (sometimes known as bee glue) are produced by bees. These products are promoted to help asthma symptoms.

Possible problems with Royal Jelly and propolis:

• There is evidence that taking Royal Jelly has caused very serious side effects in some people with asthma and other allergies. These have included asthma attacks, breathing problems, anaphylactic shock (a severe allergic reaction) and even death.
• Although serious side effects from propolis have not been documented in the same way as Royal Jelly, you should avoid both because bees produce both.
• Sometimes they are found in other products, but are not always listed on the label. There is no good reason to take a chance on risky alternative medicines when traditional treatment will keep you symptom-free.

 Drug-herb material adapted from United States Food and Drug Administration materials. Other information provided by Complementary Medicines and Therapies Factsheet, www.asthma.org.uk