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Many people turn to
alternative and complementary treatments 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, biofeedback,
homeopathy, nutrition, and
botanicals.
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, 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 was
recently 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
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.
How
do I know which products are
safe?
Because most alternative
and complementary treatments are not regulated,
it is difficult to know what you are getting.
Here are some tips to follow when considering
using alternative treatments.
- Talk
to your doctor about any herbal products you are
considering before trying them.
- If
you experience side effects such as nausea,
vomiting, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, insomnia,
diarrhea, or skin rashes, stop taking the herbal
product and notify your doctor.
- Avoid preparations made with more than
one herb.
- Beware of commercial claims of what
herbal products can do. Look for
scientific-based sources of information.
- Select brands carefully. Only
purchase brands that list the herb's common and
scientific name, the name and address of the
manufacturer, a batch and lot number, expiration
date, dosage guidelines, and potential side
effects.
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