Alternative Asthma Treatments

A major chunk of asthma patients try out alternative forms of treatment to control severe asthmatic attacks. Though limited information exists on the effectiveness of such treatments, most asthma patients have termed these therapies helpful. These treatments are generally safe and can be tried along with prescribed asthma medications. Prescribed medications should never be stopped because alternative forms of treatment cannot substitute the curing abilities of the prescribed medications. It is best to consult one's doctor before trying out any alternative therapy. More research is necessary to determine the effectiveness of alternative forms of treatment. Yoga, breathing exercises and physical exercises are, however, quite effective in controlling asthmatic attacks.



Breathing exercises have been studied and found to be helpful in reducing the symptoms of asthma. These exercises help to reduce the use of prescribed medications and improve the quality of life of the patient. The Buteyko breathing technique teaches one to breathe less habitually. This helps to prevent hyperventilation or breathing too much. This technique also includes relaxation and stress reduction methods. The Papworth technique involves deep belly breathing or diaphragmatic breathing and nose breathing.

Yoga incorporates the benefits of gentle exercising along with breathing techniques or pranayama. Asthmatic patients should be physically active as it helps to control the symptoms. Regular exercise strengthens the lungs so that one doesn't need to breathe hard. 30 minutes of physical activity is enough to keep one going. One must remember not to exercise in cold weather conditions as that can trigger symptoms. Walking and swimming are quite helpful for asthma patients.

Muscle training helps in strengthening the lung muscles through breathing exercises. Acupuncture or the insertion of thin needles at strategic points of one's body may help to improve asthmatic conditions but there is no solid proof of this. Relaxation techniques include hypnosis, meditation, biofeedback and progressive muscle relaxation. Although these techniques help to reduce stress, there's uncertainty regarding the exact benefits of this therapy.

Homeopathic remedies of asthma are made from substances that trigger an asthmatic attack. Very minute amounts are taken so that no reaction is caused. Homeopathy tries to stimulate the body's self-healing response. However, many asthma experts discourage this form of treatment. There is no proof that massaging and chiropractic treatment help to reduce asthmatic symptoms.

Hypnosis or artificially-induced trance-like state, when done by trained professionals, can help in improving asthmatic conditions. It has been found to be more effective in children. Speleotherapy or the use of caves and other subterranean environments is not common in the US but is popular in many Central and Eastern European countries. However, there is no evidence that it can improve the breathing power of an asthma patient.

Many people think that herbs are safe to take as they are natural. But herbs are neither regulated nor thoroughly tested. Many herbal remedies can interact with prescribed medications and cause serious side effects. Ginkgo biloba, used for decreasing lung inflammation, can cause bleeding problems in patients who are taking the blood thinner Coumadin. Licorice root, used for soothing the lungs, can increase blood pressure. Ephedra, used as a bronchodilator, have led to some unexplained deaths.

• Matt Thompson
• 25/05/2009, 3:59 PM
• 0 Comments