Alternative Medicine and Asthma

Death from asthma in the U.S. has been on the decline over the last several years. New medications and protocols for management have likely made the difference in preventing asthma deaths but morbidity (the impact on quality of life) has not correspondingly improved. Some asthma patients and parents of asthmatic children have turned to alternative treatments to help treat this common respiratory condition. Although some herbal remedies may have, by testimonials, been helpful with reducing asthma symptoms, few have proven to be effective in well controlled clinical studies.

In fact, people should be very cautious about the use of popular herbs and teas in the setting of allergic asthma and allergy. A Canadian study reports on the use of Alternative treatments in the setting of asthma, and the need to further exercise caution.

I have previously reported on alternative herbal agents and risks assocaited with them. See the second link below.

First, here is the link to the Canadian Report.

This link is to my posting on herbal risks.