Natural treatments for Asthma

 Natural treatments of Asthma 

If you have asthma or are caring for someone who has it, you probably already know that prescription drugs are a huge expense in the treatment of asthma. According to the American Lung Association, asthma drugs cost $ 6 billion a year in the United States.

In addition to the cost of asthma instructions, keeping track of different inhalers and medications can also be painful. If you are looking for more natural ways to treat asthma or are looking for ways to improve your asthma symptoms, you may be thinking of using a natural remedy or other way to treat your asthma.

Before going to your local grocery store or herbal supplement, make sure that the natural remedy you are considering is not only effective, but also safe.

Do Alternative Asthma Treatments Work?

Many people with asthma need another treatment option to improve the control of their asthma symptoms.

"Many people use alternative therapies, especially allergies," notes Anju Peters, MD, a professor of allergies at Northwestern University's Feinburg School of Medicine and a specialist in allergies and asthma in the division of allergies / immunology at Northwestern Memorial. Chicago Hospital.

In fact, 40 percent of sufferers are experimenting with natural remedies, says Drs. "Most people use it in conjunction with traditional [treatment]," he explains.

So what does research show about natural remedies, and why do people give them guns? "Many of these [treatments] have shown benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties in animals," said Peters, but unfortunately it was not found to be effective in human studies.

While warm baths are often used to help reduce nasal congestion and asthma associated with asthma, Peter points out that there has never been a study proving that steam treatment helps improve asthma symptoms. It is important to understand that "it is not a cure for asthma," he said. However, the fact that the studies have not yet established a clear benefit does not mean that steam baths will not be helpful to some people.

Peters says a steam bath "can reduce some of the symptoms because it can provide moisture to the airways." He warns even though the smoke can be dangerously hot, "so in some asthmatics, it can actually exacerbate symptoms."

Steam baths can help alleviate some of the symptoms, especially nasal congestion, but Peters emphasizes that steam baths are not "a place for asthma medications."

Remedies and Alternative Therapies for Asthma

There are many remedies used as natural remedies for asthma, but Peters suggests that people should be careful before using these respiratory methods. Other alternative treatment options and associated risks include benefits:

. Garlic has been used as a natural remedy for many ailments, especially heart disease, due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Since asthma is an inflammatory disease, it is logical that garlic could also help reduce the symptoms of asthma. Peter notes, however, that there has never been a controlled study investigating the effect of garlic on asthma symptoms, so its role in treating asthma is unknown. The use of garlic as an alternative to asthma treatment, however, is currently under study.

Ginger. Ginger is also thought to reduce inflammation, and recent studies have shown that ginger oral supplements are linked to improving symptoms of asthma. Studies have not shown, however, that ginger use has led to any improvement in actual lung function. Because of this, Peter warns against using this research to draw conclusions about the use of ginger as an alternative to asthma treatment. Additional studies are now being conducted to fully evaluate whether ginger can help manage asthma symptoms.

Echinacea and Licorice Root. A study that examined the use of many different herbal remedies for asthma found that Echinacea - a drug often used to treat more respiratory ailments - was not only effective but also associated with many side effects. Symptoms of cold asthma, skin rashes and liver damage when taken with other medications are risks associated with Echinacea use. Similarly, licorice root - which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is sometimes used by people with asthma to soothe their lungs - has been found to be ineffective as an alternative to asthma and is also associated with side effects such as high blood pressure. Peter says there have been no clinical trials that have shown that Echinacea or licorice root is a treatment for asthma and that there are reports that Echinacea can worsen asthma symptoms in some people.

Storm.

 Turmeric has been the subject of many studies, says Peters, and has found some anti-allergy properties. Turmeric is thought to have an effect on histamines, which can cause inflammation. However, more research needs to be done before turmeric can be developed as a safe and effective natural remedy for asthma.

 Honey is an ingredient in many cough and cold medicines, which are used to help soothe sore throats and reduce coughing. Many people with asthma may try to mix honey with a hot drink to get relief, but also, Peters says there are no studies supporting the use of honey as an alternative treatment for asthma symptoms.

Omega-3s. Omega-3 fatty acids are often used as a natural remedy to help prevent and treat heart disease. Although some studies suggest that omega-3s may also help reduce inflammation and increase lung function, there is still much that is not known about their role in asthma treatment. "There are some articles that [fish oil] ingredients may also be helpful for people with asthma," but for now, more research is needed, Peters warns.

Natural Asthma Treatment: Is It Safe?

Since we do not know much about the possible side effects of many natural remedies, it is always better to be safe than sorry, says Peters.

"There is not enough information to routinely use these drugs on patients." Drug ingredients, because they are not properly trained, can be dangerous, "emphasizes Peters.

If you are going to try a natural remedy to treat your asthma, never use one instead of your regular asthma medication, Peter advises. Also, do not use any other form of treatment without first consulting your doctor. It’s important to remember that “natural” doesn’t always mean it’s safe. 

All the above given remedies are just suggestions please consult your health care physician before you try anything.