Has Anyone Tried Any Alternative Therapies for Asthma? - Asthma Message Board

girlwondering · 09-09-2004, 01:19 AM

Has anyone tried any alternative therapies for asthma? I think I lead a relatively healthy lifestyle and eat healthy, yet my asthma remains. My husband is encouraging me to find out more about alternative therapies.

I have heard that things like yoga and acupuncture work, but I'm not sure. Has anyone tried anything that gives you relief? Even if it is supplemental to what the GP prescribes (me- singulair & ventolin).

Thanks in advance,
Karie

ErimusValidus · 09-09-2004, 06:57 AM

Depending on how serious your asthma is you might try to adopt a regular exercise routine. Up until getting unwell I never felt better than I did after gradually getting fit. I really was in control of my asthma and not the other way around.

You said you lead a healthy lifestyle so I don't know exactly what to recommend but if you can fit 3-4 half hour jogs into the week then that's a great start. Any cardivascular work will gradually increase your resistance to the symtpoms of asthma. I know girls who don't like to run for reasons that I shall leave to your imagination, but cycling and swimming are almost as good (swimming especially, if you push yourself).

If you get ill then rest 'til you get fully better - I wish I had

noodlesfromoz · 09-24-2004, 02:26 AM

Hi Wondering,

My 8 year old son has had asthma since he was 4 months old. Around 12 months ago I was visiting a chiropractor for a sore back. At this stage my son was on the maximum amount of preventative medication for his age and was also having to have ventolin around 3-4 times per week. He averaged around 3 severe asthma attacks (where he was unable to speak) a year resulting in trips to the ed and on occasions admittance to hospital.

My chiro told me he could reduce the amount of asthma that my son was having by doing adjustments on him. I was sceptical to say the least but decided to give it a go. Initially the change was dramatic. Within three months, he wasn't requiring any ventolin at all (even after exercise) In consultation with my GP (who was very open to alternative means) we decided to reduce his preventative. It was halved and then eventually ceased. He stayed asthma and ventolin free for another 6 months. Unfortunately, the weather changed suddenly (a common trigger for his asthma) and he landed back in hospital. Since then he has needed to stay on the preventative.

He just got over another asthma attack (managed at home) due to another weather change. Currently I find that the chiro does help but not as dramatically as at first. However it may we worth giving it a go and seeing if it helps.

This treatment has world wide recognition and several studies have been done to show it is effective.

Hope this helps

charleyhorse · 09-24-2004, 10:49 AM

I've tried quite a few alternative treatments and some of them helped me feel better although the benefit was symptom control rather than a real improvement in lung function. That said, sometimes I am quite happy to have something that simply eases the symptoms. I also find the chiropractor makes me feel better at least for a little while. I tried acupuncture and thought the treatments were very relaxing and I certainly could breathe easier afterwards. However, like with the chiro adjustments, the benefit only lasts a few days for me. That makes it far too expensive for me to continue on a regular basis. I worked with a naturopath for several years (and several thousands of dollars). He had some good suggestions that I still follow concernig diet and vitamins etc. but this wasn't a cure either. I guess the bottom line is that there doesn't seem to be anything that works for everyone. I think its good to try out some different treatments as long as you keep your dr in the loop. Most of our drs here are quite open to complementary therapies so that makes it easier to try these things out.