Key takeaways
- Most cases of allergic asthma are manageable with prescription medications, inhalers, and avoiding triggers. But many people are interested in complementary therapies, too.
- Examples of complementary therapies people use for asthma include nasal irrigation, breathing exercises, and acupuncture. However, they cannot replace standard treatments, especially during an asthma attack.
- Always discuss trying a complementary therapy with a doctor first, especially if you take other medications or you want to give them to a child.
Allergic asthma is a type of asthma that’s triggered by exposure to certain allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander.
While some complementary therapies may help with symptom management, they have some limitations to be aware of.
Read on to learn whether these therapies offer benefits for people living with allergic asthma.
Complementary therapies are alternative approaches to managing a condition that you use in addition to standard treatment. Examples include breathing exercises, acupuncture, or supplements.
These therapies may help to reduce sypmptoms or improve quality of life, but they don’t offer a cure for allergic asthma, and cannot replace standard treatments.
The reason for this is that allergic asthma occurs due to the body’s response to an allergen. As long as the allergen is present, it can potentially cause symptoms.
This is why it’s always best to be prepared with doctor-recommended treatments, such as rescue inhalers, should you need them.
Below is a look at some complementary therapies people use for asthma.
Nasal irrigation involves rinsing the nose with sterile saline. This washes away particles that could set off allergy symptoms, such as pollen, that can enter the nose.
This approach cannot cure allergic asthma, but it may help some people with symptom management, depending on what allergy they have.
Always use sterile saline water and follow instructions for cleaning nasal irrigation devices.
Certain breathing techniques may improve asthma symptoms by reducing stress, increasing breath control, and improving lung function, according to the Allergy & Asthma Network.
Some examples of techniques people try include:
- diaphragmatic breathing
- the Papworth method
- Buteyko breathing
- controlled coughing or huffing
People can learn these techniques from a doctor or asthma specialist.
It’s important to note that, for people with allergic asthma, breathing exercises won’t stop the allergic reaction that leads to symptoms. You should always carry your medication or inhalers with you as a doctor recommends.
According to a 2020 review, acupuncture has been part of asthma treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for over 1,000 years.
During an acupuncture session, a trained acupuncturist inserts very thin needles into specific points on your body. There’s some evidence that this may modulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, and dilate the airways, but more research is necessary.
Some researchers have hypothesized that vitamins C, D, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, may improve lung health and reduce symptoms of allergic asthma. However, research so far hasn’t shown any benefit for taking these supplements, according to the
Some plant compounds may have the ability to dilate the airways, reduce allergic reactions, or lower inflammation. However, there is little evidence that they work as reliably or effectively as medications in humans.
For example, a
However, plants contain many compounds, and each one can have multiple effects on the body. For example, berberine can affect blood sugar levels and
Scientists may be able to develop new asthma drugs from these compounds, but in the meantime, always consult a doctor before trying herbal remedies.
In addition to medication, another important aspect of your treatment plan is trigger avoidance. Taking steps to avoid the allergens that trigger your asthma reduces your risk of an asthma attack.
You can track your symptoms and triggers over time by keeping a symptom diary. Be sure to include information about your environments and activities. You may want to make notes on the weather, air quality, pollen reports, encounters with animals, and foods you consumed.
It’s also important to see an allergist to ensure that you identify your triggers. Some of the most common allergic asthma triggers include:
- pollen
- dust mites
- pet dander
- cockroaches
- mold
Some people worry that prescription treatments aren’t safe, but asthma medications are thoroughly researched, tested, and regulated.
Complementary therapies aren’t regulated in the same way, and some could even be dangerous. Something being “natural” does not necessarily make it safe.
The best and safest way to manage allergic asthma is sticking to your treatment plan and avoiding any allergens that trigger your symptoms.
Some complementary therapies that may benefit those with allergic asthma include nasal irrigation, breathing exercises, and acupuncture.
However, it’s important to know that these therapies cannot cure asthma, and they may not work for everyone. They are also not safe to rely on during emergencies.
It’s vital to speak to your doctor or allergist before trying any new therapy, including complementary ones. Some alternative therapies have risks or may interact with medications you take.
If you find a complementary therapy relaxing, it might improve your quality of life, even if it doesn’t treat your asthma symptoms.