Relaxation and yoga have proven very effective for some. Yogurt containing priobiotic bacteria (which is necessary for a healthy gut) has shown to be effective in a few studies, though others have seen no benefits. The best method for controlling asthma is to remove carpet from bedrooms, keep asthmatics away from pets, and control mold to a minimum in the house.
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects at least 24 million people in the United States.
Genetics, allergy, environment, infection, emotions, and nutrition all play a role in this disease, which causes inflammation of the airways of the lung.
Complementary and alternative therapies are often used by people with asthma.
In a survey of 48 multicultural parents of children with asthma, 81% of the parents used one or more forms of alternative or complementary therapy to treat their child's asthma.
Other popular treatments include the antioxidants vitamins C and E, selenium, and zinc.
Omega-3 fatty acids from fish, and other supplements such as the herb Petasites hybridus are also used to decrease inflammation.
There are many different strains of probiotics; studies have found that probiotic-supplemented yogurt resulted in trends in reduced inflammation and reduced allergic symptoms.
However, not all studies have had positive results; one study found no effect of yogurt consumption on asthma-related symptoms and lung function in a group of patients with asthma.
In addition to the treatment of existing asthma, probiotics also show promise for asthma prevention.
Pregnant women who had at least one first-degree relative or partner with either eczema, allergies, or asthma (related diseases), were given the probiotic Lactobacillus GG until six months postpartum.
In the group of women who took probiotics, the incidence of infant eczema was half that of the women who took a placebo.
People with asthma should always consult a licensed health care practitioner before trying any alternative or complementary therapy.
Keeping the household humidity level at less than 50 percent to control dust mite and fungus growth.
11. Zureik M, Neukirch C, Leynaert B, Liard R, Bousquet J, Neukirch F. Sensitisation to airborne moulds and severity of asthma: cross sectional study from European Community respiratory health survey.