Asthma and Complementary Health Approaches: What You Need To Know
Explore evidence-based complementary approaches to support your asthma management alongside proven medical treatments.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition affecting millions of people worldwide. While conventional medical treatments remain the cornerstone of asthma management, many individuals are exploring complementary health approaches as potential additions to their treatment plans. Understanding what the science says about these approaches is essential for making informed decisions about your asthma care.
What’s the Bottom Line?
If you have asthma, following your health care provider’s recommendations on managing your condition is crucial. Complementary health approaches should never replace proven medical treatments prescribed by your healthcare team. Instead, they may be considered as supportive measures when used alongside conventional asthma management.
For your safety, keep the following key points in mind:
- Do not substitute complementary approaches for treatments recommended or prescribed by your health care provider
- Consult your health care provider before adding any complementary health products or practices to your asthma management program
- If you take medicine for asthma, talk with your provider before starting any dietary supplement, as some may interact with your medications in harmful ways
- Managing asthma effectively requires regular checkups, proper use of asthma medicines, avoiding triggers, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle
Understanding Complementary Health Approaches
Complementary health approaches encompass a diverse range of practices and products. These can be broadly categorized into several types:
Nutritional Approaches
Nutritional approaches include special diets, dietary supplements, herbs, probiotics, and microbial-based therapies. These are derived from what the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) previously categorized as natural products.
Psychological Approaches
Psychological approaches include meditation, hypnosis, music therapies, and relaxation therapies. These methods focus on mental and emotional well-being.
Physical Approaches
Physical approaches include acupuncture, massage, and spinal manipulation. These hands-on techniques are performed by trained practitioners.
Combined Approaches
Some complementary approaches combine psychological and physical elements, such as yoga, tai chi, dance therapies, and certain forms of art therapy. Others combine psychological and nutritional elements, such as mindful eating.
What the Science Says About Complementary Approaches for Asthma
Key Research Findings
Important research conclusions include:
- Evidence does not support using complementary health approaches instead of proven medical management for asthma
- When used in addition to proven medical management, complementary health approaches that help manage stress, anxiety, or depression might help improve asthma control
- Most psychological and physical complementary health approaches rarely have serious side effects if performed correctly
- Many nutritional approaches are generally considered safe; however, some dietary supplements may cause side effects or interact unfavorably with medicines
Psychological and Physical Approaches for Asthma
The Stress-Asthma Connection
Research has established a significant connection between psychological factors and asthma control. Anxiety and stress are associated with worsening of asthma symptoms, and poor asthma control is linked to greater symptoms of anxiety and depression. This bidirectional relationship suggests that approaches helping to manage stress, anxiety, or depression might improve overall asthma control and quality of life.
Acupuncture and Related Practices
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique involving the insertion of thin needles at specific points on the body. Research findings on acupuncture for asthma include:
- A 2019 review of 9 studies (777 participants) comparing conventional asthma treatment plus acupuncture with conventional treatment alone found that acupuncture was associated with improved symptoms but not with improvement in measures of lung function
- Related techniques such as moxibustion (burning an herb above the skin to apply heat to acupuncture points) and herbal patches applied to acupuncture points have been studied, but no definitive conclusions can be reached due to poor research quality
Breathing Techniques
Various breathing techniques have been examined as potential complementary approaches for asthma management. The research shows mixed but promising results:
- A 2020 evaluation of 22 studies involving 2,880 adults found that breathing exercises may have positive effects on quality of life and hyperventilation symptoms but probably not on asthma symptoms in adults
- A 2019 review of 10 studies (466 participants) evaluating breathing exercises in children with asthma found insufficient data to reach clear conclusions, though exercises were performed alone, as part of yoga, or as part of composite interventions
- No harmful effects have been reported in studies of breathing techniques in people with asthma
Meditation and Mindfulness
Mindfulness involves paying deliberate attention to the present moment without judgment. Research on meditation for asthma includes:
- A 2018 review of 4 studies (201 participants) found some evidence that meditation may help improve quality of life in asthma patients
- People with asthma who practice mindfulness may experience improvement in quality of life and reduction in stress
- Meditation is generally considered to have few risks; however, because limited studies have systematically examined harmful effects, definite safety statements cannot be made
Yoga
Yoga combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation. This integrated approach addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of asthma management. Mind-body interventions including yoga can reduce anxiety and depression, potentially improving asthma control.
Nutritional Approaches
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements
Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats found in fish and plant sources. Research on omega-3 supplementation for asthma reveals:
- A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis examined 16 studies (464 participants) of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in people with asthma
- Four of the studies looked at fractional exhaled nitric oxide (a marker of lung inflammation) and found it was lower in participants taking omega-3 supplements than in those taking placebos
Herbal Products and Traditional Medicines
Herbal products and traditional medicine remedies are sometimes used for asthma management. However, it is crucial to understand that homeopathic remedies and dietary supplements are not evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety or effectiveness. The FDA warns against relying on asthma products sold over-the-counter and labeled as homeopathic.
Other Nutritional Supplements
Researchers continue to study various nutritional supplements including probiotics, soy isoflavones, and vitamin D as potential complementary approaches for asthma. When considering any dietary supplement, discuss it with your healthcare provider first to ensure it won’t interfere with your current asthma medications.
Safety Considerations for Children
Special considerations apply when considering complementary health approaches for children with asthma. Several complementary approaches have the best evidence of being effective for children and are low-risk, including:
- Biofeedback
- Guided imagery
- Hypnosis
- Mindfulness
- Yoga
However, parents should note that spinal manipulation, a common complementary approach, is associated with rare but serious complications and should be discussed carefully with healthcare providers.
Comprehensive Asthma Management
Effective asthma management extends beyond single interventions. A comprehensive approach should include:
- Regular asthma checkups with your health care provider
- Proper use of prescribed asthma medicines
- Identification and avoidance of personal asthma triggers
- Maintenance of a healthy lifestyle including regular exercise and balanced nutrition
- Stress management and mental health support
- Careful consideration of complementary approaches as supportive additions only
Important Safety Guidelines
Before incorporating any complementary health approach into your asthma management plan, remember these essential safety guidelines:
| Type of Approach | Safety Profile | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Psychological (meditation, relaxation) | Generally low-risk | Discuss with provider; few side effects if properly performed |
| Physical (acupuncture, massage) | Generally low-risk when performed by trained practitioners | Choose qualified practitioners; report any unusual symptoms |
| Dietary Supplements | Generally safe but variable | MUST discuss with provider; potential interactions with asthma medications |
| Homeopathic Products | Not FDA-regulated; effectiveness not established | Do not rely on as primary treatment; FDA cautions against use |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can complementary health approaches replace my asthma medications?
A: No. Complementary health approaches should never replace proven asthma medications prescribed by your healthcare provider. Evidence does not support using complementary approaches instead of proven medical management for asthma.
Q: Are dietary supplements safe for people with asthma?
A: Many dietary supplements are generally considered safe, but some may cause side effects or interact with asthma medications. Always discuss any supplement you’re considering with your healthcare provider before starting it.
Q: Can yoga help my asthma?
A: Yoga combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation. While research is ongoing, yoga may help improve quality of life and reduce stress in people with asthma. It should be used as a complement to, not a replacement for, conventional asthma treatment.
Q: Is acupuncture effective for asthma?
A: Some research suggests acupuncture may be associated with improved asthma symptoms, but studies show it does not improve lung function measures. More research is needed to fully understand its role in asthma management.
Q: What breathing techniques are recommended for asthma?
A: Various breathing techniques have been studied and may help with quality of life and hyperventilation symptoms. However, they probably won’t directly reduce asthma symptoms. Discuss specific techniques with your healthcare provider or a respiratory specialist.
Q: Are complementary approaches safe for children with asthma?
A: Several complementary approaches, including yoga, meditation, guided imagery, hypnosis, and biofeedback, have good evidence of being effective and low-risk for children. However, always consult with your child’s healthcare provider before starting any new approach.
Key Takeaways
When considering complementary health approaches for asthma management, remember these essential points:
- Complementary approaches should supplement, not replace, proven asthma medical treatments
- Consult your healthcare provider before starting any complementary approach or dietary supplement
- Stress, anxiety, and depression are linked to asthma symptoms, so approaches addressing these may help improve control
- Some complementary approaches have more research support than others
- Safety profiles vary among different approaches; discuss potential risks and benefits with your provider
- Effective asthma management includes regular medical checkups, proper medication use, trigger avoidance, and lifestyle factors
Resources for More Information
For more information about asthma management and complementary health approaches, visit the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website or contact the NCCIH Clearinghouse toll-free at 1-888-644-6226. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health is dedicated to exploring complementary health products and practices through rigorous science and disseminating authoritative information to the public and healthcare professionals.
References
- Asthma and Complementary Health Approaches: What You Need To Know — National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institutes of Health. 2024. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/asthma-and-complementary-health-approaches-what-you-need-to-know
- Asthma and Complementary Health Approaches | NCCIH – NIH — National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 2024. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/providers/digest/asthma-and-complementary-health-approaches
- 5 Things To Know About Asthma and Complementary Health Approaches — National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 2024. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/5-things-to-know-about-asthma-and-complementary-health-approaches
- Asthma and Complementary Health Approaches: What the Science Says — National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 2024. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/providers/digest/asthma-and-complementary-health-approaches-science
- Integrative Medicine for Respiratory Conditions: Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease — American Thoracic Society. 2017. https://www.thoracic.org/members/assemblies/interest-groups/resources/integrative_medicine.pdf
- Children and the Use of Complementary Health Approaches — National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 2024. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/children-and-the-use-of-complementary-health-approaches
- Nonpharmacological Management and Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine — American Academy of Pediatrics. 2018. https://publications.aap.org/book/chapter-pdf/1475773/aap_9781610021432-part03-ch28.pdf
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