Alternative asthma remedies

Alternative Treatment for Asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Asthma causes difficulty breathing and production of extra mucus. It is accompanied by coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. This lung disease can not be cured but the treatment can help to control the symptoms.

Conventional medicine treats asthma with medications such as bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs using an inhaler or nebulizer. This provides quick symptoms relief but the medications often entail serious side effects such as allergic reaction.

An individual suffering from asthma that is allergic to asthma medicines may opt for natural asthma remedies. These remedies are not approved by the FDA hence they are not well accepted by general public as conventional treatment but asthma patients may still benefit from using them.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a popular alternative way of managing asthma and its attacks because it involves holistic approach to health. Homeopathic treatment helps people with asthma to develop stronger immune system and to keep their symptoms under control. Unlike asthma medicines, homeopathic treatment is safe and does not cause adverse reactions.

Herbs

Alternative asthma treatment may also include different medicinal herbs. Chamomile, ginger, anise, peppermint, motherwort and passionflower are some of the herbs that can help in reducing lung inflammation and lessen the chance of asthma attack.

Hypnosis and Acupuncture

For some asthma sufferers, hypnosis and acupuncture can be effective in treating the disease. Although acupuncture and hypnosis are not exactly natural remedies, they can offer long-term relief to the patients. When it comes to hypnosis, the patient must ensure the session is led by a certified hypnotist. However, the success of this treatment method is also determined by the state of mind of the patient.

Acupuncture must also be done by an accredited acupuncturist because this alternative treatment can cause side effects if it is not properly performed. Acupuncture treats by inserting needles into different nerve points to induce a chemical reaction within the body. But, this means that one must pay attention that the needles are adequately sterilized. Alternatively, the patient may opt for acupressure that is based on the same principle but uses pressure applied with fingers instead of puncturing the skin with needles.

Yoga

Yoga is a traditional Indian discipline that uses different positions known as asanas for purification of the body and mind. Yoga for asthma can be of help to some people as it can help in reducing constriction of the airways and is a good relaxation technique that can be used to prevent asthma attacks.