natural asthma treatments

Read and learn more about natural asthma treatments. For more, visit the Asthma website MrAsthma.com

Q: Alternative asthma treatments?
I have recently been diagnosed with mild/moderate asthma stemming from severe allergies. I am on a steroid inhaler, and albuterol when needed, but is there anything else I can do to reduce my dependance on the inhalers? Natural, holistic treatments that can help me breathe easier? Would air purifiers help? Deep breathing techniques?

A: Keep your home clear of dust and pollen.
Avoid cigarette smoke.

Stay away from cats; their dander is highly allergenic.

Remain calm. Managing stress helps fight asthma.

Treat colds and the flu promptly to reduce the chances of an attack.

Wear a scarf over your mouth and nose to warm the cold winter air.

Keep an asthma diary to help you determine your asthma triggers.

Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to keep mucus loose.

Substances in green tea can help reduce the airway inflammation that accompanies an asthma attack. Taking time for a cup of tea can be soothing and calming as well. You can safely drink several cups of green tea a day in combination with other nutritional and herbal remedies.

Yoga is an excellent activity for people with asthma. Not only does it enhance breathing, it is also relaxing.

An inexpensive device, called a peak-flow meter, measures how fast and how hard you can exhale air from your lungs. Its results, compared to levels set by your doctor or to previous readings, can often predict an asthma attack, even a day or two in advance.

Eating lots of onions may help asthma sufferers. The mustard oils (isothiocyanates) they contain seem to promote healthy lungs.

The supplements in the list below are meant to complement conventional asthma therapy. Never stop taking medication prescribed for asthma without consulting your doctor.

Vitamin C: 1,000 mg 3 times a day. Reduce dose if diarrhea develops.

Magnesium : 400 mg twice a day. Take for 6 weeks to achieve adequate levels.

Vitamin B6: 50 mg twice a day. Especially important if you take the prescription asthma drug theophylline.

Quercetin : 500 mg 3 times a day. Use 20 minutes before meals; often sold with vitamin C.

Licorice : 200 mg standardized extract 3 times a day. Can raise blood pressure. Use DGL.

Q: does anyone know a good natural treatment for asthma for a toddler?

A: First and foremost have your child under a Dr.’s care asthma is very serious condition, and I sure that you know that death can result, but also scarring of the lungs and bronchul tubes as well.
I was a severe asthmatic as a child, medication did very little. The only thing that helped my condition was chiropractic care, I know that seems simple but it was a miracle for me. The nerves that come from the brain stem that control respiration are in the cerivical spine when these vertabrae have subluxation they interfer with these nerves, and there function. My symptoms decreased by 90%!! The rest of them were helped by detoxifiy my body with herbs, and improving my diet. I have not had an attack in over 10 years.
Find a Dr. that has training in alternative medicine, or at least one who is open to other therapys. Then consult a trained certified naturapathy, these people are trained in vitamins, herbs, minerals etc. They also can help with relaxation techninques, this is very important because attacks can be brought on by stress, and aniexty. Getting a massage regularly can also help, because it can relax the muscles in the chest and between the shoulder blades. These areas are usually tightened by having attacks.
Please understand, I’m still an asthmatic, but I have no symptoms that affect my daily life. You will always have to watch and know the symptoms and warning signs, because there is never a guarentee that an attack won’t happen.
I’m a massage therapist, and a volunteer firefighter. While firefighting I’ve never had any trouble putting water on a fire, crawling through a burning building, or pulling someone out of a buliding.
Good Luck, and have hope. Always remember to keep his Dr. aware of any alternative therapies, and supplements he is on. This can prevent interactions with RX’s and other supplements.

Q: Healthy Natural Treatment Alternatives for Asthma and Allergies?
NO STERIODS!!! Don’t like them won’t take them any longer and they really don’t work very well anyway. I’m miserable though and need something but I’m so worn out by traditional medicines. I want something healthy and all natural.

A: Asthma can be very serious if not treated correctly. I have been suffering from asthma for 24 years- since I was born and I know how awful it can be! Are you talking about predisone (the 10 day prescription for extreme cases of flare ups), or daily control steroids? The prednisone can make anyone go nuts and I hate when the dr. says you need to take these for 10 days- but the everyday steroid is just to keep your asthma under control and you should really consider trying it at least. I hope that you still have your rescue inhaler for attacks…

The next best thing is salt water- anytime I am around a beach or an ocean, my breathing improves dramatically (The nebulizer machines use part salt water and albuterol)

I have heard of these salt water inhalers, but I have never tried one myself— this could be what you are seeking, but again I have never tried it so I dont know if it works… here I found a website of the salt inhalers- they are a little expensive but here is… http://www.natural-salt-lamps.com/saltpipe.html

Good luck to you! If you try it- let me know how it goes! Take care!!!

Q: How can I control my asthma naturally without using drugs?
I’ve suffered with asthma since childhood. I’ve convinced that it can’t be cured. I’ve learned to live with it but I’m sick of using inhalers and taking medication. Are there any safe and effective natural treatments for asthma that will control attacks and breathing without the use of drugs or inhalers?

A: A long time friend of mine has had asthma since she was a child. She battles with it to this day. I did a little research online and I found an article of a woman telling her story on how she controls her asthma condition naturally.

In the article she talks about changing her diet, eliminating preservatives and simply eating more healthy overall. She stopped consuming diary products. She then went on to limit or completely stop taking her medications that often had bad side effects. It seems like the combination of diet, exercise and cutting off medications contributed to her controlling her asthma naturally.

If you can identify what causing your asthma attacks, you can change your lifestyle and your asthma should improve. My friend, for example, eats what she wants, doesn’t exercise…there’s no wonder that she suffers from frequent asthma attacks! She’s very dependent on her medication and simply suffers even more from the side effects.

I think it’s great that you desire controlling your asthma naturally. I hope I’ve been of some help. You can read more of the woman’s story in the article which also includes professional advice from doctor. I’m going to email my stubborn girlfriend the article.

Q: Who knows a good home asthma treatment?
For those of you who don’t have severe enough asthma to warrant using a prescription, do you know any good home treatments? I’m basically looking into what foods help and what to avoid. For me, dairy foods tend to trigger it but I can’t find any natural treatment that’s a good natural bronkodilator.

A: Surprisingly, caffeine is an excellent bronchiodialator for many people. Your results may vary, but when I was a kid I accidentally discovered that Coca-Cola really helped me breathe when I was in a bind.

I’d be careful when it comes to finding “natural” treatments, though. Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s good for you (for example, cyanide is natural and so are poisonous mushrooms and berries) or that it won’t have negative side effects. As helpful as some of the natural cures are, many of them require further study to fully understand.

I’m a strong endorser of caffeine, although I know that different asthmatics have varying experiences with it (just as we all differ on what medicines work or what our triggers are). I’d say that you should still ask your doctor for a medicine like albuterol. You might not need anything stronger if you have mild asthma, but it’s still the best thing out there. The closest natural alternative to the albuterol family is actually less safe.

One more note on dairy. This REALLY varies from person to person. I don’t have any problem with dairy and it’s never done anything negative or positive with my asthma. With my doctor’s help, I’ve monitored my diet and tried all sorts of things. But I know that dairy makes symptoms worse for other people. If you want to find out how your diet affects your symptoms, try using a “peak flow meter.” You can find one at your pharmacy or online. It measures your lung capacity. Keep a journal of what you eat, the weather, and anything else that might be a trigger. It takes some detective work, because every single asthmatic is different, but it’s worth it to find out if some foods help and others hurt.

Q: Alternative treatments for asthma?
I have recently been diagnosed with mild/moderate asthma stemming from severe allergies. I am on a steroid inhaler, and albuterol when needed, but is there anything else I can do to reduce my dependance on the inhalers? Natural, holistic treatments that can help me breathe easier?
No, I will not stop with the inhalers. I just want to reduce my dependance and improve my overall lung function without ADDING anymore medication.
Would air purifiers help?

A: There is no cure for asthma and one does not out grow it. You can become symptom free however the underlying cause is always there.

The best non medication treatment for asthma is learning your asthma triggers and avoiding them. If you are unable to identify the triggers or if you can’t avoid them, you will need asthma medications.

Anyone diagnosed with asthma should have a rescue inhaler with them at all times for that “just in case” moment. If you have to use the rescue inhaler more then 2 times per week, you will need a preventive medication.

You will need an asthma action plan to log your medications and when to use them. Track your signs and symptoms as well as your peak flow readings.

No one should be limited in their daily activities because of asthma. It can be managed.

Action plan http://www.lungusa.org/atf/cf/%7B7A8D42C2-FCCA-4604-8ADE-7F5D5E762256%7D/AAP.PDF

http://noattacks.org/
http://www.singulair.com/montelukast_sodium/singulair/consumer/asthma/index.jsp?WT.svl=1

http://www.asmanex.com/asmanex/application

Q: My mum has got throat constriction.she is suffering from sever asthma.Is there any natural treatment for it?
I can’t see her suffering .plz help

A: If you are looking for a quick fix until she can get to a doctor or if she’s out of her inhaler or something ..try caffeine. My son has had asthma since he was 6 mos old. One time we were out and he had an attack. We had forgotten his inhaler and a paramedic told me that if that ever happens give him strong coffee. It works, we’ve had to do it a couple of times over the last 7 1/2 yrs. Hot or cold doesn’t matter..just make sure it is caffeinated! I would not recommend this long term or in lieu of medical attention. If she has “severe” asthma she should be on a maintenance medication. So again, I would not recommend this as anything more than a temporary solution. It has worked for us (and others) in a pinch though.

Also have her sit in bed propped up with some pillows..listening to some relaxing music, rub her back..anything to rest and slow her breathing. If it is severe..ie: the beds of her fingernails, lips, etc look even a tiny bit purple/blue call an ambulance immediately!

Q: is there a natural cure for asthma?
Are there non prescription treatments for asthma? Is there a cure for asthma?

A: There is no cure for asthma however there are treatments. If you consider prescription medications as standard treatments and all other treatments natural or alternative treatments, then there are natural treatments. Note: ALTERNATIVE OR NATURAL TREATMENTS DO NOT REPLACE STANDARD TREATMENT AND WILL NOT CURE ASTHMA. You have to use the alternative treatments with standard treatments, add them to your asthma action plan and inform your doctor on what you are doing.

In my opinion, prescription medications, knowing and avoiding your triggers, using an asthma action plan and using a peak flow meter every day are standard treatments. Alternative treatments would include diet and exercise.

The underlying cause of asthma is airway inflammation. Inflammation starts way before bronchoconstriction does in an asthma attack. Eating foods that prevent inflammation can help with asthma as well as other inflammation diseases. Some advocate the consumption of anti-inflammatory foods as a means of controlling inflammation.

A typical anti-inflammatory diet includes a well-balanced, varied diet that is high in vegetables and low in refined carbohydrates and undesirable fats, such as saturated fats and trans fats. Anti-inflammatory foods include most colorful fruits and vegetables, oily fish (which contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids), nuts, seeds, and certain spices, such as ginger. Extra virgin olive oil contains a chemical oleocanthal that acts similarly to ibuprofen. Those following an anti-inflammatory diet will avoid refined oils and sugars, and show a preference for so-called anti-inflammatory foods in their meal choices. A diet high in vegetables and low in refined carbohydrates and saturated and trans fats may enhance the creation of prostaglandins. There are three main types of prostaglandins: PG-E1 and PG-E3, which have an anti-inflammatory properties. Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, and bok choy are all in the cruciferous family. Eathing 5 servings of these vegetables each day has the same anti inflammatory properties as one Singulair tablet, a pill use to prevent asthma.

If you are without a rescue inhaler and you are starting to have an asthma attack, you can use a caffeinated drink to help. Caffeine acts in the body like albuterol or even more closely Theophylline. You can drink a strong cup of coffee or a caffeinated soda. You will need alot of caffeine but it can help you until you get to a ER or find you rescue medication.

Exercise is good for asthma. The national guidelines say that even though exercise can be a trigger, it is the only trigger you should not avoid. That said, they don’t specify what type of exercise. I recommend a low impact exercise like yoga or tai chi. If you are up to it, easy bike rides and walking is also good. You see, when you are in shape, your body works more efficiently. You heart rate and respiratory rate slow. You body doesn’t need the amount of oxygen as it once did. So when an asthma attack starts and your oxygen level drops, you can better cope with it.

Another benefit of exercise is that body fat does not play well with asthma. Fat cells promote inflammation in the body. Again, asthma is a disease of airway inflammation. If you have pounds of body fat over your chest and abdomen, it compresses the lungs making it hard to breath.

Again, I must stress that you can not replace standard proven treatments with these “alternative” treatments. You need to have an asthma action plan, you need to check peak flows every day, you need to take you medications as ordered by the doctor and you need to know and avoid your triggers as you can.

Please do not change, modify or stop you asthma treatments until you speak with YOUR primary asthma medical specialist.

Q: Are there natural alternatives to treating a two year old’s asthma?
My two year old had asthma set in when my wife experienced some external stress. Over a year of these treatments has achieved mild improvement but no clearing up of the symptoms in sight. Are there natural or Naturopath alternatives? Links to sources you personally have found credible (with commentary) valued above all. Thanks.

A: I used to have really bad asthma attacks that were stress related as well as allergy related. I started taking Oil of Oregano capsules and they have helped me a great deal within the past 2 years I can say my asthma hasn’t bothered me as much. I rarely use an inhaler I haven’t even refilled my prescription for an inhaler. Health food stores can recommend something for a 2 year old.
Good Luck!!

Q: for cat asthma are there any treatments beyond bronchodilators, aspirator,steroids?
50 mg a day Theophylline led to increased severe asthma attacks,soft stool and general listness. Discontined. Presently on 5mg pernisone twice daily, more alert and mobile, firm stool but mild attack today. He is not a lap cat, will only tolerate being rubbed, not petted. Does not like to be held even before he was sick so an aspirator would not be effective. Am looking for relief for my cat that improves his ability to breathe. Don’t expect him to be cured just want him to get better. Any suggestions, natural remedies that work? Or what should I ask of my vet now?

A: The short story is that a severe asthmatic is at high risk of death from being unable to breathe… natural remedies may be useful supportive therapies, but you need the big guns of chemical drugs to try to keep this cat’s life sustained. Here’s lots more:

1) A vet’s diagnosis is critical to eliminate other illnesses that have similar symptoms, to help you identify the severity of the disease, and to help periodically adjust their treatment (sounds like you’re already doing this)

2) Remove obvious irritants from the cat’s environment: smoking, dust, chemicals, perfumes used in cleaning beddings and carpets, etc. This may help a little but isn’t a cure, and often triggers of attack symptoms remain mysterious.

3) Recall that for severe asthmatics, an attack can cause permanent damage (collapsed lung), and even without an attack the ever-present inflammation causes progressive damage (scarring and loss of lung capacity similar to emphysema). It is critical to arrest the progress of the disease. The most reliable way is anti-inflammatory drugs, and our most effective ones are corticosteroids.

4) A very small change in the diameter of the inflamed, mucus-laden brionchioles (breathing tubes inside the lungs) can have a very big effect on being able to breathe. This is why bronchodilators are so important for stopping an attack in progress, they help the airways open up just a little more.

So for treatment options:

a) If the cat can be handled (either it is trusting or can be lovingly caught and given the ‘burrito cat’ treatment wrapped in a towel), then the most advanced and very effective daily use of inhaled fluticasone/Flovent (steroid) and as-needed albuterol(bronchodilator) through a feline aersol chamber and mask, is the preferred treatment. Many thousands of asthmatic cats are using this treatment approach and achieving better quality of life.

b) If the cat will take pills, prednisone is a cheap and often effective solution.

Inhaled albuterol through the aerosol chamber is still the best bronchodilator, because it is immediate and has few side effects. I’ve tried the pill and injected bronchodilators (terbutaline, theophylline). Theophylline had no effect. Terbutaline injected was more traumatic and in pill form much slower acting, than inhaled albuterol.

c) If the cat can be rarely handled, injected steroids are an option, but it may difficult to regulate the effects – every month my cat would be at death’s door in a giant attack again.

Both b) and c) injected/ingested steroids may cause other health and behavioral problems as they are systemically absorbed. That’s another reason a) is preferred.

I cowrote a website on feline asthma listed as the source for this comment.

Q: Help With Asthma Home Treatments Please?
ok so heres there story im 21 years old this wed..and ive had asthma for a year and half now and when i had my first attack i had insurance so i went to a dr and got an inhaler..im almost positive my attacks are due to allergens and dust..i just ordered an air purifier so im hopinh that helps but heres the real problem i dont have any health insurance right now cant afford it im going to be applying for this free insurance on thurs but it might take awhile to go through i need to know if theres some home treatments or things i can buy medicine wise or natural things that can help get me through till i have insurance..its pretty bad right now i have little of my last inhaler left and i feel i need it way to much so is there anything that can help right now i have alot of tightness in my chest thats my problem when being awake but when i lay down and wake up i wake up wheezing please give me all the tips you can thanks

A: Try Febreze Allergen Reducer spray. It is not expensive, but it really helps

Q: treatment for asthma?
i would like to know what works for other asthma sufferers…as far as natural treatments.
i take evening primrose and fishoil and it seems to work …..i am trying to get off Advair………i will always have albuteral as a quick fix………but i would like to havesome natural long term remedies

A: As far as natural treatment is concerned, there can be nothing better than Yoga for any ailment. If it is possible for you to discuss your problem with a good Yoga instructor, you might arrive at a long term solution. Do also keep in mind that there are a number of instructors, who claim to be experts!

Cheers!

Sridhar

Q: Food Regimens To Cure Eczema? Natural Treatments?
Hello,
I was just doing some research about Eczema and found that it has alot to do with her immune system etc… I’ve had Eczema for a while and have had asthma and allergies ( to really salty food). People say that drinking water and orange juice helps. But idk.

I’m looking for natural cures and remedies even eating regimens.
My skin gets extremely DRY and since i’m black, i have really dark dark dark spots on the back of my knees, legs, and elbows.
I dont want any creams or pills.

What types of foods can i use to clean/purify myself?
What is a good regimen to follow?

thanksbunches x]

A: Hi,

This is a demo video to watch for the eczema cure as seen in Japan. It is not used in Hospitals all over the world yet – but as more people get this water then they will all see that Eczema is curable.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxLW-HKgQzU&feature=PlayList&p=262C30FDF046ADAB&playnext=1&index=4

You can try to get free alkaline water – place a wanted add on http://craigslist.com Place a add to ask for 8.5 PH drinking water, and hope that the person can also make 2.5 PH water. Drinking the alkaline water will help, even if you can not spray the 2.5 PH water on your skin and hair.

I have been helping a friend get rid of his psoriasis’ on his skin, it covers about 2 square feet of his arms and hands.

He has been spraying on 2.5 PH water for about a month now, and it is working. He is also drinking 9.5 PH water. His wife has MS, and is also drinking the 9.5 PH alkaline water, and is doing much better.

Good Luck!

Q: How do you control you asthma through natural ways. AND Some tips about working out to build muscle.?
I have asthma and wanted to know what wats can I control it without using medicine. I wanted something like treatments, foods, or anything in between. Just something that is natural or at least somewhat natural. Another question is can someone give me some simple workout tips for a begginer. I’m going to be joining my Youth minister in a weight room during the summer and wanted to see what I needed to know and stuff and genrally working out. Oh yeah and what I should do now to get my body energetic enough and healthy enogh to get in a decent workout. I want to build muscle. One more thing can someone give me a simple and easy food plan that wont clash with my school schedule. you know a 3 meal not 5 meal a day plan! Thanks so much for the answers and God bless!

A: Asthma is a pain, isn’t it? Especially when you try to exercise. You must always have some medicine available, just in case of emergency, but there are natural ways to treat it.

For one, eat more flavonoids, found in tea, apples, and onions. Also, cut down on your salt consumption. For some asthmatics, that alone is enough to ease symptoms. Don’t believe the myth you have to avoid dairy, although I’ve personally (yes, I do have asthma) noticed that if an episode is coming on, dairy makes it worse. Otherwise, I’m fine.

Others swear by eating hot and spicy stuff. There’s nothing like a little cayenne or chili powder to open you up! (I’ve had friends have the opposite effect though, forcing them to use their emergency inhalers. Test the waters with a small amount first when you’re having slight difficulties. Your chest should feel a little less tight and the air should come easier. If not, stay away from the stuff when you’re having an episode.)

Relaxation exercises will also help.

You say you’re a beginner in working out. Start slow and start easy. Since you have asthma, only do moderate cardio (think slow jogging or brisk walking) for 15min. and build up by five minutes once a week until you reach 45min. A pain, I know, but it’s better than risking an asthma attack! You might notice your asthma gets better too. This is because your lungs have become more efficient in working with oxygen. So you get in shape, look great, AND feel better. What a great deal!

For weights, select something you can only do 4-6 reps with. If you’re in a lot of pain, then you’re lifting too much weight or doing too many reps with the appropriate weight. Build up the weight every couple of weeks until you reach a weight you’d like to lift.

Your meals should focus mostly around healthful foods. A whole grain cereal with low-fat or skim milk and a fruit is yummy and healthy. Lunch might include at least two servings of veggies (think easy, like carrots and celery,) a serving of dairy, and a serving of fruit. Have a fruit as a snack between lunch and dinner. At dinner, focus on lean protein, such as white chicken or turkey, salmon, or pork tenderloin. Add two servings of veggies (potatoes, peas, brocolli, and cauliflower are tasty. And tomato sauce counts!)

Good luck at getting healthy and in shape!

Q: Looking for natural herbal treatments? ? ? [Please no sales people!]?
Okay I have acid reflux, asthma, and terrible allergies. I have found a few different sites that have stuff on it… But do you guys reccomend anything? also are there any sites that you really trust and have gotten postive results from?

I want real answers from real people… thanks =]
adobe… your link does not work.. could you fix it?

A: Because you have multiple symptoms, you might want to get tested for food intolerances (by a naturopath).

I had acid reflux, sinus problems and allergies to dust until I got tested and found out I was intolerant to wheat and dairy. Most of my symptoms were gone within a week of changing my diet.

For sinuses, I’ve used Olive Leaf Extract (in pills). For acid reflux, drink water with apple cider vinegar during a meal.

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