These are the key treatment prescribed by doctors and specialists for long-term, regular use to control chronic asthma symptoms and prevent attacks. This medication can reduce inflammation, swelling, and mucus production in the airways. Corticosteroids can take up to three weeks before symptoms seem to abate.
These inhalers relax the muscles of the lungs and widen the airways to increase airflow. They can be used for short-term relief of attacks or long-term to help control symptoms. Bronchodilators are most often used in conjunction with corticosteroids in order to increase effectiveness. Traditionally these two medications have been produced separately, but lately have been manufactured together in one single inhaler.
The idea behind this treatment is to inject the body with something it doesn’t like in order to build up its immunity to the invader much like a vaccine. Allergy shots can help to relieve medication requirements and may be as effective as corticosteroid treatments. However, this type of treatment is not safe for all so be sure to consult a physician before beginning any type of asthma therapy.
There is no research available that proves that acupuncture is an effective treatment for asthma symptoms. According to verywellhealth.com, a few small clinical trials show that acupuncture may help asthma but to date the research is inconclusive since there has not been a review or randomized controlled trial.
Ever heard of an Epi-Pen? It’s actually a pen full of epinephrine a.k.a. adrenaline which is a known treatment used for severe allergic reactions (anaphylactic shock). This medication constricts blood vessels, increases blood pressure, and decreases swelling. In asthma, epinephrine helps to relax the muscles around the airways and help the lungs to open.
There have been many studies performed on the effect of hypnotherapy on asthma. This treatment stems from the hypothesis that the power of the mind can directly influence physical processes. Hypnotherapy has been given credit for improving the immune system, reducing negative emotions like stress, depression, anxiety, and panic attacks—which can all cause asthma attacks to occur.
Herbs such as garlic, ginger, honey, Omega-3 oils, caffeine, echinacea and licorice root have been believed in the past to have anti-inflammatory properties. However, some of them such as echinacea and licorice root have been known to have the adverse effect and worsen asthma symptoms instead, as well as adding several other side effects. Make sure before beginning any natural herb as a treatment, you have discussed the properties of the herb with a physician as a precaution.
Some asthma patients believe that homeopathic remedies might be easier and better to take than prescribed, manufactured medications. These remedies include substances such as aconitum napellus for shortness of breath and aralia racemosa for tightness in the chest, as well as several others. However, not only is there no research that proves that any of these tinctures relieve asthma symptoms, but many of them have been proven to be toxic to humans.
Having asthma puts patients at a greater risk for developing food allergies. On top of that, sometimes an asthma patient who exercises after they have eaten an allergy-causing food may experience asthmatic symptoms. It is unknown why this happens at this time. However, many asthma patients try to avoid foods that can cause allergies such as eggs, peanuts, and soy to help avoid asthma triggers.
