And while many alternative therapies have little or no effect, there is evidence that some types of breathing exercises can make a difference to an asthmatic’s symptoms.
According to research by the charity Asthma UK, one in ten people with the condition have used complementary medicine, but there is little scientific evidence that they improve the health of an asthmatic.
While you might like the sound of homeopathy, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, you could be disappointed by the results.
Breathing exercises, however, can have a positive effect on a person’s asthma symptoms, particularly those taught by a respiratory physiotherapist.
Slow, deep and steady breathing are taught to people with asthma, and while it won’t cure the condition; this along with medication can help.
Learning how to breathe properly may sound a little odd, but deep, steady breaths are exactly what an asthmatic needs to take to control their symptoms.
An asthma attack occurs when the airways become inflamed and narrow, making it hard for enough air to get to the lungs. Because of the inflammation, the airways become sensitive to certain triggers.
While breathing techniques like Buteyko can help an asthmatic control their breathing, it cannot prevent or reduce the sensitivity of the airway.
While using other therapies, such as herbal medicines, acupuncture and hypnosis may have a placebo effect, there is no clinical evidence that they have any real effect on your condition or symptoms, although it is unlikely participating in them would cause any harm.
Alternative remedies should never replace medicine, and any treatment should be discussed with a doctor first.