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Research: GYOERIK and BRUTSCHE,
Listed in Issue 106
Abstract
GYOERIK and BRUTSCHE, Division of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland, have reviewed (61 references) the evidence for complementary and alternative therapies for asthma.
Background
Complementary and alternative treatments are widely used in bronchial asthma. Evidence for their efficacy is lacking.
Methodology
Studies published since June 2002 on complementary and alternative treatments in bronchial asthma were systematically reviewed.
Results
Published studies do not support the use of homeopathy, air ionizers, manual therapy, or acupuncture for asthma. These methods bear some risk to patients related to undertreatment and side-effects. There may be a possible role for antioxidant dietary supplementation, and for some natural anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory remedies. Strategies influencing breathing technique or perception need to be better studied in order to establish their adjunct role in asthma treatment. Psychotherapy-related methods (relaxation, hypnosis, autogenic training, speleotherapy, biofeedback) may have a small effect in selected cases but have not proven superior to placebo.
Conclusion
More randomized controlled studies are necessary to allow firm conclusions.
References
Gyoerik SA, Brutsche MH. Complementary and alternative medicine for bronchial asthma: is there new evidence? Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine 10 (1): 37-43, Jan 2004.
Comment
Numerous research studies have been published regarding the efficacy of several complementary approaches to asthma treatment, including homeopathy, yoga breathing, Buteyko breathing. There is also a considerable amount of clinical anecdotal evidence attesting to certain patients being helped in controlling their asthma. Nevertheless, sceptics never seem to be convinced that the research provides unequivocal proof of efficacy. However, in view of the current drug treatment regimes which are mainly palliative rather than curative, it would appear to be common sense to provide asthmatics with non-harmful approaches as an adjunct to their standard asthma care.
