Positive Health Online

Abstract

WHITE-MARKHAM and WILKINSON, William Osler Health Centre, Brampton, Ontario, Canada, andrea_white-markham@oslerhc.org, have reviewed (43 references) the evidence for complementary and alternative therapies in the management of asthma.

Background

This literature review aimed to determine the current scientific evidence for the use of CAM therapies in asthma.

Methodology

Relevant databases were searched for randomized controlled trials of CAM therapies for asthma.

Results

15 studies were grouped into the categories mind-body and relaxation, manual therapies, and dietary interventions. Some CAM therapies seem to show minimal benefits in either subjective patient wellbeing, pulmonary function, or immune function. This may be due to the small sample sizes of all the studies. Two studies found improvements in immune function which were however not reflected in improved pulmonary function.

Conclusion

More and larger studies are needed in order to provide a definitive scientific basis for the use of CAM therapies in asthma.

References

White-Markham A, Wilkinson JM. Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) in the management of asthma: an examination of the evidence. Journal of Asthma 41 (2): 131-139, Apr 2004.