Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disorder characterized by airway hypersensitivity, muscle spasm and inflammation. These factors all contribute to the narrowing of the airways, in particular the small airways in which gaseous exchange occurs.
The mainstream of conventional asthma therapy is the use of bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory medications. These drugs help to open up the airways by a direct increase in their diameter as well as reducing the amount of inflammatory cells within the airway. However, there are also some natural remedies that may be useful for some patients. They include the following;

1. Homeopathy - This is an alternative form of medicine that seeks to take the entire person into account in formulating a treatment strategy which may involve various herbs.
2. Acupuncture - The aim here is to improve lung function and decrease allergic sensitivities, both of which are relevant to asthmatics.
3. Nutrients - Magnesium has been linked to airway dilatation. Omega 3 fatty acids reduce inflammation while quercetin's anti-oxidant properties neutralize pollutants with a similar effect. Vitamin C is believed to decrease the airway narrowing caused by histamine (allergy based) while vitamin B6 may reduce asthma symptoms. Vitamin B12 has also been tried in asthmatics.
4. Biofeedback, Yoga and Meditation - These techniques are useful in reducing stress which may play a role in some asthmatic attacks.
Asthma is a serious condition that often requires immediate medical assistance to prevent suffering and sometimes death. However, natural remedies may have a role in limiting the frequency and severity of attacks. Though they are not a replacement for sound medical care, they may be considered as possible supportive therapies. It is important to state that the evidence for some of these remedies has not been conclusively established.

Yours in Health

Learn more about this author, Roy Jacobs.
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