Asthma: A Layman's Guide - Alternative Asthma Medications

People often choose to seek out and research alternative asthma medications rather than continue with prescription treatments. Some of the reasons that asthma patients may choose to use alternative asthma medications include the high cost of prescription medications, the desire for more natural or holistic treatments, and the belief that natural medication or alternative treatments are more effective.

As with any type of medicine there are concerns and symptoms to watch for when taking the alternative asthma medications. Many people make the mistake of believing that because a medicine is advertised as an alternative, natural or herbal treatment, it is safe to use. Anyone can have a reaction to any type of food, including an herbal supplement. For those individuals with allergy-related asthma or food allergies, extreme caution should be used when trying alternative asthma medications.

In addition to potentially having a negative reaction or causing an allergic reaction, herbal or alternative asthma medications can also cause conflict with prescribed medications. Some herbal compounds have medical compounds that can significantly react with those medicines in prescription medications. Most doctors are able to work with patients that want to use alternative asthma medications to ensure that no negative interaction occurs.

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Some of the commonly used alternative asthma medications, and possible side-effects or complications, are:

Echinacea – often used in herbal cold and respiratory treatments, this herbal supplement can cause worsening asthma conditions in some individuals. Severe asthma attacks and allergic reactions can occur. In rare instances there have been issues with liver toxicity if Echinacea is used over long periods of time. Often people with severe reactions to pollen, ragweed, sunflowers or melons will have the most pronounced reactions.

Ginkgo biloba – frequently added to herbal supplements for respiratory conditions, ginkgo biloba could result in complications if taken with aspirin or other drug therapies used to prevent blood clotting. The medication warfarin, used to prevent blood clotting in heart patients, will not interact appropriately if used in combination with ginkgo biloba and may not prevent blood clots.

Bee pollen – for those that are allergic to bees a trace amount of bee pollen can lead to severe allergic shock. Some individuals using bee pollen, even without allergies, report increased sore throats and cold-like symptoms.

St. John’s Wort – this alternative asthma medication should never be used in combination with theophylline or many other pill or oral form prescription medications, as it will negate their effectiveness.

With proper use and monitoring, many of the alternative asthma medications can be safe and highly effective ways to control asthma and its symptoms. Spending time and discussing options for alternative asthma medications with your doctor can avoid any complications and will allow you to find just the combination of alternative and prescription medications that work for you.