Positive Health Online

Abstract

STEURER-STEY and colleagues, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical Policlinic, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland, claudia.stey@usz.ch, review (85 references) complementary and alternative medical treatments for asthma.

Background

Increasing numbers of asthma patients are attracted to CAM therapies, and it is therefore important to evaluate the scientific evidence of the efficacy of these treatments.

Methodology

Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for controlled trials were searched for controlled trials and systematic reviews of the most popular techniques for asthma treatment, i.e. acupuncture, homeopathy, breathing techniques, herbal and nutritional therapies.

Results

Claims that acupuncture is effective for asthma are not based on well-performed clinical trials. The role of homeopathy in the treatment of asthma needs further evaluation. Breathing techniques may contribute to the control of asthma symptoms but it is not possible to make firm judgements because of the small number of patients. Herbal remedies cannot be recommended based on the available evidence. Recommendations of a diet high in vitamin C and marine fatty acids are not harmful but evidence for clinically meaningful effects is scant.

Conclusion

So far solid scientific evidence is lacking to show that CAM therapies are effective in asthma treatment. This does not necessarily mean that the treatments are ineffective but could simply mean that they have not been adequately investigated. High-quality research in CAM therapies is to be fostered.

References

Steurer-Stey C, Russi EW, Steurer J, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine in asthma: do they work? Swiss Medical Weekly 132 (25-26): 338-344, Jun 2002.