Positive Health Online
Your Country
![[Image: http://www.abundanceandhealth.co.uk]](/img/original/BannerAvatar/2836.df7d2315253110ff5b3a566f94871f99.jpg "http://www.abundanceandhealth.co.uk")
![[Image: https://www.water-for-health.co.uk/]](/img/original/BannerAvatar/4046.12831f50177f8848ee87b8e94411d6b3.jpg "https://www.water-for-health.co.uk/")
![[Image: http://www.balens.co.uk]](/img/original/BannerAvatar/2148.50367fa908013fae0a7f1a171543ef92.jpg "http://www.balens.co.uk")
![[Image: http://www.drsgoodman.com/books-goodman/52-nutrition-and-cancer]](/img/original/BannerAvatar/1859.1296090fd8385e7ceff51c8011559097.jpg "http://www.drsgoodman.com/books-goodman/52-nutrition-and-cancer")
Research: WHITE-MARKHAM and WILKINSON,
Listed in Issue 112
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.
