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A lot of parents turn to alternative natural therapies for asthma although there are many effective medications for asthma. I am often asked about these options because the conventional medications that we use are inhaled steroids and that make many parents uncomfortable. Natural treatments also give parents a sense of independence among health choices. I will discuss some common Complementary and Alternative Medical Therapies (CAM) in preventing and treating Pediatric Asthma. Natural health products (NHPs),that includes herbal remedies, minerals, vitamins and other nutrition supplements such as fish oil as well as probiotics are used widely to treat and prevent asthma. There are few pediatric studies evaluating the efficacy of Natural Health Products.
0.1.1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that exists in abundance in inner lining of the lungs. A diet deficient in vitamin C is known to be associated with lung dysfunction. Several pediatric studies have shown a beneficial effect of high fruit intake and result in an improved lung function. However, a 2004 Cochrane systematic review of eight randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) suggested that it is difficult to make a definite conclusion about role of Vitamin C in treatment and prevention of asthma.
In the studies on children most researchers have used daily doses of 500 to 1,000 mg. Evidence from clinical trials show that it is safe to take less than 2000 mg/day of Vitamin C. Excess Vitamin C is excreted in urine. Vitamin C can occasionally cause intestinal upset and diarrhea.
0.1.2. Ivy Leaf
Ivy leaf also called the dried leaf of Hedera helix L., is believed to have relaxation effect on smooth muscles around airways and results in opening up of airways. It also has antibacterial effects. Ivy leaf has been used for the treatment of viral cold and coughs. A review of three small German trials, showed that Ivy leaf cough drops, syrup and suppositories all improved respiratory functions and lung spasm.
0.1.3. Butterbur Root (Petasites hybridus)
It has been commonly used for a long time in the past for treatment of asthma as it contains petasins that are believed to have an anti-inflammatory properties. One study looked into the efficacy and safety of extract of butterbur root given over 2 – 4 months to children who had mild-to-moderate asthma. Children took 50 to 150 mg/d, depending on age. Treatment results showed improved airflow; decrease in the frequency, length, and severity of asthma; and decreased dependence on asthma medications. Some of the children experienced sneezing, coughing, breathing difficulty, pink eyes, stuffy nose, abdominal pain, sometimes hair loss, depression, and bad breath. As there was no control group it is difficult to say that these adverse effects were just coincidences or side effects of Butterbur root.
0.1.4. Tylophora Indica
The Tylophora indica (T indica) plant, indigenous to India, commonly has been used to control asthma due to its widely acclaimed anti-inflammatory and antiallergic properties. A review that included five randomised control trials (RCTs) found the efficacy of T indica to be inconclusive. In four of the five studies, the use of T indica decreased the severity of asthma symptoms. In one study, no improvement was noted. Reported side effects include nausea, vomiting, mouth soreness, and alterations in taste sensation.
0.1.5. Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 is known to reduce airway inflammation. Epidemiologic studies indicate a beneficial effect on symptoms of asthma. However, a 2006 systematic review of 10 RCTs showed no definite effect of omega-3 fatty acid on lung function, asthma symptoms. Fish consumption can also provide Omega-2 but it sometimes may pose risk of Mercury poisoning and other pollutants taht may tend to concentrate in fish. This risk is almost eliminated with use of fish oil supplements which are tested for this before they come into the market. A larger study is recommended before Omega-3 supplementation is made routine for all children in asthma. Until then each individual child should be assessed for the benefits of Omega-3. Side effects some times include fishy taste, abdominal pain and belching.
0.1.6. Probiotics
Probiotics are bacterias that do not cause any infection or disease. It is used to improve the balance of intestinal bacterias which are essential for our health. An Austrian study of children ages 6 to 12 years who had asthma received acupuncture and probiotics showed improvements in lung functions but it is difficult to differentiate the effects of acupuncture from probiotics. An RCT published in 2007 showed no effect of longterm consumption Lactobacillus casei on asthma symptoms in children. The safest sources of probiotic microflora in the diet are fermented food products, such as buttermilk, yogurt, kefir (a cultured milk product), and sauerkraut.
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