Easier to use in comparison to traditional inhalers
Researchers in the United Kingdom new study reveals the medications Singular and Accolate provide the same effectiveness as inhaled steroids in preventing asthma symptoms. The study appears in this weeks edition of the New England Journal Medicine.
These medications are leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) and have had approval for over a decade as an alternative to prevention inhalers
In one study patients with chronic asthma had daily treatments of LTRA or an inhaled steroid for the prevention of asthma attacks. In another study, inhaled long-acting bronchadilator (LABA) had been added to the treatment.
All patients had continued use of short-acting rescue inhalers to aide in opening constricted airways to help them breathe when an asthma attack had occurred.
Unlike other studies in patient exclusions, the only patients excluded had been those with terminal cancer or COPD.
In both studies the LATRAs seemed to work just as well as inhalers in preventing asthma symptoms in a two year follow-up for both studies.
Dr. Sven-Erick Dhalen, M.D., PhD, and fellow researchers write in an editorial that they believe LATRAs work more efficiently in the real world due to the fact it is much easier to take a pill once or twice a daily than to use an inhaler.
The pills have been more costly than the traditional inhalers however, this should change as generic versions of the drugs come out on the market.
Dr. Dhalen remarks that general practitioners usually prescribe these drugs and the use of the pill makes it easier for there may not be adequate time to teach a patient how to properly use an inhaler. Patients have much more resignation with a pill than an inhaler.
Even though the pills seem to be just as effective they may not be suited for every patient. Patients should discuss with their health care practitioner about the choices available to them.
There are other alternative treatments for asthma in which do not require medications. As with any alternative therapy inform your health care practitioner.
Chiropractic
Chiropractor can determine if a subluxation is the cause of the asthma. When the nervous system has an interference or irritation it can cause the lungs not to function properly. Chiropractic adjustments can relieve any pressure or stress on the nervous system most of the time. Once relieved the lungs can function properly.
Chiropractic care provides the nervous system to function more properly, boosts the immune system along with promoting overall health and well being.
Chiropractic care may not end all incidents of asthma but can greatly reduce the frequency and severity of the attacks.
Chinese Medicine
Under Chinese medicine acupuncture/acupressure and herbs are used in combination for the treatment of asthma. Numerous factors can cause asthma, different herbs are used depending on the cause of the asthma.
There have been some studies in which acupuncture has been demonstrated to be effective to treat asthma. Treatment schedules can vary from once a day to every other day and then once a week. The treatment schedule is based upon each individual patient.
Reflexology
Reflexology treatments aide the stimulation of the organs contained within the body. The deep relaxation effect also aides asthma by the reduction of anxiety which impairs an effective amount of oxygen within the body.
Reflexology aides a patient to breathe more easily and freely and preventions tension in the diaphragm area. Experts have discovered that reflexology is especially useful in easing attacks of wheezing which is associated to stressful situations. Regular reflexology treatments can lead to a decrease of symptoms, attacks and severity of those attacks.
Practitioners in or around Detroit area:
A & L Chiropractic Center (chiropractic, reflexology)
24281 Middlebelt Road
Farmington Hills
248-477-3977
150 West Congress Street
Detroit
313-918-0703
4100 Woodward Avenue
Detroit
313-831-3222
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