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Complementary and alternative medicine in children with asthma
Fazil Orhan1, Bulent Enis Sekerel, Can Naci Kocabas
1Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Allergy and Asthma, Ankara, Turkey.
Summary
Nearly half of Turkish asthmatic children use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). CAM use is linked to poorly controlled asthma, with families seeking additional therapies for their children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Integrative Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is increasing for chronic pediatric conditions.
- Limited data exists on CAM utilization among children with asthma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and characteristics of CAM use in Turkish children with asthma.
- To identify predictors associated with CAM usage in this population.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based survey was administered to parents of asthmatic children.
- Data collected included CAM methods used, asthma treatment, exacerbations, and parental education.
- Statistical analysis investigated predictors of CAM use.
Main Results:
- 49% of 304 asthmatic children had used CAM previously; 38% within the last year.
- Popular CAM therapies included quail eggs, herbal medicine, and Turkish wild honey.
- CAM use was significantly associated with regular asthma treatment, inhaled corticosteroid use, exacerbations, and emergency visits.
Conclusions:
- Asthmatic children with suboptimal disease control are more prone to using CAM.
- Findings suggest a need to understand parental motivations and CAM integration in pediatric asthma management.