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Complementary therapies for asthma: what patients use
1Department of Complementary Medicine, Postgraduate Medical School, University of Exeter, United Kingdom. E.Ernst@exeter.ac.uk
Summary
Many asthma patients use complementary medicine (CM). Breathing techniques, homeopathy, and herbalism are common, with most finding them moderately useful. Further research into CM for asthma is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Respiratory Health
- Patient Surveys
Background:
- Asthma patients frequently explore complementary medicine (CM) options.
- Limited data exists on the prevalence and perceived usefulness of CM in asthma management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of complementary medicine use among asthma patients.
- To identify commonly used CM therapies and their perceived effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to 17,000 members of the UK National Asthma Campaign.
- 4,741 asthma patients completed the questionnaire on CM usage and perceptions.
Main Results:
- Only 41% of respondents had never tried CM.
- Breathing techniques, homeopathy, and herbalism were the most frequently used CM therapies.
- Most users perceived these therapies as moderately useful.
Conclusions:
- Complementary medicine is frequently utilized by individuals with asthma.
- The perceived utility of various CM treatments shows minimal differentiation.
- This highlights a need for more rigorous scientific investigation into CM for asthma.