Childhood asthma has become increasingly prevalent in children in the last 40 years, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. In fact, the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute states that some six million kids currently suffer from this chronic lung condition. Asthma causes an inflammation of the airways that can result in coughing and wheezing that disrupts the normal flow of breathing. Childhood asthma can be controlled but not cured, according to the Mayo Clinic. Several natural remedies may help minimize the symptoms of asthma in children.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture may help treat the symptoms of asthma in children, according to the Mayo Clinic. This traditional Chinese medicine technique consists of inserting hair-thin, stainless steel needles at specific points on your child's body. Acupuncture is essentially painless, but your child will have to hold still for several minutes may be challenging for very young children.
Exercise and Weight Control
It's important for children with asthma to get regular physical activity. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise can actually help relieve the symptoms of asthma, in addition to the fact that is good for your child's heart health.
It's also important for kids with asthma to maintain a healthy weight. The Mayo Clinic states that being overweight can intensify asthma symptoms. Excess pounds also can place your child at a greater risk of other health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Structured Breathing and Relaxation
Structured breathing techniques such as the Papworth Method may help relieve asthma symptoms in children, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The Papworth Method is a series of breathing and relaxation exercises created in the 1960's at the Papworth Hospital at Cambridgeshire in the UK, according to the American Chronicle.
The Papworth method consists of calm, deep breathing through the nose and from the diaphragm. It also involves lung muscle training and yoga breathing exercises.
Meditation and hypnosis also may help diminish tension and stress which may decrease the symptoms of asthma, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Ephedra
Ephedra has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands years to treat asthma or bronchitis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). The ephedra plant is a perennial evergreen. The dried stems and leaves of the plant are used to make tablets, capsules, extracts, and teas.
Eucalyptus Oil
A German study involved 32 patients with steroid dependent bronchial asthma found that the anti-inflammatory activity of eucalyptus oil may have anti-inflammatory effects. The findings of the study were published in March, 2003 in "Respiratory Medicine".
Lobelia
Lobelia, also known as Indian tobacco, has historically been used by Native Americans has an herbal remedy for respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia, according to the UMMC.
Today, lobelia is sometimes used to help clear mucus from the respiratory tract, including the throat, lungs, and bronchial tubes. It is occasionally suggested for the treatment of asthma.
Avoid Household Triggers
You can help your child avoid common asthma triggers in your home environment. The Mayo Clinic says placing dust-proof covers over mattresses and box springs and pillows may reduce dust that can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Replacing carpeting with linoleum or hardwood flooring, and purchasing washable curtains for easy dust removal may also help.
