An asthma attack can be a frightening experience for people and one of the most common symptoms is a cough. During an asthma attack, a person’s airways can become swollen or inflamed and thicker than normal mucus is produced. While patients are often prescribed prescription inhalers, homeopathic remedies may also be helpful. Before taking any type of alternative medicine or supplement, consult your physician, as they are not FDA approved.
Ipecacuanha
Ipecacuanha is a type of plant that may provide some relief to asthma sufferers that have a wheezing cough that may lead to vomiting, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. An asthmatic with this cough may also feel tightness and heaviness in the chest and have a hard time coughing out mucus collected in the breathing tubes. Additionally, the symptoms tend to worsen in hot, humid weather. Ipecacuanha is a cough expectorant which works by decreasing the thickness of the secretions in the airways and loosens phlegm so that it is easier to cough up. If you are thinking about taking this herbal supplement, consult a clinician, as it is not regularly prescribed or backed by substantial clinical data.
Chamomilla
Asthmatics sometimes have hard, dry and irritating coughs that worsen at night. The cough may be triggered by moving air or from becoming overly excited, irritable or angry. Fortunately, chamomilla (also known as chamomile) may provide some relief, according to the Peace Health website. Chamomilla is also sometimes used to treat restless, colicky babies who constantly cry about the same time each day multiple times a week. Seek professional clinical advice before taking chamomilla, as it is not prescribed to treat asthmatic symptoms.
Spongia Tosta
During asthma attacks, people may have a barking cough which can lead to labored breathing. Mucus is not often produced during this type of cough and spongia tosta, may provide some relief, according to the altMD website. Derived from the sea sponge, spongia tosta is also used to treat croup, a common viral infection in children characterized by a repetitive, bark-like cough. Consult your physician before trying this herbal therapy, since its medical claims are not strongly backed.
Arsenicum Album
Arsenicum album may be useful for asthmatic patients whose cough worsens between midnight and 2 a.m., according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This type of cough is characterized by a patient’s dry wheezing which may progress to a cough that brings up a frothy, whitish fluid. The patient experiencing this cough is generally sweaty and thirsty. Derived from the metallic element arsenic, arsenicum album is a homeopathic remedy that is found in vegetables and animals in trace amounts. Talk to your physician before taking it to treat your cough or any other symptom.
Carbo Vegetabilis
An asthmatic that feels weak or a hollow sensation in the chest followed by excessive coughing may want to consume Carbo vegetabilis for some relief, according to altMD. Working by absorbing toxins in the body, Carbo vegetablilis may also be useful in treating indigestion and bloating. Consult a clinician before taking this alternative medicine, as it is not traditionally prescribed by physicians.
