Asthma is one of the most serious long-term conditions in children, affecting 7 million children in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There is no known cure for asthma, but it can be managed through medications and lifestyle practices. Alternative or complementary treatments for asthma are a big concern for parents, especially those who want to limit drug dependence for their children. Increasingly, medical practitioners support an approach to asthma management that incorporates a holistic stance with traditional care.
Limiting Exposures to Irritants
Asthma is a respiratory condition that makes breathing difficult due to congestion inside the lungs. Asthmatic lungs seize up when triggered by environmental conditions, such as pollutants or high humidity. Managing a child's asthma means reducing his exposure to these irritants. The biggest asthma triggers are pollens, pet danders, chemical pollution, molds and allergies to cockroaches and secondhand smoke. Cities typically have higher asthma counts than less populated areas. Rather than using medications to treat symptoms of asthma, parents may consider living somewhere that has fewer pollutants to avoid. While moving is not possible for everyone, cleaning the house regularly and limiting the territory of live-in pets can make a big difference.
Reducing Obesity
Asthma is strongly linked to childhood obesity. In 2008, researchers from Kansas State University found that overweight and inactive children have greater levels of airflow blockage compared to more active children. Encouraging active sports for asthmatic children is doubly important, as the children themselves may feel their condition exempts them from exercise. Swimming is one of the best sports for asthmatics due to its focus on controlled breath simultaneous with low-impact muscular development. Diet also plays a role. A healthier diet for everyone includes more fruits and vegetables, and less processed and fatty foods.
Strengthening Family Bonds
Another treatment involves the entire family in maintaining a "safe home" emotionally, physically and spiritually. A 2005 study conducted in the Royal Brompton Hospital in London found that family therapy increased the respiratory volume of children as well as decreased the number of impaired days. Researcher Janelle Yorke notes that these results are intriguing, but more work is needed to replicate the findings. However, the emotional component to asthma is strong enough to convince parents that building honest and respectful relationships with their children is good for everyone's health.
Buteyko Breathing Technique
The Buteyko Breathing Technique (BBT) is a self-help breathing technique designed by Russian Dr. Konstantin Buteyko in the 1950s. After decades of rejection by the medical community, recent research supports the claim that BBT can be an effective drug-free asthma treatment. In 2000, the "Journal of Asthma" published a successful trial of BBT, with Austrialian researchers concluding that the technique improved quality of life and reduced the need for bronchodilator medications. Parents can assist with controlled breathing at bedtime or anytime asthma is triggered.
