Integrative Approaches in Managing Asthma

Introduction

Asthma is a breathing issue affecting the airways, commonly presenting as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Many factors can trigger it. It is a chronic condition, usually narrowing the airway passage, making breathing difficult. This disease can also be life-threatening. Certain substances tend to trigger the symptoms and make them worse. It could be due to a change of seasons, pollen, nighttime, or any allergen. There is no straightforward cure for asthma, but a combined approach makes a marked difference to the patient.

What Are the Treatment Approaches?

A plan should be made considering the patient's age, the severity of the symptoms, and the response to current medications. Treatment approaches can be conventional, alternatives, or an integrated combined approach.

What Is the Conventional Treatment?

In the conventional treatment, medications can be categorized into two:

• Immediate-acting drugs for asthma attacks. Inhalers with beta-agonists like Salbutamol are more often prescribed. They help open the airways during an acute attack. Corticosteroids are used to reduce swelling.

• Doctors prescribe long-term medications like corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and allergy shots to prevent asthma and its symptoms. These medications are to be taken daily on a long-term basis.

Although these medicines are prescribed routinely, they do not come without side effects. The side effects of a hoarse voice come from inhaled corticosteroids, and there is a higher chance of fungal infection like candidiasis (thrush). High doses of oral corticosteroids can cause weak bones, porous bones (osteoporosis), and high risks of cataracts. Beta-agonists can cause tremors. Hence, an integrative approach combining medicine with holistic modes must be employed for the best treatment outcomes.

What Are the Integrative Treatment Approaches to Managing Asthma?

1. Support Groups: Groups catering to asthmatics help in educating the individual in the following:

• Preventing causes that trigger an asthmatic attack.

• Help identify allergens and suggest ways to be away from the allergens.

• Help to determine ways to prevent allergens like pollen, dust, mold, pet fur, etc.

• They support and make sure there is ventilation in the house and residence.

• They advise the individuals to keep the windows closed.

• There is strict enforcement of maintaining cleanliness at home.

• The general advice to all individuals is to avoid strenuous activities.

• They also help in regulating the humidity and provide any assistance if necessary.

• Support groups help with pest control and management.

2. Make Lifestyle Modifications: One must change one's lifestyle to promote a healthier side.

3. Aim for a Healthy Weight: Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 and higher have a higher risk of diseases, including asthma. Fat tissues constrict the lungs and airways and produce inflammatory substances, ultimately leading to asthma.

4. Choose Nutritious Food: Evidence suggests that more plant-based foods reduce the risk of developing asthma. Further studies have shown that increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, decreased intake of animal products, and a focus on healthy weight help mitigate the immune responses involved in asthma. They also make the symptoms of asthma more manageable.

5. Manage Stress:

• Relaxation and Meditation: Regular exercises, particularly deep breathing, and pursed-lip breathing, profoundly impact the clearing of the airway. They also help regulate emotional stress. Meditation regularly has shown improved overall well-being.

• Exercise: Studies have shown that five times mild to moderate exercise a week is crucial for adults. Stretching exercises also help relieve tension. Care should be taken if activity triggers an asthma attack. It is advised to start slowly and gradually progress based on one’s capacity. Health providers should be consulted before starting. Exercise increases the chemicals in the brain, which positively affects mood.

• Family and Friends Time: Spending quality time with people whose company brings positive energy is always a stress buster.

• Arrange Time, Plan the Day, and Write down Goals: Time alone and planning help put thoughts in place and regulate stress.

• Take Help From Support Groups: It is highly advised to take advice and support from the various available groups. Individuals undergoing similar treatment protocols can give good support based on their experience.

• Quit Smoking and Avoiding Areas of Passive Smoking: Smokers with asthma have more tendency to deteriorate their airways and lungs. Hence, quitting smoking and avoiding areas of smoke helps the individual regulate their breathing.

• Try to Get Good Sleep: A good and balanced sleep is crucial for overall well-being and lung health.

• Acupuncture and Acupressure: The treatment uses specific pressure points, and pressure is applied using fine needles. This has been shown to improve the quality of life in asthmatics. Studies have shown that traditional asthma treatment combined with acupuncture therapy has shown superior outcomes compared to only traditional medicine treatment. However, overall data on acupuncture is limited; this approach can be considered since it is perceived as safe and has additional benefits. Another noninvasive treatment mode uses Chinese herbs in pellet forms and passes them onto acupressure points when pores open (hot part of the day). This is called Tian Jiu in Chinese medicine. Acupuncture has improved lung function and helps decrease allergens, thereby helping asthmatic patients breathe.

• Chiropractic Mode: Chiropractic medicine is widely used. However, the results are more subjective, and there are limited studies. Still, it is an excellent treatment modality as long as all cervical precautions are taken. It involves manipulation in various ways performed by a trained individual to help increase lung vital capacity and rib cage mobility. They also intend to improve autoimmune and diaphragm function and clear out airway secretions.

• Alexander Technique: This is an educational course that improves coordination, relieves pain, tiredness, and tension, and improves overall well-being. This involves different postures and patterns. In asthmatics, it helps improve breathing.

• Herbal Supplements: A variety of supplements are currently available. Each claiming to be the best. Care should be taken when using them. Various herbs like Boswellia, Pinus, licorice, and choline have shown evidence of reducing attacks and helping with breathing. Licorice has also shown expectorant (helps expel mucus) anti-inflammatory properties. However, long-term use of high doses of licorice has side effects like increased blood pressure, headache, and dizziness.

• Bronchial Thermoplasty: In severe asthma cases, the healthcare provider will apply heat along the muscles using a bronchoscope to prevent narrowing.

Conclusion

The exact cause of asthma is unknown; it is not easy to prevent. However, care can be taken to maintain cleanliness and avoid all kinds of pollutants, especially smoke. Alternative treatments like herbs, acupuncture, and chiropractors can also be explored. Altogether, an integrated approach, including maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regulating stress, helps control and manage the disease.