Easing Asthma Symptoms With Supplements

Affecting roughly 1 in 13 people, asthma is a chronic condition that impacts a person’s ability to breathe. The disease causes airways in the lungs to constrict, making airflow difficult. For many, the condition first appears in childhood and can be aggravated by environmental stressors like pollen, strenuous activity, viral infections, and exposure to cold air. Figuring out how to manage asthma symptoms can allow people to maintain a good quality of life.

Breathe smarter

Asthma is a serious breathing condition that, at times, can create sudden debilitating flare-ups. If left untreated, asthma attacks can lead to poor health outcomes and even death. For most asthmatics, naturopathy is not a reliable or realistic long-term substitute for working with a respiratory specialist to find medications that adequately manage the condition. However, some supplements may offer temporary relief.

Caffeine for small flare-ups

An asthma attack or flare-up can often come on suddenly, leaving a person gasping for air. Depending on the severity of the attack, caffeine supplements might help control the symptoms. Caffeine has been shown to improve bronchial function temporarily for about 1-2 hours. However, the stimulant doesn’t work nearly as quickly or efficiently as rescue inhalers.

Turmeric for moderate asthma

People with asthma need to remember that symptom severity is the biggest predictor of whether natural supplements are a realistic alternative solution to prescription medication. In many cases, research is limited at best in this category. Turmeric has shown limited success in a study that followed individuals with mild to moderate asthma. The participants took curcumin capsules for 30 days and noted that the supplement aided in reducing airway obstruction.

Traditional Chinese medicine

Homeopathic and herbal medications can be a potential alternative for some asthma sufferers. With traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), an anti-asthma herbal medicine intervention (ASHMI) is created by a homeopathic practitioner. Lingzhi mushroom, licorice root, and sophora root are often included based on claims that the concoction reduces constriction and inflammation in the airways. The ASHMI blend is also credited with helping maintain cortisol levels, but again, studies on efficacy are limited.

Supplements vs medications

Evidence supporting only natural supplements as a reliable solution for asthma symptoms and control is scant. Limited human data and studies focusing primarily on mild to moderate asthma groups makes large-scale advocacy for asthma supplements difficult. To date, the best solution is to work with a respiratory specialist to create a medication and management strategy that ensures asthma is well managed. At best, asthma supplements may be viewed as a complement to a reliable strategy rather than a replacement solution.