The following presents an overview of current integrative medical approach to treating Asthma.

1. Allergy

1. Follow the recommendations for Diet to Reduce Inflammation. Especially important is increased servings (8-10) of fresh fruits and vegetables, reducing foods that have a high glycemic index (processed/refined sugars and starches), and increased foods with omega 3 oils (fatty fish, though children and pregnant women need to limit tuna; flaxseed can be ground and spread over cereals and salads, and walnuts can be eaten plain or added to foods).
2. Specific foods that have shown benefit in different studies include apples, brazil nuts, cherries, and broccoli.
3. Minimize/ Avoid foods which contain preservatives or dyes, especially yellow dyes (tartrizine), aspartame, benzoates, and sulfites. Also avoid aspirin. Organic foods will help avoid pesticide and antibiotic residues. Avoid specific foods that appear to increase symptoms (frequent offenders include peanuts, shellfish.) Make sure to rinse fruits and vegetables well before consuming.
4. Dairy can frequently aggravate asthma and it is worth trying an elimination diet without milk, butter, cheese, yogurt and other dairy products for several weeks to see if this is a factor.

2. Supplements

1. Daily multivitamin with minerals
2. Vitamin C and Vitamin E have shown benefit in asthma
3. Magnesium has been found to be deficient frequently and has a vital role in treating asthma
4. Omega 3 oil supplements are beneficial
5. Selenium and quercetin can be beneficial
6. Gingko biloba, coleus, and deglycerinated licorice can be helpful

3. Environmental factors

1. Irritants
   
   1. Extremely cold or hot humid weather can aggravate asthma.
   2. Air pollution can trigger an asthma attack.
   3. Exposure to cigarette smoke and wood smoke, strong odors (perfumes, paints, solvents, cleaning products etc.), occupational fumes, and increased particulate matter in the air (blowing dirt/dust, chalk, talcum/baby powder) can irritate as well.
2. Allergies can aggravate asthma. Allergy testing can be used to determine specific allergens to avoid
3. Viral and bacterial upper respiratory infections can aggravate asthma. Good handwashing and minimizing exposure to people with infectious symptoms (congestion, cough, etc.) can reduce risks.

4. Exercise

1. Cadiovascular exercise is important. Walking, running, and most sports are good for prevention as they increase total lung capacity. However during flares of asthma exercise should be reduced or held.
2. Yoga and tai-chi are excellent exercises that focus on breathing, stretch the rib cage, and reduce emotional stress.

5. Medications

1. Drugs to reduce inflammation
   
   1. Inhaled steroids
   2. Leukotriene receptor antagonist (Singulair, Accolate)
2. Bronchodilators (albuterol, salmeterol)
3. Theophylline
4. Allergy shots, antihistamines
5. Influenza and pneumonia vaccines

6. Other treatments

1. Meditation
2. Hypnosis
3. Homeopathy
4. Massage therapy
5. Chiropractic treatments
6. Traditional Chinese Medicine
7. Respiratory rehabilitative program

7. Other issues

1. An asthma action plan should be established between you and your provider to determine treatments you can do at home routinely and for acute flares, and when to contact your provider for severe symptoms.
2. Nasal symptoms can aggravate lung symptoms and vice versa. Control of nasal allergies and infections is important. A neti pot used for saline irrigation can be helpful.
3. Asthma is a serious disease that can be LIFE THREATENING. DO NOT STOP OR ALTER CURRENT TREATMENTS WITHOUT DISCUSSING THIS WITH YOUR MEDICAL PROVIDER.

Asthma is affected by genetics, life style (diet and physical activity), medications , environment(toxins, weather), infections, emotional stress, allergens, and other medical conditions. For questions and concerns and more detailed information specific for you, please make an appointment with your health provider.