Asthma
August 2008
in “
Pediatrics in Review
”
TLDR More research is needed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of alternative therapies for children's asthma.
The document reviewed the efficacy and safety of various complementary and alternative medical (CAM) therapies for pediatric asthma, noting that evidence supporting these alternatives was often limited or inconclusive. While some therapies like vitamin C, ivy leaf, and butterbur root showed potential benefits, they required further research. Omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, acupuncture, and massage therapy showed inconsistent results, and homeopathy and traditional Chinese medicine lacked strong evidence. Chiropractic manipulation showed no benefit, while osteopathy and mind-body interventions suggested potential but needed more study. Hypnosis showed promise in improving lung function during acute attacks, though it was controversial. Overall, the document emphasized the need for more extensive research to validate the safety and efficacy of CAM therapies for asthma in children.