Prevention and Treatment of Asthma

Many treatments continue to be developed to fight airway inflammation found in asthma. New approaches are aimed at cells, chemicals, and antibodies responsible for allergic inflammation. Some of these involve genetically engineering antibodies to affect parts of the immune system. Some may involve injections and may be rather expensive. As a result, they may initially be indicated for individuals on high doses of corti-costeroids or those with symptoms despite traditional therapies. Other treatments are being developed to prevent or alter the natural history of asthma by introducing immune-modifying treatment of asthma in early childhood.
Despite the possible side effects of some of these medicines standard, traditional, and complementary the biggest asthma risk is the disease itself. In some children, untreated inflammation can lead to irreversible changes in the airways. Asthma is the most common cause of hospital-ization in children, and each year about 200 American children die from asthma. Even children with mild asthma are at risk for any or all these complications. Fortunately, taking medicine appropriately can minimize all the risks.
Saiboku-tois is the most popular anti-asthmatic herbal treatment used in Japanese Kampo medicines. In China, it is called chaipu-tang. It is supposed to decrease the metabolism of steroids, and it therefore increases the potency and effectiveness of inhaled steroids. It also increases the risk of side effects from inhaled steroids, but when taken by itself, it has not been found to be as effective as inhaled steroids.
Tylophora indica is an herb used commonly in the Ayurvedic system of medicine practiced in India. It is claimed to increase mucus clearing and is also recognized as a bronchodilator similar to a quick-relief med-icine like albuterol. The effectiveness of this medicine is quite variable, with helpful effects in one study and no effects in other studies. Several studies have examined high-dose vitamin C in the treatment of asthma. Similar to many herbal therapies, vitamin C's effects vary, with some studies reporting beneficial effects and other studies report-ing none.
Interestingly, many current Western medicines are based on previous complementary medicines. An old therapy for asthma, for example, was ground adrenal glands of animals. Adrenal glands have steroids and albuterol-like compounds that have similarities to the inhaled steroids and bronchodilators used today. Many herbal supplements can be safe when used appropriately, but known and potential risks of such compounds do exist. A misconception exists that herbs are safe because they come from plants. The chemical makeup of plants and herbs is sophisticated, and many are toxic. Often other medicines, such as steroids and aspirinlike medicines, are added to these herbal supplements to improve their effect and potential side-effects. Other factors can cause problems, including inconsistent dosing and drug interactions
There is also no licensing body for the practice of herbal medicine in the United States. Most herbs are marketed as dietary supplements and are not regulated by the FDA. There is no guarantee, therefore, of qual-ity or consistency. The advantage of traditional Western medicines is that they are controlled, regulated, and given in more palatable formats.