7. Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine that is based on the principle of “like cures like.” According to this principle, a substance that can cause a symptom in a healthy person can also be used to treat that same symptom in a sick person.
In the case of asthma, homeopathic practitioners may use a variety of substances to treat the condition, depending on the specific symptoms being experienced by the patient. Some common homeopathic remedies for asthma include Arsenic Album, which is used for asthma with symptoms such as shortness of breath and a feeling of tightness in the chest.
6. Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is a type of physical therapy that involves the use of hands-on techniques to diagnose and treat asthma. This can include techniques such as massage, chest tapping, posture, and vibration to release phlegm.
Some people with asthma may find that manual therapy can help to reduce the frequency and severity of their asthma symptoms, as well as improve their overall quality of life. However, it’s important to note that manual therapy should be used in combination with other asthma treatment methods, such as medications and lifestyle modifications, as recommended by a healthcare professional.
5. Inhalers
Inhalers are a common treatment for asthma because they deliver medication directly to the lungs, where it can quickly help to relax the muscles around the airways and reduce inflammation.
There are several different types of inhalers including short-acting beta-agonists, long-acting beta-agonists, corticosteroids, and combination inhalers. Each type of inhaler is designed to target different symptoms of asthma, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
4. Tablets
There are several oral tablets that are used to treat asthma. Here are a few examples. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory agents that are used to reduce swelling and inflammation in the airways. Examples include prednisone and betamethasone.
Leukotriene inhibitors work by blocking the action of leukotrienes, which are chemicals that contribute to inflammation in the airways. Examples include montelukast and zafirlukast.
Theophylline is a bronchodilator that helps to relax the muscles around the airways and improve breathing. Beta-2 agonists are bronchodilators that work by stimulating beta receptors in the airways, causing them to relax and improve breathing. Examples include albuterol and salmeterol.
3. Biologic Therapies
Biologic therapies are a type of medication that is used to treat asthma and other respiratory conditions. These therapies are made from living cells or proteins, and they work by targeting specific cells or proteins in the body that are involved in the immune response.
These medications can be administered by injection or intravenous infusion, and they may be used in combination with other asthma medications to help control symptoms and improve lung function.
Biologic therapies can be effective for people with severe or uncontrolled asthma who have not responded well to other treatment options. However, they can be expensive and may have some side effects, so they are generally reserved for people with more severe forms of the disease.
2. Surgery
One type of surgery that may be used to treat asthma is bronchoscopy with bronchial thermoplasty. This procedure involves using a bronchoscope, a thin tube with a light and camera, to look at the inside of the airways and deliver controlled heat to the walls of the bronchi to reduce inflammation and mucus production.
This procedure is usually only recommended for people with severe, persistent asthma that is not well-controlled with medications.
Another surgical procedure that may be used to treat asthma is tracheostomy. It involves making an opening in the neck and inserting a tube to help with breathing.
These procedures are generally only recommended for people with very severe asthma that has not responded to other treatments.
1. Nebulizers
Nebulizers are helpful for treating treat asthma. A nebulizer is a device that turns liquid medicine into a fine mist that can be inhaled through a mouthpiece or mask. This can be an effective way to deliver medications to the lungs for people with asthma, especially for those who have difficulty using inhalers.
Nebulizers can be used to administer a number of different medications, including bronchodilators, which help to open the airways and make it easier to breathe, and corticosteroids, which help to reduce inflammation in the airways.
It is important to follow the instructions of a healthcare provider when using a nebulizer and to use it as directed.
These are asthma symptoms and treatments worth knowing about.