Asthma in Teens and Adults

Allergy shots (immunotherapy) may be recommended for people who have asthma symptoms when they are around substances to which they are allergic (allergens). In some people, allergy shots have been shown to reduce asthma symptoms and the need for medicines.²² But allergy shots are not equally effective for all allergens. Allergy shots should not be given when asthma is poorly controlled. For more information, see:

Should I take allergy shots (immunotherapy) for allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma?

Allergy shots are similar to vaccinations, because they contain small doses of one or more substances to which you are allergic so that your body can become less responsive to them over time.

Complementary medicine

Alternative treatments such as homeopathy, acupuncture, and breathing exercises have been used to treat asthma. The research on these treatments is limited. Reviews of research show:^{23, 24}

• No evidence to support using homeopathy, air ionizers, manual therapy, or acupuncture for asthma.
• A possible but not clearly established role for using antioxidants.
• Breathing exercises practiced in yoga may improve lung function.

Some people have used ephedra—a stimulant sold for weight loss and sports performance—to try to treat asthma symptoms. But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the sale of this dietary supplement because of concerns about safety. Ephedra, also called ma huang, has been linked to heart attacks, strokes, and some deaths.

A review of complementary and alternative treatments for treating asthma in children concluded that none have been proved to reduce asthma symptoms and some may have harmful side effects.²⁵ Some of these studies included teenagers and adults. The therapies reviewed include:

• Herbal products such as ivy leaf, butterbur, and Tylophora indica (T. indica).
• Dietary supplements such as fatty acids and probiotics.
• Homeopathy.
• Procedures such as acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic, osteopathy, hypnosis, and biofeedback.

Talk to your doctor before trying a complementary or alternative treatment.

For more information on alternative treatments, see the topic Complementary Medicine.