Asthma in Children

Allergy shots (immunotherapy) may be recommended for children who have asthma symptoms when they are around substances to which they are allergic (allergens). Allergy shots have been shown to reduce asthma symptoms and the need for medicines in some people.²⁸ 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 your child is allergic so that the body can become less responsive to them over time.

Research has shown that (in addition to taking medicine) family therapy, such as counseling, may be helpful to children who have asthma.²⁹ In one small study, peak expiratory flow and daytime wheezing improved in children who had therapy compared with those who didn't. Another small study found that children showed overall improvement from therapy.

A review of complementary and alternative treatments for treating asthma in children concluded that none have been proved to improve asthma symptoms and some may have harmful side effects.³⁰ The therapies reviewed included:

• 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 your child tries a complementary or alternative treatment.