A companion therapy
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Complementary therapy may help when used along with traditional medicine but not without the latter. Dr. R. Narasimhan
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Photo: AP
Can’t do without it: Don’t stop conventional treatment.
A common question from many patients with asthma is “Can I use other systems of medicine along with this?” Usually I do not object to this and my answer is to continue both. But, if someone is advised to stop mainline therapy and use only
alternative therapy, I explain the importance and definition of complementary and alternative therapy.
All of us are aware of the other medications available for asthma. But the mainline therapy for asthma is inhalers; to be specific, steroid inhalers. If any other system is added, it is not harmful. But if a person is advised to stop inhalers and use only complementary treatment, it is suicidal.
Many terms are used to describe approaches to asthma care outside the realm of optimum asthma care. Complementary and alternative medicine is a group of diverse medical and healthcare systems, practices and products that are presently not considered part of conventional medical practice. Some scientific evidence exists for some complementary therapies but, for most, key evidences are lacking. For example, many believe that yoga will cure asthma. But it only complements mainline asthma therapy. Some mild asthmatics may improve. But there is no scientific data to say that yoga can replace treatment although there is enough data to prove that they can complement each other.
Differences
This brings us to an important question: the difference between complementary therapy and alternative therapy. Complementary therapy is used along with routine treatment. Alternative treatment is an alternative to conventional medicine. Complementary therapy uses non-traditional treatment such as massage, yoga and similar treatments in conjunction with traditional therapy. These complement the use of prescription medication and other treatment provided by the doctor. Alternative therapy means that herbal and other natural treatments are implemented, often in place of traditional therapies. Sometimes, however, these are used along with traditional therapies just as in complementary therapies.
At one time, complementary and alternative asthma therapies were considered to be on the fringe and frowned upon. Today they are moving into the mainstream. Homeopathy, acupuncture, osteopathy and other treatment can be used to improve health and, in some cases, relieve symptoms, reduce the frequency and severity of attacks and improve overall health. While your doctor may not suggest an alternative or complementary therapy, if you are considering trying it, talk to your healthcare provider. You may be surprised to learn your doctor is supportive of trying these treatments as long as you do not discontinue the traditional treatment modalities that have proven to be effective for you.
Learn everything you can about alternative or complementary asthma treatments before trying any one. Never stop taking prescription medication without the knowledge and advice of your doctor. There can be serious impacts such as increased frequency and severity of asthma attacks if you do not continue medication.
Asthma treatment is serious business. Each year people die because of asthma emergencies for which help is not sought quickly enough. Therefore, use common sense and a conservative approach when deciding to try alternative and complementary asthma therapies.
If you do find that a companion therapy works well, such as yoga combined with traditional medicine or acupuncture in addition to physician’s treatments, then there is no reason to discontinue the alternative or complementary treatments.
The writer is a Senior Respiratory Physician based in Chennai. E-mail: drrnarasimhan@yahoo.co.in
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