Fresh Air: A report on Asthma Medications

The New York Times reported that the FDA published a warning about the use of combination asthma medication in children. These medications combine a beta-agonist that opens the airways with a steroid, that reduces swelling. Advair and Symbicort are the best selling versions of these drugs.

The FDA has been expressing its concern for some years now (read it here) that children who uses these medications are at risk of dying as a result of it. Other studies have shown that even using "rescue inhalers" like albuterol frequently increases the risk of dying and can actually worsen wheezing.

Over 10 years ago, the FDA expressed concern about the risk of death related to the use of Serevent, its maker, GlaxcoSmithKline did an internal study which is refused to publish the results of. It then took this potentially dangerous product and combined it with a steroid to get Advair now the biggest selling drug in its class. Then, in 2003, years later, it published the report which said that the FDA was right on this.

Aromatherapy can be amazingly effectively for treating mild asthma flare-ups in addition to treating the problems of asthma. For flare-ups, I nebulize the essential oils directly into the lungs. This should be arranged with a doctor experiences in this type of treatment. The convenient thing about aromatherapy is that it is effective inhaled on the skin (rub it on the chest for mild asthma flare ups) and taken internally.

I like to use a medical aromatherapy product called Aroma Aid as a compliment to my total treatment plan for Asthma. It contains lavender essential oil, which reduce histamine release that leads to swelling in the airways. It also has frankincense essential oil, which has a naturally occurring compound (leukotriene inhibitor) similar to medications like Singulair, without the side effects that those medications have. This decreases the cascade of inflammation. To deal with mucous and inflammation, Aroma Aid has peppermint essential oil.

DO NOT STOP ANY TREATMENT BEFORE CONSULTING WITH YOUR DOCTOR. IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE A PLAN TO DEAL WITH ASTHMA EMERGENCIES BEFORE STARTING TO DEAL WITH THE ROOT CAUSES OF ASTHMA. Here is a passage from my soon-to-be-published book, "Natural Cures for your child's cold and flu":

Asthma has become a national epidemic in the United States. There are many powerful medications to treat the symptoms of asthma and they can be life saving and give good relief of the discomforts of asthma. If you are interested in trying to reduce the number of asthma attacks your child suffers from go Natural treatments, below. They usually take a few months to reach their peak effects, so, continue with the treatment plan your doctor has worked out with you.

A treatment plan is more than a prescription for medication. It should include a clear, step-by-step treatment plan which includes “peak flows” for kids who are old enough to check how deep a breath they can take. For example, It would say: “If Miguel’s peak flow is less than 200, start giving him albuterol every 4 hours. If his peak flow is less than 180, start steroids and give the albuterol every 3 hours. If his peak flow is less than 150, please call my office, and go to an urgent care center or emergency department immediately.

Ultimately, it's important that the causes of your child's asthma are addressed, not just his or her symptoms. Children who suffer from asthma can have too much inflammation, too much mucous, or tight airways, or, a combination of all three factors. These factors themselves, arise from an imbalance in natural steroids, of a diet high in unhealthy foods, stress, a deficiency in key nutrients, like selenium, magnesium or vitamin C can play a role too.

To ensure that your child gets the best care possible, a pediatrician with experience in integrative medicine, or, a naturopath experienced in the care of children should be consulted to address diet, lifestyle, stress and other issues related to your child's health.