Everyone Healthy Library
Asthma
Condition / disease reference page from the Everyone Healthy database.
Connected health information
Explore this condition in a clear order
Condition overview
Attributes
Commonalityis common
Incidenceis approximately 1 in 56 people
Linked signs and symptoms
19Each sign/symptom opens its own page and links back to related conditions.
- Breath Shortness (Dyspnoea)
- Breathing Rapid, Shallow (Tachypnoea)
- Breathing: Respiratory Distress
- Breathing: Visible Increased Effort (Use of Accessory Muscles)
- Chest Pain
- Chest Tightness
- Cough
- Cough Dry
- Cough: Nocturnal (Coughing at Night)
- Heart or Pulse Rate Raised (Tachycardia)
- Loss of Consciousness (Unconsciousness)
- Mind: Agitation
- Mind: Malaise
- Pain: Chest
- Skin Bluish Coloration (Cyanosis)
- Skin Tingling Or Numbness (Paresthesias)
- Skin: Swelling Beneath The Skin (Angioedema)
- Sweating (Perspiring)
- Wheezing
Linked drugs / medications
10Medication information is educational only. A doctor or pharmacist should advise whether any medicine is appropriate.
Treatments, therapies and supportive options
57Grouped by treatment type. These are educational database links, not personal treatment recommendations. Evidence labels are shown only where stored in the EH database.
Medical therapy
4Lifestyle changes
4Behavioural changes
5Counselling and support
1Alternative and complementary therapies
21- AcupunctureWeakly in Favour(Very Low Evidence)
- Astragalus (Astragalus Membranaceus, Locoweed)No Recommendation(Very Low Evidence)
- Buteyko Breathing MethodWeakly in Favour(Low Evidence)
- Cannabis (Marijuana)No Recommendation(Low Evidence)
- Chiropractic
- EnercelNo Recommendation(Moderate Evidence)
- Evening Primrose OilNo Recommendation(Very Low Evidence)
- Germanium (Germanium Sesquioxide, Vitamin O)Strongly in Favour(Moderate Evidence)
- Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica, Hydrocotyle Asiatica)No Recommendation(Low Evidence)
- Kava (Piper Methysticum)No Recommendation(Very Low Evidence)
- Meditation
- MoxibustionNo Recommendation(Very Low Evidence)
- Mugwort (Artemisa Vulgaris)No Recommendation(Very Low Evidence)
- Neural TherapyNo Recommendation(Very Low Evidence)
- Oleander Leaf (Nerium Oldeander)Strongly Against(Low Evidence)
- OsteopathyWeakly in Favour(Low Evidence)
- Physical Therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Pine BarkWeakly in Favour(Low Evidence)
- Uncaria tomentosa Plant (Cats Claw Herb)No Recommendation(Very Low Evidence)
- YogaWeakly in Favour(Low Evidence)
Alternative medicine
9- Astragalus (Astragalus Membranaceus, Locoweed)No Recommendation(Very Low Evidence)
- EnercelNo Recommendation(Moderate Evidence)
- Evening Primrose OilNo Recommendation(Very Low Evidence)
- Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica, Hydrocotyle Asiatica)No Recommendation(Low Evidence)
- Kava (Piper Methysticum)No Recommendation(Very Low Evidence)
- Mugwort (Artemisa Vulgaris)No Recommendation(Very Low Evidence)
- Oleander Leaf (Nerium Oleander)Strongly Against(Low Evidence)
- Pine BarkWeakly in Favour(Low Evidence)
- Uncaria tomentosa Plant (Cats Claw Herb)No Recommendation(Very Low Evidence)
Alternative therapies
6- AcupunctureWeakly in Favour(Very Low Evidence)
- Buteyko Breathing MethodWeakly in Favour(Low Evidence)
- MoxibustionNo Recommendation(Very Low Evidence)
- Neural TherapyNo Recommendation(Very Low Evidence)
- OsteopathyWeakly in Favour(Low Evidence)
- Remedial Education (Individualized Education Program)Weakly in Favour(Low Evidence)
Vitamins and minerals
1Minerals
1Amino acids
1Linked diagnostic tests and investigations
23These are pulled from both EH diagnostic-test link tables, including the older large test-link table.
- 2,3 Diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) Concentration
- Blood Glucose Test
- Blood Tests
- Eosinophils Count
- Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV)
- fasting Blood Glucose Test
- Functional Residual Capacity
- Glucose Tolerance Test
- Inspiratory Capacity (IC)
- Maximum Voluntary Ventilation (MVV)
- Partial Pressure of Arterial Carbon Dioxide (PCO2, PaCO2)
- Pathology
- Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR)
- Peak Flow Meter
- Peak Inspiratory Flow Rate (PIFR)
- Physical Exam
- Potassium Sensitivity Test
- pulmonary Artery Catheter
- Pulmonary Function Tests
- Residual Volume (RV)
- Spirometry
- Spirometry
- Vital Capacity (VC)
Biological and test markers
12This visual map uses existing EH database links to show biological agents and lab markers reported as increased, decreased, or associated with this condition. These are educational relationships only; test results must be interpreted by a qualified clinician because ranges vary by lab, method, age, sex and clinical context.
Often increased
7- 2,3 Diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG)Reference range exampleAdult ( > 16y): 10.5–14 µmol/gLinked diagnostic tests12, 3 Diphosphoglycerate (2
- EosinophilsReference range exampleAdult ( > 16y): 0–3 %; 0–3 %Linked diagnostic tests3Differential White Blood Cell Count Tests, Eosinophil Differential Of Total WBC
- Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV)Reference range exampleAdult ( > 16y), Female: 850–1,300 mL; Adult ( > 16y), Male: 1,000–1,500 mLLinked diagnostic tests1Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV)
- Inspiratory Capacity (IC)Reference range exampleAdult ( > 16y), Female: 2,600–3,200 mL; Adult ( > 16y), Male: 3,000–3,500 mLLinked diagnostic tests1Inspiratory Capacity (IC)
- Partial Pressure of Arterial Carbon Dioxide (PaCO2)Reference range exampleAll: 35–45 mm HgLinked diagnostic tests1Partial Pressure of Arterial Carbon Dioxide (PCO2, PaCO2)
- Residual Volume (RV)Reference range exampleAdult ( > 16y): 1,200–1,600 mL; Adult ( > 16y), Female: 850–1,300 mLLinked diagnostic tests2Postvoid Residual Volume Test, Residual Volume (RV)
- Vital Capacity (VC)Reference range exampleAdult ( > 16y), Female: 3,500–4,000 mL; Adult ( > 16y), Male: 4,500–5,000 mLLinked diagnostic tests1Vital Capacity (VC)
Often decreased
5- Forced Expiratory Flow Between 25% and 75% of FVC (FEF25-75)Reference range exampleAll: 60–100 %Linked diagnostic tests1Spirometry
- Functional Residual CapacityReference range exampleAdult ( > 16y): 2,500–3,600 mLLinked diagnostic tests1Functional Residual Capacity
- Maximum Voluntary Ventilation (MVV)Reference range exampleAdult ( > 16y), Female: 80–180 L/minute; Adult ( > 16y), Male: 140–180 L/minuteLinked diagnostic tests1Maximum Voluntary Ventilation (MVV)
- Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR)Reference range exampleAdult ( > 16y), Female: 410–450 L/minute; Adult ( > 16y), Male: 540–590 L/minuteLinked diagnostic tests1Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR)
- Peak Inspiratory Flow Rate (PIFR)Reference range exampleAdult ( > 16y): 250–330 L/minuteLinked diagnostic tests1Peak Inspiratory Flow Rate (PIFR)
Other associated markers
0No markers in this group.
Introduction / full article
Asthma
Asthma
Efficacy of Alternative and Other Treatments According to GRADE* Ranking:
Selenium Supplement [1, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present. IMPORTANT: Selenium is toxic in high doses. Massive overdoses can cause kidney failure, breathing difficulty and death. Selenium should only be taken at healthy levels which the body is able to tolerate.
Recommendation: No recommendation (Available evidene does not support claims that selenium helps to prevent or treat asthma)
Grade of Evidence: Very low level of evidence
Pine Bark Extract [1, 36, 37, 38]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: Weakly in favor (Early studies indicate potential for Pine bark extract in the treatment of asthma, but more clinical studies need to be done)
Grade of Evidence: Low level of evidence
Oleander Leaf (Nerium Oleander) [1, 32, 33, 34, 35]:
WARNING: This plant is toxic! Not to be ingested. Causes nausea, appetite loss, vomiting, drowsiness, bloody diarrhoea, seizures, irregular heartbeat, heart failure, respiratory depression and death. The plant and any of its extracts should be strictly avoided, especially by children and pregnant women.
Recommendation: Strongly against (There is insufficient evidence to prove the effectiveness of Oleander in asthma. Please note, this plant and its extracts are poisonous, even when ingested in dry form. Many people have died of heart or respiratory failure after eating parts of the plant or its extracts.)
Grade of Evidence: Low level of evidence
Mugwort (Artemisa Vulgaris) [1, 29, 30, 31]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It has been proposed only as a weak supportive symptomatic support, and even then, has been discounted due life-threatening side effects
Recommendation: No recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that mugwart helps to treat symptoms of asthma. More research is needed.)
Grade of Evidence: Very low level of evidence
Cannabis (Marijuana, weed, hemp) [1, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: No recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that cannabis helps to treat asthma. Studies have yielded mixed results.)
Grade of Evidence: Low level of evidence
Kava (Piper Methysticum) [1, 16, 17, 18, 19]:
WARNING: In rare cases, kava may lead to liver failure and other life threatening problems. The FDA warns that those who have had liver problems, or are on medicacations which may affect the liver, patients should check with their doctors before taking Kava. Other side effects include headache, upset stomach, drowsiness, weight loss, bloody urine, and muscle weakness.
Recommendation: No recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Kava helps to treat symptoms of asthma. More research is needed)
Grade of Evidence: Very low level of evidence
Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica, Hydrocotyle Asiatica)[1, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: No recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Gotu Kola helps in the treatment of asthma in any way. More research is needed.)
Grade of Evidence: Low level of evidence
Germanium (Germanium Sesquioxide, Vitamin O) [1, 7, 8, 9]:
WARNING: Germanium may cause permanent Kidney failure. Even organic supplements, though less toxic than inorganic supplements, have caused kidney and liver damage. NOT TO BE USED.
Recommendation: Strongly against (Evidence shows that Germanium is not effective in treating asthma in any way, and is also toxic, causing severe kidney and liver damage.)
Grade of Evidence: Moderate level of evidence
Evening Primrose Oil [1, 4, 5, 6]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: No recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Primrose Oil helps to treat asthma any way.)
Grade of Evidence: Very low level of evidence
Enercel [1, 3]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It may mildly help with some of the symptoms, and even then has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: No recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Enercel helps to treat asthma in any way.)
Grade of Evidence: Moderate level of evidence
Cats Claw (Uncaria Tomentosa) [1, 2]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as a weak supportive symptomatic support, and even then, has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: No recomendation (insufficient evidence to support claims that Cats Claw can help to treat asthma)
Grade of Evidence: Very low level of evidence
Astragalus (Astragalus Membranaceus):
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as a weak supportive symptomatic support, and even then, has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: No recommendation (There is insufficient evidence to support claims that Astragalus helps to treat asthma)
Grade of Evidence: Very low level of evidence
Neural Therapy:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as supportive symptomatic support, and even then, has insufficient evidence to back up this claim at present.
Recommendation: No recommendation (Available evidence does not support claims that Moxibustion may help to treat asthma)
Grade of Evidence: Very low level of evidence
Moxibustion:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as a weak supportive symptomatic support.
Recommendation: No recommendation (Available evidence does not support claims that Moxibustion may help to treat asthma)
Grade of Evidence: Very low level of evidence
Acupuncture:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as a weak supportive symptomatic support.
Recommendation: Weakly in favor (Although scientific evidence is not strong, early studies show that Acupuncture may be helpful in treating the symptoms of asthma)
Grade of Evidence: Very low level of evidence
Yoga [48, 49, 50]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as a weak supportive symptomatic support.
Recommendation: Weakly in favor (Studies on the efficacy of yoga for asthmatics have yielded mixed results. More studies are needed)
Grade of Evidence: Low level of evidence
Osteopathy [51, 52]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as a weak supportive symptomatic support.
Recommendation: Weakly in favor (Studies show that osteopathy may be beneficial to those with asthma. More studies are needed)
Grade of Evidence: Low level of evidence
Buteyko Breathing Method [53, 54, 55]:
Please note, this management does NOT treat the condition itself. It is proposed only as a weak supportive symptomatic support.
Recommendation: Weakly in favor (Studies show that the buteyko breathing method may be beneficial to those with asthma. More studies are needed)
Grade of Evidence: Low level of evidence
Summary References
Treatments:
1. Ades T, Alteri R, Gansler T, Yeargin P, "Complete Guide to Complimentary & Alternative Cancer Therapies", American Cancer Society, Atlanta USA, 2009
2. http://www.nutrasanus.com/cats-claw.html
3. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/enercel
4. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/evening-primrose
5. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/eveningprimrose/
6. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4395826.stm
7. Baselt, R. (2008). Disposition of Toxic Drugs and Chemicals in Man (8 ed.). Foster City, CA: Biomedical Publications. pp. 693–694.
8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9237323
9. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/germanium
10. Winston, D., Maimes, S., Adaptogens: Herbs For Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief, 2007, pp. 226-7
11. "A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study on the Effects of Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) on Acoustic Startle Response in Healthy Subjects". Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. 20(6):680-684, December 2000. Bradwejn, Jacques MD, FRCPC *; Zhou, Yueping MD, PhD ++; Koszycki, Diana PhD *; Shlik, Jakov MD, PhD
12. B. M. Hausen (1993) "Centella asiatica (Indian pennywort), an effective therapeutic but a weak sensitizer." Contact Dermatitis 29 (4), 175–179 doi:10.1111/j.1600-0536.1993.tb03532.x
13. Cataldo, A., Gasbarro, V., et al., "Effectiveness of the Combination of Alpha Tocopherol, Rutin, Melilotus, and Centella asiatica in The Treatment of Patients With Chronic Venous Insufficiency", Minerva Cardioangiology, 2001, Apr; 49(2):159-63
14. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gotu_kola#Medicinal_effects
15. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/gotu-kola
16. http://www.publish.csiro.au/?act=view_file&file_id=SP05005.pdf
17. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/kava
18. http://www.kavazen.com/pages/library.htm#KavaZen and Kava Safety
19. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/kava/index.htm
20. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/marijuana.html
21. http://nccam.nih.gov/research/extramural/awards/2004/
22. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/marijuana
23. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/what-we-know-about-ms/treatments/complementary--alternative-medicine/marijuana/index.aspx
24. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16957511
25. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12965981
26. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17589370
27. http://mct.aacrjournals.org/content/6/11/2921.long
28. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2562334/?tool=pmcentrez
29. Anliker MD, Borelli S, Wüthrich B. Occupational protein contact dermatitis from spices in a butcher: a new presentation of the mugwort-spice syndrome. Contact Dermatitis. 2002;46:72-74.
30. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/mugwort
31. Fetrow CW, Avila JR. Professional's Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medicines. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2004.
32. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/oleander-leaf
33. http://www.nerium.com/index-2.html
34.http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/EnforcementActivitiesbyFDA/WarningLettersandNoticeofViolationLetterstoPharmaceuticalCompanies/UCM165406.pdf
35. http://www.inchem.org/documents/pims/plant/pim366.htm
36. http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00214032
37. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/pine-bark-extract
38. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-pycnogenol.html
39. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/selenium?sitearea=ETO
40. http://www.cancer.gov/Templates/doc.aspx?viewid=ED8AD8E8-6AE5-458D-8091-393F4CB73F0D
41. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-selenium.html
42. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9290116
43. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9829869
44. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10335455
45. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2136228
46. http://www.springerlink.com/content/v0r644v4ju5153k2/
47. http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/101/5/283
48. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/06/140602132232.htm
49. http://www.livescience.com/46167-yoga-asthma-symptoms.html
50. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3275836/
51. http://jaoa.org/article.aspx?articleid=2093071
52. http://www.asthmaaustralia.org.au/Complementary_Therapies.aspx
53. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15907677
54. http://www.asthmaaustralia.org.au/Complementary_Therapies.aspx
55. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0422763812000520