Alternative Medicine and Asthma

Oct. 21, 2002 (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Much is known about the use of complementary or alternative (CAM) medicine among adults, but not much is known about the use in adolescents. A new study highlights how often young men and women turn to alternative methods.

Research shows about 40 percent of American adults use CAM for health problems. In this study, 160 inner-city high school students with asthma were surveyed. Of those, they found 33 percent reported having weekly symptoms from their condition and 14 percent had daily symptoms. Overall, 80 percent of the students reported using CAM for asthma.

According to the study, asthma is the most prevalent chronic disease affecting adolescents in the United States. The study authors believe it is important for physicians who treat adolescents to know 80 percent are using CAM. Only 54 percent of the students reported telling their physician about their use of alternative medicines.

The list of alternatives ranged from herbal teas to prayer to massages and rubs. Close to a quarter of all the adolescents reported using Jarabe 7, an herbal preparation commonly sold in Puerto Rican communities. About 60 percent of the study participants felt the alternative methods helped and they would try it again.

The researchers say, "Of particular significance was the prevalence of CAM use in this study population, which was twice the national average reported for adults." Again, they point out the importance for treating physicians to be aware of this number.

SOURCE: Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 2002;156:1042-1044

[Asthma & Allergies Home]