treatment > alternatives...

Many asthmatics, like those who suffer from other chronic disorders, use alternative treatments; surveys show that roughly 50% of asthma patients use some form of unconventional therapy.

Some people recommend air ionisers to improve the quality of breathed air in the home or workplace and thus improve lung function.

Some asthma sufferers have tried a range of osteopathic and chiropractic techniques which work to "increase movement in the rib cage and the spine to try and improve the working of the lungs and circulation" such as chest tapping, shaking, vibration, and the use of "postures to help shift and cough up phlegm."

On the other hand, one study found that homeopathy has a potentially mild benefit in reducing the intensity of symptoms of asthma; however, the number of patients involved in the analysis was small, and subsequent studies have not supported this finding.

Several small trials have suggested some benefit from various yoga practices, ranging from yoga programs -"yogasanas, Pranayama, meditation, and kriyas"-to sahaja yoga, a form of meditation.