Use of alternative and complementary therapies for pediatric asthma.
This survey of 48 multicultural parents of children with asthma identifies and compares alternative and complementary treatments used for asthma, and compares any potentially effective or harmful effects. Thirty-nine (81%) of the parents used at least one form of alternative or complementary therapy to treat their child's asthma. Nontraditional therapies included prayer, over-the-counter medications, herbal teas, vitamins, and massage. African-American parents were more likely to rely on prayer, and Hispanic parents were more likely to use herbal and massage therapies. Use of over-the-counter medications and vitamins was similar among groups. Three herbal remedies were potentially toxic: lobelia, possible pennyroyal mint, and tree tea oil. Medical histories for all patients should include inquiries into the use of alternative therapies.
Mazur
L J
LJ
Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas-Houston Medical School, 6431 Fannin, Ste 3.138, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
De Ybarrondo
L
L
Miller
J
J
Colasurdo
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D005260:Female; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008487:Medical History Taking; D013781:Texas; D044465:White People
D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents