ABSTRACT
This chapter describes an ‘integrative’ approach to allergies and asthma, integrating complementary modalities with evidence based recommendations within a conventional western practice. The National Center for Complementary Integrative Health (NCCIH) previously the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the US National Institutes of Health defines (CAM) as a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine. Indoor air may be improved by using clean burning fuels. The use of nasal saline irrigation utilizing sterile, distilled or previously boiled water to make an isotonic or hypertonic saline solution for nasal washes may be helpful for moisturizing the nasal passages, removing nasal debris, thinning nasal mucus and increasing mucociliary clearance. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may be a confounding disorder with asthma. Multivitamins and Vitamin C have been recommended but there is conflicting evidence regarding their efficacy in treatment of asthma and allergic rhinitis.
