A guide for health professionals

This publication is dedicated to the memory of Professor Ann Woolcock AO

The aim of this paper is to provide an up-to-date, evidence-based summary of the issues around asthma and complementary therapies, including practical advice.

There is also a consumer brochure on this topic. These documents have been produced by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing in collaboration with the National Asthma Council.

Contents

• Key Messages
• Why do people with asthma seek to use complementary therapies?
• Aims of treatment for people with asthma
• Regulatory framework for complementary therapies and therapists
• Information resources
• Effectiveness of complementary therapies
  • Effectiveness of complementary therapies - I
  • Effectiveness of complementary therapies - II
  • Effectiveness of complementary therapies - III
• Comp References   

PDF Version

 Asthma and Complementary Therapies: A guide for health professionals 392.58 Kb

Authors

A/Prof Guy Marks, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney;
Prof Marc Cohen, Head, Complementary Medicine, RMIT University, Melbourne;
Dr Vicki Kotsirilos, Member, Complementary Medicines Evaluation Committee, Therapeutic Goods Administration;
Dr Chris Luttrell, Member, General Practitioners Asthma Group;
Dr John Massie, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne;
Ms Treasure McGuire, Pharmacist, Mater Health Services, South Brisbane/School of Pharmacy University of Queensland;
A/Prof Ray Mullins, John James Medical Centre, Deakin, Canberra;
Ms Cassandra Slader, Pharmacist, St Vincent’s Public Hospital, Sydney and Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney 

Disclaimer

The information contained in this paper has been expert reviewed and represents the available published literature at the time of review. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Any questions regarding a medical diagnosis or treatment should be referred to a medical practitioner.

© Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing 2005.

Further information

National Asthma Council	www.NationalAsthma.org.au
The National Asthma Council website contains information and publications on asthma and has links to other asthma sites
Asthma Foundations of Australia Patients can contact their local Asthma Foundation on 1800 645 130 or visit their websites:
Asthma Foundations of Australia	www.asthmaaustralia.org.au
Asthma Foundation of New South Wales	www.asthmansw.org.au
Asthma Foundation of Northern Territory	www.asthmant.org.au
Asthma Foundation of Queensland	www.asthmaqld.org.au
Asthma Foundation of South Australia	www.asthmasa.org.au
Asthma Foundation of Tasmania	www.asthmatas.org.au
Asthma Foundation of Victoria	www.asthma.org.au
Asthma Foundation of Western Australia	www.asthmawa.org.au
Asthma	http://www.health.gov.au
HealthInsite	http://www.healthinsite.gov.au/
Healthy Homes	www.nphp.gov.au/enhealth/council/pubs/pdf/healthyhomes.pdf
Australasian Society for Clinical Immunology and Allergy	www.allergy.org.au
Reliable and up-to-date information on allergy and asthma

This series on Asthma Topics for Health Professionals comprises eight separate titles:

1  Asthma and Allergy
2  Asthma and Lung Function Tests
3  Asthma and Pain Relievers
4  Asthma and Air Pollution
5  Asthma and Complementary Therapies
6  Asthma and Infant Bedding
7  Asthma and Diet in Early Childhood
8  Asthma and Wheezing in the First Years of Life

To access these documents log on to: www.NationalAsthma.org.au or the Department of Health and Ageing on 1800 500 053.

Content Updated March 2005