Is it safe to try alternative therapies to treat COPD?
Currently, there is little scientific evidence to support the use of alternative therapies, such as homeopathy, herbs, and acupuncture, for COPD. While a number of therapies are probably harmless, others may pose considerable risk. Homeopathy, yoga and acupuncture are probably safe. Trials of acupuncture have shown inconclusive evidence of positive effects in the treatment of respiratory disorders. Other alternative therapies, such as herbal medications, vitamin supplements and restrictive diets, pose greater risks to patients. A few herbal medications, mostly from India and Southeast Asia, contain a variety of contaminants, ranging from aspirin, steroids and narcotics, to toxic substances such as lead, mercury, and arsenic. The most concern is for the herbal preparation ma huang, which contains ephedra, a natural bronchodilator. This has several side effects that can lead to heart attacks, strokes and blood-pressure crises. Prescribed bronchodilators, such as albuterol, have considera
