Defining complementary and alternative medicine in allergies and asthma: benefits and risks

Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2004 Oct;27(2):93-103. doi: 10.1385/CRIAI:27:2:093.

Abstract

In this review, the current literature discussing complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) interventions, the prevalence and pattern of use, examples of specific modalities and the risks of CAM for asthma and atopic disease are discussed. The specific risks of CAM interventions associated with the use of these modalities, omission of traditional therapeutic modalities, and the liability risk for physicians who either provide or counsel their patients regarding CAM interventions are also discussed.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acupuncture Therapy / adverse effects
  • Asthma / therapy*
  • Complementary Therapies* / adverse effects
  • Complementary Therapies* / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / therapy*
  • Phytotherapy / adverse effects
  • Risk Assessment