Complementary and Alternative Therapies: Use in Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine. State of the Art Review

Little boy blowing to peak metr medical device. Doctor examining child's lungs

Chung Y., Dumont R. “Complementary and Alternative Therapies: Use in Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine. State of the Art Review.”   Pediatric Pulmonology 46:530–544 (2011)

With increased awareness of complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) and con- cern of potential adverse effects or limited effectiveness of conventional medications, patients and parents are looking to CAM approaches as either an alternative or as adjunct therapy, especially for chronic diseases such as asthma or cystic fibrosis. It is important that practitioners have adequate information so that patients and parents receive balanced and accurate information, especially regarding safety and potential efficacy. This review provides an overview of some of the more frequently used CAM therapies for children with chronic pulmonary disorders and summarizes the basic principles of each modality, along with efficacy and safety data. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2011; 46:530–544.