It was a bad week for asthma sufferers in Melbourne, and also for some that were susceptible to airborne allergens but who had never had an asthma attack before. A heads up to hayfever sufferers: if you’re allergic to pollen enough of it could potentially cause an asthma attack.

Studies have shown that Chinese medicine treatment with acupuncture, herbs, and moxibustion can reduce the frequency and intensity of asthma attacks, and reduce the need for both preventative and symptom relieving medication (eg 1, 2). Other studies show how Chinese medicine treatment regulates the immune system in ways that confirm that it can treat asthma. (eg 3.)

There’s an article here on conventional approaches ways to prepare for thunderstorm asthma:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-26/we-couldve-seen-thunderstorm-asthma-coming-and-ways-to-prepare/8058682

1. Jobst, K.A. (1995). A Critical Analysis of Acupuncture in Pulmonary Disease: Efficacy and Safety of the Acupuncture Needle. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 1(1), pp.57–85. ‌
2. Su, L., Meng, L., Chen, R., Wu, W., Peng, B. and Man, L. (2016). Acupoint Application for Asthma Therapy in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Complementary Medicine Research, [online] 23(1), pp.16–21. [Accessed 2 Aug. 2020]. ‌
3. Li, J., Zhang, F. and Li, J. (2015). The Immunoregulatory Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Treatment of Asthma or Asthmatic Inflammation. The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 43(06), pp.1059–1081.