Asthma

Alternative/OTC meds in case of shortages

• Epinephrine (For Emergency Use)
  • Primatene Mist (OTC Epinephrine Inhaler)
    • Available without a prescription in U.S. pharmacies.
    • Not as effective as albuterol but can help in emergencies.
  • Epinephrine Auto-Injectors (EpiPen, Auvi-Q)
    • Can provide emergency relief if asthma is triggered by severe allergic reactions.
• Antihistamines & Inflammation Control
  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or Loratadine (Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec)
    • Help reduce airway inflammation from allergic triggers.
  • Low-Dose Aspirin Therapy
    • Some studies suggest aspirin desensitization can help reduce inflammation in aspirin-exacerbated asthma (AERD).

Natural preventive/emergency alternatives

These will not replace normal prescription medication for asthma treatment. Some things may help reduce inflammation and improve airway function over time, but it is different for every single person.

• Quercetin (Natural Antihistamine & Bronchodilator)
  • Found in onions, apples, tea, and berries.
  • Supplement dose: 500-1000 mg/day.
• Butterbur (Proven to Reduce Airway Inflammation)
  • Anti-inflammatory herb that works similarly to Singulair (Montelukast).
  • Supplement dose: 50-100 mg/day.
  • Warning: Avoid raw butterbur; choose PA-free supplements.
• Magnesium (Relaxes Airways)
  • Found in pumpkin seeds, almonds, spinach.
  • Supplement dose: 400-600 mg/day.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Reduces Lung Inflammation)
  • Found in fish oil, flaxseed, walnuts.
  • Dose: 2000 mg/day.
• Ginger & Turmeric (Natural Anti-Inflammatories)
  • Ginger helps open airways and reduces spasms.
  • Turmeric lowers lung inflammation (like Singulair). Emergency alternatives if out of inhalers
• Controlled Pursed-Lip Breathing
  • Inhale through the nose for 2 seconds, exhale slowly through pursed lips for 4+ seconds.
• Steam Inhalation
  • Boil water + eucalyptus oil or peppermint oil (both contain natural bronchodilators).
  • Inhale deeply for 5-10 minutes.
• Caffeine (Mild Bronchodilator)
  • Found in black coffee, tea, dark chocolate.
  • Acts like a weak theophylline (old-school asthma drug).
  • Dose: 1-2 cups of strong coffee in an emergency.
• Mustard Oil Chest Rub
  • Mix mustard oil + camphor and massage onto the chest to improve airflow.
• Elevate Head & Stay Calm
  • Keeping the upper body elevated reduces airway constriction.
  • Avoid hyperventilating, which can worsen symptoms.