Expert: Tonja Wells - 4/10/2009

Question
Hi Ms.Welles,

My grandmother has been suffering from asthma for almost 40 years now. She has been getting progressively worse for the past few years. Her doctors have told us that there is nothing that they can do, and her only options left are a lung transplant or being enrolled in a trial for new asthma drugs that may potentially benefit her. My family and I are worried that those trial may end up doing more harm than good, and her doctors told us that she may not be able to get a lung transplant due to her age (67). She uses Advair and a Nebulizer about three times a day. She seems very weak; she starts wheezing after doing simple tasks such as drying her hair after getting out of the shower. We know that her asthma will never go away, but is there anything she can do to help her breathe better and not rely on medicine so much? Please help...I'm not ready to lose my grandmother. Thanks a lot!

Answer
Hello Shelly,

Have you talked to your grandmother about doing alternative therapies?  If she is willing to do that I would find a good herbalist in your area and take her to see that person. Most elderly people will only do what the doctor suggest.  

There are many herbals that can help the body balance itself. Talk to your grandmother and see if she is willing to work with someone. It is a complete lifestyle change diet/herbs, etc.

To your health,

Tonja