Abstract
The respiratory conditions Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
and Asthma result in significant reductions in life quality for millions
worldwide and cost patients thousands of dollars per year in treatment
and indirect costs. These conditions are currently inadequately treated
in a chronic disease model which aims to reduce symptoms but does not
heal underlying issues. This review presents a comprehensive guide to
nutraceutical, herbal and lifestyle interventions which are capable at
addressing respiratory diseases with minimal associated costs.
Decreasing reliance on the official medical system can reduce costs and
improve access for many people. This review establishes
non-pharmaceutical interventions for COPD and asthma and estimates
putative cost savings from following a more integrative approach.