A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory inhaler that can be used for asthma is cromolyn sodium or Intal. It prevents mediator release from airway mast cells and inhibits both early- and late-phase immune response in asthma, but it is not as effective as the corticosteroids. The most common side effect is coughing.

Complementary Approach to Treating and Managing Asthma.
In addition to all of the triggers considered by conventional medicine such as stopping exposure to cigarette smoke, reducing exposure to known indoor allergens, and reducing exposure to outdoor allergens, the complementary physician will evaluate areas that are usually not considered by the conventional physician.

In his approach to any health problem, the complementary physician will recommend cleaning up the diet by eliminating or reducing refined carbohydrates (such as sugar and white flour), hydrogenated fats (which mess up fatty acid metabolism), and synthetic food additives, (such as preservatives and artificial sweeteners). The diet should emphasize whole organic foods, as much as possible. Water should be free of both fluoride and chlorine. In addition, tests may be run to pick up subtle food allergies to some of the good foods.

An appropriate exercise program, which includes aerobic exercise, stretching and strengthening will be recommended as tolerated. Stress management techniques will be utilized in patients for whom anxiety seems to be an important trigger.

Rather than emphasizing the bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory drugs that conventional physicians use routinely, the complementary physician will keep them on the back burner, and use them only if the disease cannot be controlled by natural means. These natural means will include dealing with detoxification, supplying natural substances like vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and herbs either orally or by injection, dealing with less accepted infections, such as Candida Albicans overgrowth in the gut, balancing the hormonal system, using homeopathic medications and/or using energy balancing techniques such as acupuncture.

If the patient has had exposure to a lot of antibiotics and steroids, as many asthma patients have, Candida overgrowth is likely and is probably contributing to the difficulty in controlling the asthma. In such cases, a sugar free, yeast free diet should be recommended. A number of natural supplements are helpful in controlling the Candida, including caprylic acid, garlic, pau d’ arco herbs, and dioxychlor. Friendly bacteria, such as lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidus, should be supplemented. Of course, exposure to antibiotics and corticosteroids should be reduced and eliminated, as soon as the patient can tolerate this. If necessary, anti-Candida medications, such as nystatin, Diflucan or Nizoral may be recommended for a limited time. Other unfriendly organisms in the gut, such as certain bacteria or parasites may also be eliminated by appropriate herbs or medications.

Detoxification
Detoxification procedures are designed to reduce exposure to toxic substances and to help the body improve its ability to rid itself of toxic substances. To do this, it is necessary to carry out earlier suggestions by both conventional and complementary physicians on reducing toxic exposure. Additionally, the organs of the body that deal with detoxification need to be addressed. These organs include the gastrointestinal system including the liver, the kidneys, the lungs and the skin.