There are things people with asthma can do to lessen their asthma symptoms. Some methods of decreasing asthma symptoms are touted as natural cures for asthma. Breathing techniques, such as Buteyke breathing, can help reduce the need for asthma medication. Breathing reeducation methods teach people with asthma how to control their breathing and use breathing exercises to reduce asthma symptoms.

Caffeine is often the focus of negative attention. However, caffeine can help asthma patients reduce their symptoms of asthma in cases that they do not have access to their medication. Caffeine is a home remedy used by some people who have allergies. Allergic asthma can also benefit.

Even in medical treatment, caffeine is sometimes used to treat respiratory disorders such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) which causes apnea in infants. The use of caffeine was shown to decrease the average number of apnea episodes in infants with RSV from seven to twelve episodes to zero to two episodes of apnea. Caffeinated sodas, dark chocolate, or strong black coffee are sources of caffeine that are sometimes recommended in home remedies for asthma and allergies. Caffeine should not be relied upon, but caffeine can be used to help reduce symptoms until the person can use the prescribed asthma medication.

Some preventative measures for asthma are described as natural cures for asthma. By avoiding triggers for asthma symptoms, people with asthma may be able to decrease the severity and frequency of their asthma symptoms. One preventative measure that is described as a home remedy for asthma is to cover the mouth with a thick scarf before going outside during cold weather. This is because for some people, cold weather can trigger asthma symptoms.

Another preventative measure used as a home remedy for asthma is to take an antacid before going to bed. The reasoning behind this is because acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may be partly responsible for nighttime asthma. Therefore, people who are prone to asthma symptoms during the night may benefit from taking an antacid before lying down.

Avoiding medications and food additives that may trigger asthma is another way people with asthma may be able to avoid asthma symptoms. Aspirin and beta-blockers trigger asthma in some people. Sulfites are food additives that can cause asthma attacks. Avoiding allergens, like dust, mold, and pet dander, can help some people prevent asthma symptoms. People with exercise-induced asthma should avoid breathing through their mouths while exercising. Breathing through the mouth dries and cools the back of the throat which are thought to trigger asthma symptoms in people with exercise-induced asthma.