Abstract
Asthma is a chronic, nonspecific lung disease that affects 15.7 million adults in the United States.1 Treatment typically focuses on removing potential allergens and prescription medications. Given the potential adverse effects of many medications, some patients explore the use of alternative treatments such as antioxidants. Research exploring the role of antioxidants in the prevention and management of chronic disease has dramatically increased in 30 years.2-5 Because asthma is an inflammatory disease that has been associated with oxidative stress,6 it is plausible to consider the role of antioxidant supplementation as an alternative treatment of asthma. This article addresses the case of an adult woman who tried antioxidants as adjunct therapy in the management of her asthma. The scientific relevance regarding antioxidant supplement use in asthma in adults is presented using an evidence-based approach.