Though more research is necessary, early findings are promising. RLT may be able to lower overall inflammation and ease asthma symptoms.

Red light therapy (RLT) is a noninvasive treatment that uses low level wavelengths of light to treat a wide range of conditions.

It can treat conditions such as chronic pain, skin wounds and rashes, and depression.

Recent studies suggest it might also be helpful for respiratory conditions, including asthma.

Experts are still studying RLT’s possible benefits for asthma, but it might be part of treatment plans in the future. Let’s examine these studies and how they may apply to you.

Red light therapy includes multiple healing benefits such as reduction of inflammation, and improved lung function. These could help relieve some symptoms of asthma.

RLT has also been found to help with specific asthma-related factors.

In studies, RLT was able to control mast cells, the cells that can lead to allergic reactions and asthma attacks. It also increased the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine proteins.

This could reduce the body’s immune response and calm the chronic inflammation associated with asthma.

Similarly, studies suggest that RLT reduces total oxidative stress in the lungs, leading to an overall reduction in inflammation.

RLT is typically safe. But research into using RLT as a treatment for conditions such as asthma is new. This means that the benefits are unproven. It’s best to talk with your doctor before trying RLT for asthma.

Also, although the wavelengths used by RLT treatments are low level, they do still affect the skin. Experts don’t recommend RLT for if you have photosensitivity from medications, or from conditions such as lupus.

It’s possible effects during pregnancy aren’t well studied. Since the risks are unknown, it’s not safe to have RLT during pregnancy.

You can learn more about red light therapy by reading the answers to some common questions below.

Does red light therapy reduce inflammation?

Yes, it does. Red light therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation. This can benefit you if you live with chronic pain conditions, or lung and respiratory conditions.

Does red light therapy increase oxygen?

Red light therapy has been shown to increase blood circulation and improve oxygen transport throughout the body. This can increase oxygen levels if you experience compromised lung function.

Does red light therapy help clear sinuses?

Research has linked red light therapy to an improvement in sinus congestion. RLT helps reduce mucus production and helps you clear out existing mucus faster.

People with allergies and other sinus conditions have seen significant benefits from red light therapy.

Alternative asthma therapy

A variety of treatment options are available for people with asthma. The right treatments for you depend on factors such as your symptoms, your asthma triggers, your age, and your overall health. Options include:

  • Bronchodilators: Bronchodilators are fast-acting inhalers that provide quick relief of asthma symptoms.
  • Preventive inhaled corticosteroids: Preventive inhaled corticosteroids are an everyday part of many asthma treatment plans.
  • Combination inhalers: Combination inhalers have both a fast-acting medication and a preventive corticosteroid.
  • Leukotriene modifiers: Leukotriene modifiers are oral medicals that can help relieve asthma symptoms.
  • Nebulizers: Nebulizers are machines that convert asthma medications into a breathable mist. You then use a face mask to breathe in the mist.
  • Oral or intravenous corticosteroids: Sometimes, healthcare professionals treat severe asthma symptoms with oral or intravenous corticosteroids. Unlike inhaled corticosteroids, it’s not safe to use these medications long-term.
  • Allergy medications: Often, allergies can trigger asthma or make symptoms worse. Taking allergy medications can help.
  • Biologics: Biologics are a type of medication that targets your immune system. They’re an option for people with severe asthma.
  • Bronchial thermoplasty: Bronchial thermoplasty is a procedure that can help treat severe asthma. During treatment, a doctor uses an electrode to heat and relax your airways.

Red light therapy is a treatment that uses low level wavelengths to treat a variety of conditions. It has known benefits for skin health and pain reduction.

Recent studies have suggested that red light therapy might have benefits for people with asthma.

Research is still ongoing, but studies have linked red light therapy to asthma benefits such as improved lung function, a reduced immune response, and reduced oxidative stress in the lungs.