Breathing Exercises for Asthma

Controlling Asthma Attacks: The Power of Breathing Exercises

For individuals suffering from severe asthma, the ease of breathing is elusive. Asthma constricts the airways making breathing a laborious task. While inhaled corticosteroids and beta-agonists have been key players in assuaging symptoms, they may not wholly control the symptoms for all individuals. However, recent studies reveal that breathing exercises may be an effective adjunct therapy to medication.

This article provides a closer look at six breathing exercises which can serve as supplementary treatment methods for those dealing with severe asthma:

•           Diaphragmatic Breathing: Rooted in the science of using the diaphragm to breathe, this technique helps strengthen your diaphragm while slowing your breathing pattern. Practicing this technique can help decrease your body's oxygen requirements.

    To practice this method, follow these steps:

Lay or sit comfortably, using a pillow for support if needed.

Touch your upper chest and your stomach simultaneously.

Inhale slowly through your nose, and monitor the movement of your stomach.

Exhale slowly through pursed lips.

•               Repeat until you're able to breathe in and out without your chest moving.

Nasal Breathing: Breathing through the nose can help assuage asthma symptoms by adding warmth and humidity to the air.

The Papworth Method: A technique that has its roots in the 1960s, the Papworth method is a blend of different breathing styles and relaxation training techniques. It encourages slow, steady breathing via the diaphragm and nose.

Buteyko Breathing: A technique that emerged in the 1950s, it focuses on reducing rapid breathing, which in turn controls symptoms like shortness of breath. Results from its implementation have been mixed - while it reduces symptoms and the need for medication, it doesn't enhance lung function.

Pursed Lip Breathing: This straightforward technique can prove effective in easing shortness of breath. It's as simple as inhaling slowly through the nose and exhaling through pursed lips, counting to four.

Yoga Breathing: Emphasizing controlled, deep breathing, yoga can help improve asthma symptoms and enhance lung function.

•           Although these breathing techniques are promising, it's essential to remember their role: to complement, not replace, your existing asthma treatment. Before attempting any of these techniques, consult your doctor or a respiratory therapist for proper guidance.