Few things are as scary as not being able to get enough air in your lungs. Learning to manage asthma symptoms begins with understanding asthma attack triggers and developing strategies that avoid those triggers. Certain breathing techniques can help relieve asthma symptoms and improve quality of life.
Goal of Techniques
Breathing technique goals strive to gain control over breathing. Learning to relax reduces stress placed on the lungs. The muscles used in the process of breathing are not fatigued, according to ConsumerReportsHealth.org. Dysfunctional breathing happens when a patient takes extremely deep or quick breaths, leading to fatigue and possible hyperventilation.
Technique Types
Yoga teaches pranayama breathing techniques of circular breath with air coming in through the nose and out through the mouth. Other techniques developed out of the principles of yoga include Papworth and Buteyko. Papworth is a relaxation technique with attention paid specifically to the depth of breath. Buteyko combines relaxation with nose breathing. Unlike other breathing techniques, Buteyko uses external modalities to help patients feel correct breathing. Tape placed over the mouth when sleeping is not uncommon. Drills to hold your breath are also used to build lung strength and capacity.
Effectiveness
MayoClinic.com recommends yoga, Buteyko and Papworth techniques to aid with asthma relief. Patients regularly practicing breathing techniques may reduce medication needs as a result. However, a 2004 study by E. Holloway and F.S. Ram published in "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews" claims that while patients experience a higher quality of life, clinical trial results remain inconclusive as to the effectiveness of breathing techniques to reduce asthmatic symptoms.
Breathing and Medication
Asthma sufferers often keep an inhaler or two with them or in close proximity just in case an asthma attack is triggered. During the attack, the chest tightens with a shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing. The inhaler often sends medication into the airways to open them up for breathing. Patients can more effectively administer a treatment by using proper breathing and inhalant administration techniques. Exhale, then take a deep breath as you depress the inhaler's administration button. Medication that isn't inhaled simply hits the back of the throat and is swallowed.
Considerations
While the effectiveness of breathing techniques as a method of providing direct asthma relief still needs more research, the relaxation learned in most breathing techniques reduces stress. Stress itself is one of the triggers of an asthma attack. Consult with your doctor about an exercise program to build lung strength. Maintain your existing asthma-prevention program, limiting exposure to allergens and other triggers. MayoClinic.com recommends exercise to build lung strength to reduce symptoms but notes that cold weather may trigger an attack, so use a face mask to warm air as you inhale, reducing the chance of an attack.
