Hydrotherapy
Swimming is one of the best exercises for asthma because it improves endurance arid increases lung capacity in an environment free of dust and other asthma triggers. Taking a hot shower or relaxing in a warm tub of water are also beneficial; the warmth eases tensions and the moist air helps clear the lungs of mucus.
Massage
This provides an excellent means of countering stress. Massage combined with postural drainage a percussive tapping of the back while the head is lower than chest (see page 151) - clears mucus from the lungs.
Meditation and Yoga
These and other relaxation therapies are useful in over coming the stress that often precipitates an asthma flare up. They can also lessen the stress and panicky feeling that can exacerbate an attack.
Nutrition Therapy
Many foods and food additives, especially sulfites, will trigger asthma in susceptible people. A nutrition therapist can help identify such foods, and structure a balanced diet that eliminates them. One should avoid, however, an overly restricted diet that does not provide adequate nutrition. Some high dose supplements, especially beta carotene, vitamins C and E, and magnesium, are touted as being beneficial for asthma sufferers, but they should not be taken without the guidance of a doctor or nutritionist.
Self Treatment
Careful self treatment is the key to keeping asthma under control. First and foremost, identify what sets off an attack and then make every effort to avoid it. If a triggering factor cannot be avoided, take a preventive drug such as cromolyn sodium. Other important self care measures include.
- Take asthma medications correctly. To allow inhaled drugs to penetrate to the smallest airways, thereby increasing their effectiveness, use a nebulizer, or extender, instead of a metered dose inhaler, or whiffer. Check with your doctor if you are uncertain as to how or when to take medication.
- Practice daily postural drainage to help loosen and remove mucus from your breathing passages.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you catch a cold or other respiratory infection. Increasing preventive medication at this time can help ward off a severe flare up.
- Do not smoke, and don’t allow any one to smoke in your home, office, car, or other surroundings.
- Keep a diary of symptoms that signal an impending attack . When you sense one coming on, do breathing exercises, perhaps combined with meditation or visualization, to overcome it. Also drink a glass of water, this keeps mucus thin and flowing, rather than thick and sticky. If necessary, take a preventive dose of medication.
- Avoid inhaling cold air. If you have to go out when it’s cold, cover your face and inhale through your nose.
- Stay indoors when air pollution or pollen counts are high. If you must go outdoors, wear a protective face mask.
Other Causes of Difficult Breathing
Panic attacks may produce wheezing and a choking sensation similar to those of asthma. In children, chronic adenoid and sinus infections can be mistaken for asthma, as can cystic fibrosis. Among adults, congestive heart failure and a number of chronic lung disorders, such as emphysema. chronic bronchitis, and bronchiectasis should also be ruled out.
Tagged under:asthma medications balanced diet breathing passages Fitness nutrition therapist nutrition therapy relaxation therapies self treatment stress massage
Filed under: Fitness