Actions for managing asthma symptoms through household and natural treatments
In the battle against asthma, a chronic condition with no cure, individuals can take proactive steps to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Here's a round-up of effective strategies, from breathing exercises and stress reduction techniques to preventive measures and lifestyle changes.
Breathing Exercises:
Breathing exercises play a significant role in managing asthma. Physiotherapy-taught techniques and yoga, for instance, have been shown to improve asthma symptoms by strengthening respiratory muscles, enhancing control of expiratory flow, and improving overall breathing patterns [3][1].
Singing-based breathing exercises, surprisingly, have also proven beneficial. They can improve inspiratory strength, engage the diaphragm, support airway clearance, and improve posture, all of which contribute to better lung function [1].
Another simple yet effective technique is pursed lip breathing, which involves slow inhalation through the nose and gentle exhalation through pursed lips. This technique helps slow breathing rate, relax airway muscles, and may alleviate breathlessness related to anxiety, a common trigger in asthma [2].
Stress Reduction:
Stress and intense emotions can sometimes trigger asthma attacks. Techniques like mindfulness, meditation, massage therapy, and hypnotherapy may be useful in managing stress levels [6]. Digital self-management tools like the myAsthma+ app offer mindfulness resources shown to aid anxiety management and potentially reduce stress-induced asthma exacerbations [4].
Preventive Measures:
Self-care is essential for people with asthma. Creating an action plan that helps identify and avoid triggers, understand what steps to take during an emergency, and work with a healthcare professional to create the plan is crucial [7].
Exercise can increase lung capacity for people with asthma, but it may worsen symptoms in some people, known as exercise-induced asthma. To reduce the risk, people can warm up before exercise, cover their nose and mouth with a scarf when exercising outside in cold weather, exercise indoors if the air quality is poor, cool down after exercising, take prescribed medication, and stop exercising if symptoms worsen [5].
Lifestyle Changes:
Quitting smoking, maintaining a moderate body weight, being physically active, getting enough sleep, practicing stress management techniques, and eating a balanced diet can all help manage asthma [4].
Unregulated products containing certain Chinese herbal remedies can cause serious side effects, such as liver damage, so caution is advised [8].
Some apps can help people manage their asthma by changing behaviour and ensuring consistent medication use [9]. Regular breathing exercises can help reduce asthma symptoms and improve quality of life [10].
Some people may find that herbal remedies and supplements help relieve asthma symptoms, but it is important to use them in addition to clinical treatments, not as a replacement. Some people report benefits from vitamin D supplements, but research is ongoing [11].
Key Points:
- Breathing exercises such as physiotherapy-taught techniques and yoga can improve respiratory muscle function and reduce the need for reliever inhalers.
- Singing-based breathing exercises can enhance diaphragm use, airway clearance, posture, and benefit lung function.
- Pursed lip breathing is a simple technique that helps slow breathing rate, relax airway muscles, and alleviate breathlessness.
- Stress reduction techniques like mindfulness and relaxation exercises can reduce anxiety and stress related to asthma symptoms.
References:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6573536/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3763576/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6474117/ [4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6150178/ [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4319373/ [6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6237498/ [7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6341988/ [8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6237498/ [9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6150178/ [10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6341988/ [11] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6746518/
- Established treatments for eosinophilic asthma personas could potentially provide relief for those with more naive, or less experienced, asthma.
- Home-based therapies and treatments, such as breathing exercises and stress reduction techniques, can complement established medical treatments for greater overall asthma management.
- Workplace-wellness programs that prioritize health-and-wellness, mental-health, fitness-and-exercise, and skin-care are helpful for managing chronic diseases like asthma and other respiratory conditions.
- Proper skin care and good nutrition play a role in overall health and wellness, benefiting individuals with asthma and other medical conditions.
- CBD, a compound extracted from cannabis, is being studied for its potential effects on managing symptoms of asthma and other chronic diseases.
- For individuals with asthma, creating an action plan that includes avoiding triggers, understanding emergency steps, and collaborating with healthcare professionals is crucial in managing and treating their condition.
- Those with asthma and other chronic diseases should take preventive measures, such as warm-up exercises, proper clothing, and prescribed medication before engaging in fitness-and-exercise activities.
- Self-management tools, like the myAsthma+ app, can aid in stress management and potentially reduce stress-induced asthma exacerbations.
- Navigating the science of asthma and other chronic diseases can be complex; seeking guidance from the medical community can help navigators establish effective treatment plans and manage their health more effectively.
- The integration of various therapies-and-treatments, including physiotherapy, medication, mindfulness practices, and nutritional guidance, allows people with asthma to holistically manage their condition and improve their overall quality of life.
