Asthma is a long-term medical condition that impacts the airways, making it harder to breathe. People with asthma may experience symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. While medication helps control asthma, breathing exercises can also improve lung function and reduce symptoms.
These exercises help strengthen the lungs, improve airflow and reduce stress, which can sometimes trigger asthma attacks. Read on to discover some simple breathing exercises that can help manage asthma symptoms.
List of breathing exercises
Here are some effective breathing exercises for asthma relief:
- Pursed-lip breathing
- Breathe in through your nose slowly.
- Purse your lips as if you are about to whistle.
- Breathe out slowly through your pursed lips.
- This helps control shortness of breath.
- Diaphragmatic breathing (belly breathing)
- Sit or lie down in a relaxed position.
- Place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly.
- Breathe in deeply through the nose and breathe out slowly through your mouth.
- This strengthens the diaphragm and improves breathing efficiency.
- The Buteyko method
- Breathe in gently through your nose.
- Breathe out slowly and hold your breath for a few seconds. Plug in your nose at the end of your exhale.
- Hold for as long as possible and breathe normally again. Continue the process for about 20 minutes.
- This method helps reduce breathing rate and improves control over asthma symptoms.
- Papworth method
- Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth, slowly.
- Focus on using your diaphragm to breathe rather than your chest.
- Combine this with relaxation techniques to reduce stress-related asthma symptoms.
- Pranayama
- Practice slow, deep breathing through one nostril at a time.
- Close one nostril with a finger, breathe through the other, then switch.
- This improves lung capacity and promotes relaxation.
Conclusion
These exercises can be a great way to manage asthma and improve lung function. They help control breathing, reduce stress and prevent asthma attacks. While these exercises are useful, they should not replace medication. Always consult your doctor before trying new breathing techniques, especially if you have severe asthma. With regular practice, breathing exercises can make a big difference in your daily life.
Managing asthma can sometimes lead to unexpected medical costs, especially if hospital visits or treatments are needed. An appropriate health insurance policy can cover these expenses, ensuring you get the best care without financial strain. For those with severe asthma, critical illness insurance can provide extra protection, offering financial support in case of serious complications.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.