1. Practice breathing from the diaphragm or abdomen instead of
the chest. When you are breathing correctly the belly will push
outward on breathing in, and contract or tighten when breathing
out. The chest and shoulders do not rise up.
2. If you do start wheezing or getting short of breath try to
breath slower while relaxing the rest of your body. This reduces
the demand for oxygen in the body. If you are exercising slow
down or stop.
3. Stop smoking or hanging out in smoky rooms whenever possible.
If you live with a smoker who won't quit or go outside to smoke
then encourage the use of an air-filter or devise that sucks up
the smoke. Don't underestimate the dangers of second hand smoke,
particularly on children and the elderly.
4. Try swimming as the exercise of choice. The increased
moisture seems to lessen the chance of spasm of the bronchial
tubes. Starting slowly with walking or a stationary bike can
also safely improve cardiovascular stamina.
5. Drink extra glasses of water or liquids. With more rapid
breathing it is easier to get dehydrated. Some regular tea is ok
as it has a chemical to relax the bronchial tubes called Theo
bromide, similar to the asthma medicine theophylline.
6. If you are using a rescue inhaler such as Albuterol more than
three times a week you may need a preventive medicine either as
another inhaler and/or a pill such as Singulair. Keep ahead of
your asthma. At the first sign of worsening, use your
medications early. In the end you will require less medicine
overall. Make sure you tell your doctor if your symptoms become
more frequent. In short, DON'T WAIT.
7. Often people with asthma also have allergies to pollen,
animals, and dust. Discuss with your doctor getting allergy
testing to see if desensitization shots will cure the problem.
Be sure to mention stuffy nose and itchy, watery eyes "sinus
problems" during your visit if they occur.
About the author:
Author: Katherine A Martin, D.O. - Board Certified Family
Practice Physician. Medical Coaching and Consulting. Health for
the whole person. Visit my web site at
http://www.DO-Medicine.com
