6 steps to management of asthma and yoga breathing exercises

To get back the natural and automatic diaphragmatic breathing, and not the thoracic type of breathing
To concentrate on exhalation especially at the commencement of an attack
Increasing the flexibility of the chest wall and to relax the accompanying muscles of the respiratory system and
To correct other problems commonly associated with chronic asthma


Since few of us are immune to the constant stresses and strains of modern life, most of us tend to take short shallow breaths, using only a half to two thirds of our lung capacity.
And asthmatics chronically over-breathe, often at a rate two to three times faster than normal which robs the cells of essential fuel versus providing more oxygen.

The more stress, pressure and emotion we experience, the more restricted the breath becomes, as the alarm bells of the sympathetic nervous system are constantly being rung.
This perpetuates the cycle of stress, anxiety and shallow breathing. This in turn deprives the body of oxygen

Benefits
Increased efficiency of each breath
Increased lung capacity
Increased flow of oxygen to all parts of the body
Increase concentration, creativity and cognitive brain functions
Increase relaxation and calmness by releasing tension
Improved mind and body control, helping control emotions and relieve tension.
Improved abdominal and diaphragm control and strength.

Step 1
If you recognise any of the following symptoms then you probably have moderate to severe
asthma:
• If you need asthma medication most weeks of the year.
• If you have needed urgent medical attention for asthma in the past year or so.
• If your peak flow measurement is consistently below expected, despite optimal
treatment.
Assess the severity of your asthma and have it checked by your doctor.

Step 2
When you are at your best you should ideally have:
• No symptoms.
• Best possible peak flow measurements and
• Your chest should sound normal when your doctor examines you. It may take a few
weeks of medication to achieve your best. Monitoring peak flow measurements at
home can help you to check your progress.
When you have reached your best you will probably feel much better.

Step 3
Find out what sets off your asthma and try to stay away from it. These triggers could be:
• House dust, pollens, pets, moulds.
• Tobacco smoke.
• Things around your workplace or school, like wood dust, flour dust, chemical fumes,
animals and many other things.
• Food preservatives, colourings and monosodium glutamate (MSG).
Air pollution and respiratory infections, such as colds or bronchitis, commonly trigger asthma
but are difficult to avoid.
Exercise is good for everyone including people with asthma. Although it can trigger asthma it is important not to avoid exercise. Exercise induced asthma (EIA) can usually be easily controlled through medication and an appropriate exercise regime. Talk to your doctor or local
Asthma Educator to learn how to control asthma during exercise.

Step 4
If you need medications these should be as simple, safe and effective as possible.
This is why inhaled medications are most often used for asthma.
There are four types of inhaled medication that your doctor might advise you to use.
• “Relievers” (such as Bricanyl, Ventolin, Asmol, Airomir and Epaq) are called
bronchodilators. These provide relief of asthma symptoms and are used in asthma first
aid.
• “Preventers” (such as Flixotide, Qvar, Pulmicort, Intal, Tilade, and Singulair) help to
keep your asthma under good control preventing asthma attacks. These will only work
if you use them regularly.
• “Symptom Controllers” (such as Oxis, Foradile, and Serevent)
• “Combination Medications” (such as Seretide and Symbicort) these combine a
Symptom Controller and a Preventer in one device.
Your doctor will prescribe the medications which are best for you.

Step 5
Together with your doctor you can work out a plan so that you can:
ﾕ Recognise when your asthma is getting worse.
ﾕ Know how to treat it quickly.
ﾕ Know how and where to get the right medical assistance.
Early attention to worsening asthma may prevent you from having a serious attack. Ask your
doctor for an Asthma Action Plan.

Step 6
Asthma can usually be kept under control. Follow your 6 point management plan and see
your doctor for regular check-ups, not just in emergencies. You should have your asthma
reviewed by your GP every 6 months.