How To Help Your Breathing With Asthma

Get Tested For Sleep Apnea

People with asthma have a high risk of developing sleep apnea. Congestion from asthma causes snoring and may halt breathing for a few seconds at a time. If you wake up feeling tired, moody, and sore each morning, despite getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep, talk to your doctor about getting tested for sleep apnea.

If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to long-term effects, like excessive daytime sleepiness and more serious medical conditions, like insomnia and acid reflux Worlds largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible.View sourceor GERD).

How Can You Tell If You Have Asthma

It can be hard to tell if someone has asthma, especially in children under age 5. Having a doctor check how well your lungs work and check for allergies can help you find out if you have asthma.

During a checkup, a doctor will ask if you cough a lot, especially at night. He or she will also ask whether your breathing problems are worse after physical activity or at certain times of year. The doctor will then ask about chest tightness, wheezing, and colds lasting more than 10 days. He or she will ask whether anyone in your family has or has had asthma, allergies, or other breathing problems. Finally, the doctor will ask questions about your home and whether you have missed school or work or have trouble doing certain things.

The doctor may also do a breathing test, called spirometry, to find out how well your lungs are working by testing how much air you can breathe out after taking a very deep breath before and after you use asthma medicine.

The Impact Of Hot Weather On Asthma

There are a number of reasons why people like you and me, people with asthma, don’t love summer heat. Everyone’s asthma is different, and whether you have an allergic type of asthma vs. non-allergic, can also have an effect.

Some people are more affected by hot, humid air, while others feel the impact more from hot, dry air. Or, it could just be the extreme changes in environmental conditions that make the biggest effect. 1 For example, moving from a hot, humid day outside into a cool, air-conditioned building. Some people might welcome the relief, while asthmatics might experience an asthma attack as a result of the radical difference in air temperature.

It’s not that heat triggers any different asthma symptoms. It’s just that it can make what you’re already dealing with even worse. The question is, why does heat affect some of us in this way?

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What Asthma Treatment Options Are There

You have options to help manage your asthma. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to control symptoms. These include:

• Anti-inflammatory medicines: These medicines reduce swelling and mucus production in your airways. They make it easier for air to enter and exit your lungs. Your healthcare provider may prescribe them to take every day to control or prevent your symptoms.
• Bronchodilators: These medicines relax the muscles around your airways. The relaxed muscles let the airways move air. They also let mucus move more easily through the airways. These medicines relieve your symptoms when they happen.
• Biologic therapies for asthma when symptoms persist despite being on proper inhaler therapy.

You can take asthma medicines in several different ways. You may breathe in the medicines using a metered-dose inhaler, nebulizer or other inhaler. Your healthcare provider may prescribe oral medications that you swallow.

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How To Treat An Asthma Attack Naturally When You Dont Have An Inhaler

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If you are one of the more than 25 million Americans who suffer from asthma, you know exactly how scary an asthma attack can be. When you are coughing, wheezing, and struggling just to breathe every second count.

Most asthmatics rely on a rescue inhaler to provide immediate relief but what can you do if you dont have your inhaler? There are a number of natural herbal remedies for asthma that can help you combat your attacks and help provide immediate relief. There are also a number of herbs that you can take regularly to help lessen the frequency of your asthma attacks and improve your breathing.

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Why Breathing Exercises Are Important For Asthma Patients

Breathing exercises can benefit your lungs by improving your breathing and overall quality of life.

For asthmatics, there are a variety of breathing strategies that can be beneficial.

Some of the exercises aid with breathing retraining, while others strengthen the strength of respiratory muscles and improve rib cage flexibility.

A doctor or asthma clinic will frequently offer breathing strategies for asthma patients. Before trying the breathing exercises at home on your own, make sure you get them demonstrated by a professional.

How Asthma Blocks Breathing

Because the airways are narrowed in asthma patients, the lungs cant fully empty, and it causes a buildup of air, giving a sense of shortness of breath, says Allen J. Blaivas, D.O., the medical director of sleep medicine and critical care services at VA New Jersey Health Care System. Breathing techniques attempt to train the body to allow increased time to get air out of the lungs with deep inhalation and prolonged exhalation, he says.

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Description Of The Intervention

Although no cure for asthma is known, there are various pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions that may help people control their asthma symptoms . For example, avoiding triggers and asthma education can also help people to control their asthma symptoms .

Medications to treat asthma can be broadly divided into longterm controllers and shortterm relievers . Controller medications are taken daily on a longterm basis, and the relievers are used to rapidly decrease bronchoconstriction and relieve its symptoms . Such treatment can be administered in different ways .

Nonpharmacological interventions have gained attention in the treatment of asthma. Those interventions include breathing exercises, physical activity, and other strategies such as cessation of smoking, avoidance of occupational exposure and indoor allergens, and weight reduction, among others . Another approach comprises complementary and alternative medicine that includes nonconventional therapies such as homeopathy, acupuncture, aromatherapy, reflexology, massage, hypnotherapy, dietary supplements, and Alexander technique . Breathing exercises have been used by physiotherapists and other professionals to control the symptoms of asthma and can be performed as the Papworth method, Buteyko breathing technique, yoga or any other similar intervention that manipulates the breathing pattern .

How Often Should I Be Doing Breathing Exercises For Asthma

The American Lung Association recommends ideally 5-10 minutes a day. Its also important to note you shouldnt try these exercises when youre feeling an intense shortness of breath or heavy symptoms of asthma in place of your inhaler. Instead, choose a time of day where youre breathing okay to practice and train your lungs.

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Dont Exercise In Cold Dry Weather

For some people, exercising in dry, cold weather can cause their airways to tighten. As your breathing increases, you may start to wheeze. This is known as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, and it can affect people both with or without chronic asthma.

If you only wheeze when exercising in cold conditions or your wheezing gets worse when you do, try moving your workout indoors when the weathers cold. Get more tips for managing asthma triggered by cold weather.

What Are The Triggers

There are many different triggers for asthma attacks. Many asthmatics are well aware of their trigger points. However, they may not always be able to avoid them.

Pollen and pollution are increasingly responsible for triggering asthma. Many people find a worsening of their symptoms in Spring, combined with the onset of hay fever. There are many species of grasses, trees and weeds in the UK. Some people are particularly sensitive to some and do not react at all to others. There is also huge variation around the country as to when pollen is released. People can begin to suffer from hay fever as early as January. About 20% of people with hay fever are allergic to birch tree pollen and this, as well as oak and plane trees, are responsible for many unpleasant symptoms and can exacerbate asthma.

Grass pollens are the most common cause of hay fever and usually affect people in May, June and July.

Weed pollens usually release pollen from early spring to early autumn.

If you know pollen is a trigger for your asthma, speak to your GP or asthma nurse.

The Met Office issues really useful pollen advice.

• Shortness of breath
• Tightness in the chest
• Often people find it particularly difficult to breathe out and have an increase in sticky mucus and phlegm

Its important to note that not everyone will get all of these symptoms.

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When To Call 999

Dont delay getting help if you have an asthma attack. Call 999 if your reliever isnt helping, or lasting four hours, or youre worried at any time.

An asthma attack is a real emergency, and could be life-threatening, says Asthma + Lung UKs in-house GP, Dr Andy Whittamore.

Getting help when you need it is so important, to make sure youre treated quickly. Never think youre wasting anyones time.

What Is Good Asthma Care

Your doctor or nurse will tailor your asthma treatment to your symptoms. Sometimes you may need to be on higher levels of medication than at others.

You should be offered:

• care at your GP surgery provided by doctors and nurses trained in asthma management
• full information about your condition and how to control it
• involvement in making decisions about your treatment
• regular checks to ensure your asthma is under control and your treatment is right for you
• a written personal asthma action plan agreed with your doctor or nurse

It is also important that your GP or pharmacist teaches you how to properly use your inhaler, as this is an important part of good asthma care.

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Why It Is Important To Do This Review

The worldwide high prevalence of asthma has become a public health problem because of the high healthcare costs resulting from hospitalisation and medication. It causes a high number of missed work days and can result in early permanent disability and premature death. In general, asthmarelated costs are very high . Breathing exercises have been widely used as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of people with asthma, generating considerable interest among researchers to develop studies that seek to show evidence of the effectiveness of this intervention.

This is an update of a review last published in 2013, in which the review authors concluded that no conclusive evidence was provided to support or refute the benefits of breathing exercises in people with asthma. Since 2013, new studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of breathing exercises on quality of life, symptom control and lung function in people with asthma. Thus, within this review update, we aim to summarise and assess evidence from randomised controlled trials showing the efficacy of breathing exercises in the treatment of adults with asthma.

How Is Nocturnal Asthma Treated

There is no cure for nighttime asthma, but daily asthma medications, such as inhaled steroids, are very effective at reducing inflammation and preventing nocturnal symptoms. Since nocturnal asthma or nighttime asthma may occur anytime during the sleep period, asthma treatment must be sufficient to cover these hours. A long-acting bronchodilator delivered in an asthma inhaler can be effective in preventing bronchospasm and symptoms of asthma. If you suffer from nocturnal asthma, you may also benefit from a long-acting inhaled corticosteroid. If you suffer with GERD and asthma, ask your doctor about medication that reduces acid production in the stomach. Avoidance of potential allergy triggers such asdust mites, animal dander, or feathers in a down comforter may also be very helpful in preventing allergies and asthma and nocturnal asthma attacks.

In addition, using your peak flow meter, you can monitor how your lung function is altered throughout the day and night. Once you notice this altered pattern of lung function, talk with your doctor about a plan to resolve your nighttime asthma symptoms. According to your type of asthma and asthma severity , your doctor can prescribe treatment to help you resolve your nighttime asthma symptoms so you can sleep like a baby.

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Emergency Tips To Survive An Asthma Attack Without Inhaler

If you forget your inhaler due to negligence or unforseen circumstances, follow these emergency guidelines.

Zee Media Bureau/Salome Phelamei

New Delhi: Living with asthma can be tough and terrifying. But the good thing is that there are ways that can help reduce your symptoms and risk of having an asthma attack.

An asthma occurs when the airways in the lungs become swollen or inflamed and are blocked by mucus, making breathing difficult. The chest tightens and the lungs seem to produce a wheezing sound.

If you have asthma, you probably would never go out without your inhaler. But, if you forget your inhaler due to negligence or unforeseen circumstances, follow these emergency guidelines:

How To Do Simple Steam Therapy At Home

If you have a stuffy nose or feel like you cant catch your breath, you can easily perform a simple steam therapy from the warmth of your home in a few simple steps.

The easiest way to carry out steam therapy would be to sit in a steam room or hot shower. However, the procedure below is known to be more straightforward and more effective.

When you do this, make sure you have tissues or handkerchiefs close at hand in case you release a lot of mucus.

Be careful not to knock over the bowl of steaming water nor allow contact with your eyes due to the risk of getting burned. Also, steam inhalation is discouraged for children due to the risk of burns.

If you do not mind spending a bit, consider investing in an electric steam inhaler, vaporizer, or steam inhalation system. These handheld devices use electric power to heat the steam before releasing moisture into the air or directly to your lungs through the mouth.

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Why Asthma Can Wake You Up At Night

If your asthma isnt under control, you might get more symptoms at night.

There are several reasons why this might happen:

• At night, your body produces fewer natural steroid hormones, which can affect your symptoms and more of the cells that cause inflammation in your airways.
• When you lie flat on your back, gravity places extra pressure on your chest and lungs, making it harder to breathe. This position can also trigger a cough, as mucus in your nose could drip down to the back of your throat.
• Your bedroom might contain triggers that can make your asthma worse, such as dust mites in your mattress, pillows and blankets.
• Pet hair is a common asthma trigger, so avoid letting your pet sleep on your bed, and ideally keep them out of your bedroom.
• Mould is another common asthma trigger, so check your bedroom for damp patches on walls and mould growing around windows.
• Lots of people find pollen triggers their asthma symptoms. When pollen is high, try using a fan to keep your bedroom cool rather than opening a window.
• Some people are triggered by cold air at night, or by sleeping in a cold room. If this is you, keep windows closed and keep the heating on low in the bedroom if you can.

If your GP has prescribed steroid pills for your asthma, youll probably be advised to take them in the morning after food, as they might cause difficulty sleeping if you take them at night, but always take them exactly as prescribed.

Take Action Now To Lower Your Risk Of An Asthma Attack

If youre getting more asthma symptoms its a sign that your airways are getting more inflamed and narrow. This makes it harder for air to get through and means an asthma attack is more likely.

The sooner you can treat the inflammation in your airways, the sooner you can lower your risk of an asthma attack.

See your doctor today

• Ask the receptionist for an urgent same day appointment. Tell them your asthmas getting worse and you need to see a GP or asthma nurse for urgent advice to avoid having an asthma attack.
• If you cant get an urgent same day appointment, or your GP surgery is closed, . They may be able to arrange for you to be seen at a walk-in centre or by an out of hours doctor.

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Benefits Of Exercising With Asthma

Even if you have asthma, you shouldnt avoid exercise altogether.

Regular physical activity is essential for managing health, improving energy, and reducing the risk of chronic disease. If you already have a chronic condition, regular exercise can help you manage it.

This includes asthma. With a doctors guidance, regular exercise could help asthma by:

• promoting blood flow to your lungs and heart
• improving endurance and stamina