Ask-thma: What You Need To Know About Asthma

The 2nd Week of August is National Asthma Week (DOH). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), stated by the Global Asthma Report, nearly 11 million or one out of every ten Filipinos suffer from asthma, despite the fact that 98 percent of Filipino asthma patients continue to lack effective treatment.

Asthma is a non-communicable disease that significantly affects children and adults but is more prevalent among children. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the inflammation and narrowing of the small airways in the lungs cause asthma. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest. There are a multitude of reasons for having asthma such as genetics, lifestyle, environment, and other

It may not be possible to cure asthma, but interventions can be made to reduce attacks. The first is the use of inhalers. This helps to let the lungs breathe when an attack occurs although this is not the most recommended intervention because it is not available for everyone, only those who can afford it. The most convenient is exercising because doing physical activities improve your lung health. Also, it helps increase one’s endurance, reduce inflammation, strengthen the muscle, and improve one’s cardiovascular health.

Everyone is different, though. Be sure to consult your doctor first and pay attention to your body. Here are some breathing exercises that you can try:

1. Yoga breathing

Yoga breathing is a program that concentrates on controlled deep breathing which increases alertness, reduces stress, and boosts immunity.

2. Diaphragmatic breathing

Diaphragmatic breathing is a type of breathing that helps alleviate breathing symptoms and improve quality of life.

3. Nasal breathing

Nasal breathing is a type of breathing that minimizes wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

You can also try physical activities that can improve your lung health because raising the heart rate increases stamina and strengthens the immune system. Given the pandemic, these activities can be tried in the comfort of your home:

4. Walking

Walking is a simple activity that can be indoors or outdoors. By sparing some of your time walking even around the house, it can help you breathe easily.

5. Indoor cycling

Indoor cycling needs a stationary bike inside your home in which you can easily buy on online stores at varied prices. It increases your stamina and endurance and burns calories depending on the pace you choose in your stationary bike.

6. Yoga

Yoga is an exercise that promotes alertness, reduces stress, and enhances immunity.

Lastly, there are also sports that we can recommend which can further enhance your lung health. You can try the following sports such as:

7. Swimming

Swimming is a sport that has the least amount of trigger to asthma-related symptoms because it provides warm, moist air; low exposure to pollen, and a lot of fluid pressure on the chest.

8. Volleyball

Volleyball is an indoor sport which is good for people with asthma because it can help them strengthen their breathing patterns which can further improve their stamina and endurance.

9. Badminton

Badminton is both an indoor and outdoor sport that can improve your lung performance without overstraining it.

If you want a guided breathing session, exercise, sports and to learn more about Asthma, please contact us by emailing us at info@holifit.ph, give us a call at +63) 939 390 0343, or check out our website at https://holifit.ph/

Photo Credits from: https://www.neefusa.org/health/asthma/are-you-ready-asthma-peak-week

References:

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma

https://www.healthline.com/health/get-serious-about-severe-asthma/breathing-exercises-severe-asthma#6.-Yoga-breathing

https://www.webmd.com/asthma/guide/exercising-asthma

https://www.healthline.com/health/asthma/exercise-for-asthma#asthma-vs-out-of-shape

https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/living-with-asthma/exercise-and-activities/

https://www.theakyra.com/blog/yoga-breathing-exercises-relaxation/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/diaphragmatic-breathing#what-is-it

https://somnifix.com/blogs/snews/nasal-breathing-reduce-blood-pressure

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/01/well/move/steps-walking-longevity-health.html

https://www.cyclingweekly.com/fitness/training/indoor-cycling-types-371785