About Breathing Exercises to Treat Asthma

Asthma is a chronic medical condition that affects the ability to breathe normally. It can create sensations of tightness in the chest and feelings of panic as you are unable to get enough air. Practicing a simple breathing technique can help build and strengthen the muscles around your lungs. It can also help you to remain more calm during an attack.

Respiratory Muscles

In order to breathe, your respiratory muscles must contract and relax. The main muscle involved in breathing is the diaphragm.

Effect on the Muscles

With asthma, the passageways that air travels through become smaller and restrict your breathing. As your breathing becomes shallower, the respiratory muscles are not being fully utilized.

Deep Diaphragmatic Breathing

Lie down and take a deep breath in through your nose and allow your stomach to expand out. Then exhale through the nose and allow the abdomen to contract slightly.

Benefits

This form of breathing often feels backwards at first, but teaching yourself to breathe this way will utilize your respiratory muscles properly and will allow them to strengthen.

Relaxation

While you are practicing your breathing, keep your mind on the movement of the breath. This is a form of meditation to help calm your body and nervous system both during and after an attack.

Resources

• Centers for Disease Control: Asthma
• WebMD: Breathing Exercises May Help Asthma
• Cleveland Clinic Diaphragmatic Breathing