Best Exercises for Asthma

Key Highlights

1. Asthma is a condition that causes breathing problems due to inflammation in the airways.
2. Over 34 million people in India have asthma, which makes it a common health issue.
3. Asthma cannot be cured, but breathing exercises for asthma can help control symptoms and improve lung strength.
4. Helpful breathing exercises include belly breathing, pursed-lip breathing, Buteyko method, and more.
5. Health insurance is important for covering asthma treatments like inhalers, medication, and breathing therapies.

In 2024, asthma continues to affect millions globally, with over 262 million people suffering from the condition and causing over 455,000 deaths annually. Asthma is now recognised as one of the most common chronic diseases, particularly affecting children. With air pollution and other environmental factors on the rise, managing asthma is more important than ever. But did you know that simple breathing exercises can significantly improve lung function and help control asthma symptoms?

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition affecting about 34.3 million people in India. It is caused by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and difficulty in breathing. While asthma cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed with the right medications and practices.

In India, where environmental factors such as air pollution and household allergens play a major role in triggering asthma, breathing exercises for asthma are highly beneficial. These exercises help strengthen lung function, reduce symptoms, and improve overall quality of life. With regular use of inhalers and breathing exercises, patients can manage asthma more effectively.

Can Exercise Cure Asthma?

As stated above, asthma cannot be cured, not even with the right medications. However, this doesn’t mean you can't live a full and active life. Breathing exercises for asthma play an important role in managing symptoms. These exercises help open airways, improve lung function, and reduce the frequency of asthma attacks. Regular practice of exercises of asthma like diaphragmatic breathing can make a significant difference.

Alongside these practices, having health insurance for asthma can be crucial too. It ensures that you have access to the medications and treatments needed to manage asthma, including pulmonary rehabilitation and consultations with specialists. Stay active, follow your treatment plan, and keep your health insurance in check to live better with asthma.  

Also Read: 5 Ways to Enjoy Your Fitness Journey

Best Breathing Exercises for Asthma

Some of the best exercises for asthma are —

1. Diaphragmatic Breathing (Belly Breathing): This breathing exercise for asthma focuses on using the diaphragm, which helps increase lung efficiency. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position, place one hand on the stomach and the other on the chest. Breathe deeply through your nose, and allow your belly to rise, while your chest stays still. Exhale through your mouth slowly. This exercise strengthens the diaphragm, improves oxygen flow, and reduces shallow breathing.
2. Pursed-Lip Breathing: This breathing exercise for asthma is particularly helpful during shortness of breath. Inhale slowly through your nose and exhale through pursed lips, as if you are blowing out a candle. This technique helps to slow your breathing and keeps airways open longer. It’s great for asthma patients to prevent wheezing and control breathing.
3. Buteyko Breathing Method: The Buteyko method is a popular breathing exercise for asthma that focuses on reducing breath volume to prevent hyperventilation. Inhale normally, then after exhaling, hold your breath while pinching your nose. Hold until you feel the need to breathe, then release and breathe normally. This exercise helps improve carbon dioxide levels in the blood and reduce asthma symptoms like breathlessness.
4. Papworth Method: This breathing exercise for asthma combines deep breathing with relaxation techniques. Breathe in through your nose using your diaphragm, then exhale through pursed lips while consciously relaxing your body. This method helps asthma patients control their breathing, making it useful in reducing anxiety-driven asthma attacks.
5. Nasal Breathing: In this breathing exercise for asthma, you breathe only through your nose. Inhale deeply through one nostril while keeping the other closed, then switch. This helps humidify the air and filter out irritants before reaching the lungs. Nasal breathing can reduce asthma triggers like dry air and dust.
6. Controlled Coughing: This breathing exercise for asthma helps clear mucus from the airways. Sit comfortably and take a deep breath through your nose. Exhale in short, controlled bursts of air, mimicking a gentle cough. This helps prevent mucus buildup in the lungs and can reduce asthma symptoms caused by congestion.
7. Yoga Breathing (Pranayama): Yoga incorporates various exercises, such as pranayama. In this exercise, you focus on slow, controlled inhalations and exhalations while maintaining a steady rhythm. Pranayama improves lung capacity and reduces stress, which is essential for managing asthma symptoms.

Improve Your Life with the Right Care and Health Insurance

Asthma continues to affect millions of people worldwide. One of the best ways to manage asthma is through breathing exercises. These exercises, like diaphragmatic breathing and pursed-lip breathing, can help improve lung function and reduce asthma symptoms over time. Though asthma cannot be cured, there are several effective treatments and medications that can help you control it.

With asthma being so prevalent, it's reassuring to know that most comprehensive health insurance plans offer coverage for asthma treatments. This ensures that you can access necessary medications and breathing therapies when needed.

So, don't sit back-​get health insurance that covers asthma care and start incorporating these exercises into your daily routine to improve your lung health and overall well-being.

Dive Deeper: Arogya Sanjeevani Insurance Policy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can​​ breathing exercises cure asthma?

   No, breathing exercises cannot cure asthma, but they are an effective way to manage the symptoms. These exercises can help strengthen respiratory muscles, improve lung function, and reduce the frequency of asthma attacks.

2. How often shou​​ld I practice breathing exercises for asthma?

   For best results, it’s recommended to practice breathing exercise daily. Consistency is key to building lung strength and improving breathing patterns. Even short, 5-10 minute sessions each day can be beneficial.