Effective Treatment for Asthma in Children: Pranayama and Yoga Poses

As per a research paper published in the International Journal of Yoga, pranayama and deep breathing exercises help in improving lung functions, especially when practiced regularly. The study evaluated fifty subjects and observed that individuals, who practiced correct breathing techniques, were found to show higher levels of improvement in Peak expiratory flow rates. Pranayama and Deep breathing exercises are hence very important modalities in the long term treatment plan for Asthma

Asthma is more frequent
in Children

Allergy Asthma: Asthma in Children

Asthma refers to chronic inflammation of the airways, which can be associated with recurring and variable symptoms primarily caused due to obstruction of the air passage. This obstruction is however temporary and reversible in nature. Asthma is often associated with symptoms like shortness of breath and tightness of the chest. In addition wheezing and coughing may also be experienced in some patients.

Though Asthma may affect individuals of all ages, it is more frequently observed among children. Asthma has a higher prevalence in the western and developed countries with seven percent of population of United States and Five percent of the population of United Kingdom affected by the condition.

The factors responsible for asthma include environmental and genetic factors. Allergies to pollen, dust, mite, etc are considered to be prime factors responsible for asthma in children. Family history of asthma plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of the disease in the individual. More and more studies are pointing towards the fact the yoga techniques including deep breathing exercises and pranayama are found to be of greater value in management of asthma.

Yoga Deep Breathing-
Pranayama

Breathing Excercises for Treatment of Asthma: Pranayama Yoga Pose
Pranayama, an important component of the ancient practice of Yoga, has been found to be the most effective form of treatment for asthma, more so, because, it offers long-term and lasting cure.

‘Prana’ is the vital energy or the vital principle, and ‘ayama’ signifies control. Pranayama means breath control. It trains you to breathe in a controlled and regulated manner.

Pranayama plays a vital role in the long term management of asthma. This is how,

• Pranayama increases the body’s vitality and gives an incredible boost to the immune processes, thus reducing the body’s susceptibility to allergens. Conscious breathing augments the amount of oxygen reaching the cells, and provides greater energy, by enhancing the cellular processes.
• Pranayama increases the overall breathing capacity, and decreases the need and dependence on medications and bronchodilators. It offers a healthy way of life, naturally.
• The lung’s power / capacity is enhanced, breathing becomes more relaxed, and an attack of asthma is warded off.

Deep breathing Excercises: Yoga Poses for Treatment of Asthma 
The practice of this Pranayama technique. yields significant benefits to an asthmatic. The Yogi deep breathing opens out the chest and the lungs. It enhances the lung capacity to a significant extent.

Make it a habit to practice this technique, first thing in the morning.

The technique:

• Sit comfortably, either cross-legged on to the floor, or in a straight-backed chair, keeping your spine erect.
• (Remember, that you have to divide your breathing in to 3 phases – abdominal, thoracic, and clavicular, to optimize the amount of oxygen entering in to your lungs.)
• For the first phase, inhale, so that the abdomen expands, next, expand your chest, taking in the air, and lastly, let the top most part of the chest (the clavicles or the collar bones) expand, so that the apices of the lungs get filled up.
• Hold the breath for a few seconds.
• Then exhale, gradually, in the opposite fashion, i.e., let the breath leave the clavicular part first, then the thoracic or the chest is deflated, and then, the abdomen.
• Hold the breath for a few seconds, before starting the second round of Yogi deep breathing.
• Five rounds of the complete breath are recommended.
• It is imperative to ensure that you never forcefully inhale or exhale. That will generate no benefits, and could even be counter productive.

A multi disciplinary approach comprising of deep breathing excercises, dietary modifications and avoidance of allergens can play a crucial role in the management of asthma.

Asthma and food allergies: Foods that trigger asthma

Numerous clinical studies and researches have discovered that asthma is closely associated with certain food allergies. They play an important role in triggering off an asthma attack. Adverse reactions to certain foods may be immediate or delayed.

Clinical trials have found that immediate reactions are usually to the following foods, (which the individual may be allergic to): eggs, shellfish, fish, nuts, and peanuts. Delayed reactions occur due to the ingestion of: chocolate, milk, and food additives.

Managing food-triggered asthma:

• Elimination diets have been particularly useful in the effective management of asthma, especially in infants and children.
• Ascertain the exact food allergen, by the process of elimination, and stay away from the offending foods. A sustained and steady avoidance will stave off an episode of asthma.
• Vitally important in the control of asthma is the elimination of food additives from the diet. Tartrazine, sulphates, and sulphites have been known to cause asthma. These food additives are found in practically all the packaged and processed foods, and avoiding processed foods is the only solution.

Treat Asthma with Yoga Poses:Cure Hyperventilation with Pranayama

As per a report on Global Burden of Asthma, the condition affects over 300 million people worldwide. With increasing urbanization across the globe, the report has estimated an addition of approximately 100 million more cases by 2050. Yoga and Pranayama have emerged as an effective treatment for Asthma, as the western world continues to explore the numerous benefits of this ancient Indian science. 

Pranayama is a basic posture

The Benefits of Yoga poses for Hyperventilation: Treating Asthma with Pranayama

Asthma is the process of labored breathing when an individual suffers from shortness of breath. This results in hyperventilation as the lungs attempt to increase the intake of air to provide for the body's demand for oxygen.

Prana signifies the vital energy or the life force, and ayama means control. Thus, pranayama means breath control. It teaches you to breathe in a controlled and regulated manner.Pranayama and alternate nostril breathing are two of the hyperventilating techniques that have several benefits in the treatment of Asthma,  

1.  Pranayama and hyperventilation increases vitality and gives a tremendous boost to the immune mechanisms of the body. Pranayama and hyperventilation makes the immune system more mature and aids in effective management of asthma.


2. Hyperventilating technique and pranayama are conscious breathing techniques which brings oxygen and energy to all the cells in the body and enhances the cellular processes. This improves the overall metabolism of the body and enhances health.


3. This pranayama  and hyperventilating technique has significant beneficial effects on the respiratory tract. Anuloma-viloma, also called nadi-shodhana, greatly enhances lung power. It improves the functioning capacity and working ability of the lungs and the respiratory muscles. It slows down the rate at which one inhales and exhales, thus staving off aging.


4. Additionally, alternate nostril breathing, peps up the immune system, strengthens the body against allergens and infections, and consequently helps ward off an episode of asthma.

At the subtle level, nadi-shoddhana, purifies the nadis or the channels through which the prana or the vital force flows. It balances the flow of the energy through the body.

The Yoga Pose for Asthma Treatment : Pranayama using Alternate Nostril Breathing Technique For Hyperventilation

Alternate Nostril Breathing

The following are the simple steps of practicing alternate nostril breathing at home,

• Sit in padmasana (lotus pose), keeping the back erect.


• Fold the index and middle fingers of the right hand on to the palm. Keep the thumb, little and ring fingers straight.


• Place the thumb on the right nostril and close it. Inhale through the left nostril.


• Then using the little and the ring fingers, close the left nostril and breathe out through the right nostril (release the thumb).


• Inhale through the right nostril and exhale through the left. This completes one round of anuloma-viloma.


• 5 sets of anuloma-viloma are advocated daily, gradually working it up to 10 rounds.


• It should also be borne in mind that a regular and sustained practice is essential for the health benefits to be witnessed.

Treatment of Asthma and Allergy: Natural Remedies and Diet for Asthma Cure

Allergy is considered to be one of the most important triggers for the development of asthma. As per the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, there are approximately 70 million people in the United States which suffer from this condition. Identifying the allergen and preventing subsequent exposures to it, form the core of Asthma Treatment. Fortunately there are some natural cures that have been found effective in the management of asthma and dietary modifications play a crucial role in the treatment of asthma.

Asthma and Allergy: Asthma Cure Naturally

Honey is considered beneficial

in the Treatment of Asthma

There are certain home remedies that have been found beneficial in the management of Asthma and also play a crucial role in re-modulating  and boosting the immune system of the body to reduce allergic reactions. These natural remedies enhance the overall immunity of the body and aid in effective management of Asthma and allergy.

• 
  Honey: Honey is highly beneficial in the management of asthma. It helps in loosening the accumulated mucus and phlegm and aids in its natural elimination from the air way, making breathing easier and less labored. Most importantly, honey plays an important role in toning up the lung parenchyma (cells and tissues of the lungs) and stimulates optimal functioning of the entire respiratory system. Furthermore, honey is loaded with anti-oxidants (especially, the darker honey). It is particularly rich in flavanoids, which exert significant anti-oxidant activity and strengthen the immune mechanisms of the body, thus, lowering the chances of contracting viral infections and reducing the vulnerability to allergens, both of which are important causative factors responsible for triggering an attack. It is recommended that 2 tablespoons of honey be consumed first thing in the morning mixed in to a glass of warm water.
  
  


• Turmeric: Turmeric, is an effective remedy against bronchial asthma. Clinical trials and studies have demonstrated that, curcumin, the yellow pigment present in turmeric has a potent anti-inflammatory effect. The herb is as powerful as the over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs that are available. Importantly, it is not associated with any of the toxic side effects that these drugs produce. Add 1 tablespoon of turmeric to a cupful of warm milk. This home remedy, taken every day, in the morning, offers significant health benefits.

Dietary Guidelines for the treatment of asthma: Asthma Diet

Diet plays a very crucial role in the management of Asthma. Here are some simple does and don'ts which can help in treatment of asthma and keep asthma at bay,  

Lemon are packed with

Vitamin C and Treat Asthma

• 
  

  
  Vitally important to the treatment of asthma, is the elimination of food additives from the diet. Tartrazine, benzoates, sulphites, and sulphur dioxide have been reported as asthma triggers. These additives are found in most of the processed foods. Hence, eliminating the consumption of processed and refined foods is a crucial aspect of managing asthma effectively. 

  
  
  
  


• 
  

  
  Step up your intake of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Diets that are high in vitamin C have been shown to improve asthma appreciably. Oxidizing agents (free radicals), can, both, stimulate the constriction of the bronchi (pathologically, when the bronchi or the airway constricts or narrows, breathing becomes difficult and an episode of asthma is set off), and also increase the allergic reaction to other agents. Vitamin C fights these oxidizing agents. This anti-oxidant vitamin prevents bronchial constriction and reduces the production of histamine. Rich sources of the vitamin are – citrus fruits (oranges, limes, lemon and sweet limes), capsicum, chilies, guava, cherries, gooseberries, and kiwis. 

  
  
  
  


• 
  

  
  Asthmatics should avoid consuming eggs, shellfish, milk, chocolate, cold food and drinks, sugar, and fried food.

  
  
  
  

Treating Asthma and Allergy with Yoga: Pranayama for Asthma

Pranayama is a breathing technique that helps improve the lung capacity and also aids in enhancing the immune system of the body which in turn reduces the susceptibility of an individual to allergic infections. As a part of the ancient Indian technique of Yoga and Meditation, pranayama has gained momentum in recent times after various research studies were published stating its effectiveness in the management of the condition.

Regular practice of pranayama with strict adherence to asthma diet and use of home remedies can help in uprooting the ailment completely. 

What is Asthma?: Homeopathy for Treatment of Asthma and Allergy

As per a study conducted by researchers at the United Kingdom’s University of Glasgow, 80% of patients who were given small ‘homeopathic’ doses of a substance they were allergic to improved within first week, as compared to only 38% patients who received placebo. This research study has reiterated the significant role of homeopathy in management of chronic ailments like asthma. The burden of cost of asthma is approximately $ six billion annually in United States alone, as per the American Institute of Homeopathy. A combination of homeopathy with yoga techniques and dietary modifications treats asthma effectively.

What is Asthma?: Causes of Asthma

Asthma is an allergic disorder characterized by spasms of the bronchi (the air way tubes), swelling of the mucus lining of the lungs, and the production of excessive amounts of thick, viscid mucus.

Air passage changes in asthmatics

Some of the common causes of Asthma

• An allergen, such as hay, pollen, animal dander, and dust are strong factors that activate an attack of asthma.


• Toxic chemicals and air pollution are very important factors that act as triggering as well as maintaining causes for asthma.


• Viral infections


• Exposure to cold air


• Emotional upset or tumult


• Excessive physical exercise also triggers asthma.


• Early weaning of an infant from breast milk and an early introduction to solid foods are reasons that increase the frequency and intensity of asthma in children


• Genetically engineered plants are augmenting allergic reactions, particularly asthma in a number of individuals.


• Food additives present in all refined food packets


• Tobacco smoke is also considered as a trigger to development of Asthma

Asthma and Allergy: Diagnosing Asthma

A typical asthma attack is seen as difficulty in breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and excessive production of mucus. Asthma usually occurs in response to an allergic reaction to food, pollen, dust, humidity, etc.

The diagnosis of Asthma is based on a serious of blood tests, skin tests and respiratory function tests. The common findings observed in these tests include,

• A person suffering from chronic asthma will demonstrate high levels of eosinophils in the blood


• There will be raised levels of IgE levels


• The individual will demonstrate positive allergic tests.


• Respiratory functions tests help evaluate the capacity and functioning ability of the lungs.

Treatment for Asthma: Homeopathy for Asthma Cure

Homeopathy for Asthma

Innumerable homeopathic medicines have shown beneficial results in the management of asthma. These remedies improve the body’s defense mechanisms, and lower the susceptibility to allergens. Here are two simple homeopathic remedies to battle asthma

1.     Blatta: Blatta is a very powerful homeopathic prescription for bronchial asthma. It is particularly indicated in fat and corpulent individuals. The patient has thick and profuse expectoration (mucus secretion), dyspnoea (severe difficulty in breathing), worse at night, and cough. Blatta promises to reduce the frequency of asthmatic episodes and, to lower the intensity of each asthmatic attack.

2.     Drosera: Drosera has a marked effect on the entire respiratory tract. It is predominantly used in cases of asthma with a severe cough and occasional fever. Used in conjunct with Blatta, it shows faster results. Drosera cures a spasmodic, irritating cough, which aggravates after midnight, very effectively. Labored breathing, suffocation, and hoarseness are treated miraculously.

Homeopathy combined with dietary corrections and right breathing techniques have profound benefits in the management of asthma.