Can Breathing Exercise Control Symptoms of Asthma?

Can Breathing Exercise Control Symptoms of Asthma?

Most of us take breathing for granted that we never thought of controlling it as a means of exercise. Breathing has been automatic since birth; our brain regulate the action for us so we don't have to think about it too much.



For people with asthma, breathing can be difficult at times especially when certain conditions in the environment may suddenly trigger the symptoms.

According to a study, 183 adults with mild to moderate asthma were randomly assigned to participate in three half-hour sessions to learn better breathing techniques and exercises aimed at reducing the severity of symptoms, or to attend three half-hour educational sessions on asthma.

Those who learned breathing exercises were asked to practise them 10 minutes or more a day. After six months, both groups showed improvements, but the exercise group reported a higher quality of life and less anxiety or depression and scored better on lung function tests. No real difference was found between the goups was found in their use of inhalers.

Those affected most are people with mild to moderate asthma.