The exercises used in the therapy of bronchial asthma are primarily intended to help the patient to consciously control his or her breathing and thus to be able to actively counteract an asthma attack without panicking. Through correct, conscious breathing, the brain and other body cells are supplied with sufficient oxygen, which naturally puts the body in a relaxed state. By learning certain behaviors and exercises, the affected person can learn how to bring about this state and thus possibly reduce the number of asthma attacks.
Symptoms
Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract that leads to hypersensitivity of the mucous membrane of the bronchi. As a result, the bronchial tubes are swollen and produce more secretions. In addition, an asthma attack is accompanied by a so-called bronchiospasm (a cramping of the bronchial muscles that leads to a narrowing of the airways). Other typical symptoms of asthma are a constant irritation of the throat, especially during the night, a whistling breath (also known as “wheezing”), viscous mucus that is difficult to cough up, attacks of shortness of breath and a feeling of tightness in the chest.
Test
To diagnose asthma, there are two tests that can provide information about the disease.
- Inhalative provocation test: This test is used when there is a suspicion of allergic asthma. The suspected allergen is brought into contact with the bronchial mucosa by inhalation.
Afterwards, the one-second capacity (capacity that a patient can exhale as fast as possible in one second after complete inhalation) of the patient is measured.
- Bronchospasmolysis test: This test procedure uses spirometry (small lung function test) to check whether the one-second capacity can be increased after administration of a bronchodilator. After performing the first spirometry, the patient inhales such a drug. After 15 minutes a second spirometry is performed and the two values are compared.
Breathing exercises
Breathing exercises in bronchial asthma are designed to enable patients to consciously control their breathing in order to be able to counteract an asthma attack and generally ensure an adequate supply of oxygen. 1. lip brake This exercise is the basis for all breathing exercises and can be particularly helpful in the event of an acute asthma attack or shortness of breath. The exercise is performed by inhaling the air through the nose and then slowly exhaling against the resistance of the lips (many patients find it easier to perform the exercise if they make certain sounds such as ”pff” or ”ss” when exhaling).
2. goalkeeper position To perform this exercise, bend your legs slightly, bend your upper body forward and support your hands above your knees. In this position you will now breathe for a few minutes with the lip brake. 3. carriage seats For this exercise sit on the front edge of a chair.
Now make a relaxed cat hump with your back by supporting your elbows on your knees and dangling your hands loosely. Stay in this position until you find it easier to breathe by relaxing your chest. In another variation of this exercise, place your forearms, hands and head on a table and breathe slowly through the lip brake.
4. stretching of the chest muscle Stand in a corner of the room and place your hands on the walls at shoulder level. Now slowly move your arms up against the wall until you find a position that feels like this is where the discomfort is caused. Now take a lunge so that you lean towards the corner and feel a stretch in your chest muscle. Hold the stretch for 1-2 minutes while breathing through the lip brake. This may also be of interest to you:
- Physiotherapy for asthma
- Exercises against inhalation pain
