by Cecile Cinco
Asthma can be deadly. Several times I’ve experienced attacks that made me think it’s the end of me. Asthma attacks can be controlled, though. Only if you knew how to.
Two days ago I had a bad attack. I don’t panic yet inspite of that my call on God was really asking for help right away. Good thing my youngest daughter was with me then. I motioned her to tap my back. Having small hands, she got tired and her hands reddened because she had to make her taps a bit harder than usual. She did not leave until I said it was ok. I had my inhaler but having around 10 puffs in the span of 45 minutes is not normal. Normally, 2 would be enough. It was one of those near-death occasions. I’m sure God intervened.
It got me to review again what I missed to do, what I did wrong, what else has to be done. Hubby was helping me.
Several things that I already know:
- keep away from allergens such as smoke, dust and certain foods
- don’t get your back damp
- don’t get too cold or too hot/humid
- exercise
- always have an attack inhaler within reach
- controlled breathing
Knowing is different from doing, though. I lack the exercise I needed. It’s the best shield against asthma. I’m starting to do it again little by little now.
What I’d like to share with you is the better and right way of breathing which I learned 2 days ago and has contributed much to my relief.
I already know that controlled breathing alleviates/hampers/stops the asthma attack. I was inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth. It helped.
The additional knowledge, though, is inhaling and exhaling should be only through the nose and exhaling should be at least twice the length of time as inhaling.
Another breathing technique is when you inhale, it should be your stomach that inflates and not your chest. It takes some practice as adults have grown accustomed to the opposite. Kids, though, do the right thing. Observe that when they breathe, it is their stomachs that move and not their chests.
It may be quite difficult to adapt to the breathing habit but it’s worth it. I consciously breathe in and out through my nose and put air in my stomach instead of my chest. Attacks have lessened. I just had one now but it wasn’t as bad as my attack 2 days ago.
Even if you don’t have asthma, learn and live with this breathing technique to live life better.
Actually, I’ve learned a lot from breathing.com.
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