How to Beat COPD-Asthma

Chronic bronchitis and emphysema (COPD) obstructs airflow through the lungs because the tissue is inflamed. Most often, COPD develops because of exposure to toxins like cigarette smoke. Asthma patients also have difficulty breathing, but their symptoms are caused by allergies or autoimmune conditions. Symptoms common both to COPD and asthma include wheezing, coughing, tightness in the chest, excessive mucus, and shortness of breath (dyspenia).

Having a diagnosis either of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or asthma does not mean you cannot maintain a fulfilling, active lifestyle. Through fitness that focuses on improving your functional ability, you can regain your ability to live a fuller life. Functional Fitness for COPD begins with maximizing your lung capacity. Breathing exercises are therefore the foundation of your wellness plan.

In a recent study, Fedrica Campigotto MD, Luca Pomidori, PhD, Tara Man Amatya, Luciano Bernardi, MD, and Annalisa Cogo, MD researched the effects of deep, slow abdominal breathing on COPD symptoms. Patients who practiced this power breathing experienced less shortness of breath and increased oxygen absorption. ("Efficacy and Tolerability of Yoga Breathing in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Pilot Study." Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention, March/April 2009).

Beating COPD and asthma begins with learning how your muscles help you to breathe. Your diaphragm, which covers the lower chest area, helps you draws air into the lungs. Your abdominal muscles work with the diaphragm when you exhale. And the intercostal muscles around your ribs allow the ribcage to expand when you inhale.

Muscles that assist in breathing can be strengthened so that they function more effectively. You might think learning a new way to breathe sounds complicated. But the techniques are simple, and with practice, power breathing will come naturally. Any time COPD symptoms interrupt your ability to function; you will know how to beat them.

There are a few things all breathing exercises have in common. You will get in the habit of breathing through your nose. This is very important, because the nasal chambers help to filter air. You will always inhale and exhale slowly, filling your lungs to capacity and then emptying them completely. And functional fitness exercises should be practiced often. You can do this simple power breathing almost anywhere.

COPD and asthma symptoms need not prevent you from getting plenty of functional exercise. If exercise triggers shortness of breath, you might feel discouraged, but your powerful breathing techniques will help you stick to a healthy routine and give you a better quality of life. Having symptoms of COPD during exercise does not mean you should stop.

By practicing breathing exercises, you will be much better prepared to succeed with your activities of daily living. Specific exercises for COPD to strengthen your breathing muscles are best to train your lungs to work more effectively. Muscle-strengthening activities will reduce episodes of difficulty breathing, because toned muscle tissue requires less oxygen.

Managing COPD and asthma is not only about symptom relief. It is not just about learning to live with your diagnosis. It is about living well. By practicing specific breathing exercises and therapeutic exercises for COPD/Asthma, you can expect to feel an improvement in your energy level, fitness and respiratory capacity in just 2 weeks!