There are some non-drug asthma cure such as physical therapy. The asthmatic person's chronically impaired breathing patterns may create other physical problems: a rigid, stiff posture that can result air passage and musculature; a weak diaphragm that can result in rigid air passages and musculature, a weak diaphragm that results in less efficient breathing, the obstruction of air passages from excess mucus production. Physical therapy is sometimes used to combat these problems, and one of the most common physical therapy techniques is called postural drainage.
What is postural drainage?
It's a technique that uses gravity and percussion - gentle rapping on the chest - to loosen and eliminate thick, tenacious mucus. Generally performed by nurses and physical and respiratory therapists, postural drainage can be learned by family members and performed on an asthmatic person at home.
How is it done?
The asthmatic person sits or lies in one of nine different positions, depending upon where mucus has collected in her lungs. The mucus is loosened by gently clapping, or percussing, and then vibrating the chest with cupped hands. The goal is to enable the person with asthma to cough up mucus and mucus plugs that can lead to infection.
Postural drainage is performed only when a great deal of mucus is in the lungs. It is never done when the asthmatic person is in the midst of an asthma attack, because it could intensify breathing difficulties.
Are there other physical therapies to help people with asthma?
Breathing exercise can increase muscle strength and even help relax the person with asthma. Some breathing exercises encourage slow, deep and controlled inhalation through the nose. Their purpose is to combat the asthmatic person's tendency to pant or breathe shallowly through the mouth, which can make asthma worse. Physical or respiratory therapists can demonstrate the appropriate technique.
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