Respiratory gymnastics for bronchial asthma

Respiratory gymnastics in the development of bronchial diseases, contrary to the popular belief that in asthmatic diseases, any physical and respiratory activity is prohibited, have the most positive effect on the condition sick.

Reasonable dosage of exercise helps to improve breathing and relieve the symptoms of suffocation, which quite often accompany asthmatic diseases. Breathing exercises for asthma are one of the alternative treatments for asthmatics, but by no means case, this technique does not replace drug treatment, being only an auxiliary method in the complex treatment.

Benefits of doing gymnastics for asthma

With the help of regular exercise, it is possible to reduce the acute symptoms of the disease and achieve significant improvement. In addition, the following positive impacts are noted:

1. Respiratory membranes are actively cleared of mucous contents.
2. The lumen of the airways is increased, which enhances bronchial and pulmonary ventilation.
3. Thanks to gymnastics, the functionality of the breathing apparatus is normalized.
4. The incidence of bronchospasm decreases.
5. Diaphragmatic and muscle strengthening is noted, which are responsible for the work of the respiratory muscles.
6. The normal activity of the cardiovascular system is restored.
7. Due to the normalization of the respiratory organs, the frequency of asthma attacks decreases, especially in children.
8. Thanks to gymnastics, the patient learns to control his own breathing, independently reducing the intensity of attacks.

In addition, during breathing exercises, as the general condition normalizes, stress tension, which is a frequent cause of the development of a bronchial attack, is relieved.

Contraindications to gymnastics

It must be remembered that, like any treatment, breathing exercises may have contraindications, therefore, it must be abandoned in the following cases:

• if the patient has an acute attack of suffocation, accompanied by severe cough and bronchospasm;
• in the event that external weather conditions (frost, heat, rain, wind, etc.) do not allow you to do gymnastics;
• lack of the possibility of good ventilation of the training room;

• Immediately after vigorous walking or jogging, which can cause shortness of breath;
• symptoms of increased fatigue and stressful situations;
• recent pneumonia and acute bronchitis.

In the event that there are no contraindications to breathing exercises, you can start exercising. However, even in this case, certain rules must be adhered to.

Gymnastics rules

1. One of the main rules is breathing through the mouth while performing a breathing exercise. Otherwise, it is possible for the nasopharyngeal contents to enter the bronchi. This can provoke an acute attack of the disease, which is especially dangerous for children. But it must be remembered that some techniques involve breathing mainly through the nose.
2. In addition, with complications of asthma and excessive accumulation of phlegm in the pulmonary and bronchial systems, it is necessary to exercise only in the intervals between inhalation and exhalation. Otherwise, bronchospasm and severe cough are possible.
3. Another important point is the ability to breathe shallowly, as deep breathing can provoke new symptoms of asthma. You also need to be able to control your emotions.
4. Respiratory gymnastics can have a full therapeutic effect only if it is performed on a regular basis, taking into account the individual characteristics of the organism and the patient's age.

Respiratory gymnastics techniques

Today, there are 2 main methods that most effectively treat bronchial asthma. These include gymnastics according to Strelnikova and Buteyko.

These 2 types of gymnastic exercises are recommended even for children and elderly patients. Gymnastics should be performed no earlier than 1.5 hours after eating, and the temperature in the room should not be excessively humid and cold.

In the event that unpleasant sensations arise during the lesson, it is necessary to consult and correct further treatment with the attending physician, since with the correct gymnastics, discomfort should not arise.

In order to correctly perform Strelnikova's or Buteyko's gymnastics, it is necessary to adhere to the sequence of actions. Only in this case the Strelnikova complex will give a positive result.

Respiratory gymnastics according to Strelnikova

Breathing exercises are of great importance, therefore it is necessary to get acquainted in more detail with the development of A.N. Strelnikova.

Strelnikova's technique has been used for a long time in the complex treatment of patients with respiratory diseases. The effectiveness of this method has been confirmed by numerous positive results.

The gymnastic complex consists of several exercises that are performed without much preparation. As a rule, such exercises require compression of the chest during inhalation. It is with this technique that asthma attacks can be stopped. In addition, breathing exercises allow you to treat not only asthma, but also chronic bronchitis.

An exercise called the "pump" received positive feedback. It ensures the removal of an attack, including among children, so it is necessary to study in advance the correctness of its implementation.

1. Exercise "Pump". It is performed while standing or sitting on a chair. When sitting, you need to rest with both hands on your knees. The exercise is performed in a series of 2-4 sharp short nasal breaths. It is not recommended to straighten very strongly and lean back. Next, you should take a folded newspaper or an oblong object in your hands and depict the movement, as if a car tire is being pumped up by a pump. When tilting, inhale, when unbending, exhale.

Bends are done calmly, often and easily. In this case, the head should be slightly tilted, as if the patient were looking at a pump. Slopes should be carried out not below the waist area, and the back should be round. Inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth. It is important to observe the rhythm of movements (like a drill march). It is necessary to take at least 8 breaths in a row with a break of 5 seconds, after which a repeat occurs, another 10 breaths. It is important to note that treatment in this way can be carried out not only for bronchial asthma, but also for cardiac asthma, as well as for relieving hepatic colic.

2. "Slopes". This exercise is also effective in preventing asthma attacks and has received the most positive feedback from patients. To perform it, it is recommended to lean forward slightly with your head down. The arms should be bent at the elbow. In this case, a noisy short breath is performed. With a slow straightening, it is necessary to exhale and repeat this algorithm 2-3 more times with a break of 5-7 seconds. Be sure to take 2 breaths (when moving with an incline) and 4 breaths.

It is not at all necessary to count the number of actions, they are repeated until a feeling of a little fatigue sets in. It is important to count the number of breaths in a set of exercises (2 or 4). The average exercise duration is no more than 15 minutes.

With severe development of the disease, it is quite difficult for the patient to take breaths on an incline, it is allowed to sit down on a chair. In this case, the body leans forward slightly, and the head is lowered, the back should be round, and the elbows should be placed on the knees. This position is accompanied by a noisy nasal inhalation at least 2 times. After every 2 breaths, you must rest for 5 seconds. It is important to take into account that in this exercise, of course, there is an exhalation, but it is done very calmly and easily, in contrast to the inhalation, which is performed to the entire depth of the lung.

3. "Hug your shoulders." When performing this exercise, you should bend your arms at the elbow and raise them at the same level with your shoulders. The palms must be turned towards the face at chest level. One hand must be thrown sharply towards the other hand. One hand should touch the opposite shoulder and the other should touch the opposite armpit. The arms should work in a parallel direction. A sharp noisy breath must be repeated with each such "hug".

In addition, when classes on Strelnikova, the following skills are required:

1. CORRECT PERFORMANCE OF INHALATION. In order to understand the principles of correct inhalation, it is necessary to imagine a situation that there is a burning smell in the room. In accordance with this situation, it is necessary to sniff, as well as inhale noisily. This will be the correct inhalation tactic according to Strelnikova.

2. EXHALES. Inhales and exhales should be done through the nose. You should not strain and wait for the onset of exhalation. It will come on its own. For the best effect, the mouth should be slightly opened on exhalation, which contributes to better breathing.

3. PACE. For better breathing, it is necessary to mentally count the rhythm while “inflating the tire”. The rate of inspiration should be at least 60-70 movements in 1 minute. The inhalation should be made loud and the exhalation should be quiet. The norm is the execution of 100-200 breaths with a pause of 3 seconds. In the event that exercise does not contribute to the normalization of respiratory activity, it is recommended to use drug therapy with traditional bronchodilators.

Benefits of breathing exercises for asthma for children

For children, it is recommended to form group exercises in exercise therapy, since the emotional state of the child makes it possible to better assimilate knowledge among peers. And only when the child has mastered the Buteyko or Strelnikova breathing complex in the collective, it is allowed to conduct independent studies. However, it should be remembered that adults should always be nearby, and if they conduct joint activities, this will become an additional incentive for children.

To prevent the development of an asthmatic attack in children using Strelnikova's technique, frequent and quick breathing through the nose and the mandatory performance of the "pump" exercise are recommended.

Many patients are interested in the question of the fundamental difference between Buteyko's and Strelnikova's gymnastics. With the help of the Buteyko method, children can be taught to control their respiratory activity in the shortest possible time. In this case, breathing is performed with a hold, which is much easier to track than inhalation and exhalation. Both methods provide effective treatment for asthmatic diseases, and proper treatment, in turn, reduces the number of attacks and neutralizes the symptoms of the disease.

Respiratory gymnastics according to Buteyko

The Buteyko classes help to optimize the lungs during inhalation and exhalation. In a normal state, the following indications are observed:

• inhale 2-3 seconds;
• exhalation must be done in the interval between 2 and 4 seconds;
• the pause should not exceed 4 - seconds.

It is allowed to conduct Buteyko classes while sitting. In this case, the chest should be straightened as much as possible, and your hands should be placed on your knees. The main Buteyko breathing exercises include:

• shallow nasal rapid breathing for 10-12 minutes;
• inhalation should be done slowly, just like exhalation, when all groups of respiratory muscles should relax;
• it is necessary to take successive breaths so that all parts of the lung are turned on, from the lowest, with the maximum opening of the chest. The exhalation should be done as long as possible (at least 5 seconds). If at the very beginning it is not possible to achieve the necessary breathing parameters, you can perform the Buteyko complex as it is, but in no case should it be interrupted;
• inhalation should be carried out gradually, using different pulmonary regions with the help of both nostrils. To prevent excess air from entering, it is allowed to clamp one nostril;
• all breathing movements are performed by nasal breathing with the diaphragm retracted, which allows you to strengthen the abdominal muscles. Each movement is performed from 9 times;
• the strongest inhalation or complete exhalation should be performed at an accelerated pace. Repetitions can be done after 1 minute. It is important to take into account that increased ventilation of the pulmonary system can manifest itself as slight dizziness;
• the required inhalation time is 1, 5 - 2 seconds with a pause between breaths of 5 seconds, after which a quick breath is taken. The complete cycle should not exceed 4 minutes. In the future, classes are allowed to be done both sitting and standing, as well as in combination with squats and light jogging.

Adequate perception of breathing exercises and strict adherence to all medical prescriptions allows for successful therapy, especially among children. Numerous reviews confirm that the Buteyko training complex is a salvation for many patients. Early treatment helps to minimize unwanted consequences and a longer remission of the disease.