POLLEN COUNT
When searching for asthma treatment near me, it’s important to bear in mind holistic treatments for asthma. These treatments help improve a patient’s health and wellness, and are often used in tandem with more conventional asthma treatments. Not to be confused with alternative treatments, which forgo science-based, medicinal asthma treatments, holistic means treating the whole person – and not just a small part of them.
Here are some holistic asthma treatments which doctors say can help with asthma symptoms.
Breathing Exercises
Breathing exercises focus on promoting slow and deep breaths. These exercises help prevent hyperventilation, which can worsen asthma. Some breathing exercises improve lung strength and capacity. Studies show that breathing exercises help a person relax and feel better, alleviating symptoms of asthma, and improving lung health in the long run. When combined with conventional asthma treatment, breathing exercises can lead to better outcomes.
The Papworth method of breathing, which is breathing from the diaphragm and through the nose (as opposed to from the chest) can help strengthen the diaphragm. Weak diaphragm muscles can lead to the body needing more oxygen and speeding up breathing, making respiratory symptoms worse. As the person gets used to this breathing technique, his or her quality of life will likely improve.
Pursed lip breathing is another technique that can help when the person is feeling short of breath. It involves breathing in through your nose with the mouth closed, and then opening the mouth to breathe out carbon dioxide. This keeps the airways open, ensures oxygen fills the lungs, and keeps carbon dioxide moving out – all in a slow manner.
Slow and focused breathing techniques can be practiced even further through yoga, which may be particularly beneficial for asthma sufferers – especially those searching for asthma treatment near me in need of immediate help.
Dietary and Lifestyle Changes
Studies show that getting all the vitamins and nutrients the body needs can help relieve asthma symptoms for some patients. Antioxidants, which are found in abundance in fruits, vegetables, and fatty fish, can improve an asthmatic person’s quality of life. These antioxidants have benefits which are far from just asthma-specific. Vitamins C and E, as well as Selenium and Magnesium, can all help protect against asthma due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon can protect against inflammation, which is one cause of asthma.
There is even some evidence linking low vitamin D levels to severe asthma symptoms, making adequate intake of this nutrient critical for patients suffering from asthma. The best source of vitamin D is sunlight, but it can also be found in fortified dairy and cereals.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is shown to significantly improve pulmonary function in children with asthma and help them breathe easier. In a clinical trial, it was found that children who received massages before bedtime – even those lasting less than half an hour – showed improved lung function in just five weeks. The benefits of massage therapy can be attributed to its relaxing effect and its draining of the bronchial area, which can reduce asthma symptoms.
A comprehensive treatment for asthma can include complementary methods that can reduce asthma flare-ups and quality of life. Consult your doctor before starting any complementary treatments for asthma.
Asthma Treatment in Will County & DuPage County, IL
Are you searching for asthma treatment near you, featuring a blend of holistic and conventional asthma treatments? At Oak Brook Allergists, our board-certified allergists provide comprehensive asthma treatment for adults and pediatric patients. We work with our patients to put together an effective asthma treatment that fits their preferences and lifestyles, in order to help them breathe and live better.
To schedule a consultation, call us today at (630) 574-0460 or use our online appointment request form. We look forward to letting you know your range of options for asthma treatment.
