Asthma is one of the most common respiratory illnesses that causes inflammation of the airways which may lead to difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest or coughing and wheezing. These symptoms often come in episodes referred to as asthma attacks. These attacks can be scary, especially if you are a parent and it is your child that is experiencing the asthma attack. There is help available and that doesn’t necessarily mean costly medication.
What Causes Asthma?
There are many things that may cause asthma Tobacco smoke is believed to be one of the leading environment causes. For this reason, many parents with asthmatic children do not smoke around their children but this is not always enough. To help reduce the likelihood your child will have an attack, you should consider quitting smoking entirely.
Cigarette smoke clings to your clothes and stays in the upholstery in your vehicle. Ask visitors to your home to smoke outside your home and away from doors and windows and make your vehicle a non-smoking vehicle as well for all occupants. This not only reduces the cigarette smoke your child is exposed to but also sets a great example for them as well.
The most common causes of both asthma attacks and the initial development of asthma are viral respiratory infections. These infections are generally unpreventable and affect younger children. While not all of those who suffer asthma develop the condition as a child it is the most typical time for the onset of the condition.
Is the Buteyko Breathing Technique an Effective Natural Asthma Remedy?
The Buteyko (bew-tay-ko) Breathing Technique has been shown in studies to provide significant benefits to asthma sufferers who choose to pursue it and to reduce the overall use of puffers to control asthma symptoms. Many of these studies showed patients who used the Buteyko method experienced a reduction in the symptoms of their asthma and many of the patients also were able to reduce their use of inhalers by two uses a day after using the method for six months.
Critics claim the only results seen from the use of the Buteyko Breathing Technique are the result of relaxation as opposed to the actual technique itself and feel the clinical trials have had flaws or been too small to be considered relevant. Even so, many doctors are recommending this method to patients and many patients have experiences benefits.
Speak with your doctor before you begin any alternative treatment program to be sure if is a safe choice for you. If you are unsure about this particular technique consider another technique focused on helping you relax and control your breathing.