A little of my Asthma Story...A Little Rant...

[Joe8888]

I'm in my 50s and have had asthma and since childhood. Got my first Intal inhaler at 10 and soon moved on on the blue and brown. Seen dozens of nurses and doctors over the years in regular asthma checks, been through it all.

I've had the problems many of you know, like that sense of panic when you don't have the blue one handy or the prescription is delayed because of a mix up at the doctor's. Restricted sports, activities, feeling less than and not too sure about the future with the gnawing fear that comes with it.

About one year ago I happened upon a Rogan podcast with some journalist talking about breathing - the lost art. It's no exaggeration to say this podcast had a profound affect on my life. I now seldom use my inhaler, and get the benefits that come with that. All by the simple fact of nasal breathing and breathing slower and practicing to sleep with my mouth closed.

No doctor, nurse fellow asthmatic in the last 40 years ever mentioned slow breath, nasal breathing or a combination of it, not one. Such a huge health issue like asthma and not one specialist ever spoke about breathing techniques. To say I'm angry would be an understatement, angry at myself as well for not figuring it out - just accepted I'm an asthmatic who will always be on meds. My entire adult life with this condition always a background factor.

I don't want to get into conspiracies as life's too short but I hope to enjoy the rest of my life with some simple, slow nasal breathing.

[Poobah]

In my experience it isn't until you see a respiratory physiotherapist that breathing exercises etc get discussed. I saw the physios attached to the children's outpatient dept back in the 60s but only for posture correction and I didn't get any breathing exercises. I only got a referral to the respiratory clinic physio about 4 years ago. But I had already come across Buteyko technique thanks to a relative. Even though it helped my condition still requires regular treatment. My main breakthrough was a diagnosis of AERD in my 20s. Training for doctors doesn't include physiotherapy and nutrition so it's no surprise that they don't regularly refer patients for physio or consider deficiencies in the first instance.

We have a physio in the family and they've told me that her impression is that physiotherapy is looked on as the dark arts in some quarters of the medical world. Quite often she won't see patients until a referral to physio becomes the last resort.

Things are definitely improving now and we now have a health coach attached to my GP surgery but it would be great if asthma patients were also reviewed by specialist physios attached to respiratory clinics - no doubt there's no capacity for that.

Waiting lists for physiotherapy are longer than ever, that too is an ongoing reason why other treatment is more likely. We definitely need many more physios, let alone specialists for respiratory conditions.

[floating_]

I've been taught various breathing techniques, but that was only via Respiratory Physiotherapy. Still require a lot of daily medications to keep my asthma under control though.

[risabel59]

My consultant recently referred me to a respiratory physio to change my breathing. It has been very helpful but not a cure. So many people with Asthma would benefit from these simple exercises to slow respiratory rate and do nasal breathing. But when I get really sick it’s very hard. I would say that the thinking on this is changing at the top but has not filtered through to primary care.

Best

R

[Maltesemama]

Great reminder for all of us asthmatics. Thank you! Happy, healthy New Year!

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

I'm glad you've found the breathing exercises helpful. As others have said, access to specialist physios is difficult in primary care, but it's very much encouraged at the specialist level - however it would be ideal if it could be more widely available.

Correct breathing techniques can definitely help with asthma symptoms (and symptoms that may not actually be asthma at all and are related to dysfunctional breathing patterns, which many asthmatics develop). Some asthmatics using techniques such as the Buteyko method found they can reduce some medications (not me - I learned it, it corrected some bad habits but wasn't dramatic for my asthma).

However, I have to agree with risabel here - it's *not* a cure for asthma, nor an alternative to treating an asthma attack, and there is not a conspiracy to get people to take meds instead of doing this. If someone has asthma, as opposed to just breathing pattern disorders alone (which can mimic asthma as well as occurring with asthma), they will still need medication.

This is the case even if learning correct breathing can for some people reduce their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Not having symptoms, or reducing symptoms, doesn't necessarily mean you don't have inflammation which needs treating with a preventer.

[Joe8888 in reply to Lysistrata]

I know, and only pass on my own experience. That experience included, as a child, gasping for air through my mouth trying to get air into my lungs. No parent, doctor, nurse or another asthmatic ever said, "close your mouth and breath SLOWLY through your nose". If only! What a life changing event that could have been. How did no one know?

[Martyob]

I totally agree Joe, I did course on breathing with Patrick Mc Keown, he has written many books. I use 3m tape on my mouth at night and it really relaxes me and slows my breathing. I never wake up with a dry mouth anymore. There are easier breathing strips then the 3m tape but I prefer it, it takes a bit of practice. You have to build up to it. Keep your mouth closed is the key. He also teaches an excercise to clear a blocked nose. My nose rarely blocks anymore once I am not mouth breathing.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to Martyob]

Hi, mouth taping has come up before and for anyone reading this and considering trying it, I wanted to link to a previous post where this was discussed. healthunlocked.com/asthmauk...

I said there (and the AUK nurses agreed) 'it can be fine for some people but some physios I have met, while all for learning nasal breathing, are less keen on the mouth taping for people with established respiratory problems. It probably isn't ideal especially if you also have ongoing sinus/nasal issues blocking your nose.

Anyone considering this should probably check with someone knowledgeable who knows your medical situation about the taping and whether it's suitable for you. '

[Martyob in reply to Lysistrata]

I agree, it's not for everyone, I'm 59 and had a chronically blocked nose most of my life, 2 surgeries which were no help. I have been doing this for at least 5 years and my nose is rarely blocked anymore. It takes a bit of getting used too and may be difficult for some. I have rhinitis, bronchieastas, and asthma all diagnosed abt 30 years ago.