Asthma in Adults

Yoga for Asthma?

April 2010

My husband has asthma but does nothing about it other than using inhalers which doesn't seem to work when he is sick and has a bad asthma attack. I've heard that you can do yoga to keep asthma attacks at bay. Does anyone have any experience with it? Any recommendations? Worried Wife

I can't speak to the idea of yoga for asthma. But your email makes me wonder if you and your husband are well informed about asthma. When I was diagnosed with asthma as an adult, my doctor sent me to an asthma class, which was really helpful. I came out with a very good understanding of asthma (caused by swelling, excess mucous production and bronchospasm), what the different medicines (inhaled and oral) do, what the triggers are, etc. I also came out with an action plan that clearly defined what do to in case of increasing symptoms. I eventually got on a very good inhaled steroid and have not had an ER trip, serious attack, or even bronchitis since then, and it's been 10 years. ''Just taking inhalers'' is a perfectly good way to treat asthma--for me, one puff morning and night keeps all symptoms away. But you do have to use the right medicines in the right ways. I suggest you educate yourselves more about asthma and then see whether yoga will fit into a lifestyle plan. breathing free

Yes, yoga can help. I have used it for myself. It's important that the person who has asthma wants the help. I have also changed my eating . Good luck to your husband! Best