Breathing Techniques for Childhood Asthma

Part 1

Breathing techniques for childhood asthma can help with mild to severe conditions. Asthma is the leading chronic disease in children. Currently, there are over 5.1 million children under the age of 18 who have asthma. That is one out of every 12 children.

There is no cure for asthma but with the right plan and treatment, it can be managed.

Facts about Childhood Asthma

In layman’s terms, asthma makes the space through which air flows smaller. Think of what happens when you kink a hose and then try to get water from it. No matter how hard you try, the flow will only be a trickle.

Now, imagine having to work that hard to take a breath. It can be extremely scary, especially for a child. And even when there are no obvious symptoms, hyperactivity and inflammation is still ongoing. Overtime, this can cause the “remodeling” of the airways.

In other words, the hose will never be the same again.

Normal Breathing

Airways are designed for us to breathe air in through the nose. The air flows down the throat and into the lungs. The lungs are equipped with small air passages that pass the oxygen into the bloodstream.

During an asthma attack, the airways become inflamed, the muscles around them constrict and thick mucus forms, making it difficult to almost impossible air to pass.

How Does Asthma Develop?

Doctors and scientists haven’t been able to identify the cause for asthma. The American Academy of Researchers believe several factors contribute to this disease such as:

Genetics: Asthma can run in the family 

Under stimulated immune system: Without some exposure to antigens as babies, the body may become hypersensitive to them later — resulting in allergies and asthma

Allergens: Children who are frequently exposed to allergens may have an increased risk of developing asthma

Viral infections: Children who are prone to viral infections are more likely to develop asthma

What Triggers an Asthma Attack?

There are several triggers that can bring on an attack of asthma such as: 

• Environmental surrounding, especially seasonally trees and grasses
• Respiratory conditions such as pneumonia or flu
• Exercise
• Chemical allergens, smoke and smog
• Extremely low temperatures or high humidity
• Stress, crying, shouting, or laughing

The above is just a small list of all things that can trigger asthma.

To learn more about different breathing techniques for breathing conditions call Southwest Myofunctional Therapy at (505) 218-6565.

Check back soon. Our next blog post will be part 2 and the conclusion of Breathing Techniques for Childhood Asthma.