Background

Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disorder known to involve complex inflammatory processes and a significant genetic predisposition.  Symptoms include recurrent episodes of wheezing, cough, chest tightness, and breathlessness.  Chronic inflammation leads to airway hyper-responsiveness.  Triggers for acute symptoms are variable, as is the severity of disease and the individual’s response to treatment.  Research shows that in those with asthma, allergens tend increase the activity of type 2 helper cells, which are highly proinflammatory.¹  Proactive self-care approaches, such as movement, nutrition, and stress management, not to mention paying attention to environmental influences, can play an important role in controlling asthma by raising the threshold at which an individual experiences symptoms.  Empowerment of patients in managing their disease, while appropriately using pharmaceuticals as well, is crucial.  The following focuses on treating asthma using an Integrative Health approach.

Physical Activity

Aerobic Exercise

Although exercise is a known trigger for asthma symptoms in many patients, a number of studies have shown improved asthma control in those who exercise regularly.¹  Exercise regimens can be undertaken safely, with improvement in several measures of health and no significant worsening of asthma symptoms.^2,3  There is no evidence that one form of exercise is superior to another.¹  Any exercise regimen to which an individual can commit can be supported, from walking to dancing to fitness classes and from martial arts to training for competitive races.