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What is your Non-Pharmacological ways of helping to manage Asthma?
Asthma & Allergy | Last Active: Dec 15, 2024 | Replies (28)Comment receiving replies
Hi @lenchiksf - I liked reading the discussion you started about nonpharmacological ways to manage asthma. I found your comment about your use of meditation and also the comment from @sueinmn about relaxed, deep breathing interesting. In an asthma checkup I had years ago, the pulmonologist talked to me almost entirely about managing my stress to improve my asthma, which was unfamiliar to me. I wonder if the techniques you two mentioned address the same thing.
Lenchiksf - are you continuing to use the infrared lamp and infrared sauna for sinuses and chest, especially when you have symptoms? If so, how are you using these, and what have you found they do to help your asthma?
@samcal9977zz - you mentioned needing to simply move if one was exposed to burning debris. I'm wondering if you've had that experience? If so, what happened?
@otter2154 - you mentioned some practices you use to manage your asthma such as several consecutive nights of deep, quality sleep, exercise and staying away from alcohol. Are these continuing to work to help manage your asthma? If so, do these things replace using any rescue medications, or are you using them along with medications?
Replies to "Hi @lenchiksf - I liked reading the discussion you started about nonpharmacological ways to manage asthma...."
Thanks for checking in with us. Yes, I remain adamant that deep sleep, a healthy diet, exercise and staying away from alcohol is a strong strategy for me. This week was a GREAT example: I had quite a few cocktails last weekend (slept poorly as a result) and ate horribly the first half of the week; a giant cheesy egg and bacon burrito for breakfast. Then my employer brought in a massive lunch buffet including fried chicken and Mac-n-cheese. And then we had lasagna for dinner. I was miserable for the next days afterwards. Fast-forward to the end of the week (with NO alcohol, a better diet and several nights of sound sleep and I feel great with minimal asthma symptoms! I suggest that alcohol promotes inflammation (bad for asthma) and like some asthmatics, I may have a GERD component that is aggravated by fatty, greasy foods. When I stick to the plan I never need my rescue inhaler … and can actually cut back to every-other-day on my maintenance inhaler (Trelegy).
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Table of Contents
Types of Saunas
Saunas and Lung Health
Other Possible Benefits
Risks
Precautions and Safety
There is some research supporting certain health benefits of saunas, including improved lung function. However, the evidence is not sufficient to support the use of saunas as a treatment for specific conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).1
This article explains the general effects of saunas, how they may impact lung health, and how to stay safe while using one.
Types of Saunas
Sauna bathing is known as whole-body thermotherapy or heat therapy. It is used in different forms in different parts of the world.
What Is Thermotherapy?
Thermotherapy, or "heat therapy," uses heat to treat symptoms.
Sauna vs. Steam Room: Comparing Benefits
Throughout time, saunas have been used for hygiene, health, social, and spiritual purposes. There are a couple of different types of saunas.1
Modern-Day Sauna
The modern-day sauna follows the traditional Finnish-style sauna. These saunas have dry air with humidity ranging from 10% to 20%.
There are increased periods of humidity, where the temperature ranges between 176 and a maximum of 212 degrees. Other styles include the Turkish-style Hammam and Russian Banya.
Infrared Sauna
The infrared sauna is a dry heat sauna. It has a temperature range between 113 and 140 degrees.
Different types of saunas can be distinguished by their level of humidity, heating source, and construction style.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Steam Room?
Saunas and Lung Health
A 2018 review of several studies, published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, suggests that sauna usage may improve lung function. The review found saunas may improve breathing, forced expiratory volume (how much air you can let out during a forced breath), and vital capacity (the maximum air that can be exhaled after maximal air has been inhaled).2
In the review, one study of 12 male participants with obstructive pulmonary disease concluded that sauna use created a temporary improvement in lung function. Another study found that sauna exposure created breathing improvements in patients with asthma or chronic bronchitis. Other studies showed that frequent sauna use was associated with a reduced risk of pneumonia.
Link to above :
https://www.verywellhealth.com/are-saunas-good-for-your-lungs-and-respiratory-health-dry-sauna-sauna-bathing-sauna-therapy-thermotherapy-5089063