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ASTHMA
The tubes (Bronchioles) to the lungs can become narrowed by either a muscular spasm or an irritation of their lining producing inflammation, a thick mucous, both will mean there is less space in these tubes for the air to travel down causing the characteristic 'wheeze' of Asthma. The definition of Asthma is that this is reversible, unfortunately not completely in everyone.
'Attacks' can be caused by a number of stimuli, small particles, (dust, pollen, smoke) exercise, stress, excessive laughter, crying or screaming.
If an attack occurs ask the individual if they have any medication on them, be aware they may not have the breath to answer! hand signals work. Sometimes moving to a different location that is calm, clean, quite, shaded and ventilated, may help, if it doesn't seek medical advice.
In between attacks the use of manual therapy to relax the accessory muscles of respiration may be helpful, these muscles are used in heavy breathing and can tighten in asthmatics, which makes breathing shallower. loosening these (QL Traps Scalenes) and other muscles and keeping the joints of the neck, back and chest free can assist in reducing the severity and frequency of the attacks as well as make the individual more comfortable. Breathing exercises can be very helpful to an individual who can then take some control in the earlier onset of an attack, hopefully removing the need for further intervention.
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