WHY ADHERE TO
MEDICATION?

Medication is a priority in the treatment of your
asthma. Research indicates that those with
higher adherence have better outcomes.
Conversely, suboptimal adherence to your
medication increases asthma exacerbations such
as attacks and poor symptoms

So, to control your condition, you must ensure
that you follow the prescription. However,
effective outcomes require more than taking
medications.

NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL

APPROACH

Several nonpharmacological interventions have
been proven scientifically to lower the severity of
asthma. Some of the effective interventions
include: –

ASTHMA
NON-

PHARMACHOLOGICAL

MANAGEMENT
APPROACH

Exercise

Breathing

Diet

TIPS ON NON-
PHARMACOLOGICAL
MANAGEMENT

1. BREATHING EXERCISE

Since asthma affects your respiratory system,
breathing can help lower the attacks. An example
of the breathing strategy is pursed lip breathing.
While exploring the effects of this technique
among asthma patients, Jaakkola et al. (2019)
found that it lowered the symptoms of attacks.
Pursed lip breathing elongates the airway
opening, which facilitates effective gaseous
exchange. The participants reported relaxing
effects, which lowered the severity. To perform
this exercise, you need to breathe steadily
through your nose while closing your mouth.

2. EXERCISE

Regular physical exercise help in maintaining a
healthy weight which promotes optimal
outcomes. Coulson et al. (2022) affirm that
exercise reduces inflammation by lowering
circulatory inflammatory proteins and also boosts
lung capacity. This research also indicated that
adequate exercise also reduces shortness of
breath.

3. HEALTHY DIET

Research supports the health benefits of a
balanced diet. Diet rich in magnesium and beta
carotin contain antioxidants. These substances
neutralize toxic free elements that create asthma
exacerbations. The food choices include carrots
and dark green leafy vegetables. This diet lower
inflammatory agents produced by asthma.

4. AVOID EXPOSURE TO ALLERGENS AND
TRIGGERS

You need to take note of the substances that
exacerbate your asthma attacks. These
substances can include pollen grains which are
allergens. Others have mites, and animal fur,
among other substances. Still, some food options
can trigger allergic reactions, which requires you
to be careful. Besides these triggers, you can plan
to have a healthy lifestyle. For instance, tobacco
contains thousands of harmful chemicals that can
also increase inflammation. Live healthy by
avoiding smoking and alcohol use.

REFERENCES

Coulson, E., Carpenter, L. M., Georgia, T. E., &
Baptist, A. P. (2022). Breathing exercises
in older adults with asthma: a blinded,
randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
Journal of Asthma, 59(7), 1438-1444.
https://doi.org/10.1080/02770903.2021.193
6015

Jaakkola, J. J., Aalto, S. A., Hernberg, S.,
Kiihamäki, S. P., & Jaakkola, M. S. (2019).
Regular exercise improves asthma control
in adults: A randomized controlled trial.
Scientific reports, 9(1), 1-11.
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-48484-
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