Asthmatics tend to breathe with the muscles of the shoulders and chest but not with the diaphragm, the muscles of the abdomen. This fills and empties only the top part of the lungs – it's a type of breathing that’s shallow, inefficient and unhealthy. Deep, complete breathing is just the opposite.

By learning to fill the lungs completely and to exhale fully with each breath, asthmatics can ward off wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Deep breathing exercises followed for five minutes every day can reduce the need for bronchodilators and other drugs. They can be practiced lying down, sitting and standing.

1. Think of the chest and abdomen as a container for air. As you (or your child) breathe in through the nose, slowly fill the bottom of the container first and keep filling the stomach feel puffed up like an inflated balloon. To be sure you’re breathing correctly, place your hand on the area just above the belly button. Feel your middle rise and fall as you breathe.
2. Exhale calmly through the mouth, as slowly as possible. The ”container” must be completely empty and the stomach flat before you slowly inhale once again.
3. Repeat. Inhale and exhale 12 times.

How to Relax Away an Asthma Attack

The American Lung Association teaches kids that if they learn to relax, they can ward off an asthma attack – or stop one in it's tracks. The following exercise, practiced for five minutes a day, can be ”turned on” whenever the chest starts to feel tight or other warning signals arise. And it works wonder for adults, too!

1. Stands up and make all your muscles very tight. Then take a deep breath. Point your chin up to the ceiling and grit your teeth. Hold your arms out straight. Keep your elbows tight, your fists tightly closed, your legs stiff and your toes stiff. Hold for a few seconds.
2. Now, let everything go, like a balloon that’s being deflated. Completely relax all your muscles until you feel like a wet noodles or a rag doll.
3. Flop to the floor in a lying position and stay there. Close your eyes. Keep your arms limp and loose. Your face and feet are limp, too.
4. Picture your self floating down a river. Concentrate on each muscle and how nice and floppy it feels.
5. Breathe softly and easily, as if you were cozy and fast asleep in your bed. Stay quiet and droopy, and feel how pleasant it is.
6. Open your eyes. Turn on the relaxed, ”wet noodle” feeling whenever you feel nervous or short of breath, or feel an asthma attack coming on.