“Just breathing can be such a luxury sometimes.” Walter Kirn
I don’t have asthma, nor does anyone in my family, but I can’t think of anything that would be more frightening than fighting for my next breath.
Theresa Cannizzaro, a respiratory therapist, was featured in an article on Asthma.net. She had asked some of her patients to describe what it felt like to have asthma. Here are their answers:
“Fish out of water.”
“There is an elephant sitting on my chest.”
“I cough so much that I can’t catch my breath.”
“My chest feels tight and heavy.”
“I feel like there is a pillow being held over my face.”
“I am short of breath and can hear myself wheezing.”
Asthma is a long-term condition that can cause wheezing, breathlessness, and coughing. It often starts in childhood, but it can happen for the first time at any age. The severity of symptoms varies from person to person, ranging from very mild, occasional breathlessness and wheezing, to very debilitating symptoms.
Asthma is caused by inflammation of the airways —in particular, small tubes called bronchi. The bronchi are more sensitive than normal because of this inflammation. When a trigger of some kind irritates the lungs, the airways become narrow, the muscles around them tighten, and there is an increase in the production of sticky mucus (phlegm). This makes it difficult to breathe and causes wheezing and coughing. It may also make the chest feel tight.
Common Asthma Symptoms
- Coughing:can be dry or mucus-filled, often worse at night or early morning
- Wheezing: whistling or squeaky sound, especially when exhaling
- Chest tightness: feels like something is squeezing or sitting on the chest.
- Shortness of breath:hard to catch breath or breathe deeply enough.
Anyone of any age, family background, race, gender, or general health can develop asthma. Researchers think many genetic and environmental factors play a role, especially during the first years of life when the immune system is developing.
These factors include:
- Family history– If parents or siblings have asthma, increased chance of developing it
- Exposure to secondhand smoke– Smoking, or exposure to secondhand smoke, especially in early childhood or from mothers who smoked while they were pregnant
- Environmental irritants– Exhaust fumes, air pollution, indoor allergens such as dust mites, cockroaches and mold, chemical irritants or industrial dust
- Premature birth or respiratory illnesses that harm the lungs–children born prematurely or who suffered from a respiratory illness early on
Bio-Touch has been shown to alleviate symptoms associated with asthma. While not a substitute for standard medical care, Bio-Touch is an effective complement to medical protocols. Family members and friends can learn how to help each other feel better using Bio-Touch, without being concerned about negative side effects.
The Bio-Touch organization is offering a workshop on asthma at the Center in Tucson on Thursday March 28th from 6-8PM. Workshop attendees will learn the Bio-Touch points necessary to address the symptoms.
So, come and bring your family and friends to the Center at 5634 E. Pima St. in Tucson. It’s so rewarding to share Bio-Touch, you’ll be glad to know how! For more information or to learn about online classes, go to JustTouch.com.
