Question

Shiv is working on a project to collect data amongst people at his residential complex who have Asthma. He plans to give them a detailed explanation about what is asthma, it's causes and yogasanas which can help them. Help him to prepare a detailed presentation regarding the same.

Answer 1

A detailed presentation for asthma awareness can be organised as follows.

Slide 1: Title Asthma: Meaning, Causes and Management through Yogasanas

Slide 2: What is Asthma?

• Asthma is a common lung condition that causes occasional breathing difficulties.
• It is caused by swelling (inflammation) of the breathing tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs.
• The tubes become highly sensitive and temporarily narrow, making breathing difficult.

Slide 3: Symptoms

• Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)
• Breathlessness
• A tight chest, which may feel like a band is tightening around it
• Coughing
• Symptoms may suddenly become worse during an asthma attack.

Slide 4: Causes and Triggers

• Airborne allergens: pollen, dust mites, mould spores, pet dander, cockroach waste
• Respiratory infections: common cold, flu
• Physical activity (exercise-induced asthma)
• Cold air
• Air pollutants and irritants: smoke
• Certain medicines: beta blockers, aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen
• Strong emotions and stress
• Sulfites and preservatives in some foods and beverages
• GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)

Slide 5: Prevention

• Avoid known triggers.
• Follow the doctor's treatment plan.
• Keep the environment clean and dust-free.
• Manage stress with relaxation and pranayama.
• Practise yoga regularly to improve respiratory function.

Slide 6: Yogasanas for Asthma Tadasana, Urdhwa Hastottanasana, Uttan Mandukasana, Bhujangasana, Dhanurasana, Ushtrasana, Vakrasana, Kapalabhati, Gomukhasana, Matsyasana and Anuloma-Viloma/Nadi-Shodhana Pranayama.

Slide 7: Bhujangasana

Procedure:

• Lie on the stomach with forehead on the floor, legs together and hands by the thighs.
• Bend the elbows and place the palms beside the shoulders.
• Inhale and lift the head, neck and shoulders, raising the upper body up to the navel.
• Hold for 5–10 seconds; exhale and lower the body.

Benefits:

• Makes the spine flexible.
• Improves blood circulation.
• Helps respiratory and digestive functions.

Contraindications:

• Severe back problems, neck spondylitis, ulcers and pregnancy.

Slide 8: Vakrasana

Procedure:

• Sit with legs stretched.
• Bend the right knee, placing the heel near the left knee.
• Twist the waist to the right; place the right hand behind and the left hand on the right ankle or toe.
• Turn the head over the right shoulder; hold for 5–10 seconds; repeat on the other side.

Benefits:

• Strengthens the spine and nervous system.
• Reduces back and shoulder pain.

Contraindications:

• Abdominal surgery, ulcer, liver enlargement and back injury.

Slide 9: Pranayama – Anuloma-Viloma/Nadi-Shodhana

Procedure:

• Sit comfortably with back straight and eyes closed.
• Close the right nostril with the right thumb; inhale through the left nostril.
• Close the left nostril with the ring finger; exhale through the right nostril.
• Inhale through the right nostril; close it and exhale through the left. This is one round.
• Repeat five times.

Benefits:

• Calms the mind.
• Improves blood supply to the brain.
• Balances both hemispheres.
• Beneficial in asthma, allergies, high/low blood pressure, stress and anxiety.

Slide 10: Conclusion: Regular practice of yogasanas and pranayama, combined with avoiding triggers, helps to strengthen the lungs and reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.