Why Does Overbreathing Cause Asthma?
There are many different theories as to what exactly causes asthma, but one of the most prevalent and well researched is the theory of overbreathing.
According to this theory, asthma is a defense mechanism that protects the body from overbreathing, and in particular from the loss of carbon dioxide in the body.
Most people understand that when we inhale oxygen, it is transported around the body by molecules called haemoglobin.
When the oxygen has reached its destination it is released from the haemoglobin and is used by by the cells.
A key but misunderstood player in this equation is carbon dioxide.
If the level of CO2 in the body is not at the required level of 5% then the release of oxygen from haemoglobin will be compromised.
Although oxygen will be available, cells will not be able to use it if levels of carbon dioxide are too low.
This process was discovered in 1904 as is called the Bohr Effect.
It is the main theory behind why overbreathing is what causes asthma attacks.
When you overbreathe you exhale a great deal of your CO2.
The lowering of your carbon dioxide binds the oxygen and haemoglobin molecules together.
Since oxygen is not getting to your cells you may feel the desire to overbreathe even more in an attempt to "get more oxygen".
Unfortunately, this only makes matters worse.
Because this process of overbreathing can create such widespread negative effects, the body must come up with a defense mechanism.
One such defense mechanism is an asthma attack.
During an attack breathing will become restricted and this gives the body a chance to normalize the levels of carbon dioxide.
Once the carbon dioxide has reached an appropriate level then the cells of the body can get the oxygen that they need.
This sets up an interesting paradox.
In order for an individual to oxygenate his body, he must try to breathe less rather than more.
Breathing less ensures the conservation of carbon dioxide which in turn allows the appropriate oxygenation of tissues and cells.
Although this theory of overbreathing and carbon dioxide has not been proven to cause asthma, there is good evidence to show reduced breathing removes asthma attacks.
One method of breathing called the "Buteyko Method" uses this theory extensively, and it has shown to be very effective simply by advocating certain exercises and drills that reduce breathing volume and thus prevent or reverse overbreathing.
According to this theory, asthma is a defense mechanism that protects the body from overbreathing, and in particular from the loss of carbon dioxide in the body.
Most people understand that when we inhale oxygen, it is transported around the body by molecules called haemoglobin.
When the oxygen has reached its destination it is released from the haemoglobin and is used by by the cells.
A key but misunderstood player in this equation is carbon dioxide.
If the level of CO2 in the body is not at the required level of 5% then the release of oxygen from haemoglobin will be compromised.
Although oxygen will be available, cells will not be able to use it if levels of carbon dioxide are too low.
This process was discovered in 1904 as is called the Bohr Effect.
It is the main theory behind why overbreathing is what causes asthma attacks.
When you overbreathe you exhale a great deal of your CO2.
The lowering of your carbon dioxide binds the oxygen and haemoglobin molecules together.
Since oxygen is not getting to your cells you may feel the desire to overbreathe even more in an attempt to "get more oxygen".
Unfortunately, this only makes matters worse.
Because this process of overbreathing can create such widespread negative effects, the body must come up with a defense mechanism.
One such defense mechanism is an asthma attack.
During an attack breathing will become restricted and this gives the body a chance to normalize the levels of carbon dioxide.
Once the carbon dioxide has reached an appropriate level then the cells of the body can get the oxygen that they need.
This sets up an interesting paradox.
In order for an individual to oxygenate his body, he must try to breathe less rather than more.
Breathing less ensures the conservation of carbon dioxide which in turn allows the appropriate oxygenation of tissues and cells.
Although this theory of overbreathing and carbon dioxide has not been proven to cause asthma, there is good evidence to show reduced breathing removes asthma attacks.
One method of breathing called the "Buteyko Method" uses this theory extensively, and it has shown to be very effective simply by advocating certain exercises and drills that reduce breathing volume and thus prevent or reverse overbreathing.
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