Launching Your Career as a Respiratory Doctor

Taking that first step into the field of respiratory treatment is a big one. It shows that you’re ready to launch yourself into a specialty field that

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focuses on problems with one of the body’s most intricate systems. Respiratory therapy is an interesting choice, especially considering the many physician careers that exist. However, being able to bring relief to a patient who is struggling for air can be very satisfying.

 

Here’s the first question to ask yourself: In what setting am I going to perform my duties? Respiratory doctors have a choice of either going into specialized practice or research. One focuses on solving problems for patients directly, and the other involves lab work that will benefit patients you may never meet. Some doctors prefer to work for breakthroughs in respiratory health by being in a laboratory setting. Others prefer to work one-on-one with patients to help get to the bottom of their problems.

There’s no doubt that respiratory specialists are going to have quite the future in front of them. The re-emergence of  pulmonary tuberculosis is a health issue that will require medical attention. Another issue that doctors haven’t truly resolved is pulmonary hypertension, an issue that does not improve easily, even with medical therapy. Asthma is another health concern that’s on the rise among the U.S. population, and it does not always respond to treatment. Regardless of which path they choose, newly minted respiratory doctors are going to have an interesting career ahead of them.

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Breathing Conditions: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Breathing problems or conditions can be a result of any number of illnesses or medical conditions. They can be minor — shortness of breath; or severe — respiratory failure. Symptoms or conditions can either develop over time or may occur suddenly. They affect all ages; however, babies and the elderly are at the highest risk of developing complications.

Some conditions may happen more frequently during the winter seasons. A common problem among children that occurs during winter is respiratory syncytial virus. Emphysema and pneumonia also occur more frequently.

There are many causes for breathing conditions. Among these causes are chronic respiratory conditions, which in turn may result in cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Acute illnesses such as asthma and pneumonia may also cause breathing conditions or problems. Health information also states that other non-respiratory conditions such as heart and cardiac conditions can also cause breathing issues. Brain trauma may also cause breathing issues.

Shortness of breath is one of the primary symptoms of breathing problems; however there are many other signs and symptoms. Nasal flaring, especially in youngsters, is a symptom, as is wheezing. Chest tightness and a rapid heart rate are also common symptoms.

Treatment of these conditions depends on the cause. If it is being caused by a cardiac issue, it may require something as serious as surgery. Medication can help alleviate breathing problems. These medications include bronchodilators and steroids. Some people also respond to oxygen therapy.

While not all conditions are preventable, some can be. Maintaining a healthy weight, and maintaining a general overall healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risks of experiencing breathing issues.

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A Look at the Buteyko Method of Breathwork

A holistic approach to treating asthma is a practice known as the Buteyko Method. The Buteyko method was developed by Dr. Buteyko and goes off the belief that many people who suffer from asthma attacks, anxiety attacks and other breathing problems do so because they are over breathing. The Buteyko Method believes that controlling to the breath and helping people to realize how to breathe properly they will limit the number of asthma or anxiety attacks as well as any respiratory problems they might have.

Here is a look at some of the basic principles of the Buteyko Method.

Shallow Breathing. The Buteyko Method tries to teach asthma sufferers how to breathe shallowly. This is done by trying to re-teach them how to breathe solely through the nose and not through the mouth.

Breathing Exercises. A major part of the Buteyko Method is the type of breathing exercises that a person must do. The most commonly used breathing exercise under the Buteyko Method is that of the nose pinch variety. This exercise has a person pinch their nose shut and time how long it takes before you feel the urge to breathe. The goal should be 60 seconds. It is believed if you do this every day you will slowly work your way up to the targeted time. Other breathing exercises include the use of slowly inhaling and exhaling to release any toxins and promote healthy lung functions. The Buteyko Method recommends that asthma sufferers should do this daily in order to build up their lungs.

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Learning the Prana Breathing Breathwork Exericse

If you are wondering what the Prana Breathing Exercise involves here is an overview of exactly how to perform the exercise so that you can get the most out of your other yoga breathing exercises.

Step One. Sit in a very straight upright position. This can be either on a chair or yoga mat, whichever is more comfortable for you.

Step Two. Take a deep inhaled breath. The breath should be taken in through the nose. While inhaling through your nose you will feel the lungs and ribcages expanding as far as they can go. It is important to try to inhale as much as you can as this will help your breathing exercises.

Step Three. While inhaling also try to raise your head and collarbone to the sky as this will allow you to open up your lungs and cleanse the body.

Step Four. You will also want to feel your abs or diaphragm working to push lower to the group. This is important to allow you to center your body and prepare for the next yoga breathing exercise. In many ways this is like helping to wipe a slate clean and start a whole new breathing segment.

Step Five. After you have inhaled as much air as you can try to hold it there for a few seconds and when you have properly held it you can slowly allow yourself to exhale the breath through your nose.

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A Brief Look at HoloTropic Breathwork

Sometime in the 1970s the idea of holotropic breathing techniques was developed by a group of therapists. These therapists worked on the assumption that the human body is its own best healer and there is no need for prescription medication or other conventional medications. The idea of holotropic breathwork is the idea that there is an ability to create a very powerful breathing technique that allows the person to develop self-exploration, transformations and healing of the body.

One of the most appealing aspects of the holotropic breathwork theory is that there is very little tools or time involved with the whole process. Individuals work in groups and there is usually some type of soft music playing in the background. These individuals will lay on their back or sit in a circle and relax. The facilitator will then talk them through various breathing techniques that are intended to help them relive memories or heal the body. The whole experience takes two to three hours and will last a person for several months.

The whole experience of holotropic breathwork is unique. One of the most unique aspects of this type of therapy is the ability to share personal experiences with the individuals of the group. After going through the breathing techniques with a partner the group will gather together and discuss their experiences that they had while they were breathing. The facilitator of the group as well as other group members will offer their tips and advice as well as support for the individual that is talking.

Another aspect of the holotropic breathwork experience is the ability to create and form what is called a mandala. A mandala is a drawing or representation of what the individual went through while they were in the breathwork therapy. The group will separate and create their own and then gather around and discuss what was drawn. This allows the whole experience to be a group environment and really help individuals grow and mature.

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Germ Management in the Home

One aspect of health care people often overlook is closer to home than they may think. You get sick. You get over it. You get it back. What happened? Germs happened. Here are some great tips to germ management in your home in addition to frequent hand washing.

Use EPA Qualified Disinfectants

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) does not recommend using any product that claims to kill germs that are not registered with them. Look at the product’s label to make sure it has an EPA registration number on it.

Keep in mind some products kill only bacteria, some do not claim to kill any germs, and some will kill a whole slew of common viruses in addition to bacteria. Fantastick is a great product because it kills 99.9% of common germs in 10 seconds whereas most comparable products require the product to sit for up to 10 minutes. In the bathroom, Scrubbing Bubbles will kill quite a bit of bathroom infamous germs in a minute. Lysol disinfectant spray will kill the bulk of your viruses including H1N1 and Rota virus, but requires a sitting time to do so.

Where to Aim

Disinfect commonly touched areas such as door knobs, handles, cabinets, refrigerator handle, etc. Most stomach flu viruses are transmitted from germs coming from fecal matter and vomit, so be sure to disinfect toilet areas and any place someone might have had an accident such as an adult heaving in the sink or a baby diaper being changed on the floor. In addition, commonly used items that often carry loads of germs include remote controls, purses, wallets, and cell phones. The kitchen is also a place where illness can be avoided with proper disinfection of areas that handle raw meat and vegetables.

Consider the Germ

Germs love to live in moist, warm places. Create an environment germs hate. For instance, keep the bathroom door open after showers so the bathroom dries out quicker.

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Yoga Breathwork Exercise to Relieve Allergy Symptoms Part 2

Yoga breathwork has been used as a way to relieve allergy symptoms for a number of centuries. The practice of using yoga breathwork to relieve the body of toxins and allergens can be traced all the way back to early Chinese medicine practices. There are two types of yoga breathwork exercises that allow the allergy sufferer to reduce their allergy symptoms. The first is a simple breathing exercise that cleanses the nasal cavities, while the other is a more relaxed approach.

Here is a look at the relaxed approach to cleansing the body of the toxins and allergens.

Step 1. Start this yoga breathwork practice by sitting up straight and keeping your spine aligned properly.

Step 2. Set your hands on the sides of your body with the palms facing upwards. You can also place the hands on the stomach. There is no right or wrong way it is whatever feels comfortable.

Step 3. Start breathing through your nose. Each breathe should be a quick breathe that is quickly forced out of the nose. Your stomach should also be rising and falling quickly. This will feel like you are panting after a long run. Breathe in and out ten to twenty times in a row.

Step 4. After completing one set take a deep breath and exhale slowly. This will allow you to start a completely new set of breathing exercises.

Step 5. Do this breathing exercise at least three to five times in a row.

Step 6. After completing the breathwork exercises it is time to cleanse the body and relax. Start by closing your eyes and raising your arms above your head. As you raise your hands breathe in deeply, hold it for five counts and release it slowly while lowering your arms. Make sure when breathing that you breathe through your nose so you can properly cleanse it of the toxins and allergens.

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Yoga Breathwork Exercise to Relieve Allergy Symptoms Part 1

Allergy sufferers are always looking for ways to relieve their allergy symptoms. For some that might mean turning to conventional medicine and taking antihistamines to reduce the symptoms of allergies. For others it might mean taking an alternative approach to allergies and using a form of breathwork to get rid of the toxins that are causing the allergy symptoms.

If you are considering trying a form of yoga breathwork to reduce allergy symptoms here is a look at a common yoga breathwork exercise that is used to cleanse the body and increase lung functions.

Warm Up Exercise. Yoga breathwork requires a warm up so that the body is ready to cleanse itself. The warmup includes sitting in a comfortable position either on the floor or on a chair. You will then take your arms and raise them above your head. While your arms are in the air you will breathe in and hold the breath for three counts, then let it out slowly while you move your arms down to your side. Repeat this warm up five to eight times.

The Yoga Breathwork with the Nose. There are two types of yoga breathwork exercises that help with allergies here is a look at the one that involves the nose. Simply sit down and put your thumb over the right of left side of the nose. While you do this inhale deeply with the nostril that is left open and hold the breath for three counts. Slowly cover the left side of the nose and inhale for three counts. Release both sides of the nose and slowly exhale while counting to three. You will repeat this action six times for each side of the nose. This is used to cleanse the nasal cavities and rid it of any allergens or toxins that might cause allergies.

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Breathwork Can Help Allergy Sufferers

Allergens are all around us. Some people are allergic to pollen, dust, grass and even dander. While many people might turn to the conventional medicines like over the counter antihistamines and prescription decongestants, some allergy sufferers turn to yoga breathwork to relieve their allergy symptoms.

Yoga breathwork has long been used as a way to relieve allergy symptoms and rid the body of harmful toxin for a number of years. In fact, breathwork was used centuries ago by Chinese medicine practitioners as a way to rid the body of the toxins that are causing the allergy symptoms to appear.

The way that yoga breathwork works to reduce the allergy symptoms is simple. Allergies are caused when a foreign substance enters the body. The body views that foreign substance as a bad factor and will try to rid the body of it naturally. This is usually done by causing the body to create histamines which result in watery eyes, itchy eyes, hives and even sneezing. These are all ways that the body tries to rid itself of the foreign body naturally. Yoga breathwork can help rid the body of foreign substances by trying to force the substance out of the body by breathing deeply through the nose or helping the lungs expel toxins that have built up through the body. As a lot of the toxins and foreign substances that are the result of allergies are inhaled through the nose breathwork will get rid of them so that the person can go about their day in an allergy free way.

In order for yoga breathwork to work on allergies many breathwork practitioners recommend that the allergy sufferer practice yoga on a daily basis. This will allow the body to rid itself of the harmful toxins that have built up over time and reduce the amount of allergy symptoms that are present.

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How to Tell if You are Breathing Properly

Not many people realize this but they are actually not breathing properly. It might be hard to believe because everyone has to breathe to live but it is estimated that over 90% of the world’s population is not breathing properly. Here is a look at how the world is breathing improperly and why it could be very detrimental to their health.

Most adults when they breathe use the upper half of their lungs. The lungs are a part of the body that filter and make oxygen for your body. The problem with breathing with the upper portion of the lungs is that the upper portion does not create a lot of oxygen and that causes a person to breathe improperly.

Researchers are unsure why many people breathe with the upper portion of their lungs. If you were to observe a small child or baby you would notice that when they breathe their bellies move up and down. This is a sign that they are breathing with their lower part of the lungs. However, as humans grow older they move from breathing with the lower part of the lungs to using the upper portion.

If you are wondering if you use the upper or lower portion of the lungs all you have to do is observe your belly when you breathe. When you take a breath in does your stomach move into your body or away? If it is into your body then chances are you use the upper portion. If it is away then you probably use the lower portion.

This might not seem very important but breathing with the upper portion can create adverse health problems. The less oxygen that you consume the more fatigued you might feel and the less energy you will have. It is also believed that the less oxygen you consume can have a direct effect on heart attacks and strokes.

In order to learn how to properly breathe many people have to engage the help of a breathwork counselor to help them re-learn how to breathe properly.

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