Kids who play wind instruments are getting relief from insomnia, anxiety, and the pain of asthma flares.

Asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease, affecting more than one child in 10, and up to one in three in poorer demographic areas, where poor housing and heating can aggravate symptoms. It is a disease of the lungs in which the airways, triggered by an allergen or irritant, become narrowed, causing shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and tightness in the chest.

Oftentimes difficulty breathing causes anxiety, which compounds an attack. Asthma attacks can often lead to a hospital admittance with symptoms ranging from pain and insomnia to anxiety and nausea. Relaxing music can help.

Research has shown that music sessions comprised of breathing exercises and playing a wind instrument can greatly improve breathing. Playing a wind instrument to a particular beat, then slowing the beat down gradually, has been shown to slow down pulse rate and breathing rate as well. This is a variation of the technique called entrainment.

Lessening anxiety can be a major factor in healing, and especially with asthma. Many patients develop anxiety simply because they are unable to breath normally. Others become stressed and worried with hospital admittance, others miss their family and their asthma worsens the longer they are alone amongst unfamiliar people and surroundings.

Asthma is a chronic disease, as no cure has been found, only treatments which alleviate symptoms, so repeated attacks and trips to the hospital can increase the anxiety and stress, especially for children.

Music can assist in relaxation and helps asthma patients learn how to breathe optimally and maintain control over their symptoms, and can make the difference in whether asthma is an inconvenience or a disability.