The maneuver in drowning is recommended by the National Pool and Water Park Assn. Our job now is to spread the word about using the maneuver in asthma. There is no time to waste. Fourteen Americans die during asthma attacks every day, exceeding 5,000 deaths each year. There is evidence that the Heimlich Maneuver can also prevent an asthma attack from occuring.
Studies show that performing the maneuver on a regular basis keeps the lungs free of mucus.
Asthmatics have been taught to perform the maneuver on themselves and mothers perform it on their children several times each week. At present, physicians in different parts of the country are teaching asthma patients to use the maneuver prophylactically, as well as in an emergency. As more asthmatics learn about this technique, it will reduce the need for asthma drugs, which are not only costly but can cause deadly reactions. When performed on asthmatics, the Heimlich Maneuver need only be done very gently because you are expelling air and mucus, not a solid choking object or water. If you use the Maneuver to overcome or prevent an asthma attack, please share your experiences with us at the Heimlich Institute.