Asthma
|
It is well documented in research that a child or adult with asthma habitually breathes more air than a person without asthma. This can be recognised by the bad habits of mouth breathing, upper chest breathing, audible breathing and noticeable breathing at rest. The habit of overbreathing causes a disturbance of blood gases, as well as cooling and drying of the airways resulting in symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and breathlessness.
|
|
Teaching someone with asthma to switch to breathing through their nose, and bring their breathing volume towards normal, results in a significant reduction of asthma symptoms and improvement to quality of life. Furthermore, clinical trials investigating the Buteyko Breathing Method for asthma report that the improvement to asthma control from applying the Buteyko Breathing Method leads to almost half the need for inhaled steroid medication. There are currently nine published studies investigating the Buteyko Breathing Method as a treatment for asthma. You can read about clinical trials investigating the Buteyko Method for asthma below.
The Science:
There are currently nineteen clinical research trials investigating the Buteyko Method as an adjunct for asthma. Trials investigating the Buteyko Method showed positive results including improved asthma control, improvements to lung function and reduced need for asthma medication. Comments from the papers include:
“If a drug could show these results, then it is likely that it would be used widely in asthma control” (Hassan et al, 2012)
“This study demonstrated that the BBT (Buteyko Breathing Technique) can effectively improve the total serum IgE, the ventilatory function in terms of FVC, FEV 1, PEF, FEF 25–75% and FEV 1/FVC, and C-ACT scores in children with bronchial asthma.” (Elnaggara, 2016)
“In conclusion, we found that those practising the Buteyko breathing technique (BBT) reduced hyperventilation and their use of beta2-agonists. A trend toward reduced inhaled steroid use and better quality of life was observed in these patients without changes in objective measures of airway calibre.” (Bowler et al, 1998)ss BTS asthma guidelines.
“If a drug could show these results, then it is likely that it would be used widely in asthma control” (Hassan et al, 2012)
“This study demonstrated that the BBT (Buteyko Breathing Technique) can effectively improve the total serum IgE, the ventilatory function in terms of FVC, FEV 1, PEF, FEF 25–75% and FEV 1/FVC, and C-ACT scores in children with bronchial asthma.” (Elnaggara, 2016)
“In conclusion, we found that those practising the Buteyko breathing technique (BBT) reduced hyperventilation and their use of beta2-agonists. A trend toward reduced inhaled steroid use and better quality of life was observed in these patients without changes in objective measures of airway calibre.” (Bowler et al, 1998)ss BTS asthma guidelines.
Summary of trials:
1. BUTEYKO METHOD FOR CHILDREN WITH ASTHMA: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL
Rationale: Asthma is the most chronic disease among children and became a public health problem due to its high cost in healthcare. The Buteyko Method is a low-cost and non-pharmacological intervention that has been used in the treatment of patients with asthma.
Conclusion: Data from the present showed that the Buteyko Method was effective to improve some lung function and symptoms parameters. Both Buteyko Method and asthma education improved quality of life in the children assessed.
Rationale: Asthma is the most chronic disease among children and became a public health problem due to its high cost in healthcare. The Buteyko Method is a low-cost and non-pharmacological intervention that has been used in the treatment of patients with asthma.
Conclusion: Data from the present showed that the Buteyko Method was effective to improve some lung function and symptoms parameters. Both Buteyko Method and asthma education improved quality of life in the children assessed.
2. BUTEYKO METHOD FOR CHILDREN WITH ASTHMA AND MOUTH BREATHING: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL
Rationale: Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in childhood with significant morbidity and mortality. Mouth breathing is a breathing disorder with a high prevalence in children. Several non-pharmacological therapies have been widely used in the search for alternative therapies in the treatment of asthma, such as the Buteyko Method. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the Buteyko Method as a complimentary therapy in the treatment of children with asthma and mouth breathing.
Conclusion: The Buteyko Method improved the sleep disorders scores, lung function, and reduced the number of school absences in children with asthma and mouth breathing.
Rationale: Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in childhood with significant morbidity and mortality. Mouth breathing is a breathing disorder with a high prevalence in children. Several non-pharmacological therapies have been widely used in the search for alternative therapies in the treatment of asthma, such as the Buteyko Method. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the Buteyko Method as a complimentary therapy in the treatment of children with asthma and mouth breathing.
Conclusion: The Buteyko Method improved the sleep disorders scores, lung function, and reduced the number of school absences in children with asthma and mouth breathing.
3. EFFECTIVENESS OF BUTEYKO BREATHING TECHNIQUE ON RESPIRATORY PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AMONG PATIENTS WITH BRONCHIAL ASTHMA
Buteyko Breathing Technique was found to be significantly effective in improving the respiratory physiological parameters among patients with bronchial asthma.
Buteyko Breathing Technique was found to be significantly effective in improving the respiratory physiological parameters among patients with bronchial asthma.
4. EFFICACY OF NON-INVASIVE RESPIRATORY TECHNIQUES IN THE TREATMENT OF CHILDREN WITH BRONCHIAL ASTHMA: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL
This study demonstrated that the Buteyko Breathing Technique and the TLPT can effectively improve the total serum IgE, the ventilatory function in terms of FVC, FEV 1, PEF, FEF 25–75% and FEV 1/FVC, and C-ACT scores in children with bronchial asthma. However, Buteyko breathing was more significantly effective compared with the TLPT.
This study demonstrated that the Buteyko Breathing Technique and the TLPT can effectively improve the total serum IgE, the ventilatory function in terms of FVC, FEV 1, PEF, FEF 25–75% and FEV 1/FVC, and C-ACT scores in children with bronchial asthma. However, Buteyko breathing was more significantly effective compared with the TLPT.
5. TO COMPARE THE EFFICACY OF PURSED LIP BREATHING AND BUTEYKO BREATHING TECHNIQUE TO REDUCE THE SYMPTOMS OF EXERCISE INDUCED ASTHMA IN OBESE CHILDREN
The subjects were treated with pursed lip breathing and Buteyko breathing technique along with relaxation technique and chest mobility exercise using bilateral upper limb patterns of PNF for duration on 1 week. Both the group were found to be effective in reducing the symptoms of EIA. We found clinical significance in both the groups But clinically subjects with Buteyko breathing technique showed more improvement than subjects with pursed lip breathing technique.
The subjects were treated with pursed lip breathing and Buteyko breathing technique along with relaxation technique and chest mobility exercise using bilateral upper limb patterns of PNF for duration on 1 week. Both the group were found to be effective in reducing the symptoms of EIA. We found clinical significance in both the groups But clinically subjects with Buteyko breathing technique showed more improvement than subjects with pursed lip breathing technique.
6. EFFECT OF BUTEYKO BREATHING EXERCISE IN NEWLY DIAGNOSED ASTHMATIC PATIENTS
The results of this study support the effectiveness of Buteyko breathing exercise over the standard treatment in the newly diagnosed asthmatic patients. There was a statistically significant improvement of daily Asthma Control and PEFR in the group who did Buteyko breathing exercise for 2 months over the control group. With an intervention that is safe, equally efficacious and cheap, it is possible to use this Buteyko breathing technique as a primary treatment method in the management of asthmatic patients at the primary health care level itself.
The results of this study support the effectiveness of Buteyko breathing exercise over the standard treatment in the newly diagnosed asthmatic patients. There was a statistically significant improvement of daily Asthma Control and PEFR in the group who did Buteyko breathing exercise for 2 months over the control group. With an intervention that is safe, equally efficacious and cheap, it is possible to use this Buteyko breathing technique as a primary treatment method in the management of asthmatic patients at the primary health care level itself.
7. TO STUDY THE EFFECTIVENESS OF BUTEYKO BREATHING TECHNIQUE VERSUS DIAPHRAGMATIC BREATHING IN ASTHMATICS
Background:
Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. It is estimated that around 300 million people in the world currently have asthma. In asthmatics dysfunctional breathing pattern is common. Breathing pattern is the basis of abnormal patterns in asthma. The purpose of this study was to find out the effectiveness of Buteyko breathing technique versus diaphragmatic breathing in asthmatics.
Conclusion: The Buteyko breathing technique proves to be more effective than diaphragmatic breathing technique in asthmatics.
Background:
Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. It is estimated that around 300 million people in the world currently have asthma. In asthmatics dysfunctional breathing pattern is common. Breathing pattern is the basis of abnormal patterns in asthma. The purpose of this study was to find out the effectiveness of Buteyko breathing technique versus diaphragmatic breathing in asthmatics.
Conclusion: The Buteyko breathing technique proves to be more effective than diaphragmatic breathing technique in asthmatics.
8. ROLE OF BUTEYKO BREATHING TECHNIQUE IN ASTHMATICS WITH NASAL SYMPTOMS
In collaboration with the University of Limerick, Patrick McKeown was the instructor in a clinical study investigating the Buteyko Method as a treatment for rhinitis in asthma. Results showed a 70% reduction of nasal symptoms in participants, including snoring, loss of smell, nasal congestion and difficulty breathing through the nose.
In collaboration with the University of Limerick, Patrick McKeown was the instructor in a clinical study investigating the Buteyko Method as a treatment for rhinitis in asthma. Results showed a 70% reduction of nasal symptoms in participants, including snoring, loss of smell, nasal congestion and difficulty breathing through the nose.
9. COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF BUTEYKO AND PRANAYAMA BREATHING TECHNIQUES ON QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH ASTHMA – A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALThe baseline characteristics were similar in all three groups. Post intervention, the Buteyko group showed better trends of improvement (mean (95% confidence interval), P-value) in total Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire score than the pranayama (0.47 (-0.008-0.95), P = 0.056) and control groups (0.97 (0.48-1.46), P = 0.0001). In comparison between the pranayama and control groups, pranayama showed significant improvement (0.50 (0.01-0.98), P = 0.042) in total Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire score. The Buteyko group showed better trends of improvement in quality of life and asthma control than the group performing the pranayama breathing exercise.
10. EFFECT OF BUTEYKO BREATHING TECHNIQUE ON PATIENTS WITH BRONCHIAL ASTHMA.
Taken from the paper: ‘Even though no study has indicated exactly why Buteyko is so effective at controlling asthma, if a drug could show these results, then it is likely that it would be used widely in asthma control. In the present study, the result of Buteyko breathing technique showed a decrease in asthma daily symptoms with 52% and 0.8% in group (A) and (B), respectively. The results of this study support the good effect of Buteyko Breathing Technique on patients with bronchial asthma. It significantly decrease the recurrence and the severity of the main bronchial asthma symptoms (nocturnal waking, morning symptoms activity limitation, shortness of breath, wheezing, PEFR% predicted, and Inhaled Corticosteroids). And it significantly increase PEFR. Buteyko Breathing Therapy will improve patients function level and the capacity for independent living by decreasing the severity of asthma symptoms and recurrence of asthma attacks.’
Taken from the paper: ‘Even though no study has indicated exactly why Buteyko is so effective at controlling asthma, if a drug could show these results, then it is likely that it would be used widely in asthma control. In the present study, the result of Buteyko breathing technique showed a decrease in asthma daily symptoms with 52% and 0.8% in group (A) and (B), respectively. The results of this study support the good effect of Buteyko Breathing Technique on patients with bronchial asthma. It significantly decrease the recurrence and the severity of the main bronchial asthma symptoms (nocturnal waking, morning symptoms activity limitation, shortness of breath, wheezing, PEFR% predicted, and Inhaled Corticosteroids). And it significantly increase PEFR. Buteyko Breathing Therapy will improve patients function level and the capacity for independent living by decreasing the severity of asthma symptoms and recurrence of asthma attacks.’
11. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF BREATHING RETRAINING IN ASTHMA MANAGEMENT. EXPERT REVIEW RESPIRATORY MEDICINE
Discussion:
The BBT has been the most widely publicized among the CAM techniques used in asthma management. Individual studies using BBT consistently demonstrated a reduction in asthma medication use, and together with respiratory physiotherapy studies, often showed an improvement in AQOL and the subjective experience of asthma symptoms. However, there was no significant improvement in lung function in any of the BBT studies to account for the positive results. This was supported by the results of meta-analyses, which failed to show an effect of these techniques using pooled estimates. While it is possible that the deep inspiration required for lung function testing might induce bronchoconstriction [56] and override any beneficial effect from BBT, it is also possible that the studies were inadequately powered to detect changes in lung function parameters. Larger studies might reveal an effect. A meta-analysis of the studies that explored the postulated underlying mechanism proposed in BBT showed a significant increase in end-tidal CO2 in the active intervention arm.
Critics of BBT argue that medication reduction could be due to the therapists influence and it is difficult to evaluate that possibility. On the other hand, there was no evidence of a detrimental effect on asthma control with reduction in medication usage and to some extent, there might have been an improvement in symptoms. Longer follow-up is needed to show that improvement in asthma control as measured by medication usage is sustained for a duration that is clinically meaningful, and that BBT has no adverse effects. Despite the lack of evidence for physiological change to account for the observed benefits, a decrease in medication use could be useful considering the possible systemic effects of ICS use [57,58].
Discussion:
The BBT has been the most widely publicized among the CAM techniques used in asthma management. Individual studies using BBT consistently demonstrated a reduction in asthma medication use, and together with respiratory physiotherapy studies, often showed an improvement in AQOL and the subjective experience of asthma symptoms. However, there was no significant improvement in lung function in any of the BBT studies to account for the positive results. This was supported by the results of meta-analyses, which failed to show an effect of these techniques using pooled estimates. While it is possible that the deep inspiration required for lung function testing might induce bronchoconstriction [56] and override any beneficial effect from BBT, it is also possible that the studies were inadequately powered to detect changes in lung function parameters. Larger studies might reveal an effect. A meta-analysis of the studies that explored the postulated underlying mechanism proposed in BBT showed a significant increase in end-tidal CO2 in the active intervention arm.
Critics of BBT argue that medication reduction could be due to the therapists influence and it is difficult to evaluate that possibility. On the other hand, there was no evidence of a detrimental effect on asthma control with reduction in medication usage and to some extent, there might have been an improvement in symptoms. Longer follow-up is needed to show that improvement in asthma control as measured by medication usage is sustained for a duration that is clinically meaningful, and that BBT has no adverse effects. Despite the lack of evidence for physiological change to account for the observed benefits, a decrease in medication use could be useful considering the possible systemic effects of ICS use [57,58].
12. BUTEYKO BREATHING TECHNIQUE REDUCES HYPERVENTILATION INDUCED HYPOCAPNOEA AND DYSPNOEA AFTER EXERCISE IN ASTHMA
“Our study demonstrated the hypothesised physiology of BBT, improving hyperventilation induced hypocapnoea and breathlessness, following maximal exercise. By teaching patients to reduce hypernoea of breathing (the rate &depth), BBT may reduce asthma symptoms and improve exercise tolerance and control.”
“Our study demonstrated the hypothesised physiology of BBT, improving hyperventilation induced hypocapnoea and breathlessness, following maximal exercise. By teaching patients to reduce hypernoea of breathing (the rate &depth), BBT may reduce asthma symptoms and improve exercise tolerance and control.”
13. A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL OF THE BUTEYKO TECHNIQUE AS AN ADJUNCT TO CONVENTIONAL MANAGEMENT OF ASTHMA.
At six month follow up the Buteyko group had:
At six month follow up the Buteyko group had:
- Improved asthma control from 40% to 75%
- 39% of patients decreased inhaled corticosteroids
- 21% eliminated inhaled corticosteroids
14. DOUBLE BLIND RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL OF TWO DIFFERENT BREATHING TECHNIQUES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ASTHMA THORAX
At week 28; Buteyko Method Group achieved:
At week 28; Buteyko Method Group achieved:
- Reliever medication decreased by 86%
- Inhaled Corticosteroids decreased by 50%
15. THE NEW ZEALAND MEDICAL JOURNAL
BUTEYKO BREATHING TECHNIQUE AND ASTHMA IN CHILDREN: A CASE SERIES
At 3 months; Buteyko Group achieved:
BUTEYKO BREATHING TECHNIQUE AND ASTHMA IN CHILDREN: A CASE SERIES
At 3 months; Buteyko Group achieved:
- Reliever medication decreased by 66%
- Inhaled Corticosteroids decreased by 41%
16. EFFECT OF TWO BREATHING EXERCISES (BUTEYKO AND PRANAYAMA) IN ASTHMA: A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL
The Buteyko breathing technique can improve symptoms and reduce bronchodilator use but does not appear to change bronchial responsiveness or lung function in patients with asthma.
The Buteyko breathing technique can improve symptoms and reduce bronchodilator use but does not appear to change bronchial responsiveness or lung function in patients with asthma.
17. THE NEW ZEALAND MEDICAL JOURNALButeyko Breathing Technique (BBT) for asthma: an effective intervention (McHugh et al, 2003)
At 6 months; Buteyko Group achieved:
At 6 months; Buteyko Group achieved:
- Reliever medication decreased by 85%
- Inhaled Corticosteroids decreased by 50%
18. JOURNAL ASTHMA A clinical trial of the Buteyko Breathing Technique in asthma as taught by a video. “Our results demonstrated a significant improvement in quality of life among those assigned to the BBT compared with placebo (p= 0.043), as well as a significant reduction in inhaled bronchodilator intake (p = 0.008).”
19. MEDICAL JOURNAL AUSTRALIAButeyko breathing techniques in asthma: a blinded randomized controlled trial.
At 3 months; Buteyko Group achieved:
At 3 months; Buteyko Group achieved:
- Reliever medication decreased by 90%
- Inhaled Corticosteroids decreased by 49%
