Breathing Exercises for Asthma

Despite the advances in pharmacological therapy for asthma, there has been an increasing worldwide interest in alternative therapies for asthma. Treatments and therapies such as yoga, acupuncture, homeopathy, hypnosis and Buteyko and other breathing techniques have been used as complementary therapies however little evidence exists behind such practices. Data from systemic reviews and randomized control trials provide evidence of benefit although additional confirmation is still needed. Among the most common techniques are the Buteyko breathing exercises that aim to reduce minute ventilation by instruct asthmatics patients to breathe shallowly and slowly through the nose. The second common technique is the Pranayama, or yoga breathing exercises which emphasizes deep respirations and exhalation prolongation. Our goal is to assess the effectiveness of breathing exercises as a complementary therapy for asthma.

Patients will be thought 3 different exercises included yoga pranayama, diaphragmatic breathing and pursed lip breathing. Patients will be asked to repeat these exercises at least twice daily for a one month period. Also patients will be thought 4 different exercises which they could use in the event of an asthma exacerbation. Teaching will be supplemented by a breathing exercise brochure and patients will be asked to demonstrate proper technique at initial visit and at the return visit.

Patients will be thought 3 different exercises included yoga pranayama, diaphragmatic breathing and pursed lip breathing. Patients will be asked to repeat these exercises at least twice daily for a one month period. Also patients will be thought 4 different exercises which they could use in the event of an asthma exacerbation. Teaching will be supplemented by a breathing exercise brochure and patients will be asked to demonstrate proper technique at initial visit and at the return visit.

Inclusion Criteria: Adults age 18-65 of either sex, with a physician-diagnosed history of persistent asthma. Access to internet Exclusion Criteria: Subjects with history of COPD or any other lung disease, pregnant or lactating women, no access to internet and patients who cannot communicate in English.