Effect of Buteyko breathing technique on patients with bronchial asthma

• Main Authors: Zahra Mohamed Hassan, Nermine Mounir Riad, Fatma Hassan Ahmed
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2012-10-01
• Series: Egyptian Journal of Chest Disease and Tuberculosis
• Subjects: Buteyko breathing technique; Bronchial asthma
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0422763812000520

A new dawn is emerging by recognizing that correct breathing volume is fundamental to maintaining good health, the new beginning is based on the life’s work of Russian scientist professor Konstantin Buteyko. The Buteyko breathing technique method as suggested by Professor Buteyko helps to decrease the number and severity of attacks as well as the dosage of medication. As a result of this therapy, the indicators of acid-alkali balance and lung ventilation improved. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Buteyko breathing technique on patients with bronchial asthma. Forty patients with bronchial asthma participated in this study, their age ranged between 30 and 50 years. They were divided into two equal groups, group (A) received Buteyko breathing technique (BBT), and the medications prescribed by the physician, while group, (B) did not perform any physical therapy program just their medications prescribed by the physician. The program continued for 6 weeks (2 sessions per week except the 1st week was 4 sessions per week). Peak expiratory flow rates (PEFR), Control pause test and asthma daily symptoms (asthma control questionnaire) were measured at the beginning and after the treatment program for both groups. The results of this study: revealed a significant decrease in asthma daily symptoms, a significant improvement in PEFR, and Control pause test in group (A), while there was insignificant change in group (B). It can be concluded that BBT produce a significant improvement for patients with bronchial asthma as regard daily symptoms, PEFR and Control pause test.