RISING INCIDENCE OF ASTHMA IN ADULTS AND CHILDREN
THE LINK WITH YOUR BREATHING PATTERN
Faulty breathing habits commonly underlie and contribute to asthma, hayfever; chronic mouth breathing and nasal problems. People with these problems characteristically ‘overbreathe’ – either through the mouth or through the nose. Chronic coughing is a form of overbreathing - it involves high volume breathing.
Research shows people with asthma routinely breathe 2-3 times more air per minute than is normal. Physiologic normal is 5 L/min; multiple studies show the average in people with asthma is around 14 L/min.
BREATHING RETRAINING ADDRESSES AN UNDERLYING CAUSE
Through breathing retraining you can change the way you breathe.
Breathing retraining helps you identify and undo your often unconscious faulty (‘dysfunctional’) breathing habits and aims to get you back to correct rate and volume of breathing, and nose-diaphragm breathing day and night. You learn to breathe more gently and efficiently. This may:
reduce irritation, inflammation and dehydration of your nasal passages, lower airways and lungs
reduce inhalation of pollutants, allergens and infective particles
prevent excessive loss of your natural bronchodilator (carbon dioxide) and
enhance oxygen uptake to every cell in your body (Bohr effect).
Benefits may include clearer nose, easier breathing, more energy, better exercise capacity, feeling calmer, quieter and more restful sleep, and in the longer term, less colds and flus. Our experience and historic clinical data (1) from working with thousands of people with asthma and nasal problems is that improvements are often reported to begin within the first 24 hours, and significant relief of symptoms reported within 5 days of commencing a comprehensive, in-person, live breathing retraining program.
(1) Clinical data-Graham T, Breathing Training Centre, Canberra, Australia 1993-2016.
RESEARCH
At least 20 clinical trials have been conducted on the effects of the Buteyko Method of breathing retraining in the management of asthma and nasal problems. It has been found to be safe and effective in reducing symptoms.
See results below for the clinical trial Tess Graham was involved in.
DISCLAIMER
Tess Graham was part of the research team for a clinical trial of the Buteyko Method through the Mater Hospital in Brisbane, Australia with chronic asthma sufferers. The “Buteyko Group” were taught the Buteyko Method; the “Control Group” were taught a standard physiotherapy breathing and asthma management approach. Both groups were followed up for three months. Medication changes were made under medical direction and supervision.
‘Buteyko breathing techniques in asthma: a controlled trial’. Bowler SD. MJA. 1998; 169: 575–578 .
Here is a summary of the statistically significant results at the 3-month review endpoint.
Minute Volume MV = Litres breathed per minute
Trial subjects averaged
14L/minute at rest.
(Normal MV is 4-6 L/min.)
Chronic overbreathing was found in ALL subjects of both groups.
25% reduction in MV
71% median reduction in symptoms
96% median reduction in daily β2‐agonist (bronchodilator) use
49% reduction in daily inhaled corticosteroid use
Correlation between reduction in MV and reduction in need for bronchodilater medication
No significant change in any parameter.
Start now to improve this fundamental component of health, wellbeing and refreshing sleep
A 9-day program to take control of your physiology and regain calm, focus and ease – by learning to breathe the way calm people do.
Easy-to-follow explanations and step-by-step guidance in retraining your breathing and establishing the 9 healthy breathing habits. Includes info on ALL common breathing-related conditions for which people seek help from Buteyko breathing educators.
A step-by-step guide to restful sleep and better health through changing the way you breathe. The aim is to establish quiet, gentle, slow breathing - awake and asleep.
Easy-to-follow explanations and step-by-step guidance in retraining your breathing and establishing the 9 healthy breathing habits. Includes info on ALL common breathing-related conditions for which people seek help from Buteyko breathing educators.