Buteyko Breathing Technique for asthma: an effective intervention.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the impact of the Buteyko Breathing Technique (BBT) on medication use in asthma.


METHODS
A blinded randomised controlled trial comparing BBT with control was conducted in 38 people with asthma aged between 18 and 70. Participants were followed for six months following the intervention. Medication use and indices of ventilatory function were recorded.


RESULTS
No significant change in FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in one second) was recorded in either group. The BBT group exhibited a reduction in inhaled steroid use of 50% and beta2-agonist use of 85% at six months from baseline. In the control group inhaled steroid use was unchanged and beta2-agonist use was reduced by 37% from baseline. Investigator contact between the two groups was equal. There were no adverse events recorded in either group.


CONCLUSIONS
BBT is a safe and efficacious asthma management technique. BBT has clinical and potential pharmaco-economic benefits that merit further study.
McHugh
Patrick
P
Emergency Department, Gisborne Hospital, Gisborne, New Zealand. mchugh@tdh.org.nz
Aitcheson
Fergus
F
Duncan
Bruce
B
Houghton
Frank
F
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000293:Adolescent; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D001507:Beclomethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012138:Respiratory Therapy; D016037:Single-Blind Method
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D001507:Beclomethasone