Buteyko breathing technique for asthma: An effective intervention

Aim: 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 B2-agonist use of 85% at six months from baseline. In the control group inhaled steroid use was unchanged and β2-agonist use was reduced by 37% from baseline. Investigator contact between the two goups 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.