Asthma | Also see Asthma and Young Children

Asthma is a disorder characterised by difficulty breathing due to symptoms of bronchospasm (tightness), inflammation of the airways and increased mucous production. It can be diagnosed at any age and may range from mild to life threatening.

Diagnosis of asthma is made from medical and symptom histories and, possibly, pulmonary lung function tests: assessing resistance to airflow through the airways, and whether improvement was noted on taking short acting reliever medication (i.e. Ventolin). The most common outcome of a diagnosis of asthma is the prescription of asthma reliever and preventative medications.

The Buteyko Institute Method of breathing retraining (BIM) is an educational program that teaches reduction of acute and chronic hyperventilation (overbreathing) via breathing exercises and lifestyle changes. The principle aim is the normalisation of the breathing pattern. This results in significantly less asthma symptoms, with the majority of those that do occur being overcome by application of the breathing exercises. Outcomes should not be regarded as a ‘cure’ but rather as effective management.

Clinical outcomes, in trials to date, of the BIM show after a period of 3 months
• average symptom reduction of 71%
• 96% reduction of reliever medication
• 49% reduction of preventer medication.

One of the important outcomes of lessening reliever medication required is the reversal of tolerance to relievers, which frequently occurs with regular use. Short acting relievers, such as Ventolin, regain their effectiveness and, once again, become valuable emergency medications.

Buteyko Institute of Breathing & Health practitioners follow international ‘best practice’ guidelines for asthma medication usage encouraging the use of reliever medication in response to symptoms and preventer medication as prescribed by a persons doctor.

Ideally participation in a BIM course should be discussed with your GP and/or respiratory specialist. Doctors, specialists and allied health professionals are welcome to contact the Buteyko Corrective Breathing Centre for further information. Whilst referrals are not essential, where they are provided your referring doctor will be kept informed of your progress.