Living with asthma often involves a focus on medication, but what about other supportive therapies? Breathing exercises are gaining attention as a way to manage symptoms, but it's crucial to understand what the evidence actually says.
What is Breathing Pattern Awareness?
Breathing pattern
awareness is not about a single magic technique. Instead, it refers to the process of identifying and correcting inefficient or dysfunctional breathing habits that can accompany asthma. Many people with asthma, often without realising it, develop patterns like breathing through the mouth, using upper chest muscles instead of the diaphragm, or breathing too quickly. This is sometimes called 'dysfunctional breathing'. These habits can make you feel more breathless and anxious, creating a cycle that worsens symptoms. The goal of breathing awareness and retraining is to restore a more efficient, relaxed pattern: gentle, quiet breathing in through the nose, using the diaphragm.
The Science: Does It Actually Work?
This is the key question, and the answer from a growing body of research is a qualified 'yes'. Major systematic reviews, including those from Cochrane, have found that breathing exercise programmes can lead to significant improvements in quality of life and a reduction in hyperventilation symptoms for people with mild to moderate asthma. Some studies also suggest these techniques can help reduce the need for reliever inhalers. However, it's important to have realistic expectations. The evidence consistently shows that breathing exercises do not change the underlying inflammation or core lung function measurements associated with asthma. Think of it less as a cure and more as a powerful tool for managing how you experience the disease.
Popular Techniques Explored
Several structured methods have been studied. The Papworth Method, developed in the 1960s, integrates gentle diaphragmatic breathing with relaxation techniques and education on tailoring your breathing to your activity level. It focuses heavily on nose breathing. The Buteyko Breathing Technique is another well-known method that aims to correct chronic hyperventilation (over-breathing) by teaching shallow breathing and breath-holding exercises. Proponents believe that asthma symptoms are a defence against the loss of carbon dioxide from over-breathing. While the techniques differ, they share a common goal: to normalise breathing patterns and improve control.
Key Benefits and Realistic Expectations
The primary, evidence-backed benefits of adding a breathing practice to your asthma management plan are feeling better and having a better quality of life. Patients often report feeling less anxious and more in control of their symptoms. This improved sense of wellbeing is a significant outcome. However, it cannot be overstated that breathing exercises are a complementary therapy. They are meant to be used alongside, not in place of, prescribed medications like controller inhalers. Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines acknowledge that breathing exercises can be a useful supplement to pharmacological treatment.
Is It Safe and Who Can Help?
When taught correctly, breathing exercises are very safe. The best way to learn is from a qualified professional, typically a respiratory physiotherapist, who can assess your specific breathing pattern and guide you through the right techniques. They can help you learn how to practice breathing control, improve your posture, and integrate the exercises into daily activities. Self-'learning is also becoming more accessible, with some studies showing that a DVD-'based programme can be effective, making the therapy more widely available. The most important safety rule is to never stop or alter your prescribed asthma medication without consulting your doctor. The goal is to add a new tool to your kit, not to discard an essential one.
