INTEREST IN BREATHING EXERCISES

One third of patients with asthma have tried some form of breathing exercises to help control symptoms. However, the evidence base for these treatments is limited. Cooper et al in this month’s Thorax evaluate two of these exercises in a placebo controlled trial—the Buteyko method which focuses on ventilation control and a device that mimics pranayama (a yoga breathing technique). Some improvement was seen in symptoms and bronchodilator use in patients using the Buteyko method, although the use of bronchodilators is actively discouraged with this technique. However, the Buteyko method had no effect on airway calibre, bronchial responsiveness, or exacerbations. As Thomas points out in the accompanying editorial, many asthmatic patients will want to try …