A Complementary Approach to Asthma Treatment: Buteyko Breathing Technique

Authors : Seçil Beyece İncazlı, Funda Aşkınoğlu, Sema Üstündağ, Özlem Göksel, Mehtap Hafızoğlu, Münevver Erdinç, Öznur Usta Yeşilbalkan, Asiye Akyol

Pages : 229-236

Doi:10.48071/sbuhemsirelik.1683161

View : 107 | Download : 484

Publication Date : 2025-12-17

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Intoduction: The Buteyko Breathing Technique, which focuses on correcting dysfunctional breathing patterns, has been reported to be effective in reducing hyperventilation symptoms and accompanying anxiety that play a role in the onset of asthma symptoms. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of BBT training on asthma control, quality of life, and pulmonary function among asthma patients. Method: Between June 2018 and June 2019, 24 patients were included in this randomized controlled trial conducted at the asthma outpatient clinic of a university hospital. Patients were assigned to the intervention (n = 12) and control (n = 12) groups using the block randomization method. The intervention group received BBT training and daily practice sessions, while the control group received standard breathing education—based on the \\\"Life with Asthma\\\" booklet—including abdominal and diaphragmatic breathing techniques. All participants were evaluated at baseline and week 6 using the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ), Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ), and pulmonary function tests (FEV₁, FEV₁/FVC, control pause (CP)). Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0; independent t-tests, Mann–Whitney U tests, and repeated-measures ANOVA were applied. Results: In the intervention group, mean ACQ scores improved from 2.3 to 1.5; AQLQ total scores increased from 4.2 to 5.6; FEV₁ improved by 0.41 L/s; and CP duration increased from 11.08 seconds to 18.19 seconds (a 64.2% increase). All changes were statistically significant (p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in the control group. Conclusion: These findings suggest that BBT may be a potentially effective complementary approach. However, given the small sample size and short follow-up duration, larger studies with longer-term follow-up are necessary to confirm and generalize these results.
Keywords : Astım, astım kontrolü, buteyko nefes tekniği, hemşirelik, tamamlayıcı tedavi

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