Benefits of Breathing Exercises in Asthma

Member of the Turkish National Allergy and Clinical Immunology Association Prof. Dr. İlknur Bostancı talked about the benefits of breathing exercises in the treatment of asthma. Bostancı said that in the study, 193 patients with moderate to severe asthma were given breathing training under the supervision of a physiotherapist, and it was observed that the quality of life of the patients who received breathing training improved within 1 year compared to those who did not.

Member of the Turkish National Allergy and Clinical Immunology Association Prof. Dr. İlknur Bostancı said, “We see that breathing exercises are now included in international asthma treatment guidelines. As a matter of fact, in the 2022 International Consensus Report, it was stated that it is a useful method in increasing the quality of life of patients and the level of evidence regarding this is A-grade, that is, very high.” said.

Stating that Buteyko breathing exercises were developed based on the theory that a decrease in the number of breaths per minute can improve asthma control, Bostancı said, “In a comprehensive study, 193 patients with moderate-to-severe asthma were given breathing training under the supervision of a physiotherapist and it was shown that the patients who received breathing training had an improvement in their quality of life within 1 year compared to those who did not. However, no changes were recorded in airway physiology, number of medications, number of asthma attacks and exercise capacity measurements.” used his statements.

In a study led by Bostancı, flute was used instead of breathing exercises. Making evaluations on the subject, Bostancı said:

“Making children do breathing exercises directly can be boring for them, but we thought that providing this with a musical instrument is both a viable and fun method. In this study, we investigated the effect of block flute breathing exercise on pulmonary function tests in children with asthma. First of all, we gave theoretical and practical lessons about diaphragm exercises and block flute blowing to children with asthma, and then we asked them to practice these exercises at home for 1 minutes a day for 15 month.

In the study, Dr. Stating that Gülhan Atakul is also a musician, Bostancı said, “He personally conducted the children's block flute studies. We observed that some parameters in the breathing tests performed before starting the exercises improved slightly after the block flute breathing exercises, our study was successful.” he said.

Breathing exercises are in international asthma treatment guidelines.

Stating that breathing exercises are now included in international asthma treatment guidelines, Bostancı said, “As a matter of fact, in the 2022 International Consensus Report, it was stated that it is a useful method in increasing the quality of life of patients and the level of evidence for this is A. However, it should be noted that this method is never a substitute for medications, does not reduce the risk of asthma, or has consistent effects on lung function. In summary, this method is not a cure for asthma, it is only a method that makes it easier for patients to make peace with and cope with asthma.” said.

What should be done to control asthma?

Emphasizing that strategies to reduce the risk of asthma attacks are as important as medications for the control of asthma complaints, Bostancı made the following suggestions for controlling the attacks:

“Staying away from smoking, breathing exercises, prevention of obesity, vitamin D supplementation and avoidance of allergens, for example, avoiding aeroallergens such as house dust, cockroaches, pets, are important for asthma control.”

Bostancı said, “Patients should be told every time that asthma lasts for a long time and that lifestyle changes need to be made.” the use of respiratory and protective drugs. However, in some patients, asthma cannot be adequately controlled with this standard treatment. In this case, complementary approaches, such as the breathing exercises I mentioned earlier, help. Therefore, these exercises should be included in life.” he concluded his speech.