For individuals with severe asthma symtpoms, having an inhaler or two in close proximity can be a matter of life and death. However, the use of common asthma medications such asAlbuterol (an inhaled beta-2 agonist) and inhaled corticosteroids (such as Prednisone) can have annoying side effects when used daily for long periods of time. Alternative medicine has several treatments that effectively reduce the need for inhalers on a daily basis.
A new study published in the June issue of Thorax studied the effects of two breathing techniques and upper body exercise on asthma symptoms, quality of life, and medication use. In the study 57 individuals were randomized to one of two groups. Each group did a twice daily practice of breathing exercises or upper body exercise. Breathing was focused on shallow breathing through the nose. Upper body exercises focused on shoulder and arm movements coordinated with the breathing technique.
After 16 weeks individuals attempted to decrease their use of medications for asthma, including beta-2 agonists and inhaled corticosteroids. The study concluded after 30 weeks when changes in quality of life, asthma symptoms, and medication use were tallied.
They found no significant changes in quality of life or asthma symptoms as reported by the participants in the study. Surprisingly though, medication use was drastically reduced. Both shallow breathing and upper body exercise caused an 86% reduction in the use of beta-2 agonists (Albuterol, etc) and a 50% decrease in inhaled corticosteroid use.
The authors conclude that breathing techniques such as those used in the study are an effective means of reducing medication use, however not an effective treatment because symptoms were unchanged.
Alternative practitioners often recommend breathing techniques and exercise as a way to reduce stress and provide a coping mechanism. In this case, both forms of exercise may provide an alternative to the medications by creating a relaxed state that allows the body's own chemicals to open the airway and decrease inflammation.
A popular technique, known a biofeedback is useful for relieving asthma symtpoms and decreasing the severity of an attack. It allows the individual experiencing the attack to mentally alter the physiological event occuring in the airway. Biofeedback is also prescribed for other disorders that involve a stress reaction and/or anxiety. Biofeedback is a combination of breathing and visualization.
References:
1. Slader et al. "A double blind randomized controlled trial of two different breathing techniques in the management of asthma." Thorax, June 5, 2006.
Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on June 19, 2006 12:49 PM
