Use of the Buteyko method in the study of quality of life in asthma Patients

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of Buteyko breathing exercises as part of comprehensive asthma therapy. Materials and Methods: A total of 52 patients with partially controlled moderate asthma were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 received baseline asthma therapy, while Group 2 received baseline therapy combined with Buteyko breathing exercises. Treatment efficacy was assessed using respiratory function parameters, the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire, and the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) at baseline and three months after treatment. Results: Patients receiving baseline therapy combined with Buteyko breathing exercises demonstrated greater improvement in respiratory function parameters compared with patients receiving baseline therapy alone. In Group 2, forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) increased from 59.31% to 72.11% after treatment (p<0.05). Improvements in selected domains of quality of life and asthma control were also observed following treatment. Conclusions: The addition of Buteyko breathing exercises to baseline therapy was associated with greater improvement in respiratory function and selected quality-of-life parameters compared with baseline therapy alone. Buteyko breathing exercises may be considered a supportive adjunct to comprehensive asthma management.