Breathing technique could improve symptoms
28 June 2007

People with mild asthma could benefit from an old-fashioned breathing and relaxation technique, according to researchers at University College London.

In a trial of 85 people with mild asthma, the symptoms of those using the Papworth method alongside drugs were significantly eased. Asthma UK experts say it is vital that people with asthma continue to take their prescribed medication alongside additional breathing techniques.

The 1960s technique involves focusing on the diaphragm while breathing, and emphasises breathing through the nose, accompanied by relaxation training. The method was forgotten as a treatment as asthma medicines improved.

Those who continued to rely solely on their medication scored 33.5 in the St George's Respiratory Syndrome Questionnaire - a survey that asks patients questions such as how often they have coughed, wheezed or brought up phlegm.

Those who had used the Papworth method for 12 months scored 24.9 on the scale, which measures the severity of symptoms out of 100. A non-asthma patient is likely to score 11 or 12.

The breathing technique is accompanied by relaxation training and education to help people integrate it into their everyday .

Dr. Mike Thomas, Senior Research Fellow, Asthma UK said:

'This interesting study adds to a growing body of evidence that breathing exercises and breathing retraining programmes can be helpful to people with asthma. Many people with asthma are interested in exploring non-drug methods of helping their asthma symptoms and reducing the way asthma affects their life.

'This study suggests that a breathing programme supervised by a physiotherapist can help people with asthma feel in control of their condition. It is also consistent with other studies from Australia and the UK which show that breathing exercises can help to reduce the need for reliever medication and can improve the quality of life of people with asthma.

'It is however vital that people with asthma continue to take their prescribed medication alongside any additional breathing training.'