Eucapnic breathing technique

Related Terms

Buteyko breathing training, Buteyko Institute Method, Buteyko technique, Eucapnic breathing technique, Eucapnic Buteyko breathing.

Background

The Buteyko breathing technique (BBT) consists of breathing techniques, relaxation exercises, and asthma education. The technique aims to reduce hyperventilation. BBT originated in Russia in the 1950s and has since been adapted for use elsewhere.
BBT is most commonly used to treat asthma and other breathing conditions. Some evidence suggests that BBT may help reduce reliance on asthma drugs, especially among patients who frequently use a rescue inhaler. However, studies have not shown improvement in other measures of asthma severity.

Theory

The theory behind the Buteyko breathing technique (BBT) is that individuals with asthma over-breathe (hyperventilate), causing them to lose excessive carbon dioxide from the lungs. When carbon dioxide levels become too low, the airways constrict and oxygen levels are lowered.
BBT may have an effect because of the personal attention patients receive or because of a change in the patient's perception of asthma severity. In addition, asthma education may improve patients' understanding of the disease.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Studies have shown reduced use of rescue inhalers among patients receiving BBT. Improvements in other measures of asthma severity have not been shown. Additional study is warranted.

 B


Studies have shown reduced use of rescue inhalers among patients receiving BBT. Improvements in other measures of asthma severity have not been shown. Additional study is warranted.

 B
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Safety

Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

Abramson M, Borg B, Doran C. A randomized controlled trial of the Buteyko method for asthma. Int J Immunorehabil 2004;6:244.
Bruton A, Lewith GT. The Buteyko breathing technique for asthma: a review. Complement Ther Med. 2005;13(1):41-46.
Bowler SD, Green A, Mitchell CA. Buteyko breathing techniques in asthma: a blinded randomised controlled trial. Med J Aust. 12-7-1998;169(11-12):575-578.
British Guideline on the Management of Asthma. Thorax 2008;63 Suppl 4:iv1-121.
Cooper S, Oborne J, Newton S, et al. Effect of two breathing exercises (Buteyko and pranayama) in asthma: a randomised controlled trial. Thorax 2003;58(8):674-679.
McGowan J. Health Education: Does the Buteyko Institute Method make a difference? Thorax 2003;58(suppl III):28.
McHugh P, Aitcheson F, Duncan B, et al. Buteyko Breathing Technique for asthma: an effective intervention. N Z Med.J 12-12-2003;116(1187):U710.
Opat AJ, Cohen MM, Bailey MJ, et al. A clinical trial of the Buteyko Breathing Technique in asthma as taught by a video. J Asthma 2000;37(7):557-564.
Walters EH, Johns DP. Unravelling the Buteyko effect. Med J Aust. 1-15-2001;174(2):64-65.
Weiner JM, Burdon JG. Severe allergen-induced asthma despite the use of Buteyko breathing technique. Med J Aust. 7-19-1999;171(2):109.