Breath management techniques are increasingly popular methods for helping asthmatics control symptoms of an asthma attack. Pursed-lip breathing, the Buteyko method, hypnosis and yoga relaxation have all been advocated as drug-free treatments for managing asthma.

Pursed-lip breathing involves relaxing the neck and shoulder muscles, inhaling through the nose, and exhaling through puckered or pursed lips. The Buteyko breathing technique involves slowing the patient’s rate of breathing. Hypnosis and yoga are relaxation techniques aimed at reducing stress and enabling people with asthma to breath better.

Many skeptics claim these techniques have little or no benefit for those with asthma. Independent studies of these methods have failed to demonstrate that these techniques do actually work. Many appear to reveal anecdotal evidence of improvement, but without the physiological evidence to support such claims.

Asthma patients should consult with their physician before trying any of these techniques.