Drug-free asthma therapy

Every asthmatic over-breathes or hyperventilates and it is this fact that predisposes them to the symptoms described as asthma. The orthodox treatment aims to overcome the symptoms either by using a bronchodilator to open spasmed airways and/or to reduce inflamation of the airways using a steroid inhaler. Additional drugs may be given to control other symptoms. By and large the treatment is symptomatic and does not address the underlying problems.

When the underlying hyperventilation is addressed by teaching the patient to normalize their breathing symptoms begin to disappear and the person begins to return to a normal active life.

The most effective and best researched training is based on the Buteyko Method developed by a Russian doctor Dr Konstantin Buteyko.

Not only does this method reduce the need for drugs but it provides the patient with a better monitoring tool for their condition so making emergency hospital visits less likely, as they can seek additional medical help at an earlier stage and usually avoid major attacks. Current drug therapy can often mask the severity of their condition and leave the patient unaware of the seriousness of the problem, so leading to far more emergency hospital admissions or deaths. It has been broadly agreed that the vast majority of asthma deaths are avoidable with better monitoring and better management.

Thus there is a strong case to suggest the Buteyko Method can not only reduce drug dependency but also improve safety for the patient.

For more information, contact Michael Lingard directly or visit www.buteykokent.co.uk