Eleven studies to date have focused on asthma and one small study on Allergic Rhinitis. This has created the incorrect perception that Buteyko breathing retraining is primarily a management strategy for asthma alone.
It surprises many that Professor Konstantin Buteyko first developed his programme for hypertension and most of the early focus of his research focused on this. His subsequent research and the clinical practice of practitioners both in Russia and internationally have helped establish a therapeutic role for breathing retraining in a wide range of disorders.
Breathing is mainstream: it is not alternative or complementary therapy.
Sleep Apnoea
Dysfunctional breathing patterns, including chronic hyperventilation (over-breathing) are characteristic of baseline breathing in people with sleep disorders. However, this is still overlooked by many in the 'sleep industry'. Snoring by definition is a symptom of chronic hyperventilation. In one study, males with sleep apnoea were found to breathe double the accepted physiological norm with average tidal volumes of 950ml (normal 500ml) and average minute volumes of 15 litres/minute (normal 4-6) during the day.1 This is part of a growing body of research confirming chronic hyperventilation and dysfunctional breathing patterns are significant risk factors in sleep apnoea2,3,4.
Many thousands of people have overcome their sleep apnoea after learning the Buteyko breathing retraining programme. However, clinical trials are essential for the programme to gain widespread acceptance by the medical community. The Buteyko Institute (BIBH) has compiled a report including case studies of sleep apnoea from clinical practice which is available to sleep researchers. Researcher enquiries regarding breathing retraining for sleep disorders can contact our clinic or contact the Buteyko Institute direct »
An article examining the role of breathing retraining in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) appeared in the Australian Nursing Journal August 2004. Click here to read the article »
Click here to read an article on dysfunctional breathing and sleep apnoea by USA-based respiratory physiologist Roger Price.
1 - Radwan et al., Control of breathing in obstructive sleep apnoea and in patients with the overlap syndrome Eur Resp J 1995
2 - Coffee, C., 2006 Is chronic hyperventilation syndrome a risk factor for sleep apnea. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies (2006) 10
3 - Xei, A., et al, 1995 Hypocapnia and increased ventilatory responsiveness in patients with idiopathic central sleep apnea Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med., Vol 152, No. 6
4 - Thomas, RJ., et al. 2004 Low-Concentration CO2 is an Effective Adjunct to Positive Airway Pressure in the Treatment of Refractory Mixed Central and Obstructive Sleep-Disordered Breathing Sleep V 28 No. 1
