While the mechanism of effect of the Buteyko breathing technique (BBT) may not be accepted, or even thoroughly understood, it offers levels of impact that, if produced by a drug, would be adopted widely. Clearly, more research is urgently required before BBT or other breathing retraining approaches are incorporated, if appropriate, into the mainstream of asthma management to help reduce the mortality and morbidity resulting from beta agonist use.
Patrick McHugh
Clinical Director, Emergency Department
Gisborne Hospital, Gisborne
Bruce Duncan
Public Health Physician
Tairawhiti District Health, Gisborne
NZMJ 13 October 2006, Vol 119 No 1243
URL: http://journal.nzma.org.nz/journal/119-1243/2272/
