Breathing exercises

Breathing exercises used for asthma include the Buteyko technique, Papworth method and yoga breathing (pranayama). You take slow, deep, even breaths to change your breathing pattern and prevent rapid breathing (hyperventilation). The exercises don't seem to improve the allergic reaction that triggers asthma symptoms.

A comprehensive review of research on asthma breathing exercises found that the exercises may offer modest benefits, if any. Additional research is necessary to confirm their effectiveness. However, breathing exercises are easy to do and may help you relax. Some people who have tried them said they felt better.