Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Buteyko breathing technique (BBT) as an adjunctive treatment on blood gases among asthmatic patients. Thirty asthmatic patients (18 females and 12 males), suffering from bronchial asthma for 3 years or more were enrolled in the study. Their ages ranged from 25-35 years. They were chosen from out-patient clinic at Abasseya Chest Diseases Hospital. They were randomly assigned into two equal groups each included 15 patients; Group (A) (8 females -7males) received BBT and their medications, while Group (B) (10 females -5 males) received their medications with the standard relaxed positions and diaphragmatic breathing exercises. Patients were assessed by analysis of arterial blood gases (ABG), control pause test and asthma questionnaire at the beginning of the study and after 8 weeks. Results revealed significant changes in ABG values in-group (A): (pH 1.32%- HCO3 12.39%- PaCO2 12.82%- PaO2 8.85%) and for control pause (65.68%). While Group (B) showed non-significant changes in correspondence (pH 0.53%- HCO3 3.07%- PaCO2 3.6%- PaO2 0.67%) and for control pause (7.25%). Regarding to asthma questionnaire, significant change was achieved in group A where the percentage of improvement was 29.45 % while it was 2.29 % in group B. Results also revealed significant difference between groups post treatment as the p value was 0.03.BBT has a modulated effect on ABG and beneficial impact in reducing the recurrence of asthma attacks and the severity of its symptoms specially when it is added to traditional chest physical therapy program.