Claim Check: "Breathing Exercises Can Replace Asthma Medicine"

Urgent first

An asthma attack can be life-threatening. [1] Breathing exercises are not a way to treat one. Follow your written asthma action plan and use your prescribed reliever inhaler. [1] MedlinePlus says to go to the emergency room or call emergency medical services right away for drowsiness or confusion, severe shortness of breath at rest, bluish color of the lips and face, or extreme difficulty breathing. [2] In the US, call 911. The NHS tells people in the UK to call 999 if an attack is getting worse or the reliever is not helping. [1]

The claim

Some websites and courses say breathing retraining, such as the Buteyko method, lets you stop using asthma inhalers. We checked what the research tested.

The short answer

No. Breathing exercises have promising but limited evidence as an add-on that may improve quality of life. We found no trial showing they can replace asthma medicines: Proper evidence not found. Never stop or reduce a prescribed medicine on your own.

What the research found

Two single trials: in an adult trial, both a Buteyko group and a group taught breathing and relaxation by a physiotherapist improved a lot, with a larger fall in inhaled steroid use in the Buteyko group. [7] In a 60-person randomized trial reported in 2024, asthma questionnaire scores improved with Buteyko; the trial was registered after it began. [8]

What these trials do not show

In the trials we read, breathing training was added to usual care that already included asthma medicines. [6] [7] Measuring a smaller medicine dose as a result is not the same as showing exercises can stand in for the medicine. The Cochrane review compared exercises with no exercise or with asthma education, and its participants had mild to moderate asthma. [3] It did not include adverse effects as an outcome. [3] Some programs include breath-holding; we do not describe or teach it.

Why medicines stay

The NHS says asthma cannot currently be cured, but if well treated you should not have problems with symptoms. [1] MedlinePlus says control medicines must be taken every day, even when you feel fine. [2] So do not stop because you feel better, and talk to your prescriber before any change.

If you want to try breathing exercises

• Tell your asthma care team first, and ask them to review your action plan. [2]
• Keep your inhalers as prescribed.
• Keep it gentle: no forcing, sit down, and stop if you feel wheezy, tight or short of breath.
• Be wary of anyone who says you can stop your medicines. See facilitator red flags.

More detail: breathing exercises for asthma, lung conditions and shortness of breath.