Alternate nostril breathing versus Buteyko breathing for improving asthma symptoms
Comparative Effects of Alternative Nostril Breathing Versus Buteyko Breathing on Control Pause, Dyspnea and Pulmonary Function in Patients With Bronchial Asthma
NA · Foundation University Islamabad · NCT07529847
This study will test whether alternate nostril breathing or the Buteyko breathing technique helps adults with mild-to-moderate persistent asthma breathe easier and improve lung function over four weeks.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 46 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Foundation University Islamabad (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Islamabad) |
| Trial ID | NCT07529847 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Researchers will randomize 40 adults (age 18–45) with mild-to-moderate persistent bronchial asthma to receive either Alternate Nostril Breathing or the Buteyko Breathing Technique in addition to their usual medications. Interventions last four weeks with two supervised sessions per week plus guided home practice, and outcomes include control pause, dyspnea scores, spirometry measures, and asthma control. The trial excludes patients with acute exacerbations, acute infections, inability to follow instructions, or a control pause greater than 40 seconds. Group differences in symptom scores and pulmonary function will be compared to see which breathing technique produces greater short-term improvements.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–45 with mild-to-moderate persistent bronchial asthma and mMRC dyspnea grade 1–3 who can follow instructions are the intended participants.
Not a fit: Patients with severe or acute asthma exacerbations, acute infections, inability to follow commands, or an already high control pause (>40 seconds) are unlikely to benefit from these techniques within this study's design.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the preferred breathing technique could offer a low-cost, medication-supportive way to reduce breathlessness and improve lung function in people with mild-to-moderate asthma.
How similar studies have performed: Small prior trials and breathing-retraining programs such as Buteyko have reported mixed but sometimes positive effects on symptoms and hyperventilation in asthma, while alternate nostril breathing has less direct clinical trial evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18-45 years * Both genders (male and female) * Grade 1-3 on mMRC scale of dyspnea * Asthma severity classes- intermediate,mild persistent and moderate persistent asthma (acc. to NAEPP National Asthma Education and Prevention Program guidlines 2020) Exclusion Criteria: * Patients having acute exerbation of COPD/status asthmaticus * Patients diagnosed with acute infection * Patients unable to follow command and instructions * Asthma patients with \>40sec control pause duration
Where this trial is running
Islamabad
- Foundation University Islamabad — Islamabad, Pakistan (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Maryam Arooj, MSPT-CPPT
- Email: maryamarooj418@gmail.com
- Phone: +923428190176
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Asthma, Bronchial asthma, alternative nostril breathing, buteyko breathing, dyspnea, pulmonary function, asthma control